England Travel Guide

England, United Kingdom — Restaurants

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Avenue

The Avenue Restaurant and Bar is a favorite with the inhabitants of St James, and produces good modern British and Mediterranean food. This minimalist restaurant is good value and always packed, despite a sometimes patchy service. The best tables are towards the back, on the mezzanine level. Set menus are usually excellent, and competitively priced. For starters try the crayfish salad, and for mains the roast Atlantic halibut (flounder) and the White Park sirloin come highly recommended. Quality wines are available by the glass. Open daily for lunch and dinner.

Food Type: Modern Eclectic
Price: 4
Address: 7-9 St James's Street
City: London
Website: www.egami.co.uk

Star of India

When in London, visitors should experience the English national dish - Chicken Tikka Masala - and there is no better place to go than the Star of India, in the heart of South Kensington. Situated on the first floor of a Georgian house, this small restaurant has a pseudo-classical interior and continues to be popular with locals, despite the price. For years the Star of India has been at the forefront of modern Indian cuisine and it continues to impress with innovative and interesting menus, and specialties such as Sunehri Khaste (stuffed coriander pancakes) and Malai Adraki Champen (lamb cutlets marinated in cream cheese, black pepper and ginger).

Food Type: Indian
Price: 3
Address: 154 Old Brompton Road (South Kensington)
City: London

1 Lombard Street

Situated in the domed interior of an old banking hall, opposite the Bank of England, 1 Lombard Street has become a city institution. The brasserie is always bustling with investment bankers and offers a full á la carte menu for both lunch and dinner, featuring seasonal specialties and an extensive wine list. The Michelin-starred restaurant, situated behind the brasserie, is a better bet for discreet conversation and for enthusiasts of haute cuisine. Menu favorites include roast monkfish, Angus beef tournedos and the praliné 'Lombardo' with chocolate, whisky and coffee. The formal dining environment provides a tranquil setting for appreciating Herbert Berger's sophisticated cuisine. Open weekdays only and the dress is smart casual.

Food Type: French
Price: 5
Address: 1 Lombard Street (Bank)
City: London
Website: www.1lombardstreet.com

Montpeliano

On a quiet side street just off Knightsbridge and a minutes walk from Harrods, Montpeliano is a wonderfully old-fashioned Italian restaurant, where the food is authentic and the service excellent. The owner is always available, the staff are friendly and welcoming, and the atmosphere has a feel of casual elegance. On warm evenings it is possible to dine 'el fresco' on the outside patio. The grilled chicken diavola(devil's style/butterflied) and the fillet stroganoff are delicious!

Food Type: Italian
Price: 3
Address: 13 Montpelier Street (Knightsbridge)
City: London

The Abingdon

The bar at this small but atmospheric pub is always buzzing with locals, while the restaurant often draws visitors from further afield. Set on a side street a few blocks from High Street Kensington the eating area is awkwardly narrow but makes a good spot for a private and romantic evening á deux, or with a small group of friends. The crumbed camembert comes with a chicory, red wine and vanilla reduction, and is beautifully followed by the organic salmon with Jerusalem artichokes. Open daily for lunch and dinner.

Food Type: Gastropubs
Price: 3
Address: 54 Abingdon Road (Kensington)
City: London
Zip Code: SW1

Restaurant Gordon Ramsay

One of London's finest eateries, Restaurant Gordon Ramsay opened in 1998 as the chef's first independently owned venture. Today it has three Michelin stars - an honor held by only one other British restaurant. With 14 tables seating 44 guests, this exclusive venue has become a must for connoisseurs of fine contemporary cuisine from around the world. Feast on butter poached Scottish lobster tail, roasted Barbary duck and Gianduja chocolate soufflé. Open for lunch and dinner Monday to Friday, book well in advance.

Food Type: French
Price: 5
Address: 68 Royal Hospital Road (Chelsea)
City: London
Website: www.gordonramsay.com/royalhospitalroad/

Bill's Produce Store

This fantastic store and café specializes in fresh produce, flowers, hampers and British café fare. With an 'anything goes' menu, favorites include simple breakfasts such as boiled eggs and soldiers (strips of toast for dunking in the egg), and local classics like fish finger sandwiches or crumpets with blackberry butter. Open all day Monday to Saturday, and from 10am to 4pm on Sundays.

Food Type: Café
Price: 3
Address: The Depot, 100 North Road, Brighton
City: Brighton and Hove
Website: www.billsproducestore.co.uk

Chilli Pickle

The Chilli Pickle bistro offers authentic Indian cuisine to patrons in a neat, modern dining room with accents of yellow, red and pale blue in its décor. The menu includes their award winning Oxtail Madras with spiced beef, cumin pilau and spring onion riata. The beef dumplings with fresh tomato and chilli pickle are also great. Closed on Tuesday, and on Sunday evenings. Reservations recommended.

