Here are some of my favourite restaurants from around the world.
Authentic Italian restaurant focusing on small plates, with a menu that changes twice daily
Location: Soho, London
Favourite dishes: spaghetti con le sarde, trippe alla romana (keep in mind that items come and go from the menu very quickly!)
They provide foccaccia, olive oil, and olives to start. They do a really good negroni.
Food is consistently very good, if a little bit salty on occasion.
I recommend sitting at the counter so you can see the chefs do their thing. Can be hard to book.
Service is great.
Overall rating: 10/10
Italian restaurant in an old pub, focusing on home-style cooking
Location: Shoreditch, London
Favourite dishes: giardiniera pickles, cavatelli with borlotti
The food is hearty, very authentic, the kind my Nonna would make.
Their desserts are particularly amazing (try their panna cotta)
Very hard to book, but walk-ins are easy at the bar (if you arrive at 6 PM)
Overall rating: 10/10
Modern Mediterranean restaurant, with very fresh ingredients
Location: Temple, London
I've never had a bad meal here.
Favourite dishes: olives (some of the best I've ever had, marinated in orange zest, rosemary, garlic, chilli), and anything with artichokes
The menu leans Italian (not complaining) but you'll see a lot of Greek influence
I love their olive oil cake
Service varies, but is usually good
I also just love the wooden decor of this place
Overall rating: 9/10
Mediterranean restaurant with a slight Greek focus
I particularly love their seafood and vegetable dishes, and their use of tahini
I also love their dedication to using local produce
The portokalopita with mascaporne ice cream and rosemary crumble is a perfect dessert
Beautiful decor, very attentive staff
Overall rating: 10/10