Now that I’m slowly getting my energy back and starting to build a new routine here, one thing that’s true is that I have certainly been eating and drinking well. It feels impossible not to.

Unsurprisingly, I’m still somewhat clueless when it comes to navigating getting a reservation in the city, so I’ve been relying heavily on the recommendations of friends, colleagues and fellow substackers to find the best spots. This one in particular was one of those; a wonderful gem of a reservation made by a friend and work contact in town from London on my very first week. They went out of their way to pick a spot that felt properly “Girl Dinner worthy”, and I have to say… they nailed it.

#015 SULLALUNA, WEST VILLAGE NYC 📚🍷

Tucked away on a little street bordering west village and SoHo is Sullaluna, a relaxed and inviting Venetian restaurant that feels familiar, intimate and charming.

It labels itself equal parts authentic Italian bistrot, independent bookshop, lined with gorgeous illustrated books (mainly for children) in Italian and English, and a showcase for their family’s organic Prosecco vineyard back home.

Whilst every table was full, we managed to snag a booking with relatively short notice, which it seems to be a rare miracle in New York, so it’s always good to find a spot you can rely on when you want to eat well spontaneously. Worth remembering for that alone.

Our waitress also treated us like old friends, regaling us with stories about the family behind the restaurant and dropping off surprise dishes and wines throughout the night for us to try. Needless to say, this ended up being a lively night on the drinks front, but I’ll get to that part later.

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PLATES 🍽️

The menu at Sullaluna celebrates fresh, seasonal Italian cooking. So, as with any good Italian meal, we lined our stomach first with the house focaccia as we poured over the menu, recognising it was always going to be a tough act to follow after I’d experienced the heavenly fluffy focaccia of I Cavallini mere days before.

Next, we had the traditional meatballs in tomato sauce with ricotta. I’m pretty indifferent when it comes to meatballs generally, but these were outrageously tender and disappeared in seconds.

The waitress strongly insisted we order the Panzanella from their specials menu, with red tuna, tomato, cucumber, red onion, basil and croutons. We almost skipped it to opt for the tuna crudo, but I’m so glad she pushed us not to; it was exceptionally fresh, with the croutons giving it a perfect crunch. A definitely must if you see it on the specials menu again.

We also ordered the zucchini blossoms (aka Courgette for my fellow Brits) filled with ricotta, lemon, and parmigiano. They arrived golden and crispy, with a rich, gooey filling that spilled out you took a bite.

For our mains, the tagliatelle bolognese was deeply comforting and rich, but not too much. We also had the branzino alla ligure fish, served with olives, pine nuts, parsley, lemon, and wild herb salad, light and perfectly cooked, with the salty olives and crunchy nuts bringing a delicious texture to everything.

Though for me, the dish of the night was for sure the tortelli with ricotta, spinach, tomato, black kale, and lemon. I’m powerless against the fresh acidity of lemon on pasta, and this one hit every single high note.

DRINKS 🍸

This ended up being a lively night on the drinks front.

I was still living out of a suitcase at this point, had hurried over straight from the office and needed to take the edge off, so we started the evening strong with a perfectly acceptable negroni sbagliato. After that, we dove headfirst into their wine list, and I’m so glad we did.

We started with a bottle of Terre di Giotto, a crowd-pleasing skin-contact orange wine that went down far too easily. A strong recommendation from our waitress.

After this bottle was finished, we probed the waitress again on what we might want to try next, and she recommended a bottle of the Valter Mattoni “Trebbien”. I have to admit, I can often take or leave white wine, but this one in particular was unreal; it was almost nutty, in a way, wildly original and completely different to anything I’d tasted before. I would for sure order this again.

When the waitress saw how much we were enjoying the selection, she really knew her audience, and brought us over an additional complimentary glass of their family’s organic Prosecco LUNATICO, which they specifically import from their vineyard in Italy. You can tell it’s something special and not the type of wine they’d want to export en masse; crisp, elegant, and dangerously drinkable.

