Esher Restaurant Guide

2023 Review: Limited but good all-round feedback on this family-run Punjabi stalwart, which has long been a feature of the restaurant strip just to the south of Hammersmith’s Eventim Apollo (and which sometimes only serves a restricted menu in the early evening during events there). It also has a branch in Ealing (not listed).

Ace Aussie chef, Scott Hallsworth has revived his raved-about Freak Scene pan-Asian restaurant once again – this time off Parsons Green in Fulham in spring 2023. Based on a small number of initial ratings, his amped-up fusion fare (sushi plus wackier creations such as miso-yaki foie gras croissant with star anise jus) is in fine form.

“A local treasure” – Eric & Sarah Guignard’s long-established “little gem” in “a tree-lined road 10 minutes walk from Surbiton station” (“handy if you wish to enjoy their brilliant wine list”) remains a shining and much commented-on beacon in the ’burbs. “Eric and his team consistently create high-class modern French cuisine while Sarah and her front-of-house team provide very professional, very genuine service – dining here is first-class”. Even those who note “the somewhat unpromising shape of the room” say it “continues to provide an excellent experience year after year” and one that’s “very good value”. Top Tip – “they also have a great little pastry counter next door”.

Nowadays owned by Jesse Dunford Wood, this “beauty of a local restaurant” is a “gem worth travelling to Holland Park for” – “with a warm welcome, efficient staff and a regularly changing menu”. It’s notably “small and cosy”, which most reporters “love”.

Welcome To The Melody Restaurant At St. Paul's Hotel The Melody Restaurant Takes Its Name From One Of Britains’ Most Beloved Films.  The Melody Restaurant Was Originally The Site Of St Paul’s School, Which Was The Chosen Location For ...

“Long live Chez Bruce!”. It has “a neighbourhood feel”, but Bruce Poole’s “jewel in south west London’s crown” by Wandsworth Common is one of the capital’s most revered restaurants and – for the 18th year running – is voted Londoner’s No. 1 favourite in our annual diners’ poll. Key to its appeal is the delivery of “top quality, but without the pretensions of some places”. Chef Matt Christmas has worked with Bruce for over 10 years, and the kitchen produces modern British dishes that are “very memorable”, but “without being fussy or fad-ish, nor horrendously overpriced”. “Doing simple food this well is the ultimate in difficulty, there is just nowhere to hide!” “Professional and friendly service continues to excel”, “seemingly effortlessly delivering a superb feeling of conviviality” and enlivening a space that’s “classy and understated”, but not intrinsically that special. “Bruce himself frequently still wanders around the dining room greeting and chatting informally to diners” and the whole operation practically “never puts a foot wrong”. That all this can be enjoyed “without breaking the bank” seals the “absolute pleasure of eating there”.

This “absolute gem of a neighbourhood restaurant” sits on a side street off Chiswick’s bustling main drag, and – like its cousin Chez Bruce – has earned a London-wide reputation over the years thanks to its “fine modern British dining”, “well-drilled service with a smile” and “comprehensive list of fine wines”. There’s been some “changing of the guard in the kitchen” in the last 12 months with Greg Wellman, formerly of The Glasshouse, Kew, taking over at the stoves. But whereas some fans say “it hasn’t undermined what remains a very strong offering”, others are less certain and ratings are not what they were: “I’m still the ‘fan from E18’ who schleps across town to go here, and remain a supporter, but it seems to have lost some of that elusive lustre that previously made it so special”.

Restaurateur Markos Tsimikalis closed his Shoreditch restaurant, Hungry Donkey, to open this brightly decorated Greek venue in Holland Park in late 2022. Our initial feedback is very upbeat all-round and – in April 2023 – The Independent’s Kate Ng was likewise positive, including about the signature Cretan-style cheesecake made with sheep and goat’s milk (“certainly up there with the greats”).

“You could be in the West End” at this “exceptional local restaurant” by Parsons Green, “serving contemporary Japanese cuisine” – “the ambience is glamorous and cool, the service friendly and efficient, and the food excellent, fresh and tasty”. It also has an “elegant and classic cocktail bar”.

Tapas Inspired by Spain and Lebanon What does Dar mean? It’s Lebanese for “lounge” and Spanish for the verb “to give”. And that’s a perfect combination with Spanish and Lebanese-inspired tapas as well as fine wines in a relaxed and convivial ambience. This new restaurant is un...

“Love this pub”, hailed by fans (often parents) for providing “one of the best Sunday lunches” in this part of southwest London, just outside Richmond Park in East Sheen. Over the years, TV chef Paul Merrett has transformed the rambling Victorian tavern into a boutique hotel with a large garden and spacious conservatory for dining.

‘Fresh, Tasty, Healthy’ is the mantra at this November 2022 newcomer on the site of Ma Goa (RIP), which aims for a “modern” variant of Indian cuisine. The first UK outpost of a family-owned group with restaurants in India itself – its “above average” standards make it a worthy successor to its long-established predecessor.

The Bunga Bunga restaurant on the ground floor comprises our gondola bar and authentic Italian pizzeria. Enjoy our well renowned Bunga Bunga stone-baked pizza which we consider the best in London, accompanied with a unique cocktail and wine list covering all regions of Italy.

Park Tavern is an independent gastropub located in the heart of Southfields, in South West London.All the dining areas and the beautiful back beer garden have been recently refurbished offering a sense of convivial atmosphere to its diners. The interior blen...

At Spice Village, we claim that every meal has a story. Interestingly, Spice Village itself has a fascinating story.The story of Spice Village is a story of taste, passion, and excellence exhibited by Nasir & Suleman, two immigrant brothers who journeyed to Lo...

There’s “always something new and original to tempt you” at this understated and “very good value” contemporary Indian on Fulham High Street near Putney Bridge. Chef-owner Shilpa Dandekar (who trained with both India’s Taj Group and Raymond Blanc) “proves you can give a nod to tradition while being a little more modern, and not have to pay Mayfair prices to get it”. Husband Faheem Vanoo ensures the front of house “always provides courteous service”. Top Menu Tip – “the best black dhal”.

“The food is always fantastic” – “especially for the price” – at this dining pub owned and run for five years now by chefs Mike Wall-Palmer and Dave Adams, who met working at top chef Steve Drake’s former venue in the village.

Apadana Restaurant is a 5 Star Award-winning chic restaurant that uses family-kept recipes to craft authentic, sumptuous Iranian classic dishes in the heart of London's trendy Kensington high street.Indulge your senses in our family kept recipes passed on for generation...

Near the main entrance to Westfield, this Indian venue will celebrate its fifth year in 2024, but is easily lost amongst the glossy anonymity of the surrounding units. It’s the London outpost of a 45-year-old chain that’s 15-strong in India itself. Although it doesn’t inspire a huge volume of feedback, reports are consistently upbeat: “good value, freshly cooked dishes, lovely ambience”.