LONDON Restaurants We Love
London is a melting pot of cuisines from around the world, and the restaurant scene is constantly evolving. With so many options to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide where to dine. Whether you're a London local or just visiting the city, it's always helpful to have a few tried and tested restaurant recommendations in your back pocket. We recently explored five diverse and exciting restaurants in London: Chotto Matte in Marylebone, Ruya in Grosvenor Street, Sushi Samba Covent Garden, Chayote St Katherine’s Dock, and Stork in Mayfair.
CHOTTO MATTE
Chotto Matte, located in the heart of Marylebone, is a vibrant and contemporary Japanese Peruvian restaurant. The menu at Chotto Matte is a fusion of Japanese and Peruvian flavors, offering a unique dining experience for guests.
Within London’s charming Marylebone l, Chotto Matte invites guests into an intriguing world of Nikkei cuisine where Japanese and Peruvian traditions artfully intertwine. Executive Chef Jordan Sclare, renowned internationally, merges authenticity with innovation in an array of vibrant, flavour-laden offerings.
Our tantalizing journey began with the delicate Tuna Tataki impresses with its subtle, seared crust encasing a light, fresh interior, followed by Salt and Pepper Crispy Squid – an elevated take on a classic that delivers both crunch and tender seafood in each bite.
Chotto Matte excels in ceviche, where the Sea Bass Ceviche offers an explosion of zesty, tangy notes, the raw sea bass marinated beautifully and enhanced by a dash of citrus. The Sato Maki roll, encasing delicate crab, marinated salmon and tiger prawn, is exceptional, exhibiting intricate contrasts of texture and flavour.
The Salmon Tostada is a refreshing, crunchy delight while the Amazonian BBQ Salmon exudes smoky perfection. The Pollo den Miso, marinated chicken skewers with succulent meat and a caramelised exterior, is a must-try dish. Don’t miss the Black Cod Aji Miso, flawlessly cooked to melt-in-your-mouth perfection!
Chotto Matte in Marylebone provides a gastronomic exploration of Nikkei cuisine where quality, artistry, tradition, and innovation meet. This adventure is one you definitely don’t want to miss.
RUYA, MAYFAIR
Next up on our list is Ruya, an upscale Turkish restaurant located on Grosvenor Street. Ruya offers a modern take on traditional Turkish cuisine, with a menu that highlights bold flavors and high-quality ingredients. Ruya’s elegant and stylish interior makes it the perfect choice for a sophisticated evening out.
As a starter, their Constantinople cocktail, a delightful concoction of Turkish coffee, saffron, and gin, effortlessly awakens the senses for the flavors to follow. A must-try is the İsli Patlıcan, a harmony of aubergine & walnut puree with crispy aubergine chips – a testament to Rüya’s artistry.
The Umut’s Bayildi, a vegetarian favorite, masterfully blends confit of aubergine with feta and pine nuts over slow-cooked onions and tomato sauce. For meat lovers, the Adana Kebap stands out with its distinct hand-cut lamb complemented by charred tomato, and the 24-hour Slow Cooked Short Rib, adorned with a Turkish chili BBQ glaze, is succulent to say the least.
The oven-baked Lahmacun – spicy lamb with vegetables, and a creative variety of Pide offerings like the Aged Kaşar Cheese Pide are sure contenders for any visit!
Their 36 Day Dry-Aged Rib-Eye Steak with Turkish coffee & Isot rub is a standout, diverging from conventional seasoning, while the Izgara Karides treats seafood lovers to prawns with pickled fennel butter.
Rüya’s culinary genius blends traditional Turkish flavors with a modern twist, creating an unrivalled gastronomy haven. The experience is more than just a meal; it’s a journey through the heart of Turkey’s cultural and culinary landscapes – all within the sophisticated ambiance of Mayfair. A definite must-visit!
SUSHI SAMBA
Next up is undoubtedly one of my favourite Japanese-Peruvian fusion restaurants globally. Sushi Samba Covent Garden is a unique fusion restaurant that combines Japanese, Brazilian, and Peruvian cuisine. Located in the heart of Covent Garden, Sushi Samba offers stunning views of the city from its rooftop terrace. The menu at Sushi Samba is an eclectic mix of sushi, sashimi, and small plates, featuring innovative flavor combinations and artistic presentation.
