Providing easy access to the city's vast array of restaurants, The London Underground is not only a convenient way to travel around the capital, but a greener alternative too. The simplest way to pay is to tap your contactless card or smartphone. You can also buy an Oyster card (a pre-payment card which you can top up as required). In this article series, we take a look at some of the Inspectors’ favourite restaurants within easy reach of the Tube network. For information on London's transport network, we've got that covered too.
With its vast 118km reach, air-conditioned trains and fast services, the Elizabeth Line is the eye-catching new kid on the block of London’s transport network. The use of the word ‘tube’ as the line’s status is somewhat debatable; while it does use tube tunnels and stations in the city centre, it looks and acts more like an overground train. Either way, the Elizabeth Line has helped to connect more people than ever to London’s glorious array of restaurants. Many of these are concentrated around the central stations of Farringdon, Bond Street and Tottenham Court Road, but keep an eye out too for those on the outer reaches of the map. Here are a few of our favourites.
Maidenhead: Seasonality
Modern Cuisine
One of the great advantages of the Elizabeth Line is how far it reaches out of London. Right near the end of the line, Maidenhead is something of a culinary hotspot. The nearby village of Bray is home to not one but two Three MICHELIN Star restaurants, while Maidenhead itself houses this light and bright spot that is unsurprisingly driven by seasonal produce. The colourful dishes are confidently and carefully prepared, while the service has an appealingly personal touch.
Taplow: Roux at Skindles
French
Just a mile away from Seasonality, you’ll find this modern brasserie opened under the auspices of Alain Roux. Like his renowned Waterside Inn up the road, this restaurant comes with an enviable Thames-side location. Despite the Roux name being an icon of Gallic gastronomy, there are a few international influences on the extensive menu – such as tofu and root vegetable Thai salad – alongside the French classics like Burgundy snails and Normandy onion soup.
Bond Street: Cavita
Mexican
Bright, fresh and friendly, this Mexican restaurant is in easy reach of Oxford Street and ideal for reviving a tiring shopper. The basement bar is a must-visit for tequila fans, with an extensive range of cocktails on offer alongside the vast array of Mexican spirits. Up top, the sharing-friendly menu offers boldly flavoured dishes ranging from street-food inspired options like tempura crab tacos, to those from the raw bar such as aguachile verde. The open kitchen adds to the buzz.
Tottenham Court Road: Plaza Khao Gaeng
Thai
Tottenham Court Road is one of the Elizabeth Line’s most useful stations. It gives those living in outer London suburbs (and even those in Essex or Berkshire) easier access to the bright lights of the West End and Soho’s innumerable restaurants. One of the many great value spots in this area is this lively Thai restaurant in the Arcade Food Hall. The authentic, punchy and spicy dishes are helped along by the interesting location and a sweet, homely feel.
Farringdon: Luca
Italian
It is perhaps no surprise that it is in the smart City of London that we find one of London’s most attractive restaurants. There is an understated elegance to the dining room which instantly puts you at ease, as do the charming and chatty service team. The mightily appealing menu showcases expertly executed Italian dishes that come in generous portions and pack in plenty of bold flavours too. If you come at lunchtime, you can order from the brilliant value ‘Bar Express’ menu, which offers some of the most affordable MICHELIN Star dining in London.
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Hero Image: Cavita (© V Palenque)
