LONDON'S TOP TABLES

LONDON’S TOP TABLES

If you are ticking off the boxes of the restaurants you have to eat out in London, then driving down to this list is right up there. This choice is indeed amazing and overwhelming in the buzzy city…do put it to delicious use!

BRUNELLO

CULINARY ESSENCE- Traditional and authentic Italian cuisine with a strong creative element

AMBIENCE- The buzzy central bar spreads its charm to the restaurant and lounge creating the perfect setting to relax and indulge in anything from a hearty breakfast to a romantic dinner. The silver grey and rich gold velvet upholstery set against a black backdrop come alive with numerous candles that gave a warm glow making the black glass Murano Chandeliers sparkle at dinner time.

USP- The head Chef has created a menu that also features a simplified range of comforting Italian classics using outstanding quality ingredients which changes with the seasons.

LIP SMACKING-‘Burrata cheese (rather than the predictable Bononcini) served with Sicilian Caponata’, ‘chef’s style Scottish beef nicoise salad’. Less punchy but fresh and aromatic is the mushroom cream soup which manages to be thickly textured without over-dosing on cream. ‘Smoked swordfish loin with exotic fruit, grape juice reduction and red onion’ and the ‘Tuna Steak served with roasted aubergine, avocado and ginger sauce’ are a seafood lover’s dream and leaves you wanting more. Save a little room for the heavenly “Tiramisu” made from home-made mascarpone cheese which enhances the flavour of this delicious dish to the tee.

FAST FACTS

Brunello at Hotel Baglioni, 60 Hyde Park Gate – Kensington, London SW7 5BB

Landline Number: +44 (0)20 7368 5700

Timings: Open for Breakfast, lunch, afternoon Tea and Dinner

BENARES RESTAURANT & BAR

CULINARY ESSENCE- Authentic Indian and Modern Indian cuisine with a British twist.

AMBIENCE- This is one fine Indian restaurant set in elegant and relaxing surroundings. The unassuming entrance leads to a charmingly spacious first floor bar replete with opulent artefacts and floating flowers. The adjacent dining area is none too traditional in its décor and has a very upbeat contemporary feel to it. This probably explains why serious business suits sit comfortably side by side with the latest designer outfits. The Sommelier’s Table, a dramatic glass-walled cellar dining room - where one can dine amidst world’s rarest wines and a Chef’s Table with a bold glass fronted wall that entices you further into the creation of your dishes add a further touch of elegance.

USP- Owner & Chef Atul kochhar is the very first Indian chef to receive a Michelin star, which he accomplished during his tenure as Head Chef at Tamarind in 2001, he then went on to open Benares for which he was awarded second Michelin star in 2007.

LIP SMACKING- The tasting menu paired with wines is to die for especially the ‘Tandoori roasted hand dived Scottish scallop’ paired with a Sequillo eben Sadie from South Africa. From the al la carte do not miss the ‘Saag Gosht’ contemporary and classic is an amalgam of wonderful flavours. Do not miss the ‘Tandoori Chicken for two’, plump and succulent, it’s carved right at the table. The ‘Baingan aur matar ka bhartha’ is exceptional and the desserts like ‘Rose and Raspberry Bhapa Doi, pistachio Burfi’ and ‘Betel leaf Baba, tropical fruit, passion fruit yoghurt’ are richly heavenly.

FAST FACTS

Benares, 12a Berkeley Square House, Berkeley Square, Mayfair, London W1J 6BS

Landline Number: +44 (0) 20 7629 8886

Timings: Open for lunch and Dinner. Sundays closed.

WERNHER

CULINARY ESSENCE- Exquisite fine dining with a modern twist, using British sourced produce.

AMBIENCE- Named after the owner who bought the property in 1903 and restored it into a country seat fit for royalty, this restaurant is no less than a jewel. This part of the mansion stands out for its Beaux Arts style. To top this off, a beautiful panoramic view of the lush green lawns is bound to making dining here an experience of a lifetime.

USP- has been awarded two coveted AA Rosettes; Foodies will appreciate the careful detail given to each dish, from the superior ingredients to the expert hands that craft each dish.

