New on Resy: Smokestak, 12:51, Hovarda, Barrafina, and More

Beloved for perfect Sunday roasts and an immaculate tasting menu of dishes cooked over fire, this Peckham restaurant has garnered accolades from day one. Expect dishes like corn-fed chicken two ways, smoked halibut with a punchy curry beurre blanc, and cherry and mezcal sorbet. Pro tip: The wine pairing is excellent value, and shouldn’t be missed.

A siren of a restaurant off Covent Garden’s main piazza, this elegant contemporary British restaurant is set in a handsome townhouse, with a chic, intimate feel. Cooking is familiar and comforting, while elevated in presentation and execution; dishes like rose veal fillet with peppercorn sauce, quail Kiev, and outstanding desserts are worth travelling into town for, while Sunday roasts are the stuff of legend. 

Set in the crumbling grandeur of an antique-filled Georgian Mansion, this modern British classic has quietly been one of the city’s standout restaurants for years. The dining room has to be seen to be believed, while a walk-in only terrace is a fine place to visit for drinks and dishes like roast Brixham hake, burrata with toasted almonds, or glazed Dexter beef shortrib with a delicate bone marrow crumb.   

Known for cooking at two-Michelin starred The Ledbury and winning Great British menu, James Cochrane is one of the most acclaimed chefs cooking in London. His flagship Islington restaurant displays the breadth of his skill through an accessible five-course taster menu and incredible Sunday roasts, taken in a beautifully redesigned Victorian building. 

With an owner who learned his craft at Mexico City’s legendary Pujol, this Borough Market kitchen and counter is one of the best places to eat tacos in London right now. Mexican-inspired takes on cochinita pibil and carne asada sidle next to plates of grilled fish and natural wines, equally enjoyable at the open air bar, or at a table by the robata grill. At-home taco kits for two are also available.

One of the most outstanding places for Texas-style BBQ in the city, David Carter’s temple to smoke and fire has a legion of fans, and with good reason. Pork belly and beef brisket — whether straight up or in a bun — melts in the mouth, sticky toffee pudding makes for a perfect finish, and small plates show plenty of finesse. The bar is also an excellent place for a catchup over peach old-fashioneds, and there’s plenty of outdoor seating on a terrace, too. 

An experience like perching at Barrafina’s marble bar with a glass of cava and tapas is one of the reasons anyone moves to London in the first place. Casually fabulous, this institution backs up ambience with some of the best Spanish food outside of Spain itself; gleamingly fresh seafood, meat, and vegetables prepared simply to let flavours shine, and classics done right. One of the city’s great nights out. 

Along with its sibling El Pastor in Borough Market, this upbeat, casual Mexican eatery has upped London’s taco game. Hand-pressed corn tortillas are paired with classic toppings like battered fish and pork al pastor, zingy salsas, ceviches, and larger sharing plates. Its cocktail game is strong, with an excellent mezcal lineup, and plenty of heated outdoor space for gatherings.

A short walk from the South Bank, this Waterloo gastropub is still one of the best in the city. On one side, it’s a classic no-nonsense boozer; on the other, a rustic dining room with hearty, seasonal Mediterranean-tinged dishes, executed with panache. Sunday roasts are predictably outstanding, and a strong lineup of ales, wines, and cocktails begs to be explored over a lazy afternoon or two. 

Having won critical acclaim with its faithful renditions of regional Indian dishes with a playful twist, Gunpowder continues to stake its claim as one of central London’s best South Asian restaurants. The rasam ‘shot’ is an essential way to kick off proceedings, while sizzling lamb chops, mustard malai broccoli, and a crispy venison doughnut make for a fun and delicious evening. Its Tower Bridge sibling is just as good. 

A few tables on a quiet Farringdon street, candlelight, and wine — it doesn’t get much better than this. The personal touch at this intimate wine bar makes dinner feel like gathering in a friend’s kitchen, and Nick Bramham’s understated, rustic dishes are some of the finest around. Bookend a visit with a gilda to start and cannolo to finish, and perhaps some fine handmade pasta in between.

One of London’s classic restaurants and a symbol of Soho, this elegant bar, restaurant, and member’s club is still one of the city’s greats. Today, it’s headed up by chef Jeremy Lee, who brings humour and whimsy to a seasonally-driven menu. Here, game, pies, roasts and puddings represent arguably the pinnacle of British cooking; cocktails and a smoked eel sandwich are also both an essential part of the experience. 

A friendly neighbourhood atmosphere and a sleek, bright dining room form a welcoming backdrop at this Battersea favourite. Known for sourcing seasonal, nutrient-dense produce and creating dishes with an eye towards balance, chef Chris Gay crafts luxurious brunches, hearty roasts, and comfort food that locals return for. 

A sleek space on the edge of Soho and Aegean-inspired small plates set the scene at this achingly hip bar and restaurant. Here, a rotating lineup of DJs spin at the weekends for a stylish crowd — the people watching and vibe is compelling, and the food keeps up. Mezze and upscale comfort food like baked wild mushroom pasta, wood-fired chicken, and honeyed baklava with ice cream are worth the price of admission.