VERDICT 👀

I have to say, it fills my heart with joy when someone reads Girl Dinner and then curates an evening specifically tailored to the vibe of everywhere I’ve been before.

Case and point, I loved it so much that I immediately passed the recommendation onto my friend Marina (from Beauty of Influencer Substack fame) when she was in town the following week, looking for a cool, mid-week hot spot to take some clients; unsurprisingly, they gave it rave reviews too.

Sullaluna completely bypasses the performative noise you might think of when you think of a typical trendy New York spot, and instead offers an intimate space where you can linger over incredible pasta, surround yourself with books, and apparently drink your bodyweight in some insanely delicious wine. An adorably hidden treasure, it’s relaxed, not in any way pretentious, and perfect for a mid-week dinner date with the girls.

Sullaluna, 41 Carmine St, New York, NY 10014

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Where do I need to go next in NYC? PLEASE. Let me know in the comments 👇🏼

Girl Dinner has officially migrated. After landing in New York only last week with four suitcases to my name and nowhere to live (yet), it’s time to properly inaugurate my new chapter the best way I know how.

The New York food scene is legendary for a reason, and my very first meal out just raised the Girl Dinner standard forever…

#014 I CAVALLINI, WILLIAMSBURG 🐎🇮🇹

For those in the know about the Brooklyn wine scene, I’m told they’ll know all about The Four Horsemen, an apparently iconic Williamsburg flagship that rewrote the book on natural wine bars (instantly added to my ‘must visit’ list). So when the same team opened a dedicated Italian spot directly across the street, the hype was seemingly instant. Luckily for me, I have some pretty cool colleagues in NYC who never miss a beat when it comes to bagging the hottest reservations when I’m in town, and I Cavallini turned out to be just that.

The name literally translates to ‘little horses’, a chic nod to its older sibling, but it stands on its own four feet. Inside the restaurant, the design is giving elegant, Scandinavian home, with blonde wooden tables, gorgeous glassware, and beautiful, slightly trippy artwork on the walls.

It feels deeply intimate and warm, though the table layout is a bit cozy, and because of this, getting a reservation is tough and tables go quickly (I’ve since found that out trying to lock in a table for when a friend is in town in a few weeks). Luckily, thanks to some advance planning, we managed to squeeze a group of eight in on a Tuesday night.

The location is perfect for a night out too (and for alternative places to bounce to if you can’t blag a walk-in) with a few elite pre-drink, or post drink, options on your doorstep. We tried for a seat at Maison Premiere before our reservation but it was completely packed, so we headed around the corner to Fresh Kills. My Negroni Sbagliato was pure, unadulterated perfection. I’ll definitely be returning.

PLATES 🍝

Because we were a large group, we had a pre-agreed family style menu, which is secretly my favourite way to dine because you get to try a little bit of absolutely everything.

For the antipasti, I’m starting with high praise for their focaccia, served with whipped ricotta and roasted tomatoes - an immediate group favourite. The bread was perfectly crispy all the way around (notoriously hard to get right), light, and I’d go as far as to say one of the best focaccias I’ve ever had outside of Italy (too much enthusiasm for week one ?? perhaps). I was scooping up the heavenly whipped ricotta and tomatoes until the plate was spotless.

The sea bream carpaccio was fresh and delicate, hitting the exact right note for a raw fish lover like me. We also had the chilled cucumber salad, ultra-crisp baby cucumbers in a vibrant green dressing with a light drizzle of Italian fish sauce. Bright, salty, and a necessity for cutting through the heat.

For the pasta dishes, we started with the spaghetti al limone, which was a true citrusy dream. The portion size was perfect, allowing the starchy pasta water and fresh lemon to perfectly coat the spaghetti without feeling too heavy.

Then came the farfallone with calabrian chilli butter and smoked pancetta. Wow. WOW. This large bow-shaped pasta was sensational, coated in a rich, warming chilli butter with salty, crispy pancetta. Some Insta-stalking ahead of time told me this was already generating massive buzz online, and honestly… for good reason. This demands your full attention.

