10 Restaurants in London To Try in 2024

Since we moved to the South of the river almost a couple of years ago, we decided to explore the food scene locally a little bit more because honestly, there are really good restaurants here, too. However, since I was having a prolonged separation anxiety from our former West End neighbourhood, I went back to Central London (to eat) more frequently than I planned last year. Again, I had really good food experiences because I had a mixture of all my favourite dishes.  I know it's almost April, but it's never too late. There is still plenty of time to explore the restaurants on my list. And if you do try any of them, I hope you'll enjoy it, too.

1. Fallow St James's

We went to the Fallow for only one thing- their smoked cod's head in homemade Sriracha sauce and leek oil (£28). I mean, not a lot of people would eat a fish head, but it's one of my favourite things in life. This cod's head was perfectly seasoned, and although it appeared to be all bones, it was actually meaty. The service was warm and easy- nothing was too much to ask.  I would really recommend the Fallow to whoever is looking for a relaxed, delicious and sustainable restaurant.

52 Haymarket St, St James's | Tube: Piccadilly Circus

2. Searcy's at the Gherkin

Searcy's has been on my list for a long time, and I was glad that my friend decided to celebrate her birthday milestone here. The view is no doubt breathtaking, and we were lucky to be seated by the window- you can't always guarantee you get these tables when you book apparently. Also, we went for dinner and again, I was glad it was not very busy.  We had the 3-course set menu (£57) and for starter I had the melt in your mouth Gressingham duck.  I chose the braised beef check for my mains which was so tender and delicious. The food, remarkable service and stunning views made this dinner very special and the celebrant was indeed very happy. We were moved to the bar upstairs for dessert as they needed to prepare our table for the next guests, which we didn't mind. This dinner at one of London's most iconic buildings is one that I will not forget because when I first saw the Gherkin many years ago, I didn't even know that they had restaurants there, so yes, I can say it's a simple dream that finally came true.

30 St Mary Axe (The Gherkin) | Tube: Liverpool Street

3. Fischer's

Fischer's belongs to The Wolseley Hospitality Group and having been to three of their sister restaurants, I had no doubt that we would have a good experience at Fischer's,  too. We made no booking as we weren't sure where we wanted to eat that day, but I was glad we chose the Fischer's. We were greeted  by the satff with warmth and friendly smile. Fischer's offer classic Austrian dishes and the portions were quite generous. I opted for the Kasespatzle (£7.75) which is macaroni and cheese essentially,  only much better. For mains, I chose the Strasbourg sausages with potato salad and sauerkraut whilst my friend ordered the traditional frankfurter with coleslaw and salad (photo below, £22.75 for two). This visit to Fischer's reminded me of my visit to Austria a few years ago, and inspired me to plan a trip with J, hopefully late this year or spring next year (fingers crossed). 

50 Marylebone High Street | Tube: Baker St

4. The Ivy 

I think The Ivy in West Street is the only restaurant that is consistently on my list since I started writing about my restaurant experiences. It is officially J's favourite restaurant as we have been going there at least twice a year for the last 8 years, and this is the only restaurant that J will not hesitate to eat at. We have tried majority of their starters and mains, however last time we went, J ordered rib-eye on the bone again (£34.95) and I had the grilled seabass (£31.00). For starters, J had his favourite prawn and avocado cocktail (£14.75)  whilst I had crispy duck salad (£13.75) which has also become my favourite. J only had coffee after, whilst I had my all time favourite dessert- sticky toffee pudding (£9.50) which is now back in the menu.  It is not cheap to dine at The Ivy, however I can honestly say that it is worth the whole experience. Well, at their flagship in West St at least. I only say this because I have also been to at least 3 of their Ivy Collection restaurants, but my experiences were not the same. Hence, I am now hesitant to try any others. Saying that, I might try The Ivy Asia.

