Why did we dine here? – Yauatcha is a fancy Chinese restaurant chain with several locations in London. They are the more inexpensive sister of Hakkasan. We came for dinner and found it packed, with a loud clubby atmosphere. There are locations in India and Saudi Arabia. Insider Tip – Avoid the $$$ cocktails. Use Crispy duck to get full. Cuisine – Chinese Location – London Soho Opened – 2007 Service – Yauatcha had an overloaded server. She meant well but had too many tables. Verdict – Yauatcha had better food than we expected. If you want decent Chinese food in a sleek, clubby, sophisticated atmosphere, come here. Is this restaurant worth a 5 minute drive? Yes. 30 minute? Maybe. 1 Hour? No Yauatcha Signature Dishes – Crispy Duck Yauatcha’s Menu is pretty wide ranging with lots of options, even for vegetarians. Avoid the tasting menus. Website Yauatcha Menu Yauatcha Food Picks: Pan Fried Turnip Cake (£8) was unique with egg on the top, which really kicked it up a notch. 9/10 Sticky Rice in Lotus Leaf (8) had 2 good sized ones. Reasonable but lacked Chinese sausage. 7.5/10 Spicy Pork Szechuan Wonton (6) had 4 small ones with a […]

This post originally from Yauatcha Soho, London

Why did we dine here? – Indian food is a MUST when visiting London. Dishoom is a popular local chain of Indian restaurants that combines reasonable prices and decent food. (8 locations and counting) Rated 4.5 on Yelp. We had to wait 45 minutes for a Table at 5pm Monday! This location has a ton of restaurants nearby, none as busy as this. Insider Tip – Come early or else you will wait a long time. Cuisine – Indian Location – London Soho Opened – July 2015 Service – Dishoom had good service with a server that helped us navigate the menu. Fast food delivery. They did ask we finish our meal within 1 hour. Verdict – Dishoom has reasonable prices (Not cheap by US standards) and good Indian food. Several locations in London. 12.5% service charge added. They have a great allergen binder that can help people with dietary limitations order correctly. Is this restaurant worth a 5 minute drive? Yes. 30 minute? Yes. 1 Hour? Maybe Dishoom Signature Dishes – Samosas, Grill, Biryani Dishoom’s Menu has a wide variety of dishes including ones for Vegetarians. Website Dishoom Menu Dishoom Food Picks: Coloba Colada (£8.50) was a bit on […]

This post originally from Dishoom, London

We visited London right before the Covid 19 Pandemic Hit. This restaurant may have changed their seating, menu, and more. Why did we dine here? – Harrods Tea Room is a proper place to experience afternoon tea in London. With a ton of history and outrageous selection of goods, Harrods is always on our list for a visit. Those with dietary requirements will be pleased to find a ‘free-from’ afternoon tea, specially created by their patisserie chefs without gluten, meat, dairy or nuts. Insider Tip – Reserve ahead to avoid waiting. You can have Tea Service early, like for lunch. Cuisine – British Location – London. Knightsbridge Opened – 1849 Service – Harrods Tea Room had good service, the server did not check back enough to warrant any upgrade. They are good at working around dietary issues. Verdict – Harrods Tea Room is a great place to experience a true British tradition. The room is beautiful as is the store. 10% service charge. Is this restaurant worth a 5 minute drive? Yes. 30 minute? Yes. 1 Hour? Maybe Harrods Tea Room Signature Dishes – Afternoon Tea (£59) Harrods Tea Room’s Menu has both a la carte and Afternoon Tea set […]

This post originally from Harrods Tea Room, London

We visited London right before the Covid 19 Pandemic Hit. This restaurant may have changed their seating, menu, and more. Why did we dine here? – Pollen Street Social is a one Michelin star Modern European restaurant in London run by chef Jason Atherton. It was conveniently located, had availability, thus it was time to eat. What a name.. In the USA we would start thinking about Allergies! Insider Tip – Reserve ahead. If you order duck or steak for 2, its enough for 3 or 4 people! Cuisine – Modern European Location – London Mayfair Opened – 2011 Service – Pollen Street Social had excellent service. No worries about ordering, no need to ask for refills, napkin folding, tablecloth layering over our mess! Verdict – Pollen Street Social definitely filled our need for some fine food but not overly stuffy. The food was solid and inventive, plus the service was excellent. VAT included. A discretionary service charge of 12.5% will be added to your bill. Is this restaurant worth a 5 minute drive? Yes. 30 minute? Yes. 1 Hour? Maybe. Pollen Street Social Signature Dishes – Roasted Duck, côte de bœuf. Pollen Street Social’s Menu is compact and easy […]

This post originally from Pollen Street Social, London

This post originally from Wagamama Restaurant Review, London, UK

The Whole Beast: Nose to Tail Eating by Fergus Henderson St John Bread & Wine is run by Fergus Henderson, who is known for simple, pared down British cooking and for Nose to Tail Eating. No wasting of meat parts here. One Michelin star was awared in 2009 to his more formal St John restaurant in the Smithfield area of London. This location was opened in 2003 and is located across the street from the large Spitafields Market shopping complex on Commerical Street. Menus change daily and are focused towards sharing plates amongst guests. The menu warns that shot may still be present in some meats! 12.5% optional service charge. Decor, Vibe – Plain jane white colored dining room with simple wood tables and chairs. Mostly locals eating with a couple tourists. Most folks in the 30 to 50 range. Menu Pictures (Click to zoom into any picture) Website Menu Picks: Lamb sweetbreads (£6.90) was a good dish with sizeable quantities of tender and slightly gamey lamb glands. Lion’s Mane (£7.50) mushroom, wood sorel herb, in olive oil was excellent. Very fresh of course. A good meaty dish for vegetarians. Snails, Grelots, and Brown Butter (£6.30) with leeks were very […]

This post originally from St John Bread & Wine Restaurant Review, London, UK