London is one of the culinary capitals of the world with new restaurants opening every day. This article lists five of the latest must-visit restaurants that are causing a stir in the capital.
Mari Vanna
116 Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7PJ
Mari Vanna is one of London’s best kept Russian secrets, located in the exclusive Knightsbridge neighbourhood, next to the infamous One Hyde Park development and a stroll away from London’s luxurious shopping area of Harrods, Harvey Nichols and Sloane Street’s designer boutiques. The decor is homely and classical equally, giving one the feeling of entering a traditional St. Petersburg home. The food is divine and the greatest way to approach the menu is to order a wide selection of dishes and share them amongst the table.
Delicious dishes that are recommended to try are the Aubergine Caviar, Russian sauerkraut, Courgette Pancakes “Oladushki” with salmon and Russian Blinis served with sour cream, egg, red onion, herbs and lightly salted salmon.
No Russian restaurant would be complete without some superb Russian vodka. Whether you order a selection of flavoured vodka shots to enjoy throughout the meal or try one of their vodka cocktails, you won’t be disappointed. My suggestion would be to order their Friday Night Sunflower cocktail, a concoction of home made oblepiha mors, passion fruit and Russian standard Original vodka.
STK
ME London Hotel, 336-337 The Strand, Covent Garden, London WC2R 1HA
Finally. STK, one of New York’s best establishments, comes to London. With a trendy bar, a fashionable crowd, a fabulous list of cocktails and talented DJs, this American steakhouse is a great place for groups looking for a fun night out on the London town. In close proximity to the bustling bars and restaurants of Covent Garden, this part of London is great night spot for those that want to carry on post-dinner as well.
Must try-dishes include tuna tartare, pear and endive salad and the shellfish bisque. And for steak lovers, you have certainly come to the right place, with a wide range of accompaniments from Black Truffle to STK’s own scrumptious sauce. Seafood lovers will not be disappointed either with such a wide variety of choice.
Buddha Bar
145 Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7PA
This is London’s second attempt at bringing the international Buddha Bar chain to the city and this time they have definitely got it right. As can be promised by any Buddha Bar you visit from Paris to Dubai, the evening will offer an electric atmosphere, brilliant cocktails and wine and a delicious Asian menu to choose from. Must-have dishes are the sushi and sashimi selection, foie gras gyoza and pan-fried sea bass. For martini lovers, don’t miss out on the lychee martinis which are superb.
Coya
118 Piccadilly, Mayfair, London W1J 7NW
Coya brings Latin America to Mayfair in this new restaurant opened by famous restaurateur Arjun Waney, the man behind Zuma, Roka and London’s popular private members club Arts Club. The cuisine is Peruvian, the kitchens are open, the chefs entertaining and the food divine. The head chef Sanjay Dwivedi travelled extensively across South America for inspiration for the Coya menu. The Ceviche bar is a favourite, the open charcoal grill and the central kitchen also great places. While you eat, you will be able to enjoy Latin American music and culture. At Coya, you will also get an authentic Peruvian drinking experience through a variety of pisco infusions on offer, Pisco being a grape brandy which originates from the winemaking regions of Chile and Peru.
Bubbledogs
70 Charlotte Street, London W1T 4QG
Who would have thought the somewhat simplistic combination of hot dogs and champagne would cause such frenzy in London and winding queues rippling out onto Charlotte Street. This venue is full of character and charm and is a must-visit for any London visitor. Pick from a wide variety of champagnes and from a selection of delicious hot dogs. Suggestion would be to pick a minimum of two hot dogs, three for the really hungry and a side of sweet potato fries to complete the meal. The innovative hot dog selection is mouth-watering from the Trishna Dog (mint, mango chutney and coriander) to the Jose (Salsa, avocado, sour cream and pickled jalapenos) and the Fourth of July (bacon wrapped with smokey BBQ sauce and coleslaw) to the New Yorker (grilled sauerkraut).
If you want to avoid the queues, I would most definitely suggest finding five friends to join for the meal so you can book in advance to avoid the lengthy queues that this restaurant attracts (minimum six people required to make a booking).
