Rita’s is a warm, elegant yet casual joint on Carnaby Street, serving up a mix of everything you love about British and American food. But let’s be real – can we ever really call it that? It’s usually food from all over the world that they claim as their own. Anyway, this isn’t that type of blog.

To start, we shared the jalapeño poppers, and with those, you can add on a mini martini for just £4.50 extra. Honestly, it’s worth it. They paired perfectly. For mains, we had the confit duck leg with this sweet, nutty marinade, it was divine. If you’re after something lighter and fresher, go for the lemon and ricotta stuffed pasta with spinach and pine nuts. It looked unreal.

We love that this place doesn’t box itself into one category. We literally went from jalapeño poppers (a movie snack?) to a main that felt Michelin-worthy. You don’t have to choose between fun and fancy — you can have both.

They’ve got a long list of wines and cocktails, and there’s even a happy hour if you’re dining at certain times, so definitely check that out.

Have to try: Lemon and ricotta stuffed pasta with spinach and pine nuts
Perfect for: Date night
Approx price for 2: £60-£100 (+ drinks)

Brasserie Zédel is genuinely breathtaking the moment you walk in — marble floors, gold-toned pillars… it’s giving full Parisian luxury. A top city cloned inside another top city.

You can’t miss the grand piano and cello set-up, and from 5:30 onwards they have live music. As if the atmosphere wasn’t already doing the most, this turns it into a full dinner and a show. And it’s not just background music either.  The pianist absolutely commands the room with their talent.

Their mains change daily. We went on a Friday, so they were serving smoked haddock and salmon fishcake with duck egg. This was just over £20, which felt like a steal considering the quality and the setting.

Since it’s a Parisian-inspired spot, it would be criminal to leave without indulging in dessert. We went for the crème brûlée (obviously), and just — wow.

Have to try: Creme brûlée
Perfect for: Special Occasions
Approx price for 2: £40-£100

Quo Vadis is a deeply historic restaurant. If you’re looking to escape the chaotic, overly quirky side of Soho and soak in a bit of culture, this is your spot. It was actually the former home of Karl Marx! That might intrigue you even more… or totally put you off. Either way, it’s a cool fact.

Though it doubles as a private members’ club, they keep things playful and approachable. The menus are doodled-on in a way that feels charming and low-key, bringing some levity to the otherwise elegant experience.

It’s proper British cuisine here — meat, veg, and no frills — but everything is done extremely well. The menu changes monthly, but for August the aperitivo was the “QV Aperitivo” Sorrel Spritz. It was light, refreshing, perfect for the warm weather. That said, the wine we ordered later definitely paired better with the meal.

For mains, we went for the poached cod with a side of green tomato, courgette, and mint salad. Every part of the plate felt fresh, seasonal, and locally sourced. A proper treat.

Have to try: Chocolate truffles
Perfect for: Special Occasions
Approx price for 2: £40-£80

If the name didn’t already give it away, Bocca di Lupo is an elegant Italian joint tucked away on Archer Street.

We started with the buffalo mozzarella bocconcini – essentially a gourmet mozzarella dipper. They serve them individually at £3.50 each, but two per person is honestly the minimum. They were so moreish.

In an attempt to steer clear of cheese after that heavenly dairy overload, we went for the pappardelle with duck ragù for mains. Though we were very tempted by the ricotta and spinach ravioli in sage and butter sauce — next time, for sure. The duck ragù didn’t disappoint though. Rich, decadent, and the pasta was cooked to perfection.

For pudding, we had the bonet — a chocolate, orange, amaretti, and Cointreau dessert. It had that subtle boozy warmth but the zesty orange really stole the show. Light, flavourful, and totally unique.

The wine list was seriously impressive. We went for a Sicilian rosé and it paired perfectly with both the starters and mains.

Have to try: Buffalo mozzarella bocconcini
Perfect for: Pre theatre dinner and drinks
Approx price for 2: £40-£100

Paradise Soho really lives up to its name — sleek, modern, sophisticated — and the food doesn’t disappoint in the slightest.

It puts a contemporary spin on traditional Sri Lankan cuisine, and we loved how the menu was divided into meat, fish, and vegetarian sections. It really caters to all dietary needs. Finally, a place where vegetarians aren’t just an afterthought. That said, we fully leaned into the seafood side of things. It’s Sri Lankan food, after all – they know their way around bold, ocean flavours.

To start, we shared the rasam. The waiter said that this os one of their most popular and traditional dishes. It’s a warming, soup-like bowl of sweet and tangy goodness, flavoured with delicate curry spices. Super soothing and full of depth.

For mains, we had the scallop and native lobster kiri-hodi, which came with wild garlic oil and a quail’s egg. An absolute mouthful (in every sense), but genuinely sensational.