We also had the wild nettle risotto with green garlic and belper knolle. It was incredibly earthy and delicious, but I did a little rogue mixing and scooped it up with some of the leftover pancetta from the farfallone. The pairing was iconic.

I can’t lie, by the time we got to the mains, I was struggling to find any physical storage space left. I hadn’t quite clocked that we had a whole extra course coming, got way too excited by the carbs, and you could honestly make an entire meal out of the antipasti and pastas alone. But for the love of Girl Dinner, I dug in.

I’m not usually overly fussed about pork, but I had to try the pork chop with preserved cherry glaze because the social media foodies were raving about it, and they were not wrong. The rich, sweet glaze was divine and made me rethink why I never really opted for pork dishes in the first place.

DOLCI 🍰

You have to judge an Italian restaurant on its tiramisu, and this one was special. It’s a feather-light masterpiece with a thick, cottony cloud of mascarpone and a dusting of cocoa. I immediately texted a photo to my resident tiramisu connoisseur friend Marina who’s visiting New York soon to let her know it’s an essential order.

We also shared the fennel pollen cake with olive oil and apricot kernel gelato which was especially wonderful. It was subtle, not overly sweet, and so good I easily could have eaten a whole portion by myself.

DRINKS 🍸

We were celebrating a colleague’s upcoming wedding, so we kicked off the night by toasting with a bottle of Pierre Minuit Champagne. While the rest of the table seamlessly transitioned to their curated menu of low-intervention Italian wines (natural wine lover will not be disappointed), I chose to stick with the champagne. A rogue choice for me actually, but it was incredibly smooth, SO easy to drink, and since it was a Tuesday, I knew guzzling wine would absolutely ruin my productivity for the rest of the week.

That said, I definitely missed out on something a little stronger. The cocktail program here is taken very seriously. Their bar director is an alum of the legendary cocktail institution Attaboy, and while I stuck to bubbles this time, I am already plotting a return to sit at the bar to try their famous Tomato Vesper martini and the Pomozoni.

VERDICT 👀

Having just moved to a new city, I’ve stepped away from the familiarity of London’s restaurant scene and now need to find my new rituals and local sanctuaries. For my very first proper dinner since landing in NYC, I Cavallini was the ultimate introduction to my new chapter.

This place captures that Williamsburg magic, the crowd is effortlessly cool and the food completely speaks for itself, and I will without a doubt be taking all my friends here when they come to visit… assuming I can actually get a reservation.

New York, I think we are going to get along just fine.

I Cavallini, 284 Grand St, Brooklyn, NY 11211

Handroll bars are officially hot again and, if you’re anything like me, you’ll take any excuse to sit at a counter and watch the kitchen theatre unfold in front of you. So when this spot finally opened (and exploded onto my fyp), I knew it was going to be mandatory territory for the girlies.

#013 KUMORI HANDROLL BAR, SOHO 🍣🎧

I added Kumori to my list after walking past one evening last month and seeing every seat packed with people drinking sake, eating handrolls, and sitting shoulder-to-shoulder, whilst they spun vinyls. I eventually went with a girlfriend on a Thursday afternoon, sitting at the end of the 30-seat counter to give us a front-row view of the chefs doing their thing.

This small but perfectly sized, design-forward temaki spot only landed in April, but trust me when I say the culinary pedigree here is serious: their Head Chef spent a decade at Nobu, and Senior Sushi Chef comes from Dinings SW3 and Roka, so while the atmosphere feels loose and fun, the technique is seriously sharp.

Now remember, handroll bars are built for momentum, so a friendly reminder on the golden rule of temaki dining: eat them immediately. We were swiftly told that if we leave them for too long on the side, the steam from the warm rice ruins the crisp snap of the seaweed and you lose the entire texture profile. So word to the wise - make sure your gossip is finished before you hand in your menu slip if you want to really enjoy the food.

