A sun-kissed Tel Aviv-style restaurant in Bankside

Bala Baya at Arch 25, Old Union Yard Arches, brings the essence of the Eastern Mediterranean to Bankside. The first stand-alone project of chef Eran Tibi, it is a bi-level, Tel Aviv-style eatery and bar whose Bauhaus-inspired, kaleidoscopic space evokes the sun-kissed youthfulness of the Middle East in the heart of Southwark.

What to order

The menu mimics a day in the life of Tel Aviv, with larger feasting plates and smaller sharing dishes built on big flavours — tahini, chilli, pomegranate and citrus. Popular choices include kebab dumplings, prawn baklava, hummus, slow-cooked beef brisket and the standout caramelised cauliflower.

Who it’s for

Bala Baya is a good choice for a lively dinner with friends, a date or a sharing-style meal. Its vibrant atmosphere and generous flavours make a visit a treat.

Questions and answers

What kind of cuisine does Bala Baya serve? Israeli, Tel Aviv-style Eastern Mediterranean.

What should I order? The caramelised cauliflower, kebab dumplings or prawn baklava.

Is it good for vegetarians? Yes — the vegetable dishes are a highlight.

Where is it located? At Arch 25, Old Union Yard Arches, Bankside, London.

Opening hours

Two-Michelin-star Indian dining in Mayfair

Gymkhana at 42 Albemarle Street is a two-Michelin-star Indian restaurant in Mayfair, which opened in 2013 and earned its second star in 2024. Inspired by the clubs of colonial India, it is spread across two levels — ground-floor booths and a vivid red basement with a more intimate feel.

What to order

The menus are predominantly Northern Indian, with superbly executed dishes such as tandoori masala lamb chops, kid goat methi keema and wild muntjac biryani, alongside regional curries and chaat-style sharing plates.

Who it’s for

Gymkhana is a good choice for a refined dinner, a special celebration or a memorable meal. Its two Michelin stars and elegant setting suit an occasion to remember.

Questions and answers

What kind of cuisine does Gymkhana serve? Predominantly Northern Indian, Michelin-starred.

What should I order? Tandoori masala lamb chops or the wild muntjac biryani.

How many Michelin stars does it have? Two.

Where is it located? At 42 Albemarle Street in Mayfair, London.

Opening hours

An iconic all-day café-restaurant in the Grand European style

The Wolseley at 160 Piccadilly, next to The Ritz, is one of London’s most iconic café-restaurants, serving breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner in the Grand European tradition. Opened in 2003 in a striking 1921 building originally built for Wolseley Motors, it has won numerous accolades over the years.

What to order

The Wolseley is especially famous for its breakfast, with dishes such as kedgeree, classic egg dishes and homemade baked goods. The wider menu ranges from oysters and steak tartare to wiener schnitzel and grilled halibut, finishing with tarte au citron or apple strudel.

Who it’s for

The Wolseley is a good choice for a memorable breakfast, an elegant lunch or afternoon tea. Its grand setting and Piccadilly location make a visit a quintessential London experience.

Questions and answers

What kind of cuisine does The Wolseley serve? Classic dishes in the Grand European tradition.

What should I order? The famous breakfast — kedgeree or a classic egg dish — or oysters and schnitzel.

What makes it special? Its iconic 1921 building and grand café-restaurant setting.

Where is it located? At 160 Piccadilly, next to The Ritz in London.

Opening hours

All-day Turkish and Mediterranean dining in Fitzrovia

Kibele at 175–177 Great Portland Street is an all-day Turkish restaurant in Fitzrovia, open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner. It serves simple yet brilliantly executed Mediterranean Turkish dishes drawing on Turkey’s diverse regions, with a focus on quality, seasonal ingredients. The two-floor venue also houses the Kibele Lounge.

What to order

Featured dishes include meyveli kuzu (lamb poached with pears and apricots, served with couscous) and a mixed seafood casserole, alongside börek with feta, zucchini fritters, Turkish dumplings and halloumi fritters. Vegans, vegetarians and gluten-free diners are well catered for.

Who it’s for

Kibele is a good choice for a relaxed lunch, a family dinner or an evening out with friends. Its all-day menu and lounge make it convenient at any time.

Questions and answers

What kind of cuisine does Kibele serve? Mediterranean Turkish with a modern twist.

What should I order? Meyveli kuzu, börek or the mixed seafood casserole.

Is it good for vegetarians? Yes — vegans, vegetarians and gluten-free diners are well catered for.

Where is it located? At 175–177 Great Portland Street in London.

Opening hours

A vibrant rainforest-themed Latin American restaurant in Mayfair

Amazónico at 10 Berkeley Square is a vibrant, rainforest-themed restaurant in Mayfair that transports diners into a world of Latin American flavours. The jungle-inspired décor, glowing flaming grills and live music make it as much a night out as a meal, with a glass-fronted kitchen on display.

What to order

The menu blends tropical and Latin American cuisine, from tiraditos to tequeños, inspired by the countries of the Amazon. There is also a small sushi selection from the playfully named ‘Japazonico’ menu, plus dishes from the flaming grills.

Who it’s for

Amazónico is a good choice for a lively night out, a celebration or a date. Its theatrical setting and live music make a visit a memorable event.

Questions and answers

What kind of cuisine does Amazónico serve? Latin American and tropical, with a sushi selection.

What should I order? Tiraditos, tequeños or a dish from the flaming grills.

What makes it special? Its rainforest-themed décor, flaming grills and live music.

Where is it located? At 10 Berkeley Square in Mayfair, London.

Opening hours

Seasonal British dining on the 36th floor of Sky Garden

Darwin Brasserie sits on the 36th floor of Sky Garden at 20 Fenchurch Street, an all-day eatery with sweeping views across London through floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows. It serves seasonal British fare and is a fine place to watch the sunset over the city. A free ticket to Sky Garden is needed to visit.

What to order

The menu features classic British dishes such as fish and chips and pie with mushy peas, all made with high-quality British ingredients. There is a distinctive weekend brunch, and the bar offers an extensive cocktail list alongside fine wines and Champagnes.

Who it’s for

Darwin Brasserie is a good choice for a romantic dinner, a relaxed brunch or a working lunch. The panoramic views make it especially suited to a special occasion.

Questions and answers

What kind of cuisine does Darwin Brasserie serve? Seasonal British fare with classic dishes.

What should I order? Fish and chips or pie with mushy peas, with a cocktail.

What makes it special? Its location on the 36th floor of Sky Garden with panoramic city views.

Where is it located? On the 36th floor of Sky Garden, 20 Fenchurch Street, London.

Opening hours

An award-winning grill and bar at Piccadilly Circus

Happy London at 25–29 Coventry Street is a vibrant grill and bar in the heart of Piccadilly Circus, near Leicester Square. It serves a wide range of international dishes, sushi and cocktails, and was named Best Restaurant in London and Best Hospitality Team in the UK at the British Restaurant Awards.

What to order

The menu spans American, steakhouse and international flavours — from finger-licking ribs and tender beef dishes to fresh salads, sushi and exotic cocktails. It is a lively spot with something for every taste.

Who it’s for

Happy London is a good choice for a night out with friends, a family meal or a celebration in the centre of the city. Its vibrant atmosphere and central location make a visit memorable.

Questions and answers

What kind of cuisine does Happy London serve? International grill and bar fare, plus sushi and cocktails.

What should I order? The ribs, a beef dish or sushi, with an exotic cocktail.

Has it won any awards? Yes — Best Restaurant in London at the British Restaurant Awards.

Where is it located? At 25–29 Coventry Street, by Piccadilly Circus in London.

Opening hours