Andi Oliver’s Favorite Restaurants in London
Award-winning TV chef and broadcaster Andi Oliver has been a comforting staple on our small screens and radios for decades, whether as a judge on Great British Menu or as a panel member on BBC Radio 4’s The Kitchen Cabinet while exploring her heritage in the Caribbean islands with her daughter Miquita.
The Journey to Culinary Connection
Her love of food started as a social thing, a way to connect with friends and family. When she moved to London from Suffolk as a teenager in the late 70s, she recalls, “we were always cooking and having parties. We would have big warehouse parties and set up a little cooking area in the back and make fried chicken and Caribbean food for everybody. That’s the brilliant thing about the food scene in London: it’s a social thing that connects like-minded people.”
Oliver explains, “I didn’t have any money, so going to fancy restaurants wasn’t on the agenda for me, so we would find small, affordable places to visit, where we could get an incredible meal for five pounds. I guess that’s when I really fell in love with food because it was a way for us to go out with the people we love. Food brings people together, and affordable spots made it possible for everyone to connect.”
Creating Unique Dining Experiences
Andi knows how to provide these experiences firsthand, in addition to presenting them on our screens. She ran pop-up restaurant The Moveable Feast for four years, then became the creative director of the Birdcage Pub on London’s Columbia Road, before launching her own kitchen in the renovated pub The Jackdaw and Star in Homerton. Currently, she runs Wadadli, a project focused on collaborative cultural exchange programs and events through the prism of food.
Top Five Places to Eat in London
“The thing that I’m most interested in is food that is accessible to anyone and everyone,” Andi emphasizes. “We should be celebrating spots available to whoever stumbles upon them, offering food for whatever it is that you’ve got in your pocket – those are the places that make London as extraordinary, exciting, and brilliant as it is.” Below, Andi shares her five favorite places to eat out in London.
Shankeys, Hackney
“This is an incredibly exciting place, and it’s so affordable for anyone’s pocket. Chef Sacha Henry, with a Punjabi Indian heritage, creates food that spans the globe with beautiful little plates. Eoghan Shankey is the world’s best front-of-house, making brilliant drinks. The food is spectacularly flavorsome and wonderful.”
Who comes here?
“It’s literally for everybody, from those wanting to spend £20 to £200. I believe a restaurant should make everyone feel comfortable, and this is one of the most welcoming places around.”
Best time to visit?
“They open at 6pm most days; I’d recommend coming for dinner.”
The dish to order?
“Order the cauliflower and cheese paratha; it’s a delightful experience.”
Sunny Side Up Café, Piccadilly Circus
“Madame Clicquot is an extraordinary woman and a pioneer female entrepreneur. Understanding her story inspired the Veuve Clicquot Sunny Side Up Café.”
Best table in the café?
“In the sunniest spot you can find by the windows overlooking Regent Street.”
Best time to visit?
“Brunch is the perfect time to enjoy the beauty of this café.”
The dish to order?
“The saltfish and callaloo green shakshuka is my favorite, combining the Caribbean and British elements beautifully.”
Sabor, Soho
“When I want a treat, I visit Sabor. Nieves Barragan creates dishes that balance elegance and comfort seamlessly.”
Best table in the restaurant?
“I enjoy sitting at the counter, watching the kitchen in action.”
Best time to visit?
“Lunch is fantastic; you can spend the day enjoying the atmosphere.”
The dish to order?
“The tortilla is incredibly silky and a joy to watch as it’s made perfectly.”
Sen Noods, Southbank
“This cool spot run by two young guys in a truck exemplifies the passion of the London food scene; they do one thing really well.”
Who comes here?
“Anyone looking for a meal that will blow you away for an affordable price.”
Best time to visit?
“Anytime you seek comfort; their noodles are perfect for that.”
The dish to order?
“Their Dan Dan noodles are a silky delight; they provide perfect comfort.”
Tatale, Southbank
“Chef Akwasi Brenya-Mensa marries culinary expertise with artistic expression, offering a taste of Ghanaian food.”
Who comes here?
“Anyone wanting to experience delicious and unique flavors.”
Best time to visit?
“Dinner time offers a beautiful atmosphere and great music.”
The dish to order?
“Omotuo, a traditional Ghanaian dish, is gentle and life-affirming.”
