CC Team Picks: Restaurant Edition
If you're after some restaurant inspiration for 2024, then you’re in luck – we’ve asked the Culture Calling team to share the restaurants they are loving right now…
By Gabriella Ross | Updated Sep 5 2024
Khamsa in Brixton - picked by Charlie
140 Acre Lane, London SW2 5UT
Loving decorated, perfectly lit and truly lived-in, Khamsa feels like dining in someone’s living room. Upon being seated, it’s hard resisting the urge to take your shoes off, especially since the place is so well-carpeted, with drapes that cover the walls to mimic curtains and blinds.
The spot would be worth a look-in even if its menu was the gentrified equivalent but the menu, designed by the welcoming and talkative owner, is worth whatever tube journey you’re taking.
A small menu that hits the beats of approachable-to-the-English Algerian food, focusing on tagine and couscous, there is still plenty of room for the adventurous, with two main courses only available when booked 24hr in advance: Rechta and Tchakhoukha Bel Djajdj.
For the unsullied, my top recommendations are the 7- salad sharing platter (probably the best of its kind in London), the chicken tagine and the spicy meatballs. If you wanted an introduction to the rich and varied world of Algerian cooking, then beginning at this intimate, family-run restaurant is your smartest move.
And, it’s BYOB. Good stuff.
Ayam Zaman in Shepherd’s Bush - picked by Charlie
258 Uxbridge Road, Shepherd's Bush W12 7JA
Past the green, into the heart of Uxbridge Road, lies Ayam Zaman - a traditional Middle Eastern casual dining spot that specialises in the cuisine of Damascus, serving a variety of hot and cold mezza (also spelt mezze or mazza) found across the Levant.
Syrian hospitality makes it impossible for you to go hungry, and if you’re brave enough to get mezze before mains and then desert, then you’ve done it right.
With a huge menu, the whole experience gets easier if you treat it like tapas, ordering small plates for the table to share, as the whole philosophy behind mezza emphasizes sharing and group participation in eating.
Coming highly recommended are the kibbah shamieh (which are basically lamb meatballs in a Scotch-egg-like batter but crispier), arayes (minced veal in pitta bread) borak bil jebnej (a cheese pastry) and, of course, any of the multiple different types of hommos they have.
If you were smart you’d order sides of garlic yoghurt and extra bread, as well as leaving a generous tip so you can get extra free baklava with the bill. It’s the kind of casual spot that will keep you trekking to W12 for hot mezza.
Poor Boys in Kingston - picked by Gabriella
5 The Griffin Centre Market Place, Kingston upon Thames KT1 1JT
Poor Boys is an independent restaurant serving the New Orleans street food I didn't know I was missing.
Choose from Po Boy Sandwiches, Mac N Cheese and a fishing boat worth of seafood - then from a selection of rich sauces such as Bourbon BBQ or honey mayo.
The portion sizes are what you would expect of a restaurant with an American-themed menu but, if you have any room left, their frozen cocktails are also something to get excited about.
This restaurant is no-frills goodness with perfect consistency. It's well known that a small menu usually equates to quality and this is true of Poor Boys, they have mastered it. Hearty and delicious.
Dishoom - picked by Gabriella
Various locations
The finest Bombay food. Dishoom wows me everytime. The most authentic Indian flavours I've had outside of India. The ambiance of the restaurant echoes a nostalgic charm, reminiscent of 1950s India, adding depth to everyone’s dining experience.
The service is always impeccable and I'm sure Dishoom will always be in my top picks.
For the veggies: Mattar Paneer is always my go to. Full of flavour and a hint of spice.
Eat Tokyo in Notting Hill Gate - picked by Colin
17 Notting Hill Gate, London W11 3JQ
Traditional Japanese food: everything from sashimi to nigiri to lovely tofu dishes to Bento boxes. It’s everything you could want if you like Japanese food and it is incredibly good value - probably the cheapest high-quality Japanese food in London. There are other branches, including in Soho and Covent Garden.
Khan’s in Westbourne Grove - picked Colin
13-15 Westbourne Grove, London W2 4UA
An institution, and one of the oldest Indian restaurants in London (established in 1977), Khan's has huge and spacious rooms with a real feeling of India; simply the best Indian food in London, with a constant high standard and at prices everyone can afford.
No alcohol, though - which some may argue make it even better…
Sông Quê Café on Kingsland Road - picked by Emma
134 Kingsland Road, London E13 9NU
Sông Quê Café boasts the best pho on Kingsland Road - broth with rice noodles and beef - the most exported of all Vietnamese dishes to the rest of the world.
An authentic, family-run restaurant in the heart of East London, Sông Quê's main selling point is its versatility as either a dine-in or a takeaway, as many of the smaller Vietnamese dishes - summer rolls, spicy squid, prawn toast - are the ideal takeaway food.
Quick to arrive and lovingly crafted, no doubt you'll be pulling up the address of this one for more and more.
Polpo on Beak Street - picked by Emma
41 Beak Street, London W1F 9SB
Polpo serves a comprehensive range of Italian tapas - called Cicheti, meaning 'small plates' - which are ideal for sharing with groups, especially the pork and fennel meatballs, nduja arancini and various pizzette.
Despite it's prime location on Soho's Beak Street, the prices are more than reasonable: £22 for a whole sea bass, and octopus strozzapreti for £16.50. Not bad for seafood so far from the sea, especially in the heart of London.
Pasture in Bristol - picked by George
2 Portwall Lane, Bristol BS1 6NB
Arguably the best steak restaurant that sources ingredients from the South West, Pasture has become one of the area’s most well-regarded staples.
Much of their produce comes directly from Buttercliffe Farm, which began as a vacant lot before becoming attentively developed into a thriving market garden, utilising the 'no-dig' method to enhance soil quality.
