London’s historic district of Soho, renowned for its pulsating nightlife, culture, and food scenes, adds another feather to its cap in 2023. This year, a new collection of restaurants has emerged on its cobbled streets, presenting a variety of global culinary delights. From the heartwarming seafood traditions of Manzi’s to the intricate Japanese artistry at Ken’s Japanese Delight, here’s an in-depth look at Soho’s latest culinary sensations.
1. Manzi’s
(Reopened in March 2023)
Location: 27 Old Compton Street, London W1D 4TQ
Honouring the age-old tradition of British seafood, Manzi’s makes a grand return. At a price bracket of £££, it ensures a luxurious dining experience. Signature dishes not to be missed include:
- Lobster bisque: A rich concoction of lobster meat, fresh cream, and a hint of sherry.
- Grilled octopus: Perfectly grilled, served with a tangy lemon vinaigrette.
- Fish and chips: Quintessentially British with crispy fish fillet, chunky hand-cut chips, and classic mushy peas.
2. Daroco Soho
(Opened in January 2023)
Location: 100 Wardour Street, London W1F 0UD
A fresh Italian breeze wafts through Soho with the opening of Daroco. Within the mid-range ££ bracket, patrons can expect:
- Spaghetti carbonara: Traditional Roman fare with crispy pancetta, beaten eggs, and sharp Parmesan.
- Pizza Margherita: Celebrating minimalism with tomato sauce, melting mozzarella, and aromatic basil.
- Tiramisu: A layered dessert combining espresso-soaked ladyfingers, creamy mascarpone, and a generous dusting of cocoa.
3. Darjeeling Express
(Relocated to Soho in March 2023)
Location: 33 Lexington Street, London W1F 9AH
Darjeeling Express, once the pride of Covent Garden, now graces Soho with its Michelin-starred Indian dishes. Falling into a medium ££ price range, culinary highlights feature:
- Chicken tikka masala: Succulent chicken pieces in a tomato-based gravy, infused with spices.
- Lamb biryani: Basmati rice and lamb, slow-cooked with spices, offering a symphony of flavours.
- Samosas: Crisp pastries filled with a spicy mix of potatoes and green peas.
4. Karapincha
(Opened in February 2023)
Location: 41 Frith Street, London W1D 4SJ
For those yearning for a taste of Sri Lanka without breaking the bank, Karapincha offers an affordable dining experience within the £ price range. Their menu boasts:
- Kottu roti: A lively stir-fry combining shredded roti, vegetables, and a blend of spices.
- Hoppers: Delicate, bowl-shaped pancakes made from fermented rice flour and coconut milk.
- Fish curry: Tender fish pieces simmered in a spiced coconut milk gravy.
5. Paro Restaurant
(Opened in April 2023)
Location: 22 Greek Street, London W1D 4DE
Paro champions the diversity of India’s culinary landscape. With a plush £££ pricing, the restaurant unveils:
- Lamb rogan josh: A traditional Kashmiri delicacy of slow-cooked lamb in a yoghurt-based gravy.
- Tandoori chicken: Chicken marinated in a spiced yoghurt mix, char-grilled to perfection.
- Butter chicken: A universally loved creamy tomato gravy with tender chicken chunks.
6. Eight Hundred Flavours
(Opened in May 2023)
Location: 11 Poland Street, London W1F 8QF
Dive into China’s culinary richness at Eight Hundred Flavours. Priced at a moderate ££, the restaurant tempts with:
- Peking duck: Roasted duck served with thin pancakes, sweet hoisin sauce, and fresh cucumber.
- Sichuan hotpot: A communal eating experience with a spicy broth accompanied by a variety of meats and vegetables.
- Dim sum: An assortment of steamed dumplings, each a pocket of flavours and textures.
7. Ken’s Japanese Delight
(Opened in June 2023)
Location: 17 Bateman Street, London W1D 7AP
Ken’s brings the nuanced traditions of Japanese dining. With a higher price point at £££, diners can expect:
- Omakase: A multi-course meal, where the chef curates a unique dining experience for each guest.
- Sushi: Fresh fish, expertly pressed onto vinegared rice, showcasing the subtlety of Japanese flavours.
- Sashimi: Exquisite slices of raw fish, each echoing the freshness of the ocean.
8. Geode Wine Bar
(Opened in July 2023)
Location: 13 Greek Street, London W1D 4DE
A haven for oenophiles, Geode Wine Bar pairs exquisite wines with European charcuterie. Within the ££ range, some offerings include:
- Charcuterie board: An assortment of cured meats, fine cheeses, olives, and artisanal bread.
Conclusion:
The ever-evolving streets of Soho, steeped in history yet always looking forward, continue to tantalise the taste buds with diverse offerings. 2023’s latest inclusions only amplify the district’s reputation as a global culinary hotspot. From luxe dining at Manzi’s to budget-friendly Sri Lankan fares at Karapincha, there’s a gastronomic tale waiting to be experienced by all.
Trivia:
Eater’s 2022 article highlighted Soho’s staggering 3,000+ restaurants, making it one of the densest food hubs globally. This eclectic mix spans from the luxury of Michelin stars to the charm of laid-back cafes.
FAQs:
- Desiring affordable Sri Lankan dishes? Karapincha, located at 41 Frith Street, is your best bet.
- Seeking an opulent Indian meal? Paro Restaurant at 22 Greek Street offers luxurious Indian dining.
- Where to experience Chinese culinary arts in Soho? Eight Hundred Flavours at 11 Poland Street is a treasure trove.
- Craving wine with European delights? Geode Wine Bar on 13 Greek Street should be on your list.
- An authentic Japanese gastronomic journey? Visit Ken’s Japanese Delight at 17 Bateman Street for a true Japanese escapade.
