Dine in style with Selina Julien’s edit of the London restaurants of the moment, including the Italian on everyone’s Insta and the best new spot for sushi and cocktails.
Jacuzzi, Kensington High Street
It’s the Insta-worthy Italian restaurant going viral on social media, and for a good reason too. Big Mamma group’s latest offering, Jacuzzi, a bedazzled three-storey townhouse on London’s Kensington High Street, is a feast for both the eyes and the stomach.
With ornate chandeliers and red boudoir-esque booths, the atmosphere screams ‘go big or go home’, so don’t miss the showstopping truffle pasta for two served at your table from an enormous pecorino cheese wheel. The desserts are a big draw and the tiramisu is no exception, making it hard not to believe there isn’t an Italian grandmother hiding behind the scenes.
Finally, end on a high note with the Frangelico hazelnut liqueur. From family lunches to cosy dates, the palatable joy of diners tucking into hearty Italian food in beautiful surroundings makes for a heart-warming scene.
bigmammagroup.com/en/trattorias/jacuzzi
The Promenade at The Dorchester
Arriving at The Dorchester always feels like a sense of occasion, even more so after its multi-million pound makeover. The Promenade is the heart of the hotel and the ultimate setting for an exquisite afternoon tea. Opt for the traditional Dorchester blend or splash out on a glass of Champagne, both served with a selection of homemade finger sandwiches on artisan bread.
Delicious, but the notable absence of a tiered afternoon stand was felt when the sandwiches arrived on individual plates, as it’s the bells and whistles diners adore. Although our waiter Anuar effortlessly floated between tables ensuring everyone felt like the centre of attention.
The freshly-baked scones with strawberry jam and Dorset’s finest clotted cream were a real treat. A great place to soak up the ambience, people watch and enjoy the sounds of the live pianist.
dorchestercollection.com/en/london/the-dorchester/restaurants-bars/the-promenade/
Gura Gura in St Martin’s Courtyard
Tucked away in St Martin’s Courtyard, Gura Gura is Covent Garden’s newest, post-work spot perfect for Sushi and cocktails. Its well-curated menu features the best flavours from across Asia, spotlighting Japanese, Thai and Chinese dishes.
Kick off in style with nigiri and sashimi platters to share, and fresh sushi courtesy of the in-house sushi bar. Dip into the dim sum which are tasty and plump, filled with delicious bites of prawn, chicken and pork. House favourites include chicken karaage with sweet soy and lime kabayaki sauce, grilled lamb racks with pear apple slaw and kabayaki black cod. Pace your order to avoid everything arriving at once, a delight but overwhelming with so many dishes vying for table space.
Cocktail connoisseurs will be spoilt for choice with inventive twists such as a Japanese Old Fashioned and Orient Negroni, while the Prosecco with celery-infused elderflower liqueur and citrus is springtime perfection.
guragura.co.uk/index.php/menus/
Studio Frantzen in Harrods
Björn Frantzén may be the world’s sixth best chef but he’s certainly not one to rest on his laurels, choosing to open his first UK venture at the top of Harrods. It’s a stunning space, across two floors, boasting its own private bar and sprawling roof terrace.
Frantzén is renowned for his unique brand of ‘Nordic with Asian influences’ gastronomy and the relaxed a la carte menu is extensive. Stars of the show include the warm laminated milk bread with blond miso butter and Sweden vs Japan, a melt-in-the-mouth beef brisket and grilled Wagyu.
Expect the unexpected with desserts, as British favourite sticky toffee pudding is savoury and seasoned. The twists may not be for everyone but the surprise combinations will delight adventurous gourmands, and the Harrods clientele won’t bat an eyelid at the extravagant prices either.
harrods.com/en-gb/restaurants/studio-frantzen
Barrafina Borough Yards
Borough Yards is the latest cool spot in London Bridge so it’s no surprise the newest branch of the popular Spanish tapas chain Barrafina has created quite a stir since it opened.
Famed for their small plates of delicious Mediterranean-Spanish fare, there wasn’t a spare table at this lively outpost. Reserve one in advance as while the iconic marble-topped counter is a great place to watch the action unfold in the busy kitchen, they’re more suited to quick drinks and snacks.
The daily specials are tasty, so worth dipping into those as the wild mushroom tortilla was excellent. Seafood offerings such as the grilled herb smothered prawns and the fresh sardines are always a safe bet as the aroma that drifts over from the kitchen instantly transports you to balmier climes. Finish with the fried Catalan doughnuts, perfectly light and tasty.
