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Some of my favourite places in London – I love trying new places but these are the ones I love at the moment, they are not all here, will be adding more as I go

If you are visiting London these are some of restaurants I’ve reviewed.

Sophie’s Steak House: Covent Garden or Fulham Road

One of my favourite ‘easy’ restaurants,  the steak is superb quality, and affordable. Great atmosphere, noisy but what I would define as a very ‘socially buzzing’ place. Unique decor with a ’New York Warehouse’ feel, dim lighting, exposed piping, brick walls, chalk board ‘todays specials menus, you feel like you are in an old Manhattan steak house. Definitely a Friday night dinner before partying place.

I recommend the Tuna Steak or the Lamb Steak

http://www.sophiessteakhouse.com/index.php

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Pan-Asian Fusion

Hakkasan Restaurant

Bruton Street, Mayfair or Hanway Place in Holborn.

Legendary restaurateur Alan Yau who created Wagamamma, made his fortune, then went on to create fine dining dims sum restaurants Yauatcha and Hakkasan loved by the likes of Madonna and Uma Thurman amongst many others.

Hakkassan is truly unique. Hakkasan presents Chinese dishes that would have been fit for royalty and  the emperors of China’s dynastys, everything is made to perfection with the finest ingredients. The chefs are extraordinary masters from the best restaurants and hotels of Hong Kong and Shanghai. There is a Pan Asian twist to the menu, not only you will find Dim Sum but an array of Szechuan dishes fused with Japanese ingredients and British / Welsh meats, after all Alan Yau is the King of Asian Fusion.

Opulent 1950′s China influenced decor with dim lighting and blue and purple fused lighting illuminate the room. Dark birch wooden brackets are walled around the room creating the old houses of Shanghai, China. A beautiful surrounding and great service – perfect place for a date.

Try the Wagyu Beef in spicy Szechuan sauce and the mabo-tofu - a traditional Szechuan dish with Welsh beef.

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DIM SUM

Yauatcha

 Ultimate fine dining Dim Sum. Traditional dim sum made with modern twist.

Must try: Venison Puff Pastry, Salt baked chicken wrapped in Lotus Leaf, Claypot dou dou and of course the classic Har Gau and Scallop Siu Mai dim sum.

The Yauatcha deserts and delicatessen are wonderful - especially the macaroons with flavours from the east such as Lychee, Black Bean and Lemon Cashew. I lvoe them !!

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 Shanghai Blue, High Holborn

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For no fuss, traditional Dim Sum head to …..

Golden Dragon Restaurant on 28 Gerard Street (inside Chinatown)

Harbour City Restaurant on 46 Gerrard Street (inside Chinatown)

If you want real Chinese dim sum these two restaurants is where you will find the most traditional dim sum. Packed with Chinese people because they know where to find their home food! Nothing is spared here  you will find all the traditional dim sum and the delicacies. Yes- you will find ducks tongue and chicken feet.

Alisan Restaurant, Wembley.

Superb quality dim sum, some of the best traditional dim sum I’ve ever tasted in London. Tastes finer and less oily than Chinatown  and the prices are cheaper (relative to the location further out from central) but absolutely no compromise on taste.  Definitely worth travelling a bit to have dim sum at this place and you will taste the difference.

The dim sum chef is an ex Yauctcha chef and it is aparent in the taste and quality.  Just like having Yauatcha quality dim sum in a more relaxed but still modern dining environment at a much lower price. PERFECT.