LIP SMACKING- ‘Cured duck ham and vodka jelly’ with pink turnip remoulade and beetroot, ‘Wild mushroom and Madeira fricasse’, on a parsley rosti with a black truffle jus, ‘Baked fillet of hake’ on chervil risotto, roast chervil root, sticky oxtail and roasted clams with almonds, ‘Roast butternut squash pithivier’
with char grilled tender stem broccoli, and a white wine and garlic cream, ‘Baked hazelnut cheesecake’, with an orange caramel sauce and pistachio ice cream and ‘Iced banana daiquiri ‘with a chocolate mille feuille and mini banoffee tart.

FAST FACTS

Wernher at Luton Hoo Hotel, Golf & Spa, the Mansion House, Luton, Bedfordshire, LU1 3TQ

Landline Number: +44 (0) 1582 734437

Timings: Open for Breakfast, lunch and Dinner

CARRARA

CULINARY ESSENCE- Prominently English menu combining high quality food and fresh produce with Italian influences…

AMBIENCE- Overlooking Victoria, at the St. James Theatre complex, London’s newest theatre which opened in 2012; a sweeping sculptural staircase ‘Final Encore’, designed by artist Mark Humphrey and built in Italy from white Carrara marble leads you up to this fine dining space on the first floor where the walls adorn many a nostalgic photos of stars and celebrities.

USP- A real restaurant providing a good choice on a fixed price menu is something of a rarity in London

LIP SMACKING- ‘Char-grilled marinated squid salad’, ‘pressed rabbit terrine’, ‘lemon Panacotta’ with lemon curd, blackberries and chocolate. In between, mains run the gamut from from ‘confit duck with cannellini bean Cassoulet’, to ‘Spatchock chicken with tarragon Velouté’, or an ‘open lasagne of wild mushrooms’ with saffron pecorino sauce. A concise list of international wines is bolstered by a fistful of world beers.

FAST FACTS

Carrara at St James, 12 Palace Street

London, SW1E 5JA

Landline Number: +44 (0) 207 592 0348

Timings: Open for Lunch and Dinner.

BABYLON

CULINARY ESSENCE- Mouth-watering British cuisine with a smattering of Mediterranean influences.

AMBIENCE- Overlooking the London skyline, high up on the 7th floor at Kensington roof gardens. Once you whiz past the bar, you would be welcomed by bright greens of various shades that are nearly on every surface, from the old fashioned sofas upholstered with velvety flowered fabric to the silky satiny stools scattered around the square tables. The large panoramic windows overlook the terrace and a sea of buildings let in lots of light during the day. And yes do not miss out the toilets, the Aquarium that sets apart the Male from the female also houses matching Aqua green fishes.

USP- This is where one might discover stimulating conversation with strangers while sipping on some of the finest wines and devouring the most delectable meal.

LIP SMACKING- ‘Oak smoked salmon with sweet potato blinis’ topped with soft, creamy salmon, is a delicious starter option. ‘Pumpkin and wild mushroom risotto’ is a must try and the ‘roast fillet of halibut’ is no less spectacular, with a fillet of the fish on top of a bed of wilted kale, fennel and samphire that absorbs the mousse-like shellfish sauce. Desserts include a sweet, gooey and rich milk chocolate tart with a scoop of creamy peanut brittle ice cream. The clementine cheesecake is another good bet. The ‘Red Edition cocktail’ pink and fruity with a buzzy tickle from the Champagne, and the hibiscus flower at the bottom unfurls as you sip along is definitely worth trying also because a pound of the sales from this drink go to charity.

FAST FACTS

Babylon, 99 Kensington High Street, London, W8 5SA

Landline Number: +44 (0) 207 368 3993

Timings: Open for Lunch and Dinner.

DIAL BAR AND RESTAURANT-COVENT GARDEN

CULINARY ESSENCE- this casual fine diner offers its gourmands & food aficionado’s a place to savour Modern European cuisine prepared with market-fresh British produce - community style, while the fragrant spices of the bar’s meze menu hint at the old Covent Garden market’s more exotic wares.

