LOVE THESE PLACES

… a selection of favoured places to eat good food, enjoy good wine and company, which in our humble opinion, are synonymous with cognoscenti’s philosophy on food, wine and hospitality.  Hence, there are common threads running through this collection. They tend not to the ‘latest thing’ but mainstay establishments that consistently offer the quality of product and service we look for when spending our hard-earned cash.

 

Medlar, Chelsea, London: Fabulous fine dining restaurant established by two guys groomed at Chez Bruce, Wandsworth. Stylish, elegant surroundings, top notch service, food and wine list. www.medlarrestaurant.co.uk. Manicomio, London: Duke of York Square, Knightsbridge, SW3 4LY & Gutter Lane
EC2V 8ASThis Italian Deli, restaurant and bar is one of my all-round favorites in London Town, because it’s got just about everything for any occassion… and now in two locals.www.manicomio.co.uk.
Negozio Classica, London: 283 Westbourne Grove, Notting Hill,
On the juncture of Portobello Road and Westbourne Park Road is a classy little joint, simple, chic and well stocked with delicious wines and produce that you can’t go wrong any time, any day. www.negozioclassica.co.uk.

Antidote, Soho: French style wine bar and bistro serving fresh, elegant dishes and a great selection of wines – a good number of which are biodynamic and organic. Lovely relaxed atmosphere for informal dinners, light meals or just a darn good glass of vino.

Foxcroft & Ginger, London: Berwick Street, LONDON. Great cafe for great coffee, fresh light bites plus a very decent handful of wines on offer too.

 Dehesa, London: 25 Ganton Street,  W1F 9BP
On the corner of Ganton Street, Kingley Street end, Dehesa offers both classic and contemporary, exquisitely prepared tapas in a simple, but stylish and intimate venue. www.dehesa.co.uk.

Bocca di Lupo, London: 12 Archer Street, Soho,  W1D 7BB. When I first visited this place with a good friend of mine in tow, she was somewhat unconvinced by the approach, through the part of Soho in which you just don’t expect to find the kind of culinary class this wonderful Italian offers. www.boccadilupo.co.uk

Zuma, London: 5 Raphael St, Knightsbridge, SW7 1DL (Hong Kong, Istanbul, Miami and Dubai)
Japanese cuisine is for me, the epitomy of simplicity, intelligence, health and beauty combined. Zuma does it exceptionally well in an atmosphere that is always entertaining simply for the people watching. www.zumarestaurant.com

Fernandez and Wells, London: Wine Bar on Lexington St, Soho,  W1F 9AL, Cafe on Beak St, 73, W11F 9SR, Espresso bar, St Annes Court, W1
Another little soho gem, so unpretentious and intimate its perfect for a tete a tete for two or three. Daytime offerings include a traditional dish such as rabbit or lamb caserole and an array of speciality breads stuffed full of the aforementioned. Evenings are kept simple but no less delicious with a selection of great wines, plates of charcuterie, cheese, anchovies and of course bread and olives. . The cafe around the corner on Beak St offers an equally fine selection of sandwiches, cakes and pastries to indulge in, including a classic affogato (ice cream and ark espresso coffee), perfect in summer. www.fernandezandwells.com

 Aubergine, Cape Town: 39 barnet street gardens T +27 (0)21 465 49 09  www.aubergine.co.za.

Ramses Life, Madrid: Plaza de la Independencia, 4, 280001
Cocktail Bar, Restaurant and Club
www.ramseslife.com.

L’Avenue,Paris, 43 Avenue Montaigne 75008
www.lavenue-restaurant.com.

Gusto, Rome: Piazza Augusto Imporato
Restaurant, Wine Bar, Bistro, Cook Shop and Wine and Cheese Shop
www.gusto.it.

Casa Robles, Seville: several locations, Placentines is a favourite
www.casa-robles.com.

Lonja de Tapas, Barcelona: Plaza del Palau, 7; Cellar de Tapas, Plaza Universidad, 5, Cellar de la Ribera restaurant, Placa de les Olles, 6

www.lonjadetapas.com

www.cellerdetapas.com

www.cellerdelaribera.com