When we were in London a few years ago, staying in Belgravia, we went to this place - three times. The food was delicious. Small Venetian cicchetti plates to share, nicely decorated. Not sure if they have outdoor seating though. https://tozirestaurant.co.uk/london/restaurant/

Tom, as a comic in all seriousness...I'm tryna come up with some of the more unusual foodic listings from my research for you here, places whose appeal go beyond dishes and plates. Keeping in mind that I've have not been to London in over 30 years, another one comes to mind, Clerkenwell's Zetter Townhouse. That lodging has its own oh-so stylish, period-piece bar, one that does some mean cocktail mixes. We have it penciled-in as a likely visit, coz of its relative quietness.

Time marches on. Three of the historic food places that we'd been planning to utilize as self-caterers, have since my research, bit the dust. Two were delis at the end of our street (A. Gold plus Verdi & Co), while the venerable wine shop that I was salivating about, has just moved into new, more modern digs. Half of its charm for me was its original 'ye olde' setting.

Hope that your search for restaurants proves fruitful.
I am done. the paws

I will second that! In the Park Plaza hotel.. if you are going to a show around there would be a great place to stop for a bite. Polpo is good too, same theme and two locations - https://polpo.co.uk/

Btw, superb foto of Remi!!
I am done. the paws pause

Thanks Z, I'll pass that on to her.

Has anyone been to Clos Maggiore in Covent Garden?

Clos Maggiore - Yes and IMO overrated. The meal was not that interesting and quite honestly was not sure what all the fuss was about.

Yes -- once, for a pre-theatre booking and it is just down the way from the Opera House. It is perfectly OK. The pretty room with the fireplace and flowers cascading from the ceiling they emphasize in all the photos . . . the rest of the place isn't that. But I certainly wouldn't pick it for foodies who only have a few days in London.

Back to the drawing board, I guess. Not that we're foodies, but if we went to that restaurant I certainly would want to be seated in that room, and I don't think they give any guarantees. Will keep searching.

we went to London every year between 2010-2019 and The Barbary was definitely one of our favorite spots. I follow them on Instagram just so I can gaze at their delicious Mediterranean/North African food. Other favorites were Barrafina for Spanish tapas, Koya for Udon, Hoppers and Dishoom for Indian and Sri Lankan. For a beautiful room, Berners Tavern is a nice spot.

Barafina is good / convenient to lots of sightseeing because they are all over central London -- Soho, Kings Cross, Covent Garden (2) and a new one is opening (next month I think) at Borough Market.

Actually -- If in your wanderings you are at the Tower, or the Globe or the Shard or anywhere on the South Bank -- head to Borough Market. Besides all the markets stalls -- LOTS of yummy places to eat.

Snapper cracker, how we hate Zedel.

We do like The Wolseley.

We LOVE St John Smithfield.

Cheers, mate.

As you mention an Indian restaurant in your OP, our favourite is Gymkhana in Albemarle St https://gymkhanalondon.com
1* Michelin . Expensive but great food

We finally tried Ritu our new "local" Indian in St Johns Wood over xmas. Not been open long, no Michelin stars but is excellent food almost on a par with Gymkhana.

Dishoom has outlets all over town. Favourites are in Kings Cross and Covent Garden. Just opened in Carnaby St which maybe worth a look. Modern casual Indian with the best Black Dahl ever! A bit different from the norm.

If you want to push the boat out, Michel Roux’s 2* Le Gavorche is still one of the best in town of you can get a table.

If you are missing Californian Japanese then Nobu has opened a hotel and restaurant place in Portman Square.

Thai Pin in Maiden Lane, Covent Garden is always good for no frills but authentic Thai.

Thanks everyone. How about La Poule au Pot ?

Wow - That's a name from the past :) I've stayed 3 times over about a decade at a B&B just up Ebury street from La Poule au Pot, and many other times just across the tracks in Pimlico. I've eaten there probably 4X. It was always very good and very French bistro-ish. . . BUT the last time I ate there was probably 6 years ago so I have no idea what its like now.

I know La Poule ou Pot! Last time we went was in the early 90s. But it's still there, still looking good. And the area is very nice, with antique shops. And Elizabeth Street, around the corner, has become very posh.

Here's a second to balthy's suggestion of Brasserie Zedel. We stumbled upon it a few years back and have eaten there several times, always good. Located at 20 Sherwood just off Piccadilly Square it is a great way to feel like you are in Paris without traversing the Channel. They offer the most delicious baguette, and prices are quite reasonable.

I'm following this, too, as it turns out we will be in London at the end of April after all! I was glad to see the recommendation for St. John Smithfield -- I heard about it from The Economist's podcast "The Intelligence", and booked a table based on that glowing review...

We enjoyed Merchants Tavern in Shoreditch, Medlar in Chelsea, and Scully St. James. Descriptions and photos are in my 2018 trip report.

https://www.fodors.com/community/eur...ondon-1654877/

Somehow I missed your TR back when -- just read it - sounds like a great trip. Just wanted to mention the the Merchants Tavern closed up in late 2020. :( The site is now a 'Japanese pub' of some sort

oh, that’s too bad. It was a terrific restaurant.