Row on 5

A Culinary Symphony by Jason Atherton

Caviar, cucumber and oyster

Located on Savile Row (hence the name Row on 5), Row on 5 is the latest fine dining jewel in the crown of acclaimed British chef Jason Atherton. Known for his mastery in blending sophisticated flavours with impeccable presentation, Atherton has once again raised the bar with a restaurant that epitomizes modern elegance and culinary artistry. He has done a lot of restructuring in his restaurant empire over the last 12 months, from shutting down his flagship Pollen Street Social and Social Eating House, to opening up 5 in the space of a few months, Row on 5 is his most ambitious and the most premium offering of the lots, with only a fixed tasting menu of 15 courses.

Hannah

 A Slice of Kyoto in Waterloo

Hassun

There have been many high-end Japanese openings recently, but Hannah Japanese Restaurant offers an exquisite Omakase dining experience, blending traditional Japanese Kaiseki with modern innovation. Situated at County Hall, its tranquil ambiance mirrors its culinary philosophy—celebrating seasonal ingredients and the artistry of food presentation. The menu in true Kaiseki form, comes in 11 courses, with a real focus on seafood, as well as dashi stock to create a one-of-a-kind fine dining experience.

Taku

Omakase sushi counter dining

Scallop and caviar

When it comes to dining experiences that combine elegance, tradition, and exquisite flavors, few culinary ventures do it better than sushi omakase, a traditional Japanese way of serving sushi, and that is what Taku is all about. This hidden gem is not just a dining spot; it’s an art gallery where the medium is the freshest seafood and the artist is the sushi chef. Stepping into Taku feels like entering a realm where time slows down, and every detail is tailored to perfection. The menu price can be off-putting, as dinner costs £300 with food alone (no choice chef menu), best come in for lunch instead as that's what I did. 

The Devonshire Soho

 Worth the hype?

Bone in ribeye

Nestled in the vibrant heart of Soho, The Devonshire offers a quintessential British pub experience with a light modern touch. It has become one of the most popular and hyped gastropubs in London since its launch in the winter of 2023. I visited in the early days and it didn't impress me with some rocky errors on overcooked meat. 1 year later, booking a table is almost mission impossible. Known for its inviting atmosphere and hearty food using top-class ingredients with an in-house butcher, this pub has earned a reputation as a go-to spot for casual dining. I returned twice in the winter of 2024 to see if much had changed.

Ibai

The king of steak

King crab rice

Launched by the Txuleta specialist importer: Nemanja Borjanović, Ibai showcases the essence of Basque cuisine with a modern twist. Ibai is my London launch of the year so far and perhaps does the best steak in London. The team at Ibai brings traditional Basque grilling to life, presenting a menu that highlights simplicity, seasonality, and the robust flavours of Basque cuisine. The ambiance is warm and stylishly rustic, ideal for both intimate gatherings and business lunches. I have become a loyal fan since it launched in early summer 2024, the below captured my 6th and 7th visits.