London is my absolute favourite city and one with an incredibly vibrant food scene.

My first proper job out of university was writing for Secret London, which I always describe as ‘Time Out for Millenials’, so I’d like to think that I know a fair bit about what there is to do and where to eat in London. Here’s a selection of my favourite restaurants in London, for those of you who are unsure where to eat on your next trip to the city.

1. Arthur Hooper’s

I first went to this restaurant on a meal review during my Secret London days and ever since it’s been a firm favourite. I was totally unconvinced by the restaurant’s exterior and ‘European small plates’ concept before visiting, but I really was blown away once I’d tried their food. Sharing tapas-style dishes makes the experience really interactive and the quality here is exceptional. Make sure you try the burrata and the clams and order loads of the rest to share. Would 100% recommend Arthur Hooper’s as a date spot.

8 Stoney St, London SE1 9AA

2. Sake no Hana

A gorgeous restaurant in St James’s, Sake no Hana is a great option for special occasions, especially when opting for the Umai Weekends menu (from 12pm to 3pm on Saturdays and Sundays). Sake no Hana serves up modern Japanese cuisine and some of the best sushi in London. Plus, if you visit during cherry blossom season, you’ll have the added benefit of a seriously incredible Instagram backdrop.

23 St James’s St, St. James’s, London SW1A 1HA

3. Flat Iron

You honestly cannot go wrong with Flat Iron on a trip to London. Not every branch takes bookings, so I’d recommend heading for an early dinner at the Insta-perfect London Bridge branch. I’ve never seen such happy staff – every staff member we spoke to waxed lyrical about how well the management treated them – and that feeling of positivity really radiates. Opt for a classic flat iron steak with spinach and fries and make sure you save room for their incredible baked Alaska for dessert.

112-116 Tooley St, London SE1 2TH

4. Da Mario

If you’re after authentic Italian food and friendly service then Da Mario is your place. I first visited Da Mario as a pre-Albert Hall meal when I went to see Rodriguez perform last year and immediately fell in love with it. Their pizzas and pastas are equally amazing and they offer so much choice. The price is great for a restaurant in this area, so it was predictably busy – just make sure to book a table so you don’t miss out.

15 Gloucester Road, London SW7 4PP

5. Union Street Cafe

A Gordon Ramsay restaurant, Union Street Cafe really knows how to pull off a memorable experience. We’ve eaten here countless times and, on each occasion, everything has run extremely smoothly. I’ve often found that waiters bristle at requests such as ‘an extra glass of ice’ in some restaurants, but here they’ll bring it to you in a crystal cut glass that’s been chilled in the freezer, with ice tongs. The food is consistently great here, just make sure you start with their baked eggs.

47-51 Great Suffolk St, London SE1 0BS

6. Machiya

This unassuming Japanese joint doesn’t catch the eye much from the exterior, but once you’ve tried the food I guarantee you’ll be back. Machiya serves up simple, authentic Japanese cuisine at a great price point. Oh, and make sure you head downstairs after your meal for a quirky cocktail in their hidden bar; I’d recommend the adorable Jigglypuff cocktail. They also make a mean Monkey 47 G&T.

5 Panton St, West End, London SW1Y 4DL

7. Hunan

Another restaurant I’ve previously reviewed for Secret London, Hunan has a unique concept. Here, you’ll be asked just two questions before the food starts flowing out 1. How spicy do you like your food? And 2. How hungry are you? This menu-less Chinese restaurant really provides an experience you won’t forget. You’ll eat until you can’t eat anymore and leave feeling extremely satisfied.

51 Pimlico Rd, Belgravia, London SW1W 8NE

8. Santo Remedio

Modern Mexican street food restaurant Santo Remedio is sat just opposite the Unicorn Theatre, which is incidentally how we found this place when we popped in for a pre-theatre meal. Their tostados, tacos, and quesadillas are all delicious and the service and interiors make this place feel really welcoming. Make sure you start off with the homemade salsas and corn tortilla chips and order a chilled bottle of white to share.

152 Tooley St, London SE1 2TU

9. Sagar

Sagar is a vegan and vegetarian restaurant serving authentic southern Indian cuisine on the outskirts of Covent Garden. I spent some of my childhood living in Bangalore whilst my dad worked for HP labs, so this restaurant is a real nostalgia trip for me. Sagar serves all of my old savoury favourites, idli, puri, dosas, thalis as well as a selection of classic, teeth-achingly sweet Indian desserts like payasam and gulab jamun. The Mysore Masala Dosa is my personal favourite main dish here and I’d recommend pairing everything with a mango lassi.

31 Catherine St, Covent Garden, London WC2B 5JS

10. Flesh & Buns

Flesh & Buns is another ‘can’t go wrong’ kind of small chain, but I’d suggest a visit to the original Covent Garden branch for maximum ambiance. Go for the steamed buns and stay for the chicken wings, the food here is really Flesh & Buns’ main draw. You’re best off ordering lots of dishes and sharing here as the bao, sushi, and small plates are really all excellent.

41 Earlham St, West End, London WC2H 9LX

If you’ve got any London restaurant recommendations for me I’d always love to hear them, so please let me know in the comments.