Burger & Lobster- Soho, London

36 Dean Street, Soho, London, W1D 4PS
http://burgerandlobster.com/

The opening of a second Burger & Lobster, this branch in Soho, has created enough of a buzz to make waiting 2 hours for a table with only 3 options on the menu seem completely normal. Priced at £20 each, the burger, lobster and lobster roll- all served with fries and a side salad- make up the entirety of the menu. To be fair, it is completely worth it; the quality and quantity of the food is excellent. Banish any fears of being served a teeny portion of the shell fish- a whole lobster accompanied with lemon garlic butter and a pair of crackers, make the £20 price tag exceptional value. 

Red leather booths, exposed brick and copper conduit, wooden panelled walls and a lengthy bar lined with low-hanging black lights create a relaxed interior to compliment such an energetic and busy atmosphere. One complaint only; the service being a little too speedy...most likely an effort to accommodate the growing queue of customers hopefully putting their names down at the door.

Kettner’s Restaurant and Champagne Bar- Soho, London

29 Romilly Street, Soho, London, W1D 5HP
http://www.kettners.com/

Originally a Georgian townhouse and first opened as a restaurant in 1867, Kettner’s is an ideal choice for affordable elegance.  Taupe coloured walls lined with ornate mirrors envelop a lively dining area-  where velvet seating, a marble bar and a large sparkling chandelier add to this glamorous interior. A beautiful white piano plays live music from Tuesday to Saturday, further complimenting the ambient 1930s theme.

Located in the hustle and bustle of busy Soho, there are a number of well-priced set menus (including the pre and post theatre menus) while the brasserie menu is diverse in its choice and cost. The sweet potato and mushroom wellington is a lovely veggie dish.

La Bodega Negra- Soho, London

9 Old Compton Street, London, W1D 5NH
http://labodeganegra.com/#Home

It’s hard to believe that a neon-lit ‘Peep Show’ entrance off Old Compton Street leads to a buzzing underground world with top notch Mexican food, fantastic music and killer margaritas. The dishes are small and ideal for sharing- make guacamole a must to start and save enough room for the chocolate fondant to finish. The candle-lit, cellar-like interior is atmospheric and full of character.

Owner Serge Becker is the brains behind La Bodega Negra, also renowned for his NYC creation, La Esquina. La Esquina involves a similar concept where the basement restaurant is reached through an unsuspicious door within a retro SoHo diner.

La Bodega Negra’s ground level café and bar off Moor Street is ideal for a relaxed drink or bite to eat but head to the restaurant for a more frivolous evening. Book now-reservations get snatched up quickly.

Mildreds- Soho, London

 45 Lexington Street, London, W1F 9AN
http://www.mildreds.co.uk/

Lexington Street is home to a small strip of charming and cosy restaurants, Mildreds one of them. A few minutes from the hustle and bustle of Wardour street...Mildreds serves up tasty vegetarian food with a kick. This busy, chatter filled space with every table filled was likely the result of such reasonable prices and speedy service. Chinese dumplings, the veggie burrito, sweet potato fries and stir fried Asisn veg were all polished off easily!

Spice Market- Leicester Square, London

10 Wardour Street, London, W1D 6QF
http://www.spicemarketlondon.co.uk/index.php

Slightly hidden under the modern W Hotel near Leicester Square, ensure you don't miss out on this vibrant and plush south-east Asia themed restaurant.  With rows of colourful spices lining the wall, hundreds of low hanging wok lights, gold mesh screens, a fiery red, orange and brown colour palette…the décor makes a big impact as soon as you walk through the door. An extensive cocktail list including delicious lychee raspberry bellinis and a wide selection of dishes- the spiced chicken samosas, crab dumplings and the Vietnamese chicken curry to name but a few- make Spice Market a must.