Food Type: Indian
Price: 4
Address: 42 Meeting House Lane, Brighton
City: Brighton and Hove
Website: www.thechillipicklebistro.co.uk

Fire and Stone

A cosy atmosphere with contemporary trimmings and the smell of fresh oven-baked pizza in the air, the trendy Fire and Stone pizza joint in Covent Garden is ideal for a family outing, a casual meal with friends or a romantic dinner. Boasting the largest wood-fired oven in the northern hemisphere, Fire and Stone produces a large variety of pizzas, themed on the different flavors of the continents and made with only the freshest ingredients. Compliment your meal with some of their quality red wines, or try an exotic smoothie. Open daily for lunch and dinner.

Food Type: Pizzeria
Price: 2
Address: 31/32 Maiden Lane, Covent Garden
City: London
Website: www.fireandstone.com

Carnaby Restaurant

Carnaby Restaurant is a decadently decorated establishment ideal for a light snack, afternoon tea or a full bodied evening meal. This restaurant's fine food is served by friendly and attentive staff, so sit back and enjoy the view of attractive Carnaby Street through the tall glass windows, the plush red furnishings and the 'olde worlde' atmosphere. There are a variety of sophisticated meals on the menu, including salmon steak with crab and potato salad, and a sticky toffee pudding with crème fraîche. Open for lunch and supper, Monday to Saturday.

Food Type: British
Price: 2
Address: Courthouse Hotel, 19-21 Great Marlborough Street
City: London

54 Farringdon

A stylish but understated restaurant, serving modern European and Malaysian cuisine, 54 is the ideal place for a romantic evening or dinner with a group of friends. Serving only free range, organic and local produce, 54 tries to ensure that their cuisine is environmentally responsible and retains the utmost flavor. Try the squid with black pepper and roast garlic for starters, nicely complimented by a prawn and coconut curry main course. Open for lunch and dinner Monday to Friday and dinner on Saturday.

Food Type: Oriental
Price: 2
Address: 54 Farringdon Road
City: London

Zaika

A highly creative contemporary Indian restaurant, Zaika offers sensational Indian cuisine in a cool and vibrant setting. Situated in trendy Kensington, Zaika has won Best Indian Restaurant in the London Restaurant Awards and holds three AA rosettes. Try the tasting menu to get a fuller understanding of the extensive Indian flavors. The Indian home-smoked salmon and Masala duck breast are also favorites. With great service, plush interiors and excellent cuisine, Zaika is a fail-proof night out. Open for lunch from Tuesday to Sunday, and every evening for dinner.

Food Type: Indian
Price: 3
Address: 1 Kensington High Street, Kensington
City: London

Blue Elephant

A full throttle Thai experience, eating at the Blue Elephant is a must. Greeted with welcoming smiles at the door, guests will love the Thai décor, lush indoor garden of tropical plants and the flowing carp pond. The Blue Bar's counter was carved out of a single piece of teak and layered with 50,000 sheets of goldleaf, adding to the restaurant's exotic and luxurious feel. The starter menu offers familiar fare such as satay sticks, dumplings and spring rolls, with the main menu displaying a broad range of dishes, from herb-marinated sea bass grilled inside a bamboo wrap to Massaman, a typical Thai dish of braised lamb in a medium spicy sauce. Open daily for lunch and dinner.

Food Type: Oriental
Price: 4
Address: 3-6 Fulham Broadway
City: London

Sanctuary Café

The underground, face-brick interior of the Sanctuary Café belies its light and healthy cuisine and outlook. The menu offers a selection of organic, locally sourced cuisine that is both wholesome and delicious! Favorites include the American-style pancake breakfast with maple syrup or berries and yogurt, and the tofu and nut burger with a signature Sanctuary salsa. Open daily for lunch and dinner, reservations recommended.

Food Type: Vegetarian
Price: 4
Address: 51-55 Brunswick Street East, Hove
City: Brighton and Hove
Website: www.sanctuarycafe.co.uk

Opus

Renowned for its organic seasonal cuisine, Opus Restaurant is ideal for a sophisticated lunch or refined dinner. Boasting a mouth-watering British menu, patrons at Opus Restaurant can expect to see a changing daily menu dictated by the whims of the fresh produce market. Serving contemporary dishes oozing with gourmet excellence, the restaurant is renowned for its free-range meat, homemade bread, freshly caught wild fish and impressive wine menu. The décor at Opus exudes a contemporary elegance, the soft grey and white fabrics adorning the tables, complimented by blush walls and modern lighting. Open Monday to Friday for lunch and dinner and dinner only on Saturday.

