#1 Jin Kichi - best mid range

Don’t be fooled by its modest and traditional interiors. Jin Kichi leaves a powerful impression on the unsuspecting diner. With mouthwateringly fresh yellowtail sushi, delicious more-ish grilled meats and high quality sake offerings, this place is worth the trek to and up up the hill to Hampstead Heath.
Tip: must book in advance, this hidden gem is no more hidden.

#2 Min Jiang

Duck alors! Look no further if you want to sample the best Chinese Peking Duck in London overlooking Kensington Gardens. Gorgeous tender heavenly duck meat slathered in freshly made Hoisin sauce, add some fresh cucumber, proceed to wrap in a thin pancake, and close your eyes ever so slightly as you bite down ...
Tip: Avoid wearing white to dinner.

#3 Kai Mayfair - best high end

Bernard Yeoh, head chef of the Michelin starred Kai, has turned the old classic Chinese favourites to another level. Every dish is undeniably tasty, and just so damn pretty. For Chinese people like myself, the dishes do feel like they’re homecooked, and at times very familiar, which would make it difficult to justify the high prices to your family members... but if you have a grandma who you can’t take out anywhere without ordering rice, this is the place to go for a special occasion.
Tip: try their gai lan (vegetable)

#4 On the Bab

The finest Korean street food in the centre of London. Try the crispiest korean fried chicken, zesty bibimbaps, towering lava lamp-like beer funnels, and lip smacking soju cocktails... This place has all the vibes.
Tips: expect to wait in the queue outside as On the Bab does not take reservations.
If you’re thinking whether to go for one glass or a pitcher of the korean cocktail... it’s a no brainer for the pitcher. Duh.

#5 Hare & Tortoise - best cheap eat

This Japanese chain holds a special ramen shaped space in my heart. I usually have the tantanmen or seafood ramen with a few sashimi starters. The portions are hearty, the menu is varied, and service is usually efficient.
Tip: Check out this place next when you have the ‘I don’t know where to eat tonight’ dilemma - Decision made!

#6 Sticks n Sushi

Sophisticated sushi in sexy surroundings. As a personal preference, I would only go back for the outstanding starters and sushi over the yakitori and other mains.
Tip: make sure you try the California rolls or the Mamma Mia’s as they have popping tobiko (Japanese flying fish roe) on top of the sushi which is delicioso. Petition for all sushi to contain tobiko please.

#7 Yori

A surprising late addition of Yori, a Korean Q experience, pips old favourites on this list.
Tasty beansprouts, cucumbers and seaweed starters were free, just like in Korea, yet kimchee was oddly missing. Sampling the sweet juicy more-ish barbecued ribeye steak was made even more appetising listening to the sounds of Korean speaking diners on the next table.
The best part of the evening, however, was pressing the ‘call button’ on your table where a waiter zooms immediately to your side within 30 seconds.
Game. Changing,
I tell you.

Tip: ask for a table with a BBQ cooker upon entering to watch your food expertly be cooked in front of you, or dare to inexpertly burn it yourself. The choice is yours.

#8 Shuang Shuang

No Asian foodie list would be complete without hot pot. Utterly fun to eat with friends. Small revolving plates zoom by, and you just pick up whatever you want, whenever you want, whoever you want. Then you cook the item in your little basket or dunk it in your own broth pot over a fire. Additionally you can add on small snack bites by ordering from the waitresses.

Tip: the prices rocket if you keep piling them up without a thought, so keep an eye on your coloured plates. Perhaps consider eating here sober.

#9 Tonkotsu

You just can’t beat a steaming hot creamy broth with the springiest slurpy ramen noodles on the chilliest winter’s evening. You’re spoiled for choice with Shoryu, Bone Daddies and Tonkotsu close by to each other. I personally think Tonkotsu has slightly better ramen as I’m always looking for that particular ‘bite’ but to be honest, this trio won’t disappoint you no matter which one you choose.

#10 Hutong

Hutong merges my love of eating in high-rise places in the sky, with my passion for Chinese food. It’s definitely an ‘occasion’ dining experience. When you’re watching the duck being thinly sliced in front of you is definitely a pleasant reminder to feel like you’re winning at life, and the duck is really not.
Jokes aside, the dishes are beautiful, bold, and the evening will be memorable, for sure.