PLATES 🍽️

Not everyone gets excited about the thought of a miso soup, but I do! So we started with this and it was the ultimate umami-rich elixir to prime our palate for the food ahead. Next, the raw yellowtail with yuzu truffle sauce, a dish and flavour combo I’m physically incapable of passing up when it’s on a menu. It was bright, citrusy, and decadent. Utterly delicious, this is a must-order.

Then came the rolls.

The burnt salmon handroll was the undisputed winner of the core menu. It’s blowtorched in front of you so the edges get blistered, with a delicious sauce topped with tiny flecks of toasted rice. I also really loved the miso aubergine handroll, which was rich and sweet, with a smoky flavour that completely holds its own.

The headline of the meal came from an insider tip and their daily special, the wagyu beef nigiri. It’s so popular and premium that they can only source a tiny amount of fresh Wagyu each morning, meaning they literally can’t print it on the permanent menu and you have to look out for it on a small chalkboard tucked behind the chefs. It was meltingly tender and completely worth the hype.

We were also graced with the most attentive service, and mid-way through our meal they brought over two complimentary margaritas and added two extra toro taku handrolls completely free, chosen based on looking at what we’d already ordered and understanding ‘the vibe’. I can’t lie, this is the way to my heart (and it’s not a common occurence). Maybe it’s because everything tastes better when it’s on the house, but the fatty tuna belly was absolute heaven.

By the time we finished, we were surprisingly full without even realising we;d even eaten too much, and we couldn’t even manage their Mochi for dessert. Genuinely unheard of for me.

DRINKS 🍸

For drinks, I went with the Matcha Mizuwari Dream, which has sake, coconut water, coconut syrup, a fresh matcha shot, and foamer bitters. It was highly dangerous because it looked and tasted exactly like a high-end wellness drink. Emily opted for the Okayama Peach Bellini, which was elegant and fresh.

It felt a miss to not delve into their premium sake list, but given it was a weekday lunchtime, two cocktails did more than enough heavy lifting this time around.

Combined with those unexpected, free mid-meal margaritas, any thoughts of a lunch without an alcoholic accompaniment completely evaporated, but everything went down incredibly smoothly and there were no complaints from us.

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THE DAMAGE 💸

The total bill came to £124 for the two of us, so £62 each. For a high-end counter experience with yellowtail, Wagyu beef, and cocktails, that is exceptionally reasonable. The restaurant’s generosity with the complimentary rounds also definitely kept the damage minimal, meaning we also left feeling like we’d gamed the system.

VERDICT 👀

Kumori is a triumph. Going on a weekday lunchtime meant we missed out on the high-energy nighttime crowd, but it did give us a real flavour for how good the food and hospitality are when the venue strips away the noise. I’m already plotting my return to see the space at its full, buzzy potential after dark

Kumori, 26 Denman Street, London W1D 7HX

Forget a proper sit-down meal; we’re officially entering prime London pavement sipping season, where the only real agenda is low-intervention whites, picky bits, and catching up on the latest gossip.

My favourite London spots for sunshine wine 🍷

If there’s one thing about the London girlies, it’s that the second the temperature hits above 18°C, we collectively abandon all responsibilities and sprint to grab a table at the nearest pavement seating area.

There’s a very specific, almost feral lore around drinking in the London sunshine; it’s that elite afternoon-into-evening sweet spot where you’ve left the house without a jacket, the ice in your Pet Nat is beginning to melt, and that one friend in the group (me, I fear) inevitably fishes out a pack of Vogues from their bag because, let’s be completely honest: a summer’s eve terrace session practically demands it. Don’t shoot the messenger.

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From hidden courtyards to pavement perches, here is the official, definitive guide on exactly where to head now the sun is back in time for the weekend…

1. Goodbye Horses, De Beauvoir: A cool-girl sanctuary tucked away in N1, where if you can bag a spot in their incredibly cute garden, you’ve officially won at life. It feels miles away from the chaos of London life, making it the perfect backdrop for a long, lazy afternoon where you start with one glass and accidentally stay until closing. You might not be able to get a reservation, but rest assured that they always leave plenty of tables for walk-ins.

