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.
If you’re one of the many impatient Londoners who can’t wait more than a couple of minutes for a train to arrive, then perhaps you should consider getting the Victoria Line more often. It is the second most frequent train service in the world, with tubes running just 90 seconds apart since the latest signalling upgrade in 2018. All of this means you have no excuse for arriving late to your restaurant booking. With only 16 stops on the line, the majority of these dining options can be found at the two culinary hubs of Green Park and Oxford Circus. Read on to discover a few of our favourite restaurants on the Victoria Line.
Highbury & Islington: Drapers Arms
Traditional British
A good neighbourhood dining pub in London is worth its weight in gold. There’s just something wonderful about the relaxed, welcoming feel of a British pub combined with the skilled execution of heartwarming, satisfying cooking. The residents of Islington can count themselves lucky to have The Drapers Arms then, where the hearty, seasonal fare includes braised pig’s cheek and beef Bourguignon pie. It’s in a lovely area too, and is one of the city’s most handsome pubs.
King's Cross St Pancras: Decimo
Spanish
Just over the road from the station you’ll find The Standard London hotel, which combines a brutalist exterior with colourful interiors and stunning views of the St Pancras clock tower. On its tenth floor sits Decimo, a restaurant from acclaimed Paco Tapas chef Peter Sanchez-Iglesias, which blends classic Spanish cooking with Mexican influences. The fun, accessible menu shows off produce like Iberico pork and gambas rojas, with a taco menu available for Saturday brunch. Mezcal flights are on hand to add a something extra to your visit.
Oxford Circus: Zahter
Turkish
Nestled in the hugely popular Carnaby area, Zahter brings the flavours of Istanbul to London via an all-day menu of dishes that reflect the diverse mixture of culinary cultures found in Turkey’s largest city. The chargrill and wood-burning oven play a key part in the menu, which mixes hot and cold meze with ‘main dishes’, like köfte piyaz, that are packed with flavour. The kitchen counter helps to add a lively buzz to the atmosphere and, as this is the West End, their pre-theatre menu is an appealing proposition.
Green Park: Franco's
Italian
There are few stations in London with as many dining options as Green Park. The choice can almost be overwhelming in this part of town, so let us remove that burden and recommend a visit to this long-standing member of the Mayfair dining scene. If classic Italian dishes are your thing, then this is the place to come – something that its scores of regulars have clearly recognised. Each dish, be it lobster linguine or rabbit ravioli, is delivered with care and quality. The restaurant is located on Jermyn Street, ideal for browsing the famous suit shops after your visit.
Victoria: Wild by Tart
Mediterranean Cuisine
Besides being in a handy location within walking distance of the busy transport hub at Victoria, Wild By Tart is also a thoroughly enjoyable place to visit. It’s got a relaxed vibe and an appealing selection of small plates and larger sharing dishes, all with a Mediterranean slant. If you’re too indecisive for that sort of thing, the ‘Feasting Menu’ should serve you and your party well. Much of the produce comes from the owners’ farms in Somerset and Northumberland, while a shop next door sells ceramics, glassware and textiles.
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Hero Image: Decimo (© Tim Charles)
