Taqueria’s Choriqueso, house made Mexican chorizo rolled inside browned cheese.
I use Tripadvisor occasionally for researching accommodations, but when it comes to food, I cannot think of a worse source of information. I am constantly perturbed by their Rome restaurant rankings, which place some of the most ridiculous tourist traps near the top of the list. Tripadvisor once again offended my dining sensibilities earlier this week I read this news item. According to 3,000 readers, London ‘has worst food in Europe’. This is the most absurd thing I’ve ever heard. Just because visitors didn’t take the time to research their dining options, doesn’t mean London, one of the greatest places to eat on the planet, should be punished. Here are a few reasons the Tripadvisor poll is rubbish:
Goodman: An American style steakhouse serving huge USDA beef burgers and steaks in Mayfair.
Fernandez & Wells: Three Soho locations (a food and wine bar, a cafe’ and an espresso bar), each serving high quality food and drink that changes with the seasons.
Lahore Kebab House: A no-nonsense Pakistani kebab house in East London known for its succulent seekh kebab, spiced lamb chops and fiery curries.
Mangal 2: A Dalston kebab house serving good mezes and great grilled meats.
Polpo: Inspired by the Venetian bacaro, this Soho establishment serves reasonably authentic cichetti and an outstanding pizzetta topped with parmesan, spinach and an egg.
Taqueria: Simply the best Mexican food in London.
Galvin La Chapelle: Meticulously prepared French food served in an extravagant building next to the Old Spitalfields Market.
L’Anima: Chef Francesco Mazzei’s contemporary Italian restaurant in the heart of the City.
Greenwich Union: The brewery tap for the Meantime Brewing Company, serving great fish and chips, excellent Angus burgers, and a nice Sunday roast in the heart of Greenwich.
Barrafina: A 23-seat restaurant in Soho serving top-notch Spanish tapas.
Antepliler: Turkish mezes, lahmacun, and kebabs are served in the main dining area and next door, there is offal and künefe.
Bar Boulud: Chef Daniel Boulud’s twelfth restaurant and first foray into Europe brings exceptional charcuterie and sumptuous burgers to Knightsbridge.
The Wells: A gastropub in Hampstead serving good burgers and excellent British food, including roasts and game.
Franco Manca: A Neapolitan pizzeria serving pretty close to the real thing in the Brixton Market.
Other places to check out include Canteen for great British food, Leila’s Shop for breakfast, Monmouth Coffee and Flat White for coffee. And in case you were wondering, this is why everyone’s favorite St. John’s didn’t make the list.
