Bala Baya offers that perfect balance between indulgent and fresh. The kind of food that feels like a treat but won’t leave you in a food coma- basically you’ll still be able to function normally throughout your 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 you want 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, in my opinion, 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 your best bet for a first date. 

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

How annoying is it when you ask someone what they feel like eating and they hit you 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 you don’t have to play that guessing game and just get 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 I’m here with my family? I’m not pretending. I’m going straight in with the fish and chips- a British classic, but made fancy. 

Their dessert menu is just as solid. I’m a simple girl at heart, so it’s a date and molasses sticky toffee pudding for me every time. I don’t even need to see the menu anymore. It’s rich, warm, and honestly the main reason I 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

If you’re like us and like to pretend it’s still summer well into December, wearing sunglasses indoors and ordering spritzes in 6°C, then definitely go to Seabird. They offer coastal classics to more elevated, bougie plates. The atmosphere encapsulates everything you love about the seaside plus the added comfort of not having to protect your food from seagulls or keep sand out of your shoes.

Now, this is one for the real seafood lovers. I brought my veggie friend here once and while they do have a couple of non-fish options, let’s not kid ourselves, it’s called Seabird for a reason.
The crispy lobster rice cake was life-changing, especially with that aioli. I want it bottled and sold. One pot is simply not enough.

And obviously, no seafood feast is complete without chips- crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, everything you want. 

Have to try: Octopus roll
Perfect for: Family, catch up with friends
Approx price for 2: £120

Sushi is one of those cravings that’s honestly more stressful than it needs to be. It’s either so expensive you’re questioning your life decisions mid-bite, or you test your stomach strength and grab a sad supermarket box (these are really desperate times).

But Sushi Co has fully saved me. It’s proper sushi at prices that don’t make you want to cry. I’m not saying it’s Nobu standard, but it doesn’t pretend to be. What I can say is the fish is fresh, tasty, and definitely not the mystery stuff you get from some high street chains.

The staff are also super helpful, which I love. I usually never stray away from my California rolls, but they encouraged me to try a kaburi based on what I already like, and I wasn’t disappointed. Nothing’s replacing my holy grail California roll, but now I mix it up a bit rather than ordering two of the same like I used to. Growth.

And if you’re in the mood for a proper meal, not just sushi bites, they also do poke bowls that are meant to be super fresh and satisfying (still need to try one myself).

Have to try: Salmon cheese dragon roll
Perfect for: Family, friends
Approx price for 2: £30

It’s hard to betray your local pub and sometimes (all the time) nothing hits like Spoons. But if you’re looking to switch things up, The Duke of Sussex is one of the most interesting (and chaotic in the best way) pub dining experiences I’ve had in London.

When I first looked at the menu, I had that mix of curiosity and fear. I’m not sure who proposed the idea of a lamb keema scotch egg and more importantly, who approved it. British-Indian fusion is everywhere, but this one’s bold. To this day, I genuinely don’t know if I loved or hated it, but I do know I’d order it again just to figure it out. 

Now one dish I can recommend with full confidence was the spicy chicken schnitzel burger. Just say that out loud, doesn’t it already sound like something that slaps? Crunchy, juicy, spicy, comforting – basically a fried chicken burger taken to another level.

Also, yes I’m that girl who asks if a pub does cocktails, and to my surprise, they said yes. The spicy cucumber margarita was refreshing with just the right amount of kick. Get your Peroni after if you must, but please try the marg first.

Plus, they do karaoke and live entertainment, there’s actually no reason to leave- you’ll be here for hours!!

Have to try: Chocolate brownie trifle
Perfect for: Catch up with friends
Approx price for 2: £50-£70

You can never go wrong with Thai food, it’s always packed with exciting, unique flavour, and Sticky Mango proves exactly that. This place serves contemporary Thai cuisine, so expect all your favourites but with a fun twist. Nothing too out of the ordinary, just enough to keep things interesting and make you feel like you’re not ordering the same dishes you always do.

My personal favourite was the Malaysian chicken curry puffs. I know, it sounds simple, but the curry inside had such an authentic flavour that still shone through even though it was tucked into pastry. And obviously, I had to get the chicken satay. It was next level. Perfectly grilled and they nailed the ratio of salty to sweet in that peanut sauce.

