Silverjet recommended restaurants in London

Roka
37 Charlotte Street

With its elegant blonde woods, floor-to-ceiling windows and huge open-flame robata grill, Roka has won a reputation as one of the most dazzling and stylish Japanese eateries in London.

Roka
37 Charlotte Street

With its elegant blonde woods, floor-to-ceiling windows and huge open-flame robata grill, Roka has won a reputation as one of the most dazzling and stylish Japanese eateries in London.

While the glamorous interior may provide a big part of the appeal, Roka’s real strength lies in the food. The sushi is always popular, but the biggest draw is the dishes cooked on the charcoal grill. Try the rich, sticky baby back ribs, or the ko nasu (eggplant in mirin, ginger and soy) for a real taste of authentic Japanese cuisine.

Certainly not in the budget conscious category, Roka is popular with affluent corporate types and wealthy ladies who lunch. It is always busy, so book early to ensure you get a table, or come outside peak times for one of the unbookable tables next to the robata grill.

Roka
37 Charlotte Street
London W1T 1RR

T: 020 7580 6464

Tom's Place
1 Cale Street

Michelin-starred chef Tom Aikens's latest venture is a new take on the traditional British favourite, fish and chips.

Tom's Place
1 Cale Street

Michelin-starred chef Tom Aikens's latest venture is a new take on the traditional British favourite, fish and chips.

The restaurant emphasises environmental responsibility – at-risk species such as Atlantic cod, tuna and sea bass are off the menu, and replaced by sustainable catches such as pollock, sole, ray and Pacific cod. The fish are all caught by family-run boats across the UK, helping to support small industries, and the environmental theme is carried over into the cheerful and functional interior, which has been designed using recycled materials wherever possible.

The quality of the food is excellent; Tom’s Place serves some of the most delicious fish and chips you’ll find in London. The aim of sourcing local produce extends to the beverage list, which features a good range of English wines.

Tom’s Place
1 Cale Street
London SW3 3QT

T: 020 7351 1806

Rules
35 Maiden Lane

Billed as the oldest restaurant in London, Rules first opened in 1798 and owes its continued success to an ability to change with the times whilst maintaining traditions.

Rules
35 Maiden Lane

Billed as the oldest restaurant in London, Rules first opened in 1798 and owes its continued success to an ability to change with the times whilst maintaining traditions.

The menu specialises in traditional British food, offering classic game cookery, oysters, pies and puddings. Ingredients are sourced from the North England estate of current owner John Mahew and follow the game season, so at different times of the year you may sample the ptarmigan, wild duck, pheasant or teal, all served with traditional British accompaniments such as quince marmalade and expertly cooked root vegetables.

The interior is in keeping with the old-English theme, with its deep-pile carpets, plush banquettes, walls dotted with antique drawings, and gracious and attentive tuxedoed staff. The wine list is short but carefully chosen.

Rules
35 Maiden Lane
London WC2

T: 020 7836 5314

Boisdale
15 Eccleston Street

Situated in an elegant Regency town house just north of Buckingham Palace Road, Boisdale of Belgravia is a lavish Scottish restaurant steeped in old-world luxury.

Boisdale
15 Eccleston Street

Situated in an elegant Regency town house just north of Buckingham Palace Road, Boisdale of Belgravia is a lavish Scottish restaurant steeped in old-world luxury.

The restaurant is popular with those who have lots of money and plenty of time to spend it, so lunch at Boisdale often lingers through the afternoon. The interior is relaxed and comfortable and has an End of Empire ambience, with its oak panelling, red and green tartan, hunting scenes and trophy heads. The food is traditional British with a strong Scottish theme – the most popular item on the menu is the 21-day matured Scottish beef served in a variety of cuts, although the haggis, salmon and game are also in demand.  

If you visit during the summer, be sure to book a table in the Courtyard Garden, a beautiful outdoor space decorated with seasonal flowers.

Boisdale
Boisdale of Belgravia
15 Eccleston Street
London SW1W  9LX

T: 020 7730 6922

Le Caprice
Arlington Street

This legendary restaurant has been a favourite haunt of London’s celebrities for the past quarter century, and is justly considered to be one of the city’s most glamorous nightspots.

Le Caprice
Arlington Street

This legendary restaurant has been a favourite haunt of London’s celebrities for the past quarter century, and is justly considered to be one of the city’s most glamorous nightspots.

Its adventurous menu offers a range of consistently cooked excellent food, and the first-rate wine list offers over 200 selections. But the truth is, nobody comes to Le Caprice for the food or the wine – they come for fabulously buzzy atmosphere and the sense of being at the centre of things.

The interior is simple and elegant, with pristine white tablecloths and subdued lighting. Celebrity clientele from the past peer down from the black and white photographs adorning the walls. The service famously friendly and attentive, and the staff are always on hand to offer recommendations.

Le Caprice
Arlington House
Arlington Street
London SW1A 1RJ

T: 020 7629 2239

Hakkasan
8 Hanway Place

Despite its location up a seedy London alleyway, this hidden gem is a definite contender for best Chinese restaurant in London.

Hakkasan
8 Hanway Place

Despite its location up a seedy London alleyway, this hidden gem is a definite contender for best Chinese restaurant in London.

With an ambience of sultry oriental glamour, Hakkasan is bedecked with purple blossoms and flickering candles; the lighting is subdued and the diners sit in beautiful interlocking wooden booths partially hidden by black lacquer screens. The real draw is the food, however – Hakkasan is the only Michelin-starred Chinese restaurant in the city and the accolade is well deserved. The fresh and delicious dim sum is a speciality – a particular favourite is the prawn har gau and venison puffs.

The wines have been chosen to complement a range of Chinese dishes and an excellent range is offered by the glass.

Hakkasan
8 Hanway Place
Hanway Street
London
W1T 1HB

T: 020 7927 7000

Barrafina
54 Frith Street

This buzzing Soho tapas bar serves up excellent food in a warm contemporary setting. It does not take bookings, so if you arrive during the busy period you will have to queue, but the friendly staff will ply you with drinks to keep you happy.

Barrafina
54 Frith Street

This buzzing Soho tapas bar serves up excellent food in a warm contemporary setting. It does not take bookings, so if you arrive during the busy period you will have to queue, but the friendly staff will ply you with drinks to keep you happy.

The food is well worth the wait – Barrafina serves tapas of the highest quality, illustrating what can be achieved with excellent ingredients simply prepared to maximum effect. The atmosphere is bustling and chaotic; diners perch on stools around the marble-topped counter surrounding the open plan kitchen as the chefs at the centre merrily whip up an endless procession of fabulous dishes.

Barrafina offers an all-Spanish wine list with nearly everything available by the glass, and a good selection of sherries and cavas.

Barrafina
54 Frith Street
London W1D 4SL

T: 020 7813 8016