Restaurants in London: My Experiences in 2019

Before social distancing was encouraged, a few people have asked me for restaurant recommendations in London. As much as it is flattering, I am actually embarrassed to tell people where to eat. First of all, I am not a food blogger, let alone a food critic. Secondly, I don't really want to be blamed should they not enjoy their food experience as much as I did. This is why I write about my own experience and not a review. Anyway, I still gave these people my recommendations, so hopefully it will somehow help their family and friends.

2019 was yet another special year for our food adventure, for the main reason that one of my very good university friends came to visit with her family,  and we had a couple of dinners with them. We also went back to a couple of our favourite restaurants, The Ivy and Benares. It was also early last year when I gave in to Jollibee - a food experience that I really enjoyed but wouldn't necessarily queue up for unless it if for someone really special. 

So, here is the list of my best food experiences in London in 2019:

1. Rules - 34-35 Maiden Ln, Covent Garden

- The oldest restaurant in London provided us with nothing but an exceptional dining experience from the moment we entered the restaurant until we left. The restaurant serves traditional British food. The surroundings took us back to the late 1700s with the classic paintings, drawings, sculptures and ornaments occupying the walls. I loved the simplicity of the food when it was served. In fact, I laughed at J's steak and kidney pie (£20.95)as it looked lonely on a plate. I was hoping for the suckling pig, but their menu has changed when we went, so I opted for the slow roast leg of rabbit with bacon (£23.95) instead. Of course, the meal wouldn't have been complete without the delectable sticky toffee pudding (£8.50). The food without a doubt is a definition of excellent British food. 

2. Aquavit - St James's Market, 1 Carlton St 

- Actually, we loved Aquavit's brunch so we were a little bit disappointed when we went there last time and were told that they have stopped serving brunch. As we were already set to eat at the restaurant, we decided to try their lunch menu. This Michelin- starred restaurant serves Nordic dishes. I had the Swedish meatballs (£20) which reminded me of Ikea. I mean, of course Aquavit's meatballs are far better quality, but I was reminded because I know people who would go to Ikea mainly for the meatballs. I've only had it once. Anyway, J had their burger (£25) which he said was very good. It was served with matchstick fries and some fresh salads.The service has always been friendly and the food is unarguably good, that's why Aquavit was one of the only two restaurants that we frequented in our neighbourhood. However, they have no more brunch, so we have not been back in a while.

3.  Imperial Treasure- 9 Waterloo Pl, St James's

- I came across this restaurant during one of my morning runs. There was a sign to say that a new Chinese Restaurant was opening. I made a note of it, and as soon as it opened I wanted to go. It was just a matter of who wanted to go with me. Fortunately, I share a love for Chinese food with one of my closest friends in London, and so we planned our long overdue date and tried Imperial Treasure. Man, their Crispy Fish Skin with Egg-Yolk (£16) was to die for! I mean, I would go back to the restaurant just for this over and over again. Their crispy pork belly and honey glazed char siu pork (£28) melted in the mouth. Their baked crab shell stuffed with crab meat, onion and cheese (£18) was a real treat for seafood lovers like us. Add to that their crunchy morning glory (£18) and very tasty Yangzhou fried rice (£22). We also very much enjoyed their super crispy golden sesame ball with custard (£7.50) and the refreshing and healthy osmanthus jelly (£7.50). See, Ate Elvie and I can easily get carried away by good food.

4.  Din Tai Fung- 5 Henrietta St, Covent Garden

- Our early dinner at this then newly opened Taiwanese restaurant in Covent Garden was unplanned. When our friends from California saw the restaurant, they were adamant that we should eat there. Apparently, they have been trying to eat at their franchise  in San Francisco but there is always a long queue.  They were so delighted to have found Din Tai Fung in London. The restaurant can accommodate 250 guests, and you can actually watch the chefs meticulously making their famous Xiao Long Bao. We left our friends to order the food and boy, they came aplenty. To be honest, they ordered too much that I can no longer remember what I ate. But one thing is for sure, every single dish was excellent.

