Wild Flowers

 Open fire Mediterranean-inspired restaurant

Baked mushroom rice, sherry, wild garlic

Tucked into the stylish Newson’s Yard development in Belgravia, Wild Flowers is a refined but relaxed Mediterranean-inspired restaurant that sidesteps the pomp of fine dining without sacrificing quality or craft. Helmed by chef Aaron Potter, whose résumé includes the Michelin-starred Trinity and Elystan Street, Wild Flowers delivers a sharply focused menu built around seasonal ingredients and live-fire cooking. I visited when it was opened not long ago before Christmas back in 2024, and it delighted me that I have decided to return in 2025. 

Victor Garvey Restaurant at Midland Grand

Great, but could be better

Canapes

​The Midland Grand Dining Room is not new to me, as I was a fan of its refined French food when it was overseen by chef Patrick Powell. He has since moved on, and the place is now under the guidance of Michelin-starred chef Victor Garvey. Garvey's approach marries traditional French haute cuisine with contemporary flair, resulting in dishes that are both elegant and innovative. His offering is for sure in the fine dining end with 2 tasting menus on offer, so it appears it is gunning for a Michelin star. The restaurant's ambiance, characterized by its Gothic charm and modern elegance, provides a fitting backdrop for the culinary artistry on display.

Ibai

Pure class 

Grilled sweetbread in green peppercorn sauce

I am a super fan of Ibai, tucked just off the heavy footfall of St Paul’s. There’s no overstated rustic décor or theatrical fancy elements; instead, the food is 'what you see is what you get', with a focus so pure it feels like a statement. It’s clear from the moment you sit down that the point here is not to distract you with noise or gimmicks. The menu reads short, deceptively plain, but each dish is tuned to precision. Ibai serves calm, confident food, built on an obsessive attention to ingredients and technique, with most dishes cooked on an open fire. The below covers by 9th and 10th visits. 

Hélène Darroze at The Connaught

Total fine dining package

Red mullet, hazelnut, rhubarb

Nestled within the luxurious Connaught Hotel in Mayfair, Hélène Darroze at The Connaught delivers a three-Michelin-starred dining experience that balances refined elegance with warm hospitality. The menu, crafted by Chef Hélène Darroze, is a celebration of her French roots blended seamlessly with the finest British ingredients. Each course, presented with impeccable precision, demonstrates a deep understanding of flavor, texture, and seasonality. I have been here a few times in the past, for my 11th visit, I got the chance to enjoy a tasting menu at its chef's table, overlooking the busy open kitchen.

Oma

New rising star 

ajvar, mizithra, hazelnuts

Tucked away in the heart of Borough Market, Oma is a Greek-inspired restaurant that has quickly gained a reputation and become one of the most popular London restaurant openings of 2024. Oma, which means “mother” in Greek, pays homage to the rich heritage of Greek cuisine while embracing modern techniques and global influences. Upon entering Oma, diners are met with a sleek crudo bar showcasing fresh seafood selections, emphasizing the restaurant’s dedication to high-quality ingredients and minimalist, ingredient-driven dishes. It has landed itself a Michelin star in the 2025 guide.