Below, Whitewaller London has put together a list of some of London’s finest spots for dining and drinking. Whether you’re looking for Asian cuisine, cocktails, or traditional English fare, you’ll be sure to find something to keep you going between all of the happenings of Frieze week.
Duddell’s
Known for its elevated Cantonese cuisine, the Michelin-starred restaurant Duddell’s greets guests with fresh flavors, bold dishes, and a relaxed, convivial setting. Designed by Michaelis Boyd, the restaurant maximizes daylight and the distinguished building’s heritage elements. Chef Daren Liew, after spending time at Duddell’s Hong Kong, also infuses the London menu with delights from the Chinese restaurant, alongside favorites like the Peking duck feast. To complement the cuisine, Asian-inspired cocktails, like the Screwpine Negroni, burst with innovative ingredients and zest.
Courtesy of CRAFT London.
Whitewaller recommends: Ordering the signature Dim Sum Symphony.
HIX Soho Soho
With an unrivaled dedication to seasonality and sourcing, HIX Soho brings fish and seafood to the forefront, alongside British steaks and chops. Tucked beneath is the subterranean sanctum is Mark’s Bar, where private parties can transform the room into a decadent dining space.
Courtesy of HIX Soho.
Whitewaller recommends: Sharing a “Fruits of the Sea” platter.
Courtesy of Little Nan’s Deptford.
Park Chinois Mayfair
Park Chinois seamlessly specializes in Chinese cuisine and live entertainment. Themed around the 1930s to capture the era of dinner-and-dance, the sophistication of the venue ensures an unforgettable experience.
Whitewaller recommends: Sipping a glass of Ruinart in Club Chinois.
Courtesy of Polpo.
Daphne’s Chelsea
Originally launched by famed theater agent Daphne Rye more than 50 years ago, Daphne’s is located in the heart of South Kensington and offers authentic Italian country cooking in an intimate and charming setting.
Whitewaller recommends: Sitting at the 14-seat bar to enjoy a glass of Ruinart or reserving a table in Daphne’s wonderfully bright conservatory.
Courtesy of Merchants Tavern.
Little Nan’s Deptford Deptford
Serving over 60 cocktails in teapots and vases, Little Nan’s pays homage to proprietor Tristan’s grandmother “Nan” with a celebration of all things British and kitsch. Built beneath three arches that form part of the oldest carriage ramp in England, the establishment is a necessary stop for any visitor to London.
Whitewaller recommends: Stopping by for the award-winning Afternoon Tea or Boozy Brunch.
Photo by Paul Winch-Furness
Courtesy of Daphne’s.
Jidori Dalston
Yakitori restaurant Jidori gains its name from a Japanese chicken. As guests can imagine, the restaurant’s poultry dishes are delectable, and the center Kama-Asa Shoten grill and open kitchen attract quite the crowd.
Whitewaller recommends: Sharing small plates.
Courtesy of The Ivy Chelsea Garden.
Merchants Tavern Shoreditch
Serving seasonal, modern European fare, Merchants Tavern offers an intimate, cozy setting for an inviting time in Shoreditch. Known as a great Sunday brunch spot, the restaurant also serves delicious drinks and small plates at the accompanying bar, where visitors can sit by a log fire.
Whitewaller recommends: Trying the Club No. 36 cocktail.
Courtesy of Jidori.
Berners Tavern Fitzrovia
Located within The London EDITION, Berners Tavern serves seasonal, contemporary British cuisine under the culinary genius of Michelin-starred chef Jason Atherton. Marrying historical charm with modern sophistication, the restaurant offers all-day dining with a menu of seasonal dishes that feature the very best produce that the British Isles offer.
Whitewaller recommends: Ordering the mac and cheese.
Suvlaki Soho
Suvlaki is an authentic Greek restaurant founded by Irene Margarita and led by Chef Elias Mamalakis. Suvlaki serves modern Greek dishes and desserts in the comfort of interiors by the Greek-born, London-based designer AfroditiKrassa.
Whitewaller recommends: Indulging in the “Samos to Soho” dessert.
sketch Mayfair
Enticing, artistic, and elegant, sketch has been a destination for food, art, and music since 2002. With The Gallery, The Lecture Room & Library, The Glade, and The Parlour, the establishment offers a look at cocktails, artwork, and culinary unlike any other.
Whitewaller recommends: Sipping cocktails in the découpage forest, The Glade.
The Ivy Chelsea Garden Chelsea
The Ivy Chelsea Garden embodies approachable sophistication and familiar luxury, both inside the restaurant and in its lush outside area. The restaurant offers guests a selection of British classics, international dishes, and creative cocktails.
Whitewaller recommends: Sitting in the restaurant’s fantastic garden.
J Sheekey Covent Garden
Named after Josef Sheekey, who traded oysters in Shepherd Market in the 1800s, J Sheekey is a classically charming restaurant with a comfortable outdoor terrace. It is complemented by its next-door neighbor—the more informal oyster bar, The J Sheekey Atlantic Bar.
Whitewaller recommends: Sipping a glass of Ruinart on the fabulous terrace.
ROKA Mayfair
Following the success of Zuma London, Rainer Becker opened ROKA Charlotte Street in 2004 to celebrate robatayaki cuisine. Executive Chef Hamish Brown has been serving guests a contemporary Japanese menu in stunning restaurants located in Aldwych, Canary Wharf, and Mayfair.
Whitewaller recommends: Asking for the chef’s recommendation to pair with a glass of Ruinart.
Sexy Fish Mayfair
Opened in November 2015, Sexy Fish is a glamorous Asian restaurant and bar in the heart of Mayfair. Decorated with artwork from the likes of Frank Gehry, Damien Hirst, and Michael Roberts, Sexy Fish offers refined dining in a fun, irreverent setting with fantastic cocktail and wine option.
Whitewaller recommends: Sitting near the open kitchen and watching the chefs work their magic.
Polpo Soho
Venetian cuisine is delectably perfected at Polpo—a London favorite for its stripped-down industrial look, small plates, and lively Italian atmosphere.
Whitewaller recommends: Enjoying the Aperol sorbet for dessert.
CRAFT London North Greenwich
With elegant interiors, sweeping views, and culinary prowess, CRAFT London welcomes guests to an experience spread over three floors. Stevie Parle opened the restaurant in April 2015, partnered with Tom Dixon, and enlisted Ruth Spivey to lead the carefully selected wine list.
Whitewaller recommends: Treating yourself to the five-course menu.
