We will be in london in Feb. We would like to have at least one special meal whil we are there. (We usually economise with sandwiches and pizza to save all our money for theatre tickets.) Does any one have any good suggestions? We are staying near Trafalgar Square. I doesnt need to be a fancy place, out emphasis is on food. I would love to hear about your special place. (I know someone is going to ask me to define special...I can't..just lets say we love ethnic food and indeed all food...special means not sandwiches or pizza.)
Jean

I grappled with this question in February and I ended up at Andrew Edmunds with two friends. Look it up and see what you think.

It's fairly reasonable, as far as London is concerned. I remember that it was cheaper than tea at Brown's (!).

An Indian restaurant (actually it's part of a chain, I think) called Rasa has good reviews. We also went to the one in Stoke Newington, and I think that a few years ago I had gone to the one that's more centrally located. It's vegetarian though (I think?).

I am a Londoner now living in Australia. When we go back to the old country we also try to have one special meal. London has some of the best restaurants in the world, but the best are generally very expensive, however there are some deals usually at lunch when they have fixed price menus. Two we have visited a number of times in order of preference are:
La Gavroche (French) in Brooke St off Park Lane and I believe has a Michelin star or two. They do (or used to) a fixed price meal for 40 pounds p/p including wine. Secondly Gordon Ramsey's in the Claridges Hotel which does a fix priced lunch for 25 pounds but alas does not include wine. Both have superb food in beautiful settings with amazing attentive service. If you went for dinner it would cost you three times !!

why economise with pizza and sandwiches if you like ethnic food? the cheapest meals you will get in london are chinese and indian. with the exception of pizza slices or sausage from a cart you can't get much cheaper.

For an everyday good meal, try Cafe TPT (chinese). it's across from the western chinatown gate on wardour st. they have great crispy duck and they are very friendly. for lebanese food, head up to edgeware road. don't forget brick lane for curry (shampan and city spice are good).

for your special meal where you are willing to spend a bit more (still very reasonable by london standards) try navarro's (spanish) it's close to the googe st tube station. Yas is good iranian food - it's in kensington toward olympia centre.

Thank you very much for the suggestions. I appreciate the ideas for cheap eats as well as the special ideas.
Jean

For a nice meal not too far from Trafalgar, try Livebait's Café Fish. I had a wonderful Plateau de fruits de Mer there, but all of the seafood looked good.

At 36-40 Rupert St, it is a few blocks away, near the Gielgud Theatre. I find the distances in this area are shorter when walking, then they appear on the maps.

Keith

There are so many places that would be terrific for a special night out. I try to get to one new up-scale place every trip to London. There are places along the river with great views, dining rooms in some of the fine hotels, and all the wonderful restaurants others recommend here.

But for the height of service and a traditional English atmosphere -- a sort of panelled gentleman's club decor but even posher, you can't go wrong w/ Simpson's in the Strand. it is definitely NOT trendy but will give you a great experience.

DH and I were in London in June. We loved Rules which is one of London's oldest restaurants. Their sticky toffee pudding is wonderful! We're returning to London in June 2005 before we leave on a cruise from Dover. We'll be celebrating our 40th anniversary at Rules. I've already made a reservation which I was able to do from their website.

I agree with janis about Simpsons on the Strand. We had a great meal there last June and plan to return. Be sure to order their roast beef and Yorkshire pudding.

I also like Rules, and absolutely agree about the sticky toffee pudding.

Rules is very hectic pre-theatre. Unless a theatre night is when you want to go, I'll suggest dining at 8pm or later. They have a wide menu, specialize in game but there are many other choices. Very beautiful in an olde club sort of way.

I also think that trendiness aside, the Ivy has very good food and it's a pretty room, but modern and understated.

For a great, fun review of Rules read Giles Coren's column from the Times -
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article...316332,00.html

The description of the roast grouse is a hoot!
Enjoy!