Forza Wine is located in the National Theatre, so few places deliver culture, history, and—most importantly—quality food like this.

It’s most famously a wine bar, hence the name, duh, so obviously there’s only one way to start. We got a bottle of the French Petite Gris, a light white perfect for sunny days. Food-wise, it’s very much a picky-bits vibe, and we were not complaining. Especially when it’s hot and wine is on the menu, a decadent meal just doesn’t call our name.

The arancini with hot sauce was the perfect accompaniment to the wine—salty, crispy, and that hot sauce? We practically scraped the sides of the plate. Same goes for the cauliflower fritti with that heavenly aioli sauce. Our hands-down favorite of the day, however, had to be the burrata with figs, rocket, and hazelnuts. It was a flavor and texture sensation: creamy burrata, sweet figs, crunchy hazelnuts, fresh rocket. Like, come on!

Have to try: Burrata with figs, rocket, and hazelnuts
Perfect for: Wine and picky bits
Approx price for 2: £70–£90

Lasdun is another gem located in the National Theatre—looks like the food scene is really taking over this spot! It’s all about capturing that proper British feel, especially given its location.

We started with a Chandon Spritz. Thought we were spritz connoisseurs, but this one was definitely unique—orange peel liqueur with Chandon sparkling wine, and it was so refreshing. To keep starters light, we paired it with the fresh black treacle sourdough. Can never go wrong with a bit of bread and butter, and this was taken to another level.

For mains, we had the smoked haddock and cod fishcake, served with the most delightful crab sauce. We paired it with some chips and greens. If there’s one thing we know for certain, the British know exactly how to do fish and chips.

Have to try: Smoked haddock and cod fishcake
Perfect for: Special occasions
Approx price for 2:  £65–£80

We’re moving out of the National Theatre, but staying somewhere equally as loved—the Royal Festival Hall. La Gamba is a Spanish tapas restaurant and the perfect spot for a picky-bites kind of meal, whether it’s a pre-night-out stop or a relaxed lunchtime vibe.

The interiors are vibrant and open, giving proper Spanish summer energy. We started with the padrón peppers, which honestly never disappoint wherever we go. The pan con tomate—ciabatta topped with fragrant garlic and tomato sauce—was an instant winner. A standout had to be the gambas al ajillo. Now we get the name of the place—La Gamba—enticing you to order the prawns for good reason. They were sensational: slightly spicy, super garlicky, and incredibly fresh. And of course, it wouldn’t be a proper Spanish tapas experience without patatas bravas hitting the table.

To finish, we went for the torrija caramelizada—caramelised bread with cinnamon, orange, and vanilla ice cream. You might be tempted by the churros, but trust us, go for this. It’s unlike anything we’ve ever had before!

Have to try: Caramelised bread with cinnamon, orange and vanilla ice cream
Perfect for: Light lunch
Approx price for 2: £50–£65

The interiors of Limin are super summery and fun—perfect for casual catch-ups with friends.

Being a Caribbean restaurant, fruity cocktails are a total no-brainer. Our favourite was the Caribbean Breeze. One more of those and we were already dreaming about booking a Caribbean cruise—aka these are strong!

The menu is very much fusion, and we kicked things off with the Caribbean hummus. Honestly, do we even need to sell that? It’s everything you want and more: chickpeas spiced with turmeric, roasted cumin, and masala, topped with green chutney, pomegranate, and olive oil, served with roti pockets. Absolute perfection. We also tried jerk goat samosas and calamari, which were equally delicious.

For mains, we went for the masala fish curry—the catch of the day cooked in Caribbean herbs and coconut milk. Creamy, flavour-packed, and paired perfectly with the fried plantain, which are a must-have even if they aren’t included with your main order.

Have to try: Caribbean hummus and fried plantains
Perfect for: Fun with friends
Approx price for 2: £45–£60

How annoying is it asking someone what they feel like eating and they come out with, “Honestly, I’ll eat anything”? We all know that’s just not true. That’s why we love places like Skylon where the menu has a bit of everything, so no more playing that guessing game and just getting straight to it.

The best thing about Skylon is that it’s just an all rounder: fancy enough for work dinners, but chill enough for a meal with the fam. Dinner with the boss? Go for the watercress and chervil risotto- that creamy parmesan richness balanced too well by the freshness of the greens. It tastes good and sounds impressive to say aloud.

But when we’re here with family? There’s no more pretending. Going straight in with the fish and chips- a British classic, but made fancy. 

