Restaurant Reviews

50 Notting Hill Gate, London W11 3JD

Notting Hill has embraced this new Lebanese brasserie, which has been creating serious buzz for its contemporary take on classic Middle Eastern dishes. The folks behind it are Rasha Khouri Bruzzo, co-owner of Akub, and brothers Jad and Karim Lahoud. Together, they've given this former pre-war bank building a glamorous new lease of life. There's speve given over here for a deli, restaurant and bar and, if you head downstairs to the old bank vault, that's now a wine room. Come with a group as the menu's built for sharing.

Menier Chocolate Factory, 53 Southwark St, London SE1 1RU

Her OG wine bar in Covent Garden proved such a hit that owner and sommelier Carole Bryon was persuaded to expand with a second venture, this time in London Bridge. This is a two-pronged affair. Downstairs is Forbidden Fruit, a speakeasy-style affair serving wines by the glass and toasties. Upstairs is a proper French bistro with ex-Frenchie chef Matyáš Plzák serving an array of French-accented dishes. In both, the focus on wine is the same, with a list that exclusively showcases female wine producers.

Brook St, London W1K 4HR

Having originally opened as a summer residency at Claridge's restaurant, the popularity of this NYC pop-up was such that the hotel decided to put a ring on it and make the relationship a permanent one. The menu is a New York Italian affair with some Mayfair flourishes. So you'll find signature dishes like the chicken alla diavola alongside lobster linguine. If you're making a long lunch, or late dinner of it, be sure to swing by their bar here for some excellently-made martinis.

33–35 Abbeville Road, London SW4 9LA

Having won both Great British Menu and MasterChef: The Professionals, there was only one last challenge for chef Nikita Pathakji and that was to open her own restaurant. She's teamed up with her mother and sister for this restaurant in Clapham, after years of running successful supper clubs. And while the produce here is focused on British seasonality, the inspiration behind it speaks of her Indian heritage but also all the travelling she's done. In case you're wondering, GBM-winning dishes are on the menu, including the Halibut with Malaysian Fish Head Curry that won her the Champion of Champions title.