Restaurant Reviews

63–69 Canonbury Rd, London N1 2DG

Bistro Sablé took over from Smokehouse (although it's by the same group) and made this little corner of Islington look like a French bistro that has been here for an age. The menu is full of classic French dishes, from cheese soufflés and pâté en croute through to Dover sole meuniere and rich boeuf Bourgignon. The kitchen here is doing sterling work that wouldn't feel out of place in Paris and there's a great all-French wine list that's well priced. In the warmer months, a seat on the terrace is a must.

112 Westbourne Grove, London W2 5RU

This is the Notting Hill sibling of The Barbary in Covent Garden and shares the same approach as the original, although in a much larger setting. Coming from the same people behind The Palomar and Evelyn's Table, the menu takes its inspiration from Southern Europe to Northern Africa. It still features counter dining like their Seven Dials restaurant, but there are also lots of booths if a stool at the counter isn't your thing. Dishes range from breads and dips to larger grilled fish dishes and make sure to leave room for their excellent hashcake dessert.

157 Lordship Lane, London SE22 8HX

After longstanding East Dulwich restaurant Franklin's closed, it was quickly taken over by Jamie Younger (of The Begging Bowl), who has relaunched it as a neighbourhood pub (with the main pub downstairs and the dining room upstairs). The menu here is led by British ingredients while having "a modern French bistro influence". So that means you'll have snacks like duck liver & foie gras parfait and big mains like a whole roast poulet jaune. Martinis are a big thing (alongside beer, of course) while wines focus on France.

66 Union St, London SE1 1TD

Oudh 1772 comes from top chef Aktar Islam, who's also behind the two-Michelin-starred Opheem, one of the UK's best Indian restaurants. Here in London Bridge, this restaurant focuses on Awadhi cuisine and particularly food from the Lucknow region. Thre are some excellent kebabs on the menu, including the must-have gilawat, huge biryanis and great curries. A visit to the top floor is also recommended, where the bar is turning out excellent cocktails using Indian spices and ingredients.