Delicious steaks and great music, a really atmospheric place. Top marks for the chimmichuri sauce.
Bandook in Bristol - picked by George
UNIT 17, Cargo 2, Museum Street, Bristol BS1 6ZA
A gem of a restaurant found in Wapping Wharf’s thriving Indie food scene, Bandook serves up contemporary Indian food from a cosy converted shipping container - opt for the Tamarind Chicken Wings and Grandma’s Chicken Curry if you are after big, bold flavours!
Stein’s in Kingston - picked by Rhianna
56 High Street, Kingston Upon Thames KT1 1HN
Stein's does authentic Bavarian food and German beers (both of which I now LOVE) - I had the chicken schnitzel with an Erdinger weissbier and it was great! What’s also great is the way they really set up the vibe - the atmosphere is lovely and warm and cosy, with a great decor with lots of natural wood, and the waiters all wear traditional outfits. It’s also in a really great location right on the riverside.”
The menu at Stein’s hits all the nails of Central European cooking: stews, broths, meats, cured meats, and sweet treats like pancakes, and traditional Bavarian breakfast items.
SMOK'D AT THE GREY HORSE - picked by Rhianna
46 Richmond Road, Kingston upon Thames KT2 5EE
Delicious BBQ-smoked ribs in an ambient-lit traditional pub setting, Grey Horse serves craft beers and cocktailsdes res for meat lovers, the ribs especially come with a gold-star recommendation: smoky, sweet, tender, falling off the bone - and sizeable; you won’t be disappointed.
With the restaurant at the back, it's also a great boozer with a big outdoor smoking area and a great venue at the back - its called Ram Jam Records and they have live music, theatre shows, proper pub quizzes and a Friday night comedy night (The Crack Comedy Club), as well as hosting open mic nights - weve had some great fun at The Grey Horse!
The Ivy Asia in Guildford, Surrey - picked by Gary
23 Tunsgate Quarter, Guildford GU1 3QY
The Ivy is an institution so we had to check out The Ivy Asia, Guildford and, honestly, it blew us away. The first thing we noticed was the decor - you step through the door and you’re a world away from Guildford’s busy Tunsgate Quarter (don’t get me wrong - it’s a great and very fashionable area!).
The food was phenomenal and there was something for everyone on the menu, with loads of pan-Asian classics alongside some exciting dishes we had never tried before plus great veggie and vegan options. Will have to go back again for a special occasion!
Albert’s Schloss in Manchester - picked by Gary
27 Peter St, Manchester M2 5QR
Have you been to Albert’s Schloss? I happened on this place last time I was in Manchester and I loved it! There’s one in London now, too (and also Birmingham).
A ‘Schloss’ translates to a castle, palace or manor house: built as a retreat for recreation, indulgence, pleasure, and debauchery…we’ll let them explain:
“Our namesake Prince Albert, Queen Victoria’s main squeeze, championed truth, beauty, freedom, and love…Albert’s Schloss celebrates the beloved Prince’s values every day and all night long. We’ve built a retreat from the modern world where we invite you to discover new things, celebrate one another, and revel in the wünder of our Schloss. Influenced by our travels across Alpine Europe; expect roaring fires, raucous performances, tankards of Europe’s finest bier, and endless naughtiness.” (hospitalityrewards.co.uk/listings/albert-schloss-manchester/).
Whytes in Hackney - picked by Robin
Whyte’s in Hackney is my new favourite pick for a special night out of exciting food. Newly-opened this January, its effortlessly cool and relaxed with its plastic chairs and rugged wooden floors. This restaurant lets its food - which you can see being prepared in its open kitchen - do all the talking. The brains behind the operation, Whyte Rushen, has previously worked at some of the most prestigious London restaurants and has created a name for himself with his ambitious and experimental dishes. Often blurring the lines between fine dining and nostalgic British classics (with dishes like Monster Much-topped oysters), Whyte’s serves a mix of small and larger plates to share that feature fresh ingredients prepared and paired in ways you have probably never tried before. Each month, the menu changes to fit a theme - this month being Basque, after Whyte’s recent travels in Spain. They will be serving dishes like ‘Oyster, Confit Potato and Caramelised Onion Hard-Fried Omelette’ and a ‘Burnt Basque Cheesecake’ - all of which look stunning on the restaurant’s Instagram page. During our trip, the staff were super-welcoming and friendly, and they never made us feel like we weren’t cool enough or rich enough to dine there (which can be the case with trendy new restaurants in London. Mr Rushen himself is very hands-on; we were visting for a birthday and, though he was in the kitchen preparing and cooking, he came over to our table to gift us shots and a signed birthday card! Overall, this place is a knockout for those who love to try beautifully prepared, adventurous new flavour combinations - all while feeling comfortable in jeans and a t-shirt.
Angela’s in Margate - picked by Robin
Angela’s in Margate is the perfect date spot if you are looking to escape the busy city - just an hour and 30 minutes from London, Angelas is a tiny restaurant that serves a seasonal menu which is hand-written on a chalkboard and changes based on what they bring in fresh from the North Sea. The place has an intimate and romantic vibe, with a small kitchen and soft, warm lighting over only a handful of tables. It is well-loved by both locals and London commuters, so be sure to book well in advance to enjoy this seaside gem. A personal favourite of ours was the fresh smoked prawns with homemade alioli, served with a giant helping of fresh bread and butter. If you visit, be sure to save room for dessert; we enjoyed a lemon and blood orange posset that was gorgeously tart and indulgent - the perfect end to the meal. Once you are stuffed, end your date with a beautiful sunset walk along the Margate seafront to help digest all that goodness!