Where do chefs eat?
This collection of London restaurants highlights where chefs go for reliable, delicious meals, ranging from authentic ramen and Turkish meze to innovative vegetable-focused dishes and classic Italian fare. It offers a curated glimpse into the city's vibrant culinary scene, celebrating both well-known establishments and hidden gems favoured by professionals.
Joyau
A restaurant where the chefs behind the food offering focus on creating a nurturing meal experience for both staff and customers.
Den
A two-Michelin-starred restaurant in Tokyo where chef Joyeta Ng honed her craft.
Chairman
A restaurant in Hong Kong where Joyeta Ng worked, known for its high-quality cuisine.
Noma
A groundbreaking restaurant in Kyoto that hosted pop-ups in 2023 and 2024, visited by chef Joyeta Ng.
Poon's Somerset House
A restaurant where Joyeta Ng is currently heading the kitchen, offering dishes reminiscent of a Chinese mother's cooking.
40 Maltby Street
A highly recommended restaurant known for its delicious fritters and pastry dishes, with cooking that excites and inspires.
Planque
A restaurant where Sebastian Myers serves unique rice dishes, described as risotto-like with crispy textures.
The Macbeth
A recently discovered spot popular for its hot chips, bifana, mini burgers, and cheese borek, great for a quick bite.
Robin’s Ramen
A ramen spot in Notting Hill, located at the back of Supermarket of Dreams, serving exceptional bowls with premium produce.
Supermarket of Dreams
A venue that houses Robin's Ramen, offering a space where one can find excellent ramen.
Uncle Wrinkle
A beloved Chinese takeaway run by a lovely couple, known for its delicious deep-fried items and welcoming atmosphere.
Don't Tell Dad
A restaurant where Zane Metcalf works as Sous Chef, noted for its appearance in the Michelin Guide.
The Camberwell Arms
A restaurant where Zane Metcalf previously worked, contributing to its reputation in the culinary scene.
Bubala
A restaurant co-founded by Helen Graham, known for its focus on vegetables as the star of each dish.
Ramen Moto
A highly-rated ramen restaurant in London, praised for its authentic and delicious broths.
Tokoton ramen
A classic ramen spot in Elephant and Castle run by friendly Japanese staff.
Bouchon Racine
A consistently reliable restaurant that never disappoints, offering a great dining experience.
Lao Dao
A restaurant where the lamb skewers are highlighted as being particularly divine.
Cafe Déco
A restaurant that receives very high praise and is recommended without reservation.
Speedboat Bar
A go-to spot for delicious food and a great atmosphere, especially for early Sunday finishers.
The Barbary
A restaurant where Helen Graham gained experience before co-founding Bubala, known for its focus on vegetables.
Mangal 1
A frequently visited restaurant that is praised for being cheap, delicious, and always having a great vibe.
Hanimeli
A delightful Turkish meze spot that is recommended for enjoying a full spread, especially for breakfast.
Miga
A family-run Korean restaurant with French-style execution, where the passion of the chef and team is evident.
Towpath
A charming canal-side dining spot known for its rustic, ingredient-led, and uniquely London experience.
Lá Lốt
A restaurant concept by Eric Wan, focusing on Southern Vietnamese cooking inspired by the vibrant Chợ Lớn district.
Tempo
A recently opened restaurant in Bethnal Green where Eric Wan is currently based, offering energetic Southern Vietnamese cooking.
Chợ Lớn
A district in Ho Chi Minh City that inspires Eric Wan's Southern Vietnamese cooking with its street food and vibrant atmosphere.
Dim Sum Duck
A consistently brilliant establishment that is always busy, known for specific dim sum dishes.
Udaya Kerala
A restaurant serving comforting and flavourful Kerala cuisine, with specific recommendations for appam, rolls, roast, and biryani.
Scenery Coffee
A coffee shop recommended for its excellent house filter coffee and consistently spot-on homemade brioche rolls.
Naughty Piglets
A restaurant particularly praised for its simple yet perfect jambon beurre, made with generous amounts of French butter.
Koya
A go-to restaurant, especially for solo diners, offering a comforting experience of udon and tempura.
Westerns Laundry
A restaurant where Jemma Harrison previously worked, known for its focus on seasonal produce and regional cookery.
Giacco’s
A venue that hosted Jemma Harrison's Kaunter concept for a four-month residency.
Linglings
A restaurant where chefs might try something new or visit other chefs' residencies, noted for its talented chef Jenny.
Babaan’s Naan
A place offering a cheap and satisfying eat, particularly known for its generously stuffed falafel wrap.
Le Relais de Venise
A consistently delicious restaurant known for its signature sauce, chips, double portions, and dessert platters.
Maison Francois
A restaurant with a special dining room, particularly noted for its beautifully executed desserts.
Wildflowers
A restaurant praised for beautifully simple food with bold flavors and textures, offering a chic beach club vibe without the price.
The River Cafe
A renowned restaurant where Jack Lawrence began his professional kitchen experience, known for its high-quality Italian-inspired cuisine.
Kensington Place
A former restaurant where Jack Lawrence worked under Rowley Leigh, noted for its culinary influence before its closure.
Ombra
A restaurant where Eleni Thoma has worked, contributing to her diverse culinary experience.
Padella
A highly popular pasta restaurant where Eleni Thoma has gained experience.
Honey & Co
A restaurant where Eleni Thoma has worked, known for its Middle Eastern-inspired cuisine.
Potter & Reid
A culinary establishment where Eleni Thoma has gained experience.
Vasantha Vilas
A restaurant recommended to start with pani puri and enjoy dishes like dosa and saag palaak, accompanied by chai.
Noble Rot Lambs Conduit
A restaurant with exceptional bread and butter, offering a fantastic starting point to a menu where anything can be enjoyed, including their madeleines.
St John
A restaurant mentioned for its madeleines, similar to those offered at Noble Rot Lambs Conduit.
Oyster Shack & Seafood Bar
Located in the inner reaches of Epping Forest, this shack offers a slick operation with seafood-laden lunches after a walk.
Brawn
A consistently excellent restaurant recommended for celebrations, offering dishes like rabbit rillettes, roast chicken, and baked nectarines.
The Eagle Farringdon
A noisy, bustling pub known for its rustic, hearty food and being a notable spot for chefs, famous for its steak sandwich and bean/pulse dishes.
Polentina
A unique restaurant in Bow, functioning as a workers' canteen that opens to the public, serving beautiful, uncompromising, super-regional Italian food.
HT Harris Delicatessen
A delicatessen offering a counter to choose from for making your own sandwich and a couple of daily pasta dishes.
Neco Tantuni
A popular spot known for its tantuni, especially its fresh lavash wrap, offering a flavorful Turkish experience.
Artusi
A neighborhood restaurant in Peckham focused on Italian-inspired cooking and wine, known for its solid cooking and beautiful ingredients.