From time to time, we get queries about where to eat when visiting other cities. We’ve decided to post offerings from some, as the mood and available time strike us. Here are the notes from a recent request for London favorites. As usual, we strongly suggest reservations for all but the most casual of restaurants; besides, the request provides assurance that a place is still open. We often fax reservation requests overseas (especially for hotels) if they have no e-mail facilities, and find it works well.
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Belgo Centraal
29B Shelton St., Covent Garden
020 7813 2233
also Belgo Noord
72 Chalk Farm Rd., NW1
020 7267 0718
Large, casual restaurants (we know the Centraal, primarily) with 96 varieties of beer, those great Belgian frites, multiple preparations of mussels and lots of other good things. A fine idea before theater if you’re staying in the neighborhood. Just the thing if you’re not interested in getting fancy.
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Cambio de Tercio
163 Old Brompton Rd, SW5
020 7244 8970
One of our favorite London restaurants, great food and lovely proprietors. Food is authentic Spanish, with some influences of the El Bulli modernist school.
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Mirabelle
56 Curzon St., W1
020 7499 4636
Lovely, traditional, expensive, and French describe Mirabelle, which has been consistently reliable for decades. Joe’s been going for almost that long. Excellent food in a formal atmosphere, not the place to dress like a tourist.
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Quality Chop House
94 Farrington Rd., EC1
020 7837 5093
Oh, my, do we love this place. It’s an old working-man’s restaurant that does high-quality traditional British food, including, now, breakfast. Definitely worth a visit even though it’s not in a tourist area. A good lunch place, perhaps, before or after a visit to the Tower. Reservations strongly suggested, even for lunch; ask us how we know.
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St. John
26 St. John St., EC1
020 7251 0848
The first place we’re heading for on our next trip, recommended to us by Anthony Bourdain. Fergus Henderson has made his reputation using every part of a pig except the squeak, and he’s made quite a reputation with his cooking of offal. Not for everyone, but the adventurous eater is often thrilled with what Ferguson and his kitchen offer.