2. Dan’s Wine Bar Dalston: Bagging pavement seating here is a serious sport given that it gets the sun all afternoon long, but if you DO manage to snag a spot, it’s the ultimate vantage point for people-watching on Kingsland Road. It’s laid back, it’s cool, and you can guarantee you’re going to overindulge in something slightly funky from their ever-changing list, which never disappoints.

3. Bambi, London Fields: We already know and love them for the nightly vinyl sets and insanely good food, but they’ve recently expanded their front terrace and it needs a place on this list. The absolute best part? You can sit out in the sun, skip the full dining room commitment (and the need to reserve a table in advance), and just order an elite selection of bar food alongside your wine flight. Keep it spicy and finish your night with one of their Pickle Martinis.

4. Forza Wine, Peckham & Soho: The OG sun terrace royalty in South East London, and the Peckham original is a core memory for a reason; those industrial rooftop views are untouchable when the sun is setting. But a special shoutout has to go to the terrace at their new Soho opening on Manette Street, which is close enough to my office to become a regular hangout, but tucked away enough that not everybody knows about it.

5. Bruno, Victoria Park: The cutest spot for a neighbourhood debrief. Squeezed right behind the park and close enough to a few Viccy Park gems like The Empress and Ace Pizza, this is the spot you head to post-dog walk when you aren’t ready to go home yet. Its cute terrace out front is intimate, friendly, and exactly where you want to be parked with a bottle of something orange and a few snacky snacks on a Sunday afternoon.

6. Noisy Oyster, Shoreditch: Breaking news: their summer terrace opens this week in partnership with super-cool Copenhagen-based cocktail brand AERIS. You already know how obsessed I am with their seafood and high-energy hospitality, so adding an outdoor space into the mix is dangerous. Get down there immediately before the rest of London finds out.

7. Hector’s, De Beauvoir: The epicenter of the Hackney/Islington border wine scene, squeezing onto the pavement outside this gorgeous, tiny shop-turned-bar is a true rite of passage. Guaranteed it’s always busy, but it’s the ultimate spot to share a bottle with your closest friend whilst leaning against the brickwork. Pair your wine with some of their elite pickles and crisps, and you’ve got the definition of a girl dinner.

8. Yasmin, Soho: A chic West End hideaway, perched high on the rooftop of 1 Warwick Street, Yasmin has a gorgeous wrap around terrace framed by lush greenery and flooded with afternoon sunlight, making it a highly Instagrammable hit. Order a bottle of crisp white and match it with some of their delicious small plates (shout out to the whipped cheese with hot honey) and it will feel like you’re at a secret Mediterranean oasis floating right above the Soho madness.

9. Netil360, London Fields: The OG Hackney sky-high sanctuary. Yes, you do have to mentally prepare yourself for the massive flight of stairs to get up there, but the payoff is East London’s best uncovered sunset terrace that you can visit without a hefty membership. It operates entirely on walk-ins-only, making it the perfect destination when the sun catches you off guard. Grab a bottle, order a pizza “for the table”, and soak up the skyline views as their DJs backtrack your night with some house and disco.

10. Oranj, Shoreditch: Their not-so-new terrace out front is surprisingly large and a great place to people watch. Tucked away from the main Brick Lane chaos, but close enough to accidentally trip and fall into Cafe 1001 afterwards, it feels like an industrial hidden courtyard where the music is always good and the crowd is effortlessly chic. Of course, this is a restaurant first and foremost (and the changing menu NEVER disappoints), but this sun trap terrace coupled with their natural wine list of TRUE perfection means it’s earned its spot on our list.

Whatever happens, the rule remains the same: arrive early to secure the table, order a bottle, and make sure the gossip is as juicy as the wine.

Where else am I missing form my hitlist? Let me know so I don’t miss out.

The coolest spot in E8 has officially expanded, and the new space is less of a listening bar and more of a full blown disco-diva hangout. Chaotic, flirty, and exactly the kind of place where a few sharing plates accidentally morph into the pre-game, it could only be one place…

#012 BAMBI, HACKNEY

Without a doubt, any London girlie who loves small plates and natural wine will have seen Bambi pop up on their socials - It’s sat comfortably at the top of the East London food chain ever since it landed on Westgate Street in 2023, taking the place of one of my former fave wine spots in the area, Bright.