To drink, we paired everything with a mezcal margarita that had hints of tamarind and chili. The perfect spicy finish to an already fiery, flavour-packed experience.

Have to try: Mezcal margarita and Kiri-hodi (lobster)
Perfect for: Special Occasions
Approx price for 2: £140-£200

We can’t lie – the name ‘Humble Chicken’ didn’t exactly scream fine dining to us.
We were expecting a casual chicken spot, maybe a quick grab-and-go. But it turned out to be the furthest thing from that.

We walked in and were informed it’s actually a 13-seat chef’s table, open-kitchen experience. The interior is refined – definitely miles above chicken shop levels (thankfully) – but not pretentious or overly polished either. Even though they’ve got 2 Michelin stasr under their belt, they’re not shouting about it. From that moment, we knew: we’re booking this place for our next special occasion.

They specialise in Japanese–European fusion, served as an 18-course tasting menu. You can let them know your dietary preferences, but yes, as the name suggests, chicken plays a major role. That said, there were some standout seafood moments too.

Cocktails? Incredible. Our favourites were the lychee martini (as dreamy as you’d imagine) and the Humble Chicken Highball, which had whisky, coconut milk, and milk oolong tea — an unexpectedly perfect combo.

Have to try: Humble Chicken Highball cocktail (whiskey, coconut milk, and milk oolong tea)
Perfect for: Special Occasions
Approx price: £235

You don’t have to worry about keeping the mood or energy alive when you arrive at Hoppers. The atmosphere is already exciting and lively, and the flavours absolutely match.

And of course, you haven’t truly been to Hoppers until you’ve tried their famous hopper (obviously!). I know it’s hard, but skip your usual Indian takeout on a Friday night, get out and try something entirely different. You won’t regret it, I swear!

Don’t let the loud, buzzing vibe fool you though; it never takes away from the incredible food. Also, with exciting veggie options and plenty of sharing plates, there’s something for everyone. 

Have to try: Jaggery Lamb Kari
Perfect for: fun with friends, family
Approx price for 2: £80-£100

Barrafina is modern and elegant – think marble counters, bar stools.  We love a place that’s organised and precise.

They’re serving Spanish tapas, so it’s the ideal spot for those “just a light bite” lunches that quickly turn into being rolled out the door because everything is way too tasty and way too easy to over-order. (We speak from experience.)

We went in hard, so here are just the highlights:

The prawn and piquillo pepper tortillas? A non-negotiable. The chicken thigh with romesco was melt-in-your-mouth tender with a spicy kick you can’t quit. For a veggie moment, the crispy aubergine drizzled in honey was sensational — sweet, fresh, and the perfect contrast to the meatier bits. And obviously… patatas bravas. No notes. No explanation needed.

Have to try: Prawn and piquillo pepper tortillas
Perfect for: Lunch date
Approx price for 2: £30-£60

Ducksoup is a casual yet refined spot on Dean Street, serving European food at its absolute best.

The menu isn’t overwhelming – it’s relatively small with a curated selection of starters, mains, and desserts. But each dish is clearly crafted with intention. You’re not bombarded with choice, and everything on offer delivers satisfying flavours and balanced components.

It’s also a wine bar, so of course we had to get a glass… or three. In hindsight, a bottle would’ve been the smarter (and cheaper) choice. While sipping, we ordered a few of the bar snacks — the labneh with farm bread was a standout. Honestly, bread and dip is the undefeated starter combo.

For mains, we went for the braised chicken, which came with white beans and a creamy garlic aioli – perfectly moist and packed with flavour. Any risk of dry chicken? Eliminated.

Pudding kept things light: a fresh and fluffy ricotta with honey and strawberries. The perfect ending to a meal that hit every note

Have to try: Labneh with farmbread
Perfect for: Casual lunch out
Approx price for 2: £30-£60

Speedboat Bar is definitely the most casual of the bunch – but who doesn’t love a bit of organised chaos?
It brings all the colour and vibrancy of Soho right into the dining room. Think: yellow and turquoise walls, bar stools, and endless pictures covering the space. It’s all about good energy and even better food.

To kick things off, we had the sweetcorn fritters, which had the dreamiest texture and paired perfectly with the sweet chilli sauce on the side.

From the specials menu (which was impossible to choose from, btw), we landed on 2 items. First, the fried fish fillet with lime and chilli – flaky, flavourful, gone in seconds. Second, the crispy egg noodles with gravy, pork, prawns, and squid. Yes — gravy on noodles. No dry, chewy disappointments here, just rich, saucy goodness.

And please, please, please don’t skip dessert. The pineapple pie was a revelation. If a McDonald’s apple pie can slap as hard as it does (and who knows what’s in that), imagine what happens when it’s fresh, sweet, golden and actually made with care.

Have to try: Pineapple pie
Perfect for: Casual catch ups
Approx price for 2: £30-£50