Commendable restaurants that didn’t make this list:

• Mayflower - my top dim sum choice in Chinatown
• Yautcha - High end dim sum
• Bao - the fluffiest softest buns, oh
• Thai Square - red/yellow curry I could eat again and again and again
• Benihana - will be reviewing on ‘best dates restaurant’ list
• Hakkasan - Jasmine tea smoked chicken (must try)
• Yo Sushi - shoutout to an old fave (hi emma)

#1 Holland Park

Beautiful peaceful park with idle peacocks freely roaming around and a Japanese zen area to meditate in ... it’s a quaint spot for dog watching too.

#2 Greenwich Park

Lovely spot for a picnic with panoramic views of the city, visit the cherry blossoms during the spring time, and check out the observatory to discover how the concept of the Greenwich Mean Time came to be born.

#4 Hyde Park

Fantastic summer concerts, try your feet on the pedalos in the Serpentine Lake, and bring a blanket to lazily lie on under the shady trees to read your favourite book all afternoon long.

#5 Richmond Park

Spot the wild deers who roam in this expansive park... a sight to behold, but beware of their droppings as you step into the grass...

#1 Restaurant Gordan Ramsay

Out of this world culinary experience. I cannot stress how incredible the food and wine tasted, the waitressing was impeccable, and this establishment deserves every penny they’ll empty out of your pocket. Go big and go for their taster menu.
Tips: Book months in advance for a table.
Be prepared for no other restaurant to compare after visiting. 😭

#2 Aqua Shard

Stunning views at nighttime - their British crab and lobster dishes are divine. Their toilets are divine.
Tip: ask for a seat by the window when booking, and if you’re lucky you can watch the views change from day to night.

#3 Dinner by Heston

Strange looking plates of food at times for sure, but the taste is what matters. Try their Savoury porridge.
Tip: Some seats are opposite a window to see into their kitchen to see your food being prepared. It’s rather entertaining.

#1 Mcdonalds

Ah McDonalds, my first love. Use your student card to get free fries, McFlurry or a cheeseburger with every meal. Plus if you download their app, you get freebies every now and then. Win!
Cons: Multimillion dollar conglomerate.

#2 Padella

For reals though, main dishes of £4-8 and starters of £2-5 make Padella a front runner on this list. Their Italian pasta is tasty and authentic. Cons? No reservations means that there can often be queues of about 30-60mins outside.
Tip: Visit on a weekday to avoid the tourists; also start queuing outside before the time that the restaurant actually opens.

#3 Gokyuzu

Bring your family (and extended family) to this Turkish chain that serves humongous portions of tender and high quality meat. No one will go home hungry, and prices are very reasonable too. Highly recommend!
Tip: book in advance because a lot of aunties and large groups visit.

#4 Byron

The ultimate combo of burgers, fries, and milkshakes (with a malted bourbon shot added) is always a sensational feeling. I feel Byron is less greasy than Shake Shack or Five Guys; and tastier than Honest Burgers, so this is my preferred burger joint.
Tip: Join their free online Byron burger club for frequent 2 for 1 vouchers!

#5 Roti King

This restaurant is unassuming and offers a delicious range of Malaysian dishes. If you have found any other Malaysian restaurant that you love, please let me know, as I’m determined to find the perfect roti canai that emulates the feels of the real dish in Penang! But for now, go to Roti King to try my favourite dish!
Tip: it’s situated in a basement, but don’t worry, you won’t get hurt.

#6 Bunsik

Legit tasty Korean corn dogs in Chinatown. Savoury on the inside, utterly crispy and sweet on the outside. Highly instagrammable too. Need I say more??

#7 Flower burger

Bright neon coloured vegan food is all the rage right now. Psychedelic walls and purple coloured buns, you’ll feel like you’re in a fever dream in this modest establishment situated near Goodge Street. Check out the soft drinks as well - super tasty and washes down all the colours of the rainbow til you wake up from your slumber and remark “what just happened?”