This is definitely somewhere you need to be organised enough to bag yourself a prime-time table with enough lead time, so I got my act together to secure a spot for my friend’s birthday at the weekend. Arriving early to reap the benefits of the gorgeous Bank Holiday weekend weather, we grabbed a bench in the newly-expanded terrace area out front for obligatory sunshine drinks before we went inside. It was beautifully busy with the right amount of cool-factor, and of course the perfect place to people-watch.

Once inside, the expansion is impressive; they’ve introduced a new wood-panelled mezzanine level that floats above the DJ booth (also available for private hire fyi), hitting that sweet spot of mid-century cool. Best of all, they kept their iconic vinyl record wall behind the DJ… now it’s just bigger, and louder.

Our only minor grievance was the table layout. We were squished next to a couple on a date, and honestly I felt a bit bad for them having to listen to the three of us girls having an unfiltered gossip session right in their ears. But once the food started flowing, that was soon forgotten.

PLATES 🍽️

The kitchen is now under the reign of the former head chef of Lagom, who brought a serious affinity for charcoal grills and complex fermentations along with him.

The menu is exactly my cup of tea.

We started with the sourdough with brown butter, and whilst we were technically trying to swerve the heavy carbs ahead of a bigger night ahead, I soon realised that would have been a tragedy. It’s also insanely light, making it the only acceptable vehicle for the whipped ricotta with hot honey, a total dream dip, swirled with sweetness and topped with honey-roasted pumpkin seeds that give it a wonderful crunch. I spread it thick until the bread was a distant memory, then honestly just spooned the rest directly into my mouth.

Next arrived the scallop ceviche; don’t be fooled by the delicate presentation, there is a generous amount of scallops hiding in there once you go digging. it’s intensely fresh, and the zesty dressing is completely spot on. The fried feta with quince & pickled chilli also looked very cute, wearing its little pickled chilli’s like a beret. While I’m not a massive fan of fried dishes before a night out, for anyone serious about Feta, they’ll hit the spot.

We also spotted the peri peri atlantic prawns flying out to other tables whilst we were waiting and immediately ordered a plate for ourselves. They are deeply burnished from the charcoal grill and come curled around a mound of black garlic aioli. Perfectly cooked (I cannot stress that enough), smoky, and elite.

For the larger sharing plates, the gochujang squash with red miso, tofu and sesame arrived looking like heaven. I am a total sucker for anything involving umami-rich miso, so this really won me over. For our main protein, we debated between the fish, the chicken skewers and the steak, but our waiter steered us toward the butterflied whole bream, which comes served half-and-half with a spicy adobo rub on one side and a fresh parsley dressing on the other. It is genius because it keeps your palate interested, feeling like two completely separate dishes. We threw in some fries with aioli for the table and a mixed salad just so we could say we ate something green.

Since it was a birthday, we finished with the Basque cheesecake to hold a candle for my friend. It was a genuinely gorgeous slice and we cleared the plate between us, but my internal barometer is permanently broken because I compare every single Basque cheesecake to the caramel version I eventually went back to order at Lagana, and that benchmark is nearly impossible to clear.

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DRINKS 🍸

Here’s where I get excited, because I have officially found my new beverage obsession: Bambi’s Vodka Pickle Martini. It is visually stunning, a vibrant, bright green with a perfectly skewered pickle resting across the glassware. It’s easily the coolest martini in East London right now, and extra bonus points that the pickle juice rounds off the sharp edges of the alcohol so it doesn’t hit you like a bulldozer. I’ve not stopped thinking about it since.

Whilst the Yuzu Margarita was also an excellent choice, and we did have a good few before and after, it was hard to think about its flavours after having something so bold as the aforementioned martini.

