Based in Shoreditch Town Hall, this is my favorite restaurant in London. It’s also regarded as one of the best restaurants in the world, at least by the folks behind the 50 best restaurants list, where it currently sits at number 33. You’ll need to book a few months in advance to get a prized Friday/Saturday evening spot. However, come midweek for lunch and you may be in luck.

This Notting Hill institution sits at number 27 on the 50 best restaurants on the world list. I’ve had some wonderful meals there, although I still think the Clove Club pips it. Another restaurant you need to book a few months in advance to get into.

This large industrial restaurant sits below Shoreditch House. They do a great menu of small plates, so load up and a bunch of different things for maximum adventure. It always used to be slightly easier to get a reservation here, but they recently made it onto the world's 50 best restaurants list, so that may have changed.

Solid Italian bistro cooking in a nice, relaxed surroundings. What more could you ask for.

Great Australian inspired brunch joint with several locations around London.

Hoppers is a great Sri Lankan Restaurant in the heart of Soho. They don’t take reservations so get their early if you want to avoid a 2 hour wait. Fortunately they don’t make you wait in a queue outside. Rather they do the American thing of taking your name and calling when a table becomes available, which means more time drinking amazing cocktails in Soho. This place is a Michelin Bib Gourmand, which is a more affordable version of a michelin star. Probably explains the ques.

I’ve not had a chance to eat at the Mexican Restaurant set up for former NOMA Tulum chef, but it’s high up on my list of places to try.

This new restaurant in Hoxton, is a collaboration between zero waste empresario and founder of Silo in Brighton, and  the owner of the world's best cocktail bar, Dandelyon. With credentials like you, you know it’s going to be good, and it is. Once you’ve finished your dinner, check out the Lyon cocktail bar next door.

The smaller cousin to middle eastern sensation Morro, next door, I actually prefer the counter service tapas served here. You can’t book, so it’s usually a case of rocking up early (or late) and hoping for the best.

Doyen of the Vegetarian Food scene, Mildred’s is the perfect place to bring your veggie or Vegan friends. The place is tiny and the seats are packed close together, which means it's always fun earwigging on the couple on the table next to you, struggling through an awkward first date.

Another tiny middle eastern style restaurant that packs a big flavor punch. This is the place to take your friends if you want to look like you have your finger on the pulse of the London dining scene.

This restaurant from Nuno Mendes is a bit of a celebrity sensation. In fact for the first two years of its opening it was almost impossible to get a reservation unless your name was Tom Cruise or David Beckham. Fortunately Chiltern Firehouse Fever has calmed down, so it is possible for mere mortals to get a seat. The food is solid, the surroundings lush, and there is a slight chance you may see somebody you recognise off the telly.

A great antipodean cafe-restaurant, which started in Exmouth market before branching out to Kings Cross. The brunch game is strong with this one. Whatever you order, add a side of cornbread.  It’s delish!

For a long time, this was my go to brunch spot in London. Their corn cakes were divine, leading me to hypothesize that “corn cakes were the NEW avocado on toast”, a statement I still stand by. I’ve slightly overdosed on this place, so have been exploring other options in the area. However it’s somewhere I keep coming back to. 

Founded by celebrity chef and impossible to follow recipe book author (what do you mean, you don’t have Sumac?) Ottolenghi’s is a great place to dine when in Soho. 

If you can’t get into Ottolenghi, then go here instead. It’s just as good, if not slightly better, but the lack of a celebrity chef in the title means you’ve got a much better chance of getting a seat. It also demonstrates your food cred to your friends.

Anybody up for Michelin Star, Japanese Peruvian food? If so, Chotto Matte is the best place to head. In fact for many years it was probably the only place to head, but Japanese Peruvian Fusion has become a bit of a thing of late. 

High end Michelin Star dining from Godon Ramsay's former head chef. I’ve not had the chance to eat here yet but it’s definitely at the top of my list of London restaurants to check out. 

The original nose to tail eating restaurants, both sites are simple and extraordinary, showcasing the best of British meat and fish served in Fergus Henderson’s uncompromising style. (St John Smithfield and St John Bread and Wine on Commercial St)

Tiny gem of a restaurant, hidden in plain sight on Dean St, sit at the bar or one on of the tiny tables, listen to jazzy blues on the record player in the corner whilst being plied with simple yet completely superb cooking and a wine list fit for kings. It’s often a squeeze but the superb bar staff will do all they can to make sure you have a table. A wonderful place to see proper Soho play out before your eyes.

A lovely local bistro on Columbia Road with low light, a buzzy atmosphere and a a delicious selection of small plates.

Another lovely local bistro, this time on Redchurch Street. Very meat and fish heavy, drawing influence from Basque flavours. Gets consistently good reviews so on plenty of top London restaurants lists.

A well regarded London Bistro that helped kick start a more casual style of dining in the capitol. Expect simple, tasty, European inspired food at reasonable prices.

If you want to experience a slice of a disappearing London mostly confined to Richard Curtis and Guy Richie movies, then head to E Pellicci for breakfast. You’ll be having a fry up next to builders, local traders, hipster and artists. You may even get a rare sighting of Gilbert & George.

Classic Italian Soho eatery. A favourite amongst many visiting celebs looking for a slice of 60s Soho.

Another restaurant that’s been making waves in London’s fine dining scene. Not been there yet but it’s also high on my list of places to check out.