The Taste of Samba menu at Sushi Samba, located in the heart of Covent Garden, offers a spectacular journey through the rich tapestry of Japanese, Brazilian, and Peruvian cuisine, masterfully presented in a splendid array of flavors and textures.
Starting at £90 per person, the Edamame with sea salt and lime and the Plantain chips with aji amarillo is a rather simple yet effective tease of the complexity of flavors to follow.
The main plates include the irresistible Black Cod Anticuchos bedecked with miso and Peruvian corn, and the lavish Wagyu Gyoza with the rich flavors of kabocha purée and sweet soy.
A sushi lover’s delight is there in the California Maki – a sublime medley of snow crab, brown crab, cucumber, avocado, sesame, Japanese mayo topped with truffle oil.
The menu crescendos at the Chocolate Banana Cake – a combination of maple butter, plantain chip, and vanilla rum ice cream, a dessert so good, it should be considered a sin.
Sushi Samba is truly a gastronomic tour, orchestrating a melody of rich flavors worth every penny. Highly recommended for those passionate about exploring global flavors.
CHAYOTE
Chayote St Katherine’s Dock is a charming Mexican restaurant located in the picturesque St Katherine’s Dock area. The restaurant boasts a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, with a menu that showcases the vibrant and diverse flavors of Mexican cuisine. Chayote’s waterfront location and laid-back ambiance make it the perfect spot for a leisurely meal with friends or family.
Guacamole and Chicharrones with Rocoto Jam set the stage for the exotic, richly flavored adventure to follow.
Standout starters were the Sea Trout Tiradito featuring tiger’s milk and hibiscus granita, and Sea Bass & Green Mango Aguachile crowned with red caviar.
The Taco and Tostada selection is nothing short of memorable. Tacos come in pairs – filled with ingredients like Pumpkin with Chili de Arbol and Pumpkin Seed, or Oxtail with Chicharron and Pineapple Salsa (fantastic). The Sesame Yellowfin Tuna & Guajillo Cream Tostadas offer unique, exciting flavors.
The Land & Sea section astounds with Hake a la Veracruzana, and – a dish that has us weak at the knees – Lamb Barbacoa in Adobo wrapped in Banana Leaf, all served with fresh tortillas.
Chayote has its unique gastronomic storytelling, unspooling chapters of delicious food from start to finish. The blend of traditional ingredients with global flavors is an unusual and exciting take on fusion cuisine. The dining experience here is beautifully, unabashedly flavorsome, inviting visitors to return for another delightful indulgence.
STORK MAYFAIR
Finally, we have Stork, a chic and stylish restaurant located in Mayfair. Stork offers a modern take on West African cuisine across this rich continent. The restaurant’s elegant and sophisticated interior creates a luxurious dining experience, perfect for upscale evenings out, special occasions and celebrations.
A dining experience at Stork Restaurant in Mayfair takes you journey through the diverse and rich culinary influences of Africa and its diaspora. Aimed at offering a modern yet authentic culinary experience, Stork weaves together the traditions and flavors of Africa’s culinary tapestry, presenting it with an artistic gourmet flair.
Kick-start your gastronomic journey with their Jerk Chicken Wings, the wings are marinated in Stork’s signature jerk recipe, offering a fiery and smoky flavor that lingers on the palate.
The Ras El Hanout Lamb Beignet is slow braised and integrated with ‘African head of the spices’. Coated in panko breadcrumbs and fried, it is served with harissa and salad. The blend of spices and the crunchy texture offer a delightful contrast.
As a seafood option, the Two Jumbo Prawns with Cassavas – marinated in a lively blend of citrus, chili, tomato, and pepper, served with North African-inspired cassavas, make for a delightful choice.
Stork’s main courses do not fall short of impressing. The Tagine Spiced Lamb Cutlets are charred on charcoal and served with spicy couscous, making for a hearty and satisfying dish.
Stork successfully captures the essence and nuances of African cuisine, infusing it with a modern aesthetic that is both delightful to the taste buds and visually elegant. A sophisticated dining experience for anyone seeking to explore the gastronomic richness of Africa served in a refined, contemporary setting!
