In our regular series, we ask famous chefs and personalities to tell us all about 'their London'. From top tips on where to dine in the city, to their personal haunts ranging from bakeries to book shops, we’ve got the inside track on London’s premier spots from the people who know it best.
Japanese cuisine is one of the most meticulous of all culinary artforms – and Endo Kazutoshi is one of its most masterful practitioners. Born in Yokohama, Endo has called London his home for several years, and has become one of the leading lights in the city’s Japanese restaurant scene. His flagship operation, Endo at The Rotunda, is a classic omakase experience that has held One Michelin Star since 2020. Having undergone months of renovations, it reopened its beautiful wooden counter earlier this year. To celebrate, we thought we’d ask Endo himself for his top London recommendations.
Endo’s Favourite Restaurants in London
Where’s a hidden gem you’d recommend in London?"I recently had an excellent meal at Silver Birch, a neighbourhood restaurant in Chiswick. West London is often overlooked and it’s a shame. The Head Chef Nathan Cornwell has some very impressive experience which translates to the excellent seasonal British produce. I had the tasting menu and the langoustine dish was a standout to me."
Where would you go for a celebration?
"I’ve been to Hélène Darroze at The Connaught twice now and both times have been unforgettable experiences. The atmosphere is very warm and inviting. I find that the dishes are classic but have an element of innovation to them. It’s somewhere very elegant and a great place to mark an occasion."
Is there a restaurant in London you feel a personal connection to?
"Da Terra is somewhere that is personal to me. Chef Rafael Cagali is a good friend and I really enjoy his food. His signature, a take on the traditional Brazilian fish stew moqueca, is my favourite dish. Da Terra is located in Bethnal Green and just like with The Rotunda, some people are surprised that it’s not more central, but that makes it even more special to me."
Endo’s Other Top Recommendations
Which is your favourite area of London?"My favourite area of London is actually completely opposite to where I live. I love East London, especially Hackney. It’s such a bustling area with lots of great restaurants, shops, music and fashion. I like the energy and the creativity of the neighbourhood and I visit whenever I can."
We agree with Endo about his love for Hackney. In fact, we’ve compiled a guide to this trendy area beloved of the capital’s hipsters.
Where’s a great sustainable spot in London?
"I like the Barbican Centre, especially the conservatory. It’s very special to have something like this in the centre of London. I like coming here when I go to exhibitions at the Barbican art gallery."
Where can people find a great green space in the city?
"I live in West London, so Richmond Park is my closest and greatest green space. I like to cycle through the park and look at the deer – being around nature is incredibly restorative."
Do you have a favourite London pub?
"I love The Cow in Notting Hill – it’s such a classic. I’ve been here around 20 times and each visit is just as good as the last. The restaurant upstairs is really good and my order is always Guinness and oysters."
What’s your favourite bar in the city?
"I really like Three Sheets Dalston; it’s a great cocktail spot with excellent service and amazing drinks. They also have a new location in Soho but Dalston is still my favourite. It’s grittier and I like the East London atmosphere."
Which London hotel would you recommend?
"The Connaught is such a classic. The hotel itself is beautiful and you have two world class venues here: Hélène Darroze and The Connaught Bar. I like going here for martinis; the service is like none other."
Endo is certainly right about the many virtues of The Connaught. Not only does Hélène Darroze's restaurant hold Three Michelin Stars, but the hotel itself holds our highest award of Three Michelin Keys – making it a unique luxury destination.
Which is your favourite London market?
"Shepherd's Bush Market is near The Rotunda and as a team we frequent it quite a lot; I buy cheese, ham and even salt from it. It’s also a great place to source some after-work snacks!"
What’s your number one London bakery?
"I really like Pitshanger Bakery in Ealing, where I live. It’s simple and good; I always buy their baguettes and croissants. The brownies are also very good as a special treat."
What do you like to do with your free time in London?
"Next Door Records is another favourite place that is near The Rotunda. I love music and it’s a great spot to browse through records. They have good craft beers and I like coming here to relax with a drink and listen to whatever they are currently playing."
Address Book
Barbican Centre, Silk St, Barbican, London, EC2Y 8DSNext Door Records, 304 Uxbridge Rd, London, W12 7LJ
Pitshanger Bakery, 145 Northfield Ave, London, W13 9QT
Richmond Park, Kingston Vale, London, SW15 3RS
Shepherd’s Bush Market, London, W12 8DF
The Cow, 89 Westbourne Park Rd, London, W2 5QH
Three Sheets Dalston, 510b Kingsland Rd, London, E8 4AB
Hero Image: © Rebecca Dickson
