The restaurant scene is an enthralling, dynamic whirlwind with the power to plunge you into a reverie about soft launches and new openings whilst endlessly scrolling online, when sleeping should really take precedence. As I write this, I immediately recognise that I may or may not have succinctly surmised my own state that was (and is) apparent for the most part of 2018 (and currently).
I sampled a few delights last year, which left me intrigued as to where their journey will take them in this tumultuous world that is the restaurant industry. My overall experience cajoled me to realise they must be included in a list of restaurants to watch out for this year!
Flesh and Buns
Rating: 4 stars
Food spend: £££
Where: Fitzrovia | Berners Street, West London
What: Japanese Izakaya Restaurant & Bar from the founder of Bone Daddies.
Who: Flesh & Buns Fitzrovia is a Japanese Izakaya marvellously created by the acclaimed Chef Ross Shonhan. Their aim is simple – provide a lively, social venue, with delectable drink offerings and a cross section of delicious Japanese dishes perfectly designed for sharing! Flesh & Buns are propelled by a hunger to deliver notable, standout Japanese-inspired food, which is apparent across the variety of dishes they offer.
What’s special? Pisco Sour anyone? Peru’s most illustrious cocktail – the delightful Pisco Sour – is served with a unique touch as guests are afforded the ability to instantly push the ‘Pisco Sour’ button on their table. Apart from this impressive feature, the food speaks very loudly at Flesh & Buns, silently coaxing you to devour yet another flesh and bun!
Cora Pearl
Rating: 4 stars
Food spend: £££
Where: Covent Garden | Henrietta Street, West London
What: The sister restaurant from the team behind Kitty Fisher’s in Mayfair.
Who: The team who gave us Kitty Fisher’s have concocted another recipe for success, this time in the form of an intimately pretty restaurant situated in heart of Covent Garden called Cora Pearl. Think deep forest green banquets and cabinets, crisp white napkins, wooden furniture – the hue of caramel inside a Lindt milk chocolate, a pop of gold that isn’t loud or garish and rows of uniform crystal clean glassware.
What’s special? I debated with myself not to list the host of dishes on the menu that I sampled that sweltering summer afternoon. Instead, I’ll simply state that the food served at Cora Pearl must be tried; the bread and yeasted butter personifies ‘simplicity is best’ for instance, while the fish stew and croutons provide a fresh take on the much-loved classic. You simply must visit.
Little Kolkata
Rating: 4 stars
Food spend: ££
Where: Covent Garden | Shelton Street, West London
What: A restaurant that started life as a supper club, serves up Bengali cuisine in a colourful canteen-style spot.
Who: The story of Little Kolkata began almost four summers ago in 2015 whereby it introduced Bengali cuisine to the masses through the art of supper clubs. Its founders – both foodies, delight in the idea of feeding people and causing their taste buds to dance with delight through a medley of flavours the pair grew up eating. Housed in a canteen style surrounding, it reminisces the way in which the restaurant came to be in the first place – through a supper club, with an intimate and warm atmosphere that is rather comforting.
What’s special? The dishes served at Little Kolkata are well-presented and well thought out. They etch a genuine happiness in the form of a smile on one’s face, with each bite that is consumed. The portions are great and the staff kind as they politely present pretty, tapas style dishes on small square tables – perfect for sharing (or not)!
thesolofoodie.com 
Thanks for the tips, Sarima! I haven’t been to any of them, but heard good things about all of them. And after reading this post, I’m now just starving..
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Truly appreciate you reading the post, Aaron and I’m glad you enjoyed it! Replying to this after over a year, not cool, I know! Thankful regardless.
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