Traveling to Frieze London 2017 (October 5-8), and looking for a place to eat and have a drink at? Whitewaller put together a list of top restaurants and bars in the city to make your search a little easier.
Blakes Restaurant
Within Blakes Hotel on the first floor resides Blakes Restaurant—a warm and inviting retreat inspired by Anouska Hempel. The restaurant, which opened in June 2016, evokes the traveling spirit of a beautiful old-fashioned steamer ship traveling up the Bosphorus. The irresistible contemporary cuisine, largely based on Mediterranean influences, pairs fresh ingredients with a satisfying wine curation. Whether guests are joining for breakfast, lunch, dessert, or drinks, Blake’s Restaurant is sure to leave them wanting to return.
Courtesy of Park Chinois.
Whitewaller recommends: Ordering the Lobster Paccheri Pasta.
33 Roland Gardens
Kensington, London
SW7 3PF, UK
+44 20 7370 6701
http://www.blakeshotels.com/eating-drinking/restaurant
Courtesy of Sexy Fish.
Berners Tavern
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—made with red wine and braised beef topped with brioche crumbs.
Courtesy of sketch.
The Book Club
Full of creative happenings—like Ping-Pong, music events, and late-night happy hours—The Book Club is a fun cultural gathering with decadent dishes.
Whitewaller recommends: Partaking in “Thinking and Drinking.”
Courtesy of Suvlaki.
CRAFT London
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.
Courtesy of Polpo.
Daphne’s
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 Jidori.
HIX Soho
Hospitable and theatrical, HIX Soho has relaunched with a focus on British seasonal seafood. Run by Chef Mark Hix MBE, the restaurant exudes subtle elegance, serving one of London’s premium seafood experiences in delightful surroundings.
Whitewaller recommends: Sharing a “Fruits of the Sea” platter.
Courtesy of CRAFT London.
J Sheekey
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: Sitting on the restaurant’s fabulous terrace and savoring oysters or Fruits de Mer with a bottle of Ruinart.
Courtesy of Berners Tavern.
Jidori
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.
Little Nan’s Tropical Den
Serving over 60 cocktails in teapots, Little Nan’s Tropical Den is an eclectic high tea parlor. Complementing the Caribbean food is a selection of craft beer, candy vodka shots, a dress-up area, and a dance floor.
Whitewaller recommends: Exploring the “Pic ’n’ Mix” stand with a glass of Ruinart in hand.
Merchants Tavern
Serving seasonal, modern European fare, Merchants Tavern offers an intimate, cozy setting for an inviting time in Shoreditch. Delicious drinks and small plates are also available at the accompanying bar, where visitors can sit by a log fire.
Whitewaller recommends: Trying the “The Lil’ Suze” cocktail.
Park Chinois
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.
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.
The Ivy Chelsea Garden
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: Booking the Private Room for an event or sitting in the restaurant’s fantastic garden.
ROKA
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.
Polpo
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.
sketch
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.
Sexy Fish
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 options.
Whitewaller recommends: Sitting at the bar and enjoying some of the best people-watching in town, or near the open kitchen to observe the chefs working their magic.
