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London is rightly famed for its multicultural make-up and nowhere is this better celebrated than in capital's food. Time Out and BBC on-line food writer and critic, Sejal Sukhadwala, picks five of its best world restaurants Click to view Top 5 London World Restaurants.
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Best Romantic French (The Ledbury) |
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 Secluded corners. Moody lighting. Space wide enough between tables for you to whisper sweet nothings without worrying about those tourists at the next table. Bring on that operatic romance: The Ledbury is THE place to impress a loved one. |
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| When The Ledbury first opened, I could hear a loud, clear sound. It was the jelly-kneed restaurant critics up and down the country dropping their serrated knives with a collective gasp. The food at this upscale but unpretentious venue is pure exquisite poetry, with clear, uncluttered flavours and gorgeous presentation. I have visited the restaurant several times and have never had a disappointing meal here. |
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 The Ledbury is owned by top restaurateurs Nigel Platts-Martin and Philip Howard, who between them own some of the capital’s most celebrated venues: Chez Bruce in Wandsworth, the Glasshouse in Kew, and La Trompette in Chiswick. At the Ledbury, they have roped in Brett Graham, a young Australian chef who has all those critics in raptures. The Ledbury is not the place to go to for a quick bite, nor is it suitable for the large birthday party brigade. It’s the kind of venue where you should take off your watch, turn off your mobile, and linger for a few hours, getting to know your dining companion. |
Amusing Your Bouche |
| A typical amuse bouche might be smoked trout with minted pea foam, and starters include smoked salmon with watercress puree, foie gras and chocolate, and lasagne of rabbit and morels with a veloute of thyme. |
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 For mains, choose from the likes of fillet of halibut roasted in beurre noisette with a vinaigrette of raisins, pine nuts and cockles. Desserts range from lemon soufflé with mixed berry ice cream, to white chocolate panna cotta with black olive tapenade. The brilliant wine list offers several varieties by the glass. |
Sophisticated Glamour |
| The Ledbury has a mellow cream and white interior, with charcoal-black curtains, ornate black chandeliers, parquet flooring, enormous picture windows and large framed mirrors. The look is softened, and livened up, by splashes of pink and green flowers on white linen-covered tables. It’s sophisticated, understated glamour that’s designed to appeal to the local art, fashion and media crowd - a far cry from the rah-rah ostentatiousness of Chelsea. |
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| With superbly discreet, well-choreographed service and stunning food, you’re bound to get lots of brownie points from your date. Just don’t go ruining the evening by doing something tacky, like asking the sommelier to hide the ring in a glass of pink Champagne. |
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The Ledbury, 127 Ledbury Rd, Notting Hill, W11 2AQ. Tel: 020 7792 9090. Westbourne Park tube. Open Mon-Sat 12 noon-2.30pm; 6.30pm-10.30pm; Sun 12 noon-2.45pm; 6.30pm-10.30pm. 3-course dinner for two with wine and service: around £110.
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