London Restaurants Archives - Modern Pineapple

If you’re anything like me, by the time Wednesday rolls around my mind is on weekend plans {cue Hump Day Syndrome}. Those plans include what we’re going to do together around London, and of course, what we’re going to eat. I can’t help it!

Of course, as much as I enjoy entertaining at home, we love going out to dinner. Over the past several months we’ve gathered a few go-to spots for date night, though they’re perfect with friends and visitors too. Here are our top five:

E&O: This cool little spot is always buzzing when we walk in the door, and totally sets the tone for a fun night. E&O is a vibrant, contemporary pan-Asian restaurant that provides quick service {sometimes I’m shocked how fast the food comes out}, delicious cocktails and we’ve loved everything we have ever ordered. Don’t miss: the Chili Salt Squid to start and Black Miso Cod. I’m dreaming of this now…

Le Boudin Blanc: Everything about this rustic, elegant French bistro warms my heart with memories of romantic dinners and many hours spent across the table from my husband in the candlelight. It is one of my favorites in all of London, and still holds the #1 spot for French onion soup {really, it’s so good}. Don’t miss: the French onion soup and creme brûlée.

Modern Pineapple French Onion Soup The fantastic French onion soup at LBB.

Osteria Basilico: Located on Kensington Park Road just across the street from E&O, this little Italian spot makes me feel like we’ve been transported to the Italian countryside with its scrubbed wooden tables and authentic food. It’s always bustling, happy and comforting. My favorite table is downstairs underneath the staircase. Don’t miss: the antipasti and any of the tasty thin crust pizzas.

The Shed: I have to include this place… we live literally a stone’s throw away from the front door! It’s not just the location but how fun it is. Created by three brothers who wanted an extension of their lifestyle in West Sussex, their menu is focused on “nose to tail” cooking and it changes daily. The eclectic farm-inspired interior is charming and quirky. Don’t miss: the Daily Loosener to start your night and anything under Slow Cooking.

West Thirty Six: We just went here last weekend for the first time, and it far exceeded our expectations. Located on Golbourne Road, it really brings that urban grit to its four-story grill house/cocktail joint. W36 just opened a few weeks ago from the team who own Beach Blanket Babylon in Notting Hill, but it won’t be long before it’s a local favorite. Don’t miss: the crab and avocado trifle, rotisserie chicken and the warm apple pie {they serve it straight out of the pie dish at your table!}.

W36’s chicken – it was beyond amazing {this is just the half, come hungry!} and was the first thing we smelled when we walked in the door.

Last night, my guy and I had, without a doubt, one of the best meals of our lives. The Ledbury needs no introduction around London — located on Ledbury Road in Notting Hill, it’s a two Michelin star spot with innovative seasonal dishes from head chef Brett Graham and deliciously paired wines, set in a classically cool dining room. {I was absolutely in love with the mod chandelier.}

Via Nelson Design

The food and wine were amazing — but what really set the night apart for me was the presentation of every dish {see photos below! I couldn’t resist snapping a few}, and the way we felt relaxed from the moment we stepped in the door. It was the little things — the way our coats were taken so seamlessly (and remembered with no tag), how each wine was meticulously paired to enhance the dish we were about to enjoy, how our water glasses were never empty. It was elegant without being stuffy, beautiful without any pretentiousness.

Our experience at The Ledbury reminded me of my philosophy of celebrating the everyday both beautifully and uncomplicated. A weeknight lasagne dinner for the two of us can become a special Italian evening with Frank Sinatra crooning through my iPhone and a delicious bottle of red decanting on the table. By thinking about how I want the night to feel, and focusing on a few high-impact details, it elevates the entire experience. The Ledbury did that and more — taking every opportunity to make our night special, right down to giving us a printed copy of the menu we had as a memento.

What a special night — and good reminders for celebrating and living well everyday.

A little dark! My handsome date enjoying the first of our four amuse bouches (yes, four!) and rose champagne.