Hello all!
I will be in London in May 2024 for my 40th Birthday and I am looking for some "special occasion" dinner recommendations for the evening. Looking for a place that isn't too stuffy or fancy and has more options that just a tasting menu (we have some picky eaters in attendance). Thanks for your help!
Kind Regards,
Lisa
Hi Claudia - thanks for the recommendation. It would be for 3 people.
Looking for something less pub-like, more like a special occasion spot. Thanks!
Possibly The Wolseley. It may be fancier than you’re looking for. It is across the street from The Ritz. Not as fancy is Steak and Company. it can get pricey. There are a few throughout the city. We’ve been to the one by the Gloucester Rd. Tube station.
Non pub restaurants for a “ special “ occasion:
Noble Rot in Mayfair
Dilara in Finsbury Park
Chet’s Thai in Shepards Bush
Padella near Borough Market
A favorite of mine is the Dragon Inn in Richmond.
Suggest you look on the Timeout London website.
Same for Lady in London and The Londonist. Maybe Conde Nast
Any particular cuisine? Where are you staying in London?
What kind of place do you like (white tablecloths and carpet or more modern), and what type of cuisine? Italian, British, French, steak, seafood, Asian or South Asian, Middle Eastern? What do the picky eaters like, and what do they avoid?
Without knowing any of those answers, I will just mention that I had a wonderful 60 b-day at Ottolenghi’s Nopi restaurant—-sort of Middle Eastern/Mediterranean and very good.
I'm not sure I have a recommendation, but if I were to look, I would, as you indicated, rule out "Pubs" (Though some "Gastro-Pubs" might fit the bill). With picky eaters, maybe ethnic food, like Indian, Asian, Middle Eastern, or North African might be out.
For an area, SoHo might be an option, many trendy and "up and coming" places set up there.
Looking through a "recommended" listing of recent, the filtered to:
Brasserie Zedel: French Bistro type vibe.
Bancone: Italian with some elegance. Several locations, Pasta centric mains, pride themselves on house made pasta.
Andrew Edmunds: Sort of modern European in old school decor. Daily menu of seasonal items.
I know little about any of these, but the process says they are worth a shot. At least take a look and see if the type of place resonates.
I find Eater and Time Out decent places to look for suggestion, just make sure any articles are recent.
Hawksmoor (steak) never disappoints. They have several locations in London.
Rules, has great food and it’s the oldest restaurant in London.
Hutong ($$$ Chinese)
I agree with The Wolseley and Ottolenghi. I would add in The River Cafe for excellent Italian food.
Wow! These are all excellent options - thank you everyone for your recommendations!
Funny, I was already looking into some of these for other meals during the trip - Noble Rot, NOPI or ROVI, Hawksmoor...
The Ivy Restaurant is very good.
Best scallops and NY steak i’ve ever had. It’s a restaurant not a pub, and the décor and atmosphere is very nice.
https://the-ivy.co.uk/?utm_source=LocalGoogle&utm_medium=Organic
@Susan - Yes! Ivy is a favorite as well. I have been to the original Ivy a few times - thinking about trying Ivy Asia for this trip.
That sounds good Lisa!
I recommend Elystan Place. I had a very special birthday there.
And when we were in London around Christmas on another trip, we had a great meal The Ivy in Covent Garden. Both of my recommendations would be very good for a special occassion.
