good food & good vibes
I love a good night out. Good company, good food, good vibes. And pretty much anything you want, you can find in London, and I love trying new places. So, I thought I’d share a few of my favourite spots I’ve loved and revisited countless times!
Evi’s, East Dulwich
Evi’s is my go-to neighbourhood spot. Greek food done simply and done well. The restaurant is cosy, with a great wine and cocktail selection, and the staff are always friendly. The menu is small, but they offer fun, seasonal weekly specials. My personal favourites are the chicken thighs with mustard mayo, and all the dips are delicious, especially with the fluffiest, lightest pita bread I’ve ever tried. After a relaxed dinner here, you could head to Oddono’s for a sweet treat, and then right next door is a new wine bar, Dynamic Vines, which has quickly become a local favourite and is perfect for a post-dinner drink. The East Dulwich Tavern is also a great shout; it’s always busy, especially on the weekends. Or, perhaps if you’re looking for a quiet evening, pick up a bottle from La Cave de Bruno and enjoy the rest of the night at home!
Lucia’s, Hackney Wick
This might be the coolest and my new favourite restaurant in London. My friend and I had the best time here: open-fire kitchen, cheerful and accommodating staff (the waiters and chefs), an extensive selection of tequila and mezcal, and, honestly, some of the best Mexican food I’ve tried in London. Again, the menu is small, but there is something for everyone- you have to order the tuna tostadas, soft-shell crab tacos, the rib-eye, and their mezcal paloma, which is only £10 (unheard of in London). The restaurant is super intimate, everyone sits at the counter around the kitchen (although I think in the summer, they do offer more seating outside), and it’s walk-ins only. But don’t let that deter you from trying to get a table, because if they are full, you’re welcome to have a drink in their outdoor space (don’t worry, there are heaters) or the manager suggested some good bars in the area and would give us a call when there was a space available- and we waited no more than twenty minutes. For afterwards, Colour Factory is literally a few minutes’ walk away, or if you head more towards Bethnal Green, there’s some great bars like The Sun Tavern, Satan’s Whiskers or NT’s Loft.
The Old Nun’s Head, Peckham Rye
Best Sunday roast in London. Trust me. This roast has literally been voted the best in the city, so don’t just take my word. It’s the perfect comfort food. The plates are swimming in gravy, but it’s not to save bland food; it’s for the huge, fluffy Yorkshire puddings. And whether you go for pork, beef, or chicken, the meat is perfectly cooked and seasoned, with loads of roasted veggies. While I will always recommend their Sunday roasts, there’s plenty happening the rest of the week. Until April, they’re serving Dough Hands pizza; there are pub quizzes every Thursday, drag bingo once a month, and karaoke on Friday nights. The Old Nun’s Head is the spot I go to with a group of friends; you’re guaranteed to meet like-minded, funny people to laugh away the evening with, and the staff are always great, too. It’s perfect if you’re in the mood to be entertained with whatever they have going on that evening and want to stay in one spot.
Fan, Notting Hill
Now this place is more upscale. A Peruvian-Japanese cuisine blend in a small, low-lit spot in the heart of Notting Hill. It’s perfect for a date night if you’re both down to try some interesting dishes (but I promise, everything is delectable) and delicious signature cocktails. They have a 13-course tasting menu and an à la carte menu, both of which change depending on what’s fresh. But if you’re a little bit intimidated by the menu, as it only lists the ingredients, so the dishes can sound a little… odd, the best thing to do is ask for advice. The friendly staff were more than capable of explaining how the food would be served, what their favourites are, and how much they recommend ordering. It’s another open-kitchen spot, which I love, plus curtains covering the lower half of the windows, and the service is very understated and chill, so it feels even more intimate. Notting Hill is a well-established residential neighbourhood, so while there’s not a lot of late-night spots, there are still some great bars in the area, either for a pre- or post-dinner drink, like The Pelican or Naked and Famous.
Agora, Borough Market
Now… this place has been stratospheric across social media since they opened, meaning that even two years later, there are queues every day and night. But, wow, is it worth it. It’s buzzy and loud in the best way (it’s always packed), and service is fast and friendly. The cocktails are yummy, my favourite is the plum mezcal margarita. And in terms of food, the must-orders are the flatbread, hummus, spicy feta spread, chicken thigh skewers, pork rotisserie, and, of course, tiramisu. It’s also super good value for money. I always feel stuffed when I leave, but it won’t come close to breaking the bank like other London hotspots. I’ve come back to Agora so many times, it’s the perfect location too, literally next door to all the stalls at Borough Market. If you’re here for lunch, I recommend picking up some doughnuts from Bread Ahead for a sweet treat afterwards or heading next door for a glass or two of wine at Bedales of Borough Market. If you’re looking for somewhere to go after a dinner, for a drink and a dance, Eastcheap Records is just a fifteen-minute walk away across the bridge, or Nine Lives bar and Prosecco House are close by too!
If you decide to try one of the spots I mentioned above, I hope you have a great time!! I’m constantly on the hunt for a great spot to go back to, so I’ll most definitely be updating this list throughout the year!
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