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 60 stations and four separate branches, the District Line might just be the most complicated of all the London Underground routes. It’s certainly one of the most sprawling, crossing six different fare zones and 13 London Boroughs. Yet whilst it’s likely to send shivers down the spines of unfamiliar tourists, there is something to be said for the District Line – particularly when it comes to the restaurants of West London. Its multiple paths mean that the line can access a greater array of eateries on this side of the city, including pubs, neighbourhood restaurants and more. Here are a few of our favourites.
Chiswick Park: Le Vacherin
French
The District Line may not stretch all the way to Paris, but taking you to Le Vacherin is a pretty good substitute. With its vintage décor and fresh, flavoursome Gallic-inspired cooking, there is something so wonderfully French about this immaculately kept brasserie. Dishes like twice-baked Gruyère soufflé and a Chateaubriand to share will keep Francophiles happy, while the smooth, professional service with a nice touch of formality rounds off the experience – plus an almost entirely French wine list, of course.
Turnham Green: Silver Birch
Modern British
The residents of Chiswick are fortunate to have Silver Birch, which sits a cut above your average neighbourhood restaurant. It’s a smart place, from the understated front canopy to the modern interior with an on-view kitchen. British produce is proudly represented throughout, be it Cornish plaice, Yorkshire grouse or Scottish raspberries; these top-quality ingredients are then fashioned into clean, unpretentious and accomplished dishes. A relaxed, welcoming vibe accompanies the cooking.
Stamford Brook: Giulia
Italian
The 15-minute walk from Stamford Brook station should provide you with ample opportunity to work up an appetite for the authentic Italian cooking that awaits you at Giulia. It’s a welcoming and well-run place that doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel, but delivers quality ingredient-led dishes, an enjoyable atmosphere and wonderful hospitality. It is, in many ways, the epitome of a neighbourhood restaurant.
Fulham Broadway: Harwood Arms
Modern British
The residents of Fulham must feel rather blessed that their local happens to be the only MICHELIN Starred pub in all of London. Fortunately, The Harwood Arms still feels like a pub: the atmosphere is relaxed, the produce is British and a proper roast dinner is served on Sundays. Many of the satisfying dishes are straightforward in approach, but the chefs manage to achieve wonderful depth of flavour and well-judged balance throughout.
Aldgate East: Bubala
Middle Eastern
Whilst a lot of the District Line’s top restaurants are concentrated in the west of the city, don’t ignore this fabulous Spitalfields spot serving vibrant Middle Eastern sharing plates. It’s all vegetarian too, with plenty of vegan options and dishes like oyster mushroom skewers that show off great plant-based cooking. For less-decisive diners, their set Bubala Mezze (weekday lunch) and Bubala Knows Best (dinner and weekend lunch) menus are a great way to share a feast with friends without any of the hassle.
Other restaurants that we love on the District Line include:
Richmond: Dysart Petersham (30 minutes' walk from station)
Modern British
Notting Hill Gate: Mazi
Greek
High Street Kensington: The Holland
Traditional British
Earl’s Court: il trillo
Italian
South Kensington: Josephine
French, Lyonnaise
Sloane Square: Five Fields
Modern Cuisine
Victoria: Olivomare
Seafood
St James’s Park: Quilon
Indian
Embankment: Mauro Colagreco at Raffles London at The OWO
Modern Cuisine
Temple: Delaunay
Modern Cuisine
Why not complete your culinary trip around London with a stay in a MICHELIN recommended hotel?
Hero Image: Bubala (© Chris Fynes)