Their dessert menu is just as solid. The date and molasses sticky toffee pudding is rich, warm, and honestly the main reason we keep going back.

Have to try: Date and molasses sticky toffee pudding
Perfect for: Work events, family and friends catch up
Approx price for 2: £100-£130

Obviously a classic British pub had to make it on the list. The Anchor and Hope is low-key, casual, and traditional—so we knew the food was guaranteed to be hearty and comforting.

The menu changes constantly, but you can always expect proper British comfort dishes. The three-cheese and hazelnut soufflé is a standout: served with tiny tomatoes, courgettes, cream, and mint, it’s every cheese lover’s dream. For something meatier, try the octopus marinated in red wine, paired with aromatic saffron potatoes, chickpeas, and a gorgeous aioli.

To finish, we went for the baked poppy-seed cheesecake with a tart yet delectable raspberry sauce. Light, delicate, and refreshing—exactly what is needed after such a decadent meal.

Have to try: Baked poppyseed cheesecake
Perfect for: Family meal out
Approx price for 2: £60–£80

Bala Baya offers that perfect balance between indulgent and fresh. The kind of food that feels like a treat but doesn’t leave one in a food coma. Basically we were still able to function normally throughout the day.

On those scorching summer days, their fluffy bagel slathered in herb-smoked butter with a side of hummus (or let’s be real, hummus with a side of bagel) was so moreish!  Light, creamy, and weirdly addictive.

We also visited in November and tried the blackened aubergines paired with their hot, crispy potatoes. It was the exact kind of comfort food needed when it’s grey and miserable outside. 

And it’s not just the food. The vibe at Bala Baya is fun, loud, and energetic. There’s music to really cement that Middle Eastern feel and culture which just makes the food taste that much better. 

One thing we will say though: garlic is everywhere, which we would never see as a negative thing, but maybe not the best bet for a first date. 

Have to try: Prawn Baklava
Perfect for: Family, Catch up with friends
Approx price for: £70-£90

The Garden Café sits inside the Garden Museum, making it a perfect foodie stop in a tourist hot spot. The vibe is casual and vibrant—like a slightly elevated cafeteria—but with the best leafy green views all around.

We started with the cauliflower soup served with bread and brown butter. It’s a super autumnal dish that honestly feels perfect year-round in London (where rain is basically a daily guarantee). For mains, we chose the ricotta gnocchi with girolles. We hadn’t planned on a fully veggie meal, but these dishes stood out so much that meat just didn’t feel necessary. Guess we really did lean into the nature vibe.

Have to try: Ricotta gnocchi
Perfect for: Light bite
Approx price for 2:  £45–£60

For all the ramen lovers out there, we’ve heard your prayers and are here to answer. In London, good-quality, authentic ramen is hard to come by—especially in chain restaurants. No offense, Wagamama. It’s either too watery, too bland, or just not quite hitting the spot. Well, that all changes at Okan.

We kicked things off with the chicken gyoza dumplings—because when do these ever not hit? Next up was the butter-and-soy sweetcorn. Never seen this on a menu before, but wow was it incredible. We’ll definitely be trying (and probably failing) to recreate it at home… which just means we’ll be coming back here instead.

For mains, we went for the prawn curry udon noodles. Finally, a broth that’s absolutely packed with flavour! The way the prawns soak it all up and turn perfectly tender is unmatched. This spicy, hearty noodle soup begs for something refreshing, so we highly recommend the sparkling elder and ginger juice to go alongside.

Have to try: Soy and butter sweetcorn
Perfect for: Authentic Japanese food
Approx price for 2: £35–£50

Wahaca is definitely not new to us—we’ve been here countless times—and the South Bank location is easily the most fun and high-energy of the bunch.

It’s mainly a tapas-style spot, although they have larger plate options. Honestly, we recommend ordering a bunch of small plates to share because everything is that good. Top picks? The buttermilk fried chicken tacos with fresh pickled red onions are an absolute must. And the black bean and three-cheese quesadilla? We can’t hype it enough. We loved it so much we ordered two extra plates so everyone could have their own.

The drinks are just as exciting, and let’s be real: it rarely ends with just one or two. The passion fruit margarita is non-negotiable. To wrap things up, go for the tres leches tiramisu. It’s as if they read our minds—taking a classic tiramisu and giving it a Mexican twist is pure genius.

Have to try: Black bean and three cheese quesadilla
Perfect for: Fun with friends
Approx price for 2: £40–£60