When people hear about my blog, they often ask me which are my favourite restaurants and, of course, over the years the choices have changed. I’ve been writing this blog since 2011 and favourites then are perhaps not favourites now, or don’t even exist any more. When I was in Aldeburgh recently, someone in the lovely pub where I stay asked me what had been my best meal ever. I told her about going to Osteria Francescana in Modena, Italy, way back in 2014. A couple of years later it won the prestigious 50 Best Restaurants Award and was voted No.1 restaurant in the world. Sadly, I’ve never been back but do remember it as a very special experience, though I’ve heard that with a move towards more plant-based dishes, it’s not quite the same.

Here in London where I live, the restaurants I go to are considerably more modest than Osteria Francescana! But they are still wonderful and as I haven’t told you, dear readers, about my current favourites for a long time, I thought it would be fun to highlight them now. I’m giving them in no particular order as they represent different cuisines, though if you pressed me to make a No.1 choice, then it really would have to be the first – The Palomar!

1. The Palomar

 I went back to The Palomar after a long break with my friend Sharon a year ago. It was just as fabulous as I remembered it and I’ve been back since with my daughter to celebrate her birthday, and then more recently with both my son and daughter. They love it as much as I do and I’m definitely planning to go back again very soon. For my full review, click here.

2. Brindisa

Brindisa’s Richmond branch, which is local to me, has become a firm favourite with my family as well as a great place to meet friends. Richmond just about counts as ‘London’ as Richmond upon Thames is in Greater London and it’s the last stop on the tube’s District Line, but there are five other branches in London and more central. Check them out on their website. 

I last went to Brindisa in September, taking my son there for his birthday treat. It’s in a great location by the edge of the Thames, and has a vibrant atmosphere so a fun place to be. The food is exceptionally good; truly wonderful and often very inventive. Click here for my full review.

3. Carmel Fitzrovia

My friend Sharon has introduced me to some great restaurants over the last year or so and this is one of my favourites. Nestled in an area close to Oxford Circus, it’s in a great central location. The food, based on the flavours of the East Mediterranean, is fantastic. This is another place with very inventive and exciting dishes and it’s definitely time to go back! Click here for my full review. 

4. Cinnamon Bazaar

Well if you’re a regular reader you’ll know I was in Cinnamon Bazaar at the weekend and it was the last thing I wrote about here. But it has to go on to my list of favourites because it’s such a great place and their set menu is very reasonably priced for London, where prices have shot up in recent years. Click here for my full review. 

5. Bancone

I’ve possibly been to Bancone more than any other restaurant in recent years and it remains a firm favourite. It is a pasta restaurant, so don’t go expecting anything else. The pasta is exceptional though, and I love sitting at the bancone – counter – and watching the chefs prepare the food in front of me. It’s always busy with a great buzzing and friendly atmosphere; and it’s still one of the few places in London where you can eat great food for a modest price. Click here for a full review. 

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I hope if you try any of these restaurants you’ll enjoy them as much as I do. Do please let me know of any favourites you have in London. 

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This article is also featured on the GPSmyCity app. To download it for offline reading or create a self-guided walking tour to visit the attractions highlighted in this article, go to Walking Tours and Articles in London.