Top Five London Restaurants

I'll be honest, our favourite pastime, no matter where we are, is exploring restaurants. I remember a French acquaintance, while keeping tabs on our whereabouts, once exclaimed "Mais, vous êtes toujours au restaurant!" And she was right (about 95% of the time). Our most memorable moments always involved us seated at a table with cutlery in hand. It's like a break from being at home, a chance to unwind and discover new flavours, often driven by curiosity about others' culinary creations. And a particular pleasure is savouring expertly prepared food – it really adds a touch of joy to life. In London, we've been fortunate to find some great dining spots. You can truly relax here, and dine out or order in constantly until you feel like trying your hand at cooking. And if inspiration hits rock bottom, you can always venture out in search of it once again. But the huge variety out there comes with exceptions. For instance, we're not fans of chain restaurants. We feel they lack the chef's personal touch. And the shortlist of our favourite places, which I'd like to share with you, doesn't include the myriad national restaurants spread across the UK. Though they certainly include some interesting finds... So, from our modest perspective as seasoned lovers of France, appreciating originality and style, here are our top five favourite restaurants in London: Flagship Ottolenghi Restaurant: ROVI. We waited two weeks until we miraculously snagged a table. But the experience was well worth the wait. For those unfamiliar with Yotam Ottolenghi, he's a vibrant London chef of Middle Eastern descent who completely revolutionised my view of gastronomy. The explosion of colours and vegetable and spice combinations he creates is truly unique. Best steak on Charlotte Street: We often find ourselves on this street, a culinary haven. Amidst a variety of eateries, Sicilian Bricco e Bacco stands out. The tantalising aroma of juicy steaks wafting out can be sensed from afar. Tempting, hearty and perfectly cooked steaks – a hedonist's dream straight out of a "Matrix" movie. When asked about allergies, we jokingly replied we had none, except for being vegetarians. The waiter chuckled, albeit not immediately. Exquisite dining on the 37th floor in the City: One of my birthdays was meticulously planned by my grown-up daughter. It was a day filled with her creative surprises and love, featuring a magical garden corner in the park, an immersive art exhibition, a gastro-bus and, for lunch, a high-end restaurant in the iconic Sky Garden atop a London City skyscraper. The Fenchurch restaurant left an indelible impression with its dish preparation and presentation. Excellent French bistro in Marylebone: Blandford Comptoir boasts modern design and authentic French cuisine, making it ideal for business lunches and romantic dinners. The charming area around it, with a street lined with French brands and authentic restaurants, is a feast for the eyes and a delight for the palate. Appetising grilled chicken in Notting Hill: Cocotte Rotisserie. We adore this spot for its inventive take on simple chicken. However, seating is limited and reservations are a challenge, and delivery orders fly out swiftly. Apart from the flavourful chicken, their truffle mash and quality sides and snacks are definitely worth a try. As I write this, it was perhaps our best culinary experience to date.