Restaurant-Guide.com
hand picked restaurants

New Zealand could be forgiven for being in the list of absentees when London was exploring world gastronomy because Kiwi Kitchen now brings out the true taste of 'god's own country.' Owners Matt Jans and Julia Caesar have created a unique menu of traditional Maori dishes whose recipes were passed down from one generation to another.

Answering the prayers of homesick kiwis, the starters section offers choices such as New Zealand green lip mussels with smoked kelp mornay and creamy roast pumpkin soup with flax seed oil and toasted Maori bread. The horipoto lamp chump Wellington is served with kumara mash, buttered savoy and merlot jus for mains. Desserts make an interesting read - think hokey pokey ice cream terrine with a real New Zealand chocolate fish and banana caramel.

Cocktail connoisseurs will be pleased with the signature kiwi kiss made from 42 below feijoa vodka and schnapps. Beers include Macs Gold, Speights and Monteiths original.

Following the celebrated success at their Carlisle location, Teza brings this chic and stylish restaurant to Earl Court. The décor is elegant and the use of contemporary furniture alongside soft pastels and impressive glass work displays a luxurious fusion of cultures.

The kitchen draws on quality local ingredients to create some flavoursome, rich dishes from the Indian cuisine. Open with grilled chicken marinated in a cardamom flavoured yogurt and cheese mix followed by a jhingha tawa masala, pan tossed king prawns with peppers, coriander and cloves. Classic biryani's, saffron flavoured rice, are available in chicken and lamb variations. Most curry dishes go well with traditional Indian breads and basic steamed rice.

If you thought that was all, then add to it a stunning bar that stocks a good selection of wine and excellent choices amongst cocktails.

The first La Reuda restaurant opened its doors in Clapham in-mid 1980, way before Clapham became a buzzing area with its fabulous bars and restaurants. La Rueda remains a popular restaurant among locals and visitors with many happy customers returning to enjoy the hospitality as well as excellent food. The King's Road restaurant offers a blend of enjoyable food, Spanish culture and good times to its guests.

Spanish cuisine consists of a great variety of dishes which stem from differences in geography, culture and climate. It is heavily influenced by seafood available from the waters that surround the country, and reflects its deep Mediterranean roots. Chef's recommendations include dishes such as pulpo a la gallega - Galicia styled octopus, and fillet of beef with Dijon mustard caramelized brandy and cream.

The simple and extensive wine list caters to everyone's requirement.

Bustling and busy, the ever-popular Mao Tai has an unmistakable energy that has put it to the fore of South East Asian food in London. Located on the New King's Road, it offers a perfect and thoroughly stylish place to relax for an atmospheric lunch or dinner. In the restaurant, dark wood, soft lighting and modern art work all combine to create a warm yet intimate atmosphere that remains fresh and contemporary.

The eclectic menu offers a veritable grand tour of the South East Asian region. Why not start your trip in Shanghai with grilled pork and ginger dumplings and then head to inland Japan for a sizzling Argentine 8oz rib eye tobanyaki with wild mushrooms.

The theatrically lit and designed Mao Bar offers a fabulous list of both traditional and signature cocktails - think lemon grass and chilli martini, refreshing mojito or zesty caipirinha - numerous wines and champagnes and a sensual selection of accompanying dim sum and South East Asian inspired bar food.

This stylish and charming chain of Italian restaurants has acquired a quickly growing fan base among the residents of London, some of their attraction stemming from the rather exciting partnership between renowned jockey Frankie Dettori and distinguished chef Marco Pierre White. Of course, it helps that the atmosphere is so lively and energetic and the décor has a funky-kitschy appeal that is also classy in its own way.

From the antipasti selection, you would do well to select the rich and flavourful prosciutto di Parma with figs while there are plenty of pasta options for main course. If fish is your thing, then there's the refreshing grilled tuna steak alla Mediterranea while meat lovers will not be able to deny themselves the glazed belly pork Marco Polo. From the concise dessert list, the mascarpone crème brûlée is indeed a worthy choice and wines from the predominantly Italian list complement the meal beautifully.

On the New Kings Road, just a short walk from Putney Bridge tube station, Nuovi Sapori is an authentic Italian restaurant that serves classic, unpretentious food made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant's bright and airy interior creates an ambience that is relaxed and informal, perfectly complementing a menu that emphasises strong flavours and fresh, seasonal ingredients.

The menu offers a range of traditional Italian fare, with classic dishes of veal Milanese, spaghetti al pomodoro and tasty risottos rubbing shoulders with home-made ravioli and tempting desserts of limoncello and tiramisu. Guests can also choose from a number of seafood dishes, the restaurant's speciality, including luxurious fare such as lobster and spaghetti.

The scrumptious and affordable food is accompanied by a fine selection of wines, with the emphasis unsurprisingly on tasty Italian varieties, as well as beers, spirits and other drinks.

Situated just five minutes away from Earl's Court Exhibition Centre, The Pembroke in Old Brompton Road invites guests to relax and unwind in a stylish contemporary interior, all chandeliers and framed vintage prints, and choose from a modern British and European menu. They can dine in the pub, the dining room or roof terrace. 

Open your gastronomic foray with such specialities as balsamic poached chicken with sun blush tomato, salt beef fritters or smoked trout with orange salad. Then proceed with braised Southwold rabbit leg with mash, mustard and tarragon sauce, pan roasted Gressingham duck breast with Jerusalem artichoke and 28-day dry aged Angus rib-eye with Stilton and horseradish butter. Vegetarians can look forward to warm goat's cheese, walnut and pomegranate salad, open squash ravioli with crispy sage butter, roast Munchkin pumpkin with spiced bean stew and mushroom, leek and Broadside ale pie with kale. Sweet custard tart with poached prunes or white chocolate vanilla cheesecake for pudding rounds it off nicely. The evening makes quick progress with a pint of beer or glass of wine for company.