5.  The Cinnamon Club - The Old Westminster Library, Westminster

- Set in an old library, this Indian Restaurant is perfect for book lovers. We visited the restaurant on a Saturday and it was very quiet, which we really liked. The classic books around us sparked a conversation about which books we have read. Of course, J obviously have read far more than I have. Anyway, the restaurant has a £27.50 set lunch menu for two courses, which we opted for. I had the Koorgi style double cooked pork belly with soy and honey which was mild, tender and perfectly spiced. J on the other hand, was not impressed with his tandoori chicken breast. We skipped the starter , so we could have desserts. J enjoyed his sorbet selection, whilst my Malai Kulfi was divine. I would love to go back again one day.

6. Tredwells- 4A Upper St Martin's Lane, Covent Garden

- I have always wanted to try a Marcus Wareing restaurant since I started watching Masterchef: The Professionals. So, when I had to cancel my birthday lunch in Marcus at The Berkeley because of our trip to Strasbourg, I took the opportunity to bring my American friends to  another Marcus restaurant when they visited - the Tredwells. Apart from the slow service, the experience was good. My friend's children had their first tasting menu, which they seemed to have enjoyed. For my starter, I had the chargrilled prawns (£12). For my mains, I had the very tender and tasty Saddleback Lake District Pork Belly (£24). For dessert, I had the fit for the summer signature Chouxnut which was enjoyable. All in all, it was a very good experience because we were with a very good company.

7. 108 Brasserie- 108 Marylebone Ln, Marylebone

- We don't often dine in this part of Central London, although it's only a few minutes away from where we live because er, it seems quite far. However, when special people invite us to eat out, we would make the worthy effort. So, we spent our annual Christmas dinner with the Munchkins in 108 Brasserie last year. The restaurant has a friendly atmosphere and the service was very good. The food? Well, our plates were all empty. Even the bread was delightful. I had the steak for mains and it was perfect!

8.  Duck and Waffle- 52 Haymarket St, St James's 

 - It's been quite a while since I visited Duck and Waffle in Heron Tower, so I'm glad that there is now a Duck and Waffle Local around the corner. I mean, can you actually say no to a waffle? It's always a treat whenever I eat here because I love duck- the waffle and the egg are just a bonus. And Duck and Waffle always gets it right. Perhaps one of my favourite duck confit. And for the price of £16, it's worth it for the quality of food and the service.

9. The Greyhound Cafe- 37 Berner's St, Fitzrovia

- It was a random after work catch up with my work Ate. As I was craving for Thai food, we decided to drop by The Greyhound on our way home. I passed by the restaurant everyday on my way to and from work for more than a year but never tried it. So, when the opportunity came, I didn't let it pass. Their food isn't traditional Thai, but I loved the fact that it isn't. Their Prawn Pad Thai (£14.50) was as good as it looked. However, the real winner was their Young Coconut Sherbet (£4.50) which was not only refreshing, but tasted like heaven. Their food is fairly cheap compared to other Thai restaurants I have tried before, but definitely more delicious. 

10. The Old Tree Daiwan Bee- 26 Rupert St, West End

- Okay, this Taiwanese restaurant only made it on my list because of their Stewed Pig's Trotters (£8.50) which tastes like home. I visit this place whenever I crave for "paksiw na baboy" and it never disappoints. 

11.  Joy King Lau - 3 Leicester St, West End

- Before Orient came into my life, Joy King Lau was my favourite. I mean, I still love going there, however, it is no longer the first Chinese restaurant I would bring my friends to. Nevertheless, it is still one of my favourite Chinese restaurants. The service has always been good- one thing that I don't often see in Chinese restaurants. I am a creator of habit, so I always order the same thing when I go to Joy King Lau: Siu Mai (£3.80), spicy chicken feet (£3.80) and roast duck (£15.80). It's always a good experience whenever I visit this restaurant, so I would recommend it to anyone visiting Chinatown in London.

12. Eggslut - 185 Portobello Road, Notting Hill

- Thanks to Farrah for introducing me to Eggslut in LA. I truly enjoyed my first Eggslut experience, so when I visited Notting Hill last time, I had to try it in London. The quality of the food is the same- tasty, juicy and yummylicious! If you love egg sandwiches, this is definitely the place for you!

We are observing social distancing (if not community quarantine) indefinitely, and therefore, I am not planning to go to any restaurants anytime soon.  For now, I will reflect on my previous food experiences and perhaps write about my brunch and afternoon tea experiences next. This will also be a good opportunity for me to enhance my cooking skills.

Until then, let us all stay home and stay safe.

TIN x