Those of you who get seasick may want to move on swiftly to our next rec. Yep, Caravel is an intimate restaurant located on a converted barge. There’s only so much they can do interior-wise, but they keep it simple and elegant. Honestly, you forget you’re even on the water.

The same goes for the menu—don’t expect endless pages of options. But honestly, we loved that. Sometimes less choice is better, no food envy, no overthinking. We kicked things off with the sesame prawn toast, served with a sweet yet spicy jam. Paired with their strawberry negroni, it was the perfect stomach-setter: light but still decadent.

It felt like we were taking a mini cultural trip around the world—starting in China, ending up in Italy. For mains, we couldn’t resist the tagliatelle with courgettes and stracciatella. Such a simple, delicate dish, made rich and comforting by that creamy cheese on top. And you have to finish with the salted caramel chocolate pot. Say it with us: simple but divine.

Have to try: Salted caramel and chocolate pot
Perfect for: Date night
Approx price for 2: £90–£110 with drinks

OMNOM is tucked away in Islington Square and nails that balance of casual but elevated. In other words, it feels very “London dining”—relaxed but still special. It’s a relatively new Indian spot serving exclusively vegetarian and vegan food. Before you roll your eyes and run for the hills, just hear us out. As meat lovers ourselves, we get the panic that sets in when you hear “veggie.” But let’s not forget India has the largest vegetarian population on the planet, and honestly, it shows. This was hands down some of the best vegetarian cooking we’ve had in ages.

To start, we ordered the prawn koliwada. Okay fine, we’re not going to lie and say it tastes exactly like prawn. But the flavours are so bold, spiced, and addictive that you really won’t care. Then of course, we had to dive into a curry. We went for the paneer angoori: chargrilled cheese swimming in the creamiest, most spice-packed sauce. Pro tip: get the chilli butter naan to mop it all up. With every bite you’ll forget meat ever existed.

Have to try: Any of the paneer curries with chilli butter naan
Perfect for: Vegetarian options
Approx price for 2:  £70–£90 with drinks

Goodbye Horses is better known as a wine bar, but don’t sleep on the food. They’re serving up dishes that genuinely impressed us. What really makes this place memorable is the whole vibe. Maybe it’s the wine talking, but the atmosphere just hits different and leaves you with one of those nights you won’t forget.

It’s mellow, refined (because yes, sophistication is practically mandatory in a wine bar). But that didn’t stop us from starting with… a cheese toastie. Peak sophistication, right? But jokes aside, this was easily one of the best toasties we’ve ever had. It takes that classic wine-and-cheese pairing and makes it actually palatable for those of us who can’t just gnaw on mouldy brie and pretend we’re having the time of our lives.

For mains, we went with the red Suffolk pork belly served over chickpeas, balanced out beautifully with a sharp, tangy aioli to cut through the richness. Dessert was a surprise win too. A cold rice pudding infused with figs and thyme. We’re usually all about hot desserts, but after all that wine, this cooling, fragrant pudding was exactly what we needed.

Have to try: Cold rice pudding with figs and thyme
Perfect for: Girls catch up / date night
Approx price for 2: £90–£110 with wine

We loved Trullo because you can just tell it’s one of those places that’s all about pure authenticity. They’re not trying to overdo it, just keeping true to Italian tradition with a menu that changes daily and seasonally.

We started with the mozzarella di bufala with melon and speck. The sweetness of the melon perfectly balanced the richness of the cheese. However, it’s definitely one to share—on your own it might feel like a bit much. 

Their pasta list is short, but you know each dish is crafted with serious care. We went for the tagliarini with picked Dorset crab, Amalfi lemon and chilli. The combo was spot on—the crab did all the talking while the sauce kept it light but still punchy.

And of course, you’ve got to finish with the tiramisu. Respect the culture.

Have to try: Mozzarella di bufala with melon
Perfect for: Date night
Approx price for 2: £100–£120 with drinks

Again, don’t scroll too quick. Yes, “tofu” and “vegan” together can sound like a threat. But think about it, if someone’s bold enough to establish multiple restaurants in central London, chances are they know exactly what they’re doing. And Tofu Vegan proves it.

The great thing about this place is that it’s not trying to copy meat, instead it’s celebrating everything plant-based food can be when it’s done right. The freshness and the creativity are unmatched. Essentially, you don’t miss meat when you come here. This is the USP of the place.

The fried tofu in black bean sauce, wow! Could honestly eat plates and plates of it. The annoying thing about tofu is that it can go from firm to just a soggy mess too fast. Not here. It held its shape, was packed with flavour, and had that rich, umami depth you always hope black bean sauce will deliver.