AMBIENCE- Tall French doors welcome one here, an orchestration of bold strokes of form, pattern and colour, complemented by pendant skirt - all work together to create a site specific sculpted space, a style inspired cocktail bar.

USP- The chef’s fare balances simplicity with elaborate technique showcasing the inherent qualities of his ingredients. The kitchen team looks to nature’s bounty to act as the beacon, guiding them to create clean and harmonious dishes.

LIP SMACKING- ‘Jerusalem artichoke soup, curry oil and lemon balm’, ‘ Board of cured meat’ including Serrano ham, bresaola, peppered salami, smoked duck, Brunswick ham and terrine with dill pickle, piccalilli relish and bread,  ‘Rosary ash goat’s cheese tart with confit of onions’ , ‘baked tomatoes, pesto sauce and rocket salad’, ‘Bitter chocolate tart kumquat marmalade’ and ‘cream Creamy apple and calvados trifle’ .The afternoon high tea which consists of a three-tiered tea tray which includes mini sandwiches, warm scones and mini pastries, complemented with an array of fine teas.

FAST FACTS

Dial Bar & Restaurant Covent Garden, Radisson Blu Edwardian, 20 Mercer Street, London WC2H 9HD

Landline Number: (0)20 7845 8607.

Timings: Open from 7 Am until 2 Am.

FORTNUM & MASONS

CULINARY ESSENCE – For over 300 years, it had been sourcing and selling superb quality tea. In 1926 it was transformed into a unique department store with a restaurant. For generations, afternoon tea has become an essential part of any visit to 181 Piccadilly as it serves the best afternoon tea in London.

AMBIENCE- Housed on the fourth floor St. James’s Restaurant came into being on the store’s 250th anniversary in 1957, and offers superb dining and fine afternoon tea. The Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon was reopened in 2012 by Their Royal Highnesses the Duchess of Cornwall and the Duchess of Cambridge.

USP- Today it is a unique and gorgeous store where even the Queen buys her groceries from, it is famed for its fine foods, hampers, teas, wine, five restaurants, award winning wine bar and an ice-cream parlour.

LIP SMACKING- The Afternoon Tea menu features finest teas, delicate sandwiches and exquisite cakes. One can also choose a warm entrée if one goes for the High Tea and on offer is also a scrumptious savoury tea menu for those who do not have a sweet tooth. And yes don’t forget to order a British sparkling wine.

FAST FACTS

181 Piccadilly, London, W1A 1ER

Landline Number: +44 (0) 845 602 5694

Timings: 10 Am to 9pm and on Sundays 10 am to 6pm

SCALINI

CULINARY ESSENCE- A chic restaurant offering tasty Italian cuisine…!

AMBIENCE- Walk into Scalini, a home-style Italian restaurant, and one feels at home at once. It marks a clear departure from often seen soul-less sleek minimalist restaurants, celebrating the nostalgia of the good old neighbourhood restaurants. With floral and chequered print tablecloths and pretty tapestry, Scalini is sure to transport you to a Villa in Firenze. The restaurant is spread over two levels and is known to be a favourite with many footballers (pictures adorning the walls are proof enough) and the likes of Sonia Gandhi and her family as well.

USP- Recently bought over by Amit Burman of Dabur and Neeraj Kanwar of Apollo tyres, the focus is on a relaxed and friendly team, warm environment, great food and unbeatable value, thus making it the ideal choice for lunch, dinner or just a great time out!  

LIP SMACKING-‘Linguine alle Arselle Freshe’ with fresh clams, tomatoes and garlic, ‘Sagliola alla Griglia’ aka Grilled Dover sole, ‘Carpaccio alle Rucola’ aka very thin raw fillet of beef with mustard dressing, parmesan cheese and rucola, ‘800 gr de Florentina’ chargrilled T-Bone steak a la Metro d’ Hotel, ‘Agnello Gallese Al forno’ welsh lamb with port and red currant sauce, ‘Tiramisu’ and ‘profit rolls’.

FAST FACTS

Scalini, 1-3 Walton Street, London, Greater London SW3 2JD

Landline Number: +44 (0) 20 7225 2301

Timings: 11 Am to 11 pm.

published in Tlf