Central London Hidden Gems

[XJ75]

Any suggestions?

The wife and I both work in London, we typically alternate between Nandos, Byron and Wahaca for cheap eats. And Goodman, Gaucho and Hawksmoor for special occasions.

We fancy trying something new. We aren't huge fans of Michelin starred pretentious stuff, but don't mind spending money if it's worthwhile.

Discovered Pix recently as well which we both really enjoyed.

Thanks.

[wiggy001]

Went to Bodeans in Soho last night for some (very) cheap eats after a few beers. Very impressed with the food and service. Recommended if you like that sort of thing.

[48k]

Tapas at Brindisa at Borough Market

[gavsdavs]

Bi Bim Bap, Greek Street. Get there for 6 on the dot or prepare to queue for 30 minutes.

[matrignano]

I like Suvlaki on Bateman St, pretty good grilled meat (you seem to be into your meat!) and relatively cheap.
Bone Daddies in the vicinity also offers good ramen soup and a nice selection of starters.
Copita on D'Arblay St has some good tapas, particularly the pluma!

[wainy]

What about Kimchi at High Holborn?

[CS Garth]

Kitty Fisher's, Shepherd's Market - ace

[Tony Angelino]

wiggy001 said:

Went to Bodeans in Soho last night for some (very) cheap eats after a few beers. Very impressed with the food and service. Recommended if you like that sort of thing.

Went there 2 years ago on a trip to the smoke and thought it was fantastic. Best BBQ food we've had by miles.

[easytiger123]

CS Garth said:

Kitty Fisher's, Shepherd's Market - ace

Agreed. The Galician beef for 2 plus a couple of Bad Kitty cocktails each and life is good.

I'd also add The Palomar (no reservations at the counter but you can book a table at the back).

[6th Gear]

Barrafina, Dean St, Soho

Best tapas in London

[TwigtheWonderkid]

Bistro 1 in Frith St, Really cheap, 2 or 3 courses for about £10 or £13, decent quality food. Lots of choice.

[thebraketester]

Porcetta. Good cheap Italian. Good pizza

Pizza pilgrims.

Patty and Bun. Nice burgers

Honest burger. As above.

Kulu kulu. Decent sushi.

Chick n sours. Chicken things and cocktails.

Temper. Really good BBQ meats place highly recommend.

Loads of places I could recommend

[CS Garth]

easytiger123 said:

CS Garth said:

Kitty Fisher's, Shepherd's Market - ace

Agreed. The Galician beef for 2 plus a couple of Bad Kitty cocktails each and life is good.

I'd also add The Palomar (no reservations at the counter but you can book a table at the back).

The Palomar looks great, awesome tip

[craigjm]

Pizza pilgrims
2 Veneti
Blacklok
Hix
Gilbert Scott
Clos Magiore
Com Viet

[thebraketester]

Ember yard is good too. Tapas.

[22s]

CS Garth said:

The Palomar looks great, awesome tip

You could also try the Barbary, which is their sister restaurant in Covent G. It is outstanding - however, be prepared to wait (with a drink and some snacks) if you want to go anytime after 6pm any day of the week!

[C70R]

Erm... I'm not sure that long-established chains and well-promoted places (i.e. the stuff you find in TimeOut) really count as "hidden gems", unless the OP's definition is pretty broad.
If anyone is interested, I'll dump some of the smaller places into the thread when I get a moment.

[Tickle]

Bleeding Heart bistro fed and watered me well in the new year. RSJ too was good. Recomended from a fellow PH'er

[22s]

C70R said:

Erm... I'm not sure that long-established chains and well-promoted places (i.e. the stuff you find in TimeOut) really count as "hidden gems", unless the OP's definition is pretty broad.
If anyone is interested, I'll dump some of the smaller places into the thread when I get a moment.

Yes please. In fairness, in my opinion hidden gems in central London is pretty challenging. Looking further out to Z2, you can get some really fantastic eateries in places like Brixton (various vendors in POP Brixton, again various in Brixton Village, Namjam, etc).

I will add:
- Sartori at Leicester Sq - great pasta and wood-fired pizza. Looks ste from the outside, but is great inside.

- Dozo - fantastic sushi and ramen on Old Compton St.

- Japan Centre, Piccadilly. Looks crappy and touristy from the outside, but has some of the best sushi in London. (Check out the reviews! https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g186...

- Bleecker St burger - under the railway line on Southbank during summer. Their black and black burger is one of the (if not the best in London.

- Tandoor Chop House - Indian "Dishoom-style". Naan is outstanding, chicken thali plate is superb. On the edge

[wiggy001]

C70R said:

Erm... I'm not sure that long-established chains and well-promoted places (i.e. the stuff you find in TimeOut) really count as "hidden gems", unless the OP's definition is pretty broad.
If anyone is interested, I'll dump some of the smaller places into the thread when I get a moment.

I think it depends actually. I quite often overlook the Timeout list entries because they will be packed with tourists and overpriced as a result, but occasionally I'll be pleasantly surprised (hence my Bodeans recommendation). And usually a real-world recommendation (well, as real world as PH can be) is worth more than that of a critic.

I'd forgotten about this place Preto which was also very good and a little different to the norm. Another chain and probably in a Timeout list somewhere but still worth recommending.