It’s a super relaxed spot- no need to get dressed up. But the food is the kind that warms your soul. It’s comforting, thoughtful, and genuinely satisfying. Perfect with a glass of wine, a spritz, or even just a cold, crisp glass of water if you’re keeping it clean.

Have to try: Assorted dim sum
Perfect for: Catch up with friends
Approx price for 2: £45-£55

The Tamil Prince is one of those casual spots that still feels like a proper treat-yourself night out. So often, Indian restaurants either fall into the Michelin, fine-dining luxury category, or they’re the local takeaway we all order from on a lazy night. This place finds that sweet spot right in the middle.

To start, the crispy spicy okra fries are a non-negotiable. Honestly, every pub in London needs to add these to the menu because they’re the ultimate beer snack. That being said, don’t skip the cocktails. They take all your usual favourites and give them a clever Indian twist. Our pick was the espresso martini with black cardamom—basically a boozy chai latte, and absolutely divine.

For mains, we went with the chettinad lamb curry. Spicy, rich, and the meat just melted apart. Pair it with the buttery roti and you’re golden. Normally we’d reach for naan, but the roti worked perfectly because the curry was so flavour-packed, it needed something lighter to balance it out.

Have to try: Mango lassi
Perfect for: Family dinner out
Approx price for 2:  £70–£90 with drinks

The Baring is proper British food at its core. Definitely not the most kid-friendly spot with its a la carte menu—and to be fair, even we had to Google half the dishes. But the quality is undeniable.

We kicked things off with the ricotta salad with grilled peppers and focaccia. Light, fresh, and the perfect way to set up for what became a full-on meat feast. For mains, we went with the Middlewhite pork belly and rainbow chard. Every main comes with bulgar, tzatziki, tomatoes, and pickles on the side, so even the heartiest plates still feel balanced. A side of chips is essential though, if only for the garlic mayo. Honestly, that sauce is next-level.

To finish, we couldn’t resist the peach melba soft serve- absolutely perfect on a sunny day.

Have to try: Peach melba soft serve
Perfect for: British food
Approx price for 2: £80–£100 with drinks

Little Georgia is a cosy, intimate spot where the welcome feels as warm as the food. They’re all about immersing you in proper Georgian culture, and we loved that they don’t try to Westernise the menu. Just pure authenticity.

We kicked things off with the adjaruli khachapuri. Don’t worry if you’ve never heard of it before—we hadn’t either. It turned out to be a heavenly bread boat stuffed with molten cheese. Buttery, fresh, and straight-up addictive. It takes about 20 minutes to come out (which they warn you about), but trust us, it’s worth every second.

For mains, we had the mtsvadi, marinated roast pork kebabs served with chips and a tangy plum sauce. Packed with flavour and such a refreshing break from the usual restaurant offerings. Every bite hit the mark.

Have to try: Cheese bread
Perfect for: Trying something new
Approx price for 2: £50–£70 with drinks

Farang has honestly ruined our local Thai takeaways for us. Once you’ve eaten here, nothing else compares—you’ll just keep craving a return visit.

We kicked things off with the tiger prawns, marinated in a salted turmeric spice mix. Gone in seconds. Addictive doesn’t even cover it. Then we moved on to the slow-cooked yellow chicken curry. You’ve heard of green, you’ve heard of red—but yellow? Absolute game-changer. It came topped with ginger and crispy shallots for that extra texture. And while sticky rice will always be unbeatable, pairing this with roti was next-level. Maximum scoopage achieved.

To wash it all down, we loved the Siam Sunburn cocktail—lemongrass-infused tequila with strawberry syrup and lemon. It basically transported us straight to a Thai beach resort.

Have to try: Salted turmeric prawns
Perfect for: Family dinner
Approx price for 2: £80–£100 with drinks

Jam Delish is a modern, cute restaurant. It immediately catches your eye with a massive vibrant garden wall showing off their love for greenery. They specialise in Caribbean cuisine, so if you think all veggie food is bland, prepare to be seriously humbled.

We started with the red stripe glazed jerk cauliflower. This came with quinoa and charred pineapple, plus two dips – a scotch bonnet sauce and a coconut green tahini. It was a mouthful to say and even more of a mouthful to eat. Who knew a vegetable could soak up so much flavour? It had everything: sweetness, spice, and smokiness — that you usually only get from meat.

For mains, we shared the Caribbean fried chicken (made from oyster mushrooms), served with Jamaican gravy. Who said you have to give up comfort food? It’s not pretending to be the real thing, but it was yummy and special in its own way!

Have to try: Caribbean fried “chicken” with Jamaican gravy
Perfect for: Special occasions
Approx price for 2: £30-£70