CleverRoot

w i n t e r 2 0 1 8 | 5 3 The Wolseley This grand café is right in the heart of things on Piccadilly and is open from breakfast through dinner. The enormous menu has no particular focus, but The Wolseley functions on every level. Incredibly stylish and always bustling, here's where to observe Londoners in their natural habitat. Go any time—you'll prob- ably have to wait. thewolseley.com Gymkhana There are many good Indian restaurants in London, but this is one of the best. Sit upstairs and absorb the old-fashioned vibe while sipping one of the exceptional cocktails. You will likely recognize very few dishes on the large menu, so consult with your helpful server—but don't miss the kid goat appetizer and the wild tiger prawns. This dimly-lit, atmospheric place has earned a Michelin star. gymkhanalondon.com The Palomar This tiny outpost in Soho—a long counter and an open kitchen with a dining room in the back—offers a fine example of the current craze in London: Israeli/Middle Eastern food. The plates are small (there's really not enough room for big plates) and meant to be shared. Start with mezze dips served with fresh pitta and don't miss the fattoush salad. You'll think you've been transported to Jerusalem. thepalomar.co.uk Chez Bruce Bruce Poole opened this warm and elegant restaurant in Wandsworth 22 years ago. The dishes are mostly influenced by French cuisine and are carefully constructed with finesse and assurance. The menus are seasonal, but the foie gras and chicken liver parfait is always available. It's impossible to go wrong at this EXPLORING TEN HIGHLIGHTS OF THE LIVELY LONDON DINING SCENE The tiger prawns at Michelin-starred Indian restaurant Gymkhana. The garden at River Café is an ideal dining location when the weather is favorable. PHOTO COURTESY OF RIVER CAFÉ PHOTO COURTESY OF GYMKHANA dated an English girl many years ago, and she once invited me to her home in London for Sunday dinner. Her mother worked hard on the meal and presented it with pride: overcooked lamb, mint jelly, and brown vegetables. If this was an accurate depiction of the state of British dining in those days, wow, have things changed. According to many in the know, London is now the most exciting food city on the eastern side of the Atlantic. A recent visit attests to the sheer diversity of offerings—and their high quality—in London's current culinary scene. Here's a run-down on ten of the highlights:

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