1-5 West Street | Tube: Leicester Square

5. Parsons

Another good place for seafood I must say. We had the whole plaice in seaweed butter (£26) and it was delicious. The restaurant seems small but not cramped. The service was professional. What caught my attention was the carousel of coats and jackets hanging from the ceiling just by the main door.  I still don't know the purpose, but I think it's unique. It was my first time to visit the restaurant and definitely won't be my last.

39 Endell St | Tube: Covent Garden

6. Four Seasons

I was introduced to Four Seasons restaurant in Chinatown many, many years ago because of my love for roast duck. This person reassured me at the time that they had the best duck ever. By then, I've been to a few Chinese restaurants in London and yes, Four Seasons' duck was indeed the best roast duck that I've ever had. Then I later found out that they have been dubbed as the "best duck in the world" and I could not agree more. As I have not been there for a while and was craving for roast duck, I suggested it to my friend who was visiting from the States and she was not disappointed. Their boneless duck (half, £22.80) has been consistent as far as I can remember- soft, moist, juicy and sweet- just as how I like it to be.  And I was glad that the service this time was warmer and friendlier. Be warned though that the queue can be quite long, but at times it is quicker than you think- and it will surely be worth it.

12 Gerrard St | Tube: Leicester Square

7. Tao Tao Ju

I don't know why I didn't know about Tao Tao Ju earlier and I lived in the street next to Chinatown for over six years. But as they say, it is never too late. Tao Tao Ju's dimsums (from £7.50) are some of the best that I have tried in Chinatown so far and now, I know why- their ingredients are apparently sourced daily and their dimsums are made and steamed fresh made to order. It was indeed a very delightful dimsum experience and I have no doubt that I will be going back there this year. 

15 Lisle St | Tube: Leicester Square

8.  Angry Crab Shack

So, I lived in the street where Angry Crab Shack is located for over six years and although there was a seafood around the corner at the time, it was disappointing. That's why when I heard about Angry Crab Shack, I told my friend we needed to try this one.  We ordered the 58 mixing bag in mild cajun sauce (£58) and it definitely satisfied our seafood cravings.  Definitely a treat!

19a Rupert St | Tube: Piccadilly Circus

9. Kasa and Kin

Kasa and Kin is the only Filipino restaurant in London that I have been to for more or less than ten times since it opened in 2021. I have brought many different friends and family there and so far, no one has complained about their food- or service. Whilst some Filipino restaurants are doing fusion to satisfy the palate of other nations to the point of losing the essense of Filipino food, Kasa and Kin maintains the classic Filipino taste in all their dishes. Of course, this is only my personal opinion. I have my own favourite dishes and you will likely see me ordering the same things: meat BBQ platter (£25), BBQ pork belly (£18.50), crispy pork belly (£22.75), lemon grass chicken inasal (£17.50), Avo & Jack (£8.75), bagoong shrimp fried rice (£6.50), ube tsunami cheesecake (£8) and iskrambol milk slushy (£5.50). Depends how hungry I am, but yes, I can order all of the above in one sitting. It also depends on the person I am with.  But whatever you choose from my list, you will certainly not be disappointed.

52-53 Poland St |  Tube: Oxford Circus

10. Brasserie Zedel

Someone asked me if Zedel was still relevant when they saw my post on instagram story. My quick answer was yes. Although I don't go there often anymore, it remains my go to for last minute lunch when I am in Central London and have no reservations. The environment is relaxed and the food is classic French cuisine. I also love the fact that it is affordable to eat there. For the last two visits, J and I opted for their Prix-Fixe menu (two-course £16.95, three-course £19.75). 

20 Sherwood St | Tube: Piccadilly Circus

Whilst I didn't splurge (as I used to) on dining experiences last year, looking back, I still think that I spent quite a considerable amount of money eating out- one thing that I promised myself to work hard on this year as you know, there has been an increase in the cost of living so I need to eat smarter. Meaning, I will try my hardest to cook and eat at home more. This does not mean though that I am totally giving up on eating out because I don't think I can. So, please come back for another round of restaurant experiences next year. :)

Tin x