Food Type: British
Price: 4
Address: 54 Cormwall Street
City: Birmingham

Al Frash Balti Restaurant

Birmingham Balti specialist, Al Frash has earned its reputation largely by word of mouth. A modern, slick and simply decorated restaurant, the aromatic Kashmiri dishes take center stage here. Serving up the best Balti in town, Chef Azam has been carefully preparing his renowned Balti dishes and curries for over six years. Be prepared for huge Nan breads and delicately infused flavors, not to mention attentive service. The restaurant is unlicensed so guests are advised to bring their own alcoholic refreshments. Open for dinner daily.

Food Type: Indian
Price: 3
Address: 186 Ladypool Road, Sparkbrook
City: Birmingham

Café Ikon

Housed in the trendy Ikon Gallery complex, overlooking the canal areas, Café Ikon is the ideal venue for a relaxed lunch and pre theater snack. Specialising in tapas and Spanish cuisine sourced directly from local suppliers, guests get to select from an authentic and exhaustive tapas menu. A chic urban café ambiance resonates and is complimented by an international wine list and carefully presented food. Choose from the five different types of Paella or get adventurous with the selection of meat, seafood and vegetarian tapas dishes. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Closes at 6pm on Sunday.

Food Type: Spanish
Price: 3
Address: 1 Oozells Square, Brindley Place
City: Birmingham

Itihaas Indian Restaurant

Awarded the Best Indian Restaurant in the UK at the 2007/8 Cobra Good Curry Guide, Itihaas is where contemporary dining meets traditional cuisine. Impeccable service, sophisticated décor and gourmet Indian food combine to create a memorable dining experience. Young entrepreneur Raj Rana says the restaurant is the materialization of his mantra, an old Indian custom, which translates into 'the guest is God'. Recommended meals include the lamb meatballs starter, delicately spiced with cardamom and cloves and for mains the khari maha jhinga, king prawns, pan fried and marinated in a thick masala gravy. Itihaas is open for lunch and dinner Monday to Friday and dinner only on Saturday and Sunday.

Food Type: Indian
Price: 4
Address: 18 Fleet Street
City: Birmingham

Simpsons

This Michelin Star restaurant is renowned for both its fresh ingredients and inventive menu. Set in a picturesque garden setting, the restaurant overlooks rolling lawns and resonates a warm café atmosphere, ideal for a summer lunch or heart-warming evening meal in the death of winter. Offering both set menus and ordering a la carte, guests will be impressed by the seasonal variety. The summer menu boasts a tarte fine of Cornish mackerel, fennel salad, parmesan cheese, marinated tomato, black olives and basil. Any fish is a good idea for a mains, the Carpaccio of organic salmon, with chilli ginger dressing, spring onions and mustard cress taking the cake. Open daily for lunch and dinner.

Food Type: French
Price: 4
Address: 20 Highfield Road, Edgbaston
City: Birmingham

Mock Turtle

The Mock Turtle Tearoom is a cosy café decorated in 1940s memorabilia, vintage china tea sets and cloth covered tables. It specializing in homemade cakes and snacks, and the warm scones come heaped with fresh cream. Open all day, Tuesday through Sunday; reservations not necessary.

Food Type: Café
Price: 3
Address: 4 Pool Valley, Brighton
City: Brighton and Hove

Mascara

This delightful North African restaurant has a warm, vibrant atmosphere enhanced by its Moroccan décor and a traditional belly dancer on weekends. The menu features North African specialties such as mechoui(lamb with cumin and ras el hanout) and the duck with orange preserve, apricot and poppy seeds is delicious! Open for dinner every night, reservations essential.

Food Type: African
Price: 3
Address: 101 Western Road, Brighton
City: Brighton and Hove
Website: www.mascara-restaurant.co.uk

The Glass House

The Glass House restaurant is set in a refurbished 15th century mill and fronted by an appealing glass wall that showcases the beautiful views and fills the dining room with mild sunshine. Fresh local produce is used to put together traditional favorites such as Cumbrian shepherd's pie or roast duck with Cumberland stuffing - save space for the delicious hot chocolate mousse and shortbread biscuits! Open daily, reservations recommended.

Food Type: Local
Price: 4
Address: Rydal Road, Ambleside
City: The Lake District
Website: www.theglasshouserestaurant.co.uk

JR's Restaurant

JR's restaurant is housed in a beautifully converted 19th century home with a stylish dining room and three warm lounges to relax in. The chef uses the freshest local produce to present dishes such as roasted veal steaks with blue cheese topping, or filo pastry baskets with mushroom and pepper stroganoff. The sticky toffee pudding and butterscotch sauce is a treat for anyone with a sweet tooth. Open daily, reservations recommended.

