5 fabulous London restaurants you must go to 

London is a diverse metropolis – it is rich in culture and has a long history. As the capital and one of the largest cities in the UK, the variety of its cuisines cannot be underestimated. In London, you can taste food from almost every part of the globe. Here are five restaurants that completely differ in style but will not disappoint you.

1. Pot Pot Malatang

Image credit: @potpotmalatang.ldn on Instagram

This is a restaurant specialising in the Chinese delicacy, Malatang. It is located in Chinatown near Leicester Square and the pricing averages £15 to £20 per person. Malatang is a traditional hot pot dish, particularly in Sichuan and Chongqing, and is recognised for its pungent and spicy flavour, which makes it a favourite among many Chinese people. It has a spicy soup base, seasoned with chilli peppers and peppercorns, and various ingredients are sliced into little pieces, cooked in the base, and served. After eating Malatang, you can also take a stroll around Chinatown to experience the rich Chinese cultural atmosphere

2. Cocoro, Japanese Cuisine, Marylebone

Image credit: @cocorolondon on Instagram

This is an authentic Japanese restaurant located in the centre of London, Marylebone, and it is only a 5 minute walk from the famous shopping mall, Selfridges. You can expect to pay £35 per person. The store is not very big but the decoration and tableware are Japanese style and the staff are all Japanese. The dish that is recommended the most is Foie-gras Don. It is fried to tenderness and the sweetness of the rice is enough to relieve you of fatigue. Cocoro also serves Sukiyaki, a Japanese hot pot, usually cooked with Wagyu beef. During popular times there may be a queue so it’s advisable to reserve a table beforehand.

3. Bacchanalia Mayfair

Image credit: @bacchanalialdn on Instagram

The restaurant is Mediterranean style and the main dishes are Greek and Italian. It is located in Mayfair, the centre of London, and is just one block away from Oxford Circus. It is around £50 per person. The name of the restaurant comes from the mysterious parties held by Bacchus, the god of wine, in ancient Roman mythology so the interior is extravagant. As you pass the front desk and enter the main hall, the most notable features are the statue of Pegasus ‘falling from the sky’ and the vintage oil painting style ceiling, which makes you feel like you’re in a fairyland. You should try their signature coconut dessert, Medusa, which is shaped like her head and surrounded by tropical fruits.

4. Farmer J

Image credit: Deliveroo

Farmer J is a semi-self-service fast food chain that can be found around London and focuses on healthy eating – it is also £13 per person. The food includes 1 base, 1 main, 2 sides (each with 2-5 choices to pick from) and it’s delightful! It’s also worth praising Farmer J for the freshness of their ingredients. My recommendation is the Gochujang Salmon Fieldtray with their special sauce; you will feel the value for money in one bite. The calorie value of each serving will be displayed at each fast-lane ordering machine, which is very friendly to those who are on a diet.

5. Sarastro Restaurant

Image credit: @sarastrorestaurant on Instagram

This is a Turkish-style restaurant located in Covent Garden in downtown London. It can be described as London’s most ambient, ‘opera’ restaurant with prices ranging from £30 to £50 per person. The restaurant’s interior is designed to resemble a tiny, historical opera house with a tight and staggered layout that makes the most of every available area. There is also a second-floor balcony for general seating. Although the food tastes incredible, it is also worth mentioning that there are opera performances every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night, so you can enjoy the music while having your dinner.