Festive gatherings: our top pick of neighbourhood restaurants
With Christmas approaching, the pull to squeeze in those final social moments before hibernation begins is at its strongest. The stalwarts of the London Christmas restaurant scene are flat-out, and the thought of getting caught in Soho during peak tourist season is a little much to bear. But we’ve got you covered - with a round-up of our favourite neighbourhood restaurants who are ready to welcome you for your festive gathering. Whether it’s an annual friends get together, a family do, or a festive date night, this list of hand-picked spots will have the answer:
North
The Parakeet
Parakeet, Kentish Town.
Where: Kentish Town. What: Gastropub.
#FLODown: A revamped and wood-paneled pub on Kentish Town‘s high street; taken over by headchef of Brat, you can expect seasonal British food prepared with finesse.
Instagram: @the_parakeet. Book now.
Akari
Akari, Essex Road.
Where: Essex Road. What: Japanese.
#FLODown: A pub from the outside, inside an unexpected hidden gem for quality Japanese food priced well and with a warm and comfortable atmosphere.
Instagram: @akari_islington. Book now.
Ida
Ida Restaurant. Photo by @@idarestaurant
Where: Kilburn/Maida Vale. What: Cosy Italian.
#FLODown: Traditional Italian cooking with confidence, served up in this picture-perfect almost Parisian corner spot in North West London.
Instagram: @idarestaurant. Book now.
Half Cut Market
Half Cut Market. Photo by LFirestone.
Where: York way, Islington. What: Wine bar with small plates.
#FLODown: A careful curation of organic wines is the focus, but Half Cut can also be relied upon for friendly service and a menu of gourmet bites including house focaccia and fresh pasta.
Instagram: @halfcutmarket. Book now.
East
Singburi
The famous chalkboard menu at Singburi. Photo by @singburi_e11.
Where: Leytonstone. What: Thai.
#FLODown: Well-known by London foodies as the best Thai in London - famous for its unpretentious but outrageously delicious changing chalkboard menu.
Instagram: @singburi_e11. Book by calling 02082814801; BYOB and cash only.
Morito
Morito Hackney. Photo by. @moritohackney
#FLODown: Buzzy as a tapas bar should be, with plates of fresh but original flavours - the lamb chops are a must.
Where: Bethnal Green. What: Spanish sharing plates with influences from North Africa. Instagram: @moritohackney. Book now.
SlowBurn
Slow Burn. Blackhorse Road. @SlowBurn.
Where: Blackhorse Road. What: Vegan/Vegetarian friendly.
#FLODown: Housed in the back of a jeans factory, its focus is low-waste and local, seasonal food where vegetables sing.
Instagram: @slowburnlondon. Book now.
Marksman
Marksman Pub
Where: Shoreditch. What: Gastropub.
#FLODown: A proudly pubby-pub offering both a phenomenal Sunday roast as well as a menu of hearty hedonistic British dishes.
Instagram: @marksman_pub. Book now.
South
Kudu
Kudu. Photo by Claire Menary.
Where: Peckham. What: South African.
#FLODown: Relax in Kudu’s haven of quiet luxury on Queens Road, whilst enjoying the salty smoky flavours from its modern European menu with a South African twist.
Instagram: @kudurestaurant. Book now.
Vijaya Krishna
Vijaya Krishna, Tooting. Photo by Vijaya Krishna.
Where: Tooting. What: South-west Indian.
#FLODown: A delightful and homely haunt serving comforting portions of Keralan food - executed with generosity and authenticity.
Archway
Archway. Photo by Rebecca Dickson.
Where: Battersea. What: Foraging-focussed English and French.
#FLODown: An immaculate purpose-built restaurant recently opened beneath a railway arch, Archway describes itself as “focussing on produce, people and the planet”.
Instagram: @archwaybattersea. Book now.
Llewlyns
Llewelyns London. © Safia Shakarchi.
Where: Herne Hill. What: Modern European.
#FLODown: Known for its lovely service and quintessential village atmosphere, Llewlyns serves a short but considered changing menu of Mediterranean dishes.
Instagram: @llewelynslondon. Book now.
West
Haya
Haya London. Notting Hill.
Where: Notting Hill. What: Levantine Mediterranean
#FLODown: Journey to the Middle East whilst devouring your chicken shawarma alongside a wedge of homemade challah bread and wash it all down with an Arak Martini or one of a variety of margaritas.
Instagram: @haya.ldn. Book now.
Yucca
Yucca Fulham. Photo by @yuccafulham
Where: Fulham. What: Mexican.
#FLODown: Whether you usually go for tacos,a burrito, fajitas or quesadillas - all are on offer at Yucca where the team prides itself on delivering real Mexican flavours to Fulham locals.
Instagram: @yuccafulham. Book now.
Ayam Zaman
Ayam Zaman Restaurant. Shephard's Bush. Photo by @ayamzamanlondon.
Where: Shepherds Bush. What:Syrian.
#FLODown: Consistently good mezze in a causal but lively setting - if you’re looking for falafel, fatoush and baklava, this spot is for you.
Instagram: @ayamzamanlondon Book now.
Mandarin Kitchen
Mandarin Kitchen London. @mandarinkitchenlondon.
Where: Queensway. What: Chinese.
#FLODown: An institution as far as Chinese restaurants go - with a long and varied menu, expect a busy lazy susan, but be sure it includes the lobster.
Instagram: @mandarinkitchenlondon. Book now.
Words by Lucy Firestone