The only real catch to our evening was that we were left a little too long to our own devices. Bambi is a natural wine mecca, and we fully intended to plunge into their bottle list, however the bank holiday rush clearly caught the floor staff off-guard. The waiters were friendly when we got them over, but they were sparse, meaning our table got a bit lost in the ether. Because we couldn’t flag anyone down for more drinks orders, sadly our wine flight never materialised.

I’ve never found this when I’ve been to Bambi in the past, so we’ll blame the bank holiday rush and move on. Plus, at £11 for that elite pickle martini in a space this sceney… you really can’t complain.

THE DAMAGE 💸

The bill split down to £234 for the three of us, which is £78 each. For the caliber of the cooking, the martini that I will think about for a lifetime, and the sheer ‘see and be seen’ energy of the space, that is incredibly reasonable. Though it’s not without note that the lack of wine service inadvertently kept our bill on the safe side. That being said, they’ve priced really well and I feel confident that you can walk out of here without being stung.

VERDICT 👀

OK, so we didn’t have the best service this time, but I’m putting this down to the Bank Holiday rush crossing over with a probably more lean Sunday staff rota. Regardless, nothing can dispute the quality of the food and drink here, and the achingly cool (but not overly-pretentious) Hackney vibes that keep people coming back.

I also acknowledge that there’s a specific time in adulthood where the ultimate goal is finding a spot that does a genuinely spectacular dinner but seamlessly transitions into a party so you don’t need to haul ass elsewhere, and Bambi delivers exactly that. We didn’t stay to dance this time because we had other people to meet and places to be, but I will absolutely be back to two-step under that disco ball very soon.

Bambi, 1 Westgate Street, London E8 3RL

The Peckham cool kids have officially migrated, trading the South London skyline for a Soho terrace and it’s every bit as chaotic and delicious as you’d hope… minus the pretension, and plus a lot of very good wine.

#011 FORZA WINE SOHO 🍷

Since opening in 2019, Forza Wine has reigned supreme as the cool kid hangout of SE15, with a reputation that newer hipster spots can only dream of. I’m sure most of us here have spent a hazy summer evening on their industrial rooftop, but this move to Manette Street in Soho, right near a few of my fave spots like Three Sheets and Milk Beach, feels like they’ve finally arrived in the heart of the action.

I instantly knew it was going to be their usual vibe when I saw they were serving platters of branded cigarettes at the opening party back in Feb; It’s the kind of high-key controversial move that only they could pull off (sorry, but the girlies are smoking again, don’t shoot the messenger).

The space is impressive and feels like the centerpiece of this newly-developed and freshly polished corner of Soho, with 100 covers inside and an outdoor terrace that I’m already manifesting as my summer’s eve personality. Inside, the design is giving mid-century cool; sleek and intentional, with warm wooden accents and the high, mirrored ceiling, and rattan chairs and forest green banquettes keeping the space relaxed.

Since it’s a mere few minutes walk from my office, it was the only logical choice for the destination of a team dinner just a few weeks after it opened, and being a group of eight meant we could go full feral on the menu with zero regrets.

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PLATES 🍽️

As thre were a few of us, I loved the fact they offered a ‘whole menu’ option at £145 for one of everything. Naturally, we went for that and then just added extras of the dishes we thought we might need more of as we went along.

We started with the classics: the cauliflower fritti with aioli is a classic Forza dish at this point; salty, crispy, and mandatory. For me personally, the parmesan brioche with green herb butter was a highlight - soft and fluffy, and a true melt-in-the-mouth revelation. We immediately had to order extras before a fight broke out.

In true Italian style, you also have the typical aperitvo-style dishes like olives, almonds and Pecorino chunks hitting the table early to get your appetite going, and the pane carasau (like a thin crisp bread) with gorgonzola, finocchiona & pickles to set the tone. You’ll also get an order of bread that comes at the start, but I implore you to restrain yourself and save this until your mains so you can use it as a vehicle to mop up the leftover sauces.

The Genovese ragu on fried polenta was the undisputed star of the main meat dishes for me. It was rich and sweet, and moorish, and it’s