Food Type: International
Price: 3
Address: College Road, Windermere
City: The Lake District
Website: www.jrsrestaurantwindermere.co.uk

The Drunken Duck

The Drunken Duck restaurant welcomes diners with a relaxed and informal ambience in a warm, stylish setting. The menu offers a range of classic cuisine including Pork Wellington with spring greens, baby carrots and potato rosti, braised lamb with asparagus and fondant potatoes, and dark chocolate pannacotta with pistachio nut ice cream. Open daily, reservations recommended.

Food Type: International
Price: 3
Address: The Drunken Duck Inn, Barngates, Ambleside
City: The Lake District
Website: www.drunkenduckinn.co.uk

Lazy Daisy's Lakeland Kitchen

Lazy Daisy's is a quaint café-cum-restaurant that serves a wonderful selection of light meals. Lunchtime favorites include the bacon, brie and cranberry wraps, or the smoked salmon and cream cheese sandwiches. For dinner, try the grilled Cumberland sausage or the gammon steak with egg and grilled tomato. Open daily, reservations recommended.

Food Type: Café
Price: 3
Address: Crescent Road, Windermere
City: The Lake District
Website: www.lazydaisyslakelandkitchen.co.uk

Rumours

Rumours Pizzeria and Restaurant is a relaxed eatery with big windows looking out onto the bustling lake road. The menu features an excellent selection of Mediterranean cuisine including salmon and tagliatelle with lemon cream sauce, Veneto pizza (salami, bacon, peppers and tomato), roasted rack of lamb, and fillet steak with brandy and mushroom sauce. Open daily, reservations recommended.

Food Type: Mediterranean
Price: 2
Address: St. Martins Square, Bowness-on-Windermere
City: The Lake District

The Hole in the Wall Restaurant

With an a la carte restaurant that changes seasonally, diners can enjoy dishes such as double-baked wild mushroom soufflé with fresh rocket served with parmigiano reggiano; confit leg of duck with spiced plums and home-smoked mashed potatoes and green apple and vanilla bavarois with apple crisps and star anise syrup. Decadence! Open daily for lunch and dinner. Bookings recommended.

Food Type: International
Price: 3
Style: Trendy
Address: 16 George Street
City: Bath
Website: www.theholeinthewall.co.uk

The Moon and Sixpence

With the option of enjoying drinks in the bar, dining al fresco in the outside patio area as well as a warm and tasteful inside dining room, guests at the Moon and Sixpence will enjoy feasting on delicious continental cuisine. Try the grilled goat's cheese with red apple, cranberry and walnut salad, or the decadent pan-friend fillet of salmon served with creamed leaks, prawns, bacon and sauté new potatoes and wash it all down with a carefully selected bottle of wine from their extensive wine list basting a variety of wines from around the world. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Reservations recommended.

Food Type: International
Price: 4
Style: Romance
Address: 27 Milsom Place
City: Bath
Website: www.moonandsixpence.co.uk

The Crown

This traditional country pub has been revamped and is now a cosy and affordable eatery, popular with locals and travelers alike. Serving a selection of favorites like ciabatta sandwiches and the quintessentially English mixed Ploughman's in the bar area, diners looking for something more substantial can enjoy dishes like fresh steamed Cornish mussels with cider, stilton and parsley or classic fish and chips with salad leaves and tartar sauce. Open daily for lunch and dinner.

Food Type: Gastropubs
Price: 2
Address: Tolldown, Dyrham
City: Bath
Website: www.ohhcompany.co.uk/the_crown

Aqua Restaurant and Bar

Set in a former church house, the Aqua Restaurant and Bar specializes in new Italian cuisine and wines where guests can choose between dining in a theatrical main dining room, gallery or alfresco courtyard, while other more intimate dining areas are available on request. Try the Cocktail di gamberi with Tiger prawns and crab, tomato, cucumber and grilled artichokes, topped with basil and lemon mayonnaise or the smoked haddock risotto with white wine and clams. Of course classic desserts like Tiramisu and pannacotta adorn the sweets menu, the white chocolate, pistachio and nougat iced parfait comes highly recommended. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Bookings essential.

Food Type: Italian
Price: 3
Style: Business
Address: Walcot Street
City: Bath
Website: bath.aqua-restaurant.com

The Northey

This old Box station hotel set amongst beautiful gardens has been transformed into one of Bath's most popular places to eat, drink and unwind in tasteful and modern décor. The bar has its own menu while the main restaurant serves dishes such as grilled Mackerel fillet with black pudding and potato hash, curly kale and a red wine poached egg and country favorites like the hearty homemade cottage pie. Open daily from 9am.

Food Type: Gastropubs
Price: 1
Address: Bath Road, Box
City: Bath
Website: www.ohhcompany.co.uk/the_northey