One of the best parts is the tapas-style approach. Everything is made to share, which means no heavy duty decision making or food envy — you can try it all (and trust me, you’ll want to). I was in a group so we went for a bottle of wine, which paired nicely, but I’m still thinking about the Thai-inspired cocktails I didn’t try. There was a pineapple and Thai basil mojito calling my name and I didn’t listen. If you go, please order it so I can live vicariously through you.

Have to try: Truffle egg fried rice
Perfect for: Dating, Catch up with friends
Approx price for 2: £90

I know what you’re thinking – how are we this far down the list and not one Italian place has made the cut yet? Don’t panic. Fifth Element, right in the heart of Waterloo, will absolutely sort out those Italian cravings.

I’m usually a bit skeptical of Italian restaurants in the city because they love to overcomplicate things. Like, no, I don’t want veal soaked in a 24-hour fermented reduction of something I can’t pronounce. Just give me pasta that looks easy enough to make at home, but let’s be honest – I can’t, and I won’t. Fifth Element keeps it simple but still feels like fine dining, flavour-wise and presentation-wise.

I went for the chicken alfredo: tender, juicy chicken – yes. Rich creamy sauce- yes. Don’t need to ask for salt – yes. All boxes ticked. I had serious food envy over the stone baked pizzas flying past our table. Next time, that’s mine.

And of course, the real test for me is the tiramisu. This one passed. Light and fluffy, the sponge wasn’t soggy, and it hit the perfect balance — not too coffee-heavy, not drowning in booze. Just right.

The vibe was definitely Instagram-worthy, but still relaxed – my kind of place. 

Have to try: Feta cheese loaded fries
Perfect for: Fun with friends, dating
Approx price for 2: £70

Crust Bros is the epitome of a perfect quick bite. Fast service but quality pizza, and before you know it, it’s all gone and you’re left wishing you savoured each bite a little longer. It’s right next to Waterloo station, so it’s dangerously convenient. If you’ve just finished work and need something to make that chaotic rush hour somewhat tolerable, this pizza will absolutely do the trick.

It’s equally great for a casual sit-down meal, no kids screaming “is it ready yet?” (although truthfully, I’m thinking the same). The best part of Crust Bros is that you can fully personalise your pizza. I always find myself wanting the exact pizza that’s never on the menu, then turning into that person listing 12 custom toppings. Here, that’s literally the point. 

They’ve got a gorgeous wine list too, so you can still feel a little bit fancy while demolishing your pizza.

Have to try: Caramelised onion cheesy garlic bread
Perfect for: Family, Catch-up with friends, Quick bite
Approx price for 2: £40 + drinks

Sometimes I feel like I’m constantly choosing between good vibes or good food, and rarely both. But Wahaca Waterloo has managed to merge atmosphere and actual flavour, so no need to compromise anymore.

I’ve probably been to every Wahaca in every city at this point, and honestly I’ve yet to try something on the menu I didn’t like. One thing I always look out for is the guac – and I’m proud to report that here, they’re using actual avocados. I know that shouldn’t be a luxury, but after enough tube-guac disasters, it kind of is.

This place is made for sharing. Technically, you can get larger plates, but the one time I tried that, it was the only time I was not completely satisfied. Stick to the street food – quesadillas, tacos, tostadas. Honestly, just close your eyes and pick something. It’s all good.

Vibe-wise, they’ve nailed it. From the music to the staff to the six (oops) passion fruit margaritas, I cannot fault it!!. 

Have to try: Buttermilk chicken tacos
Perfect for: Fun with friends
Approx price for 2: £55-£65 + drinks

Auberge genuinely covers all the cravings. I’ll be honest, when my friend suggested going to this “French brasserie” she found, my first reaction was a hard no. When we’re surrounded by so many fun, creative spots, why would I choose a place that I assumed would be all tiny portions and big prices?

I judged too fast.

This place has everything. From tapas classics like calamari and camembert, to proper comfort dishes like chicken burgers and club sandwiches. But if you do want to lean into that elegant French bistro vibe, you can choose from options like duck confit, boeuf bourguignon and many more that I butcher the pronunciation of. 

Because of my slightly “less-French” order (yes, I got the chicken burger), I kept it casual with a Pimm’s, but if you want to properly embrace that French-ness, definitely get something off their expansive white wine list.

Maybe next time I’ll be brave and actually go full French. Maybe.

Have to try: Pan fried prawns
Perfect for: Dating, Catch up with friends
Approx price for 2: £35-£100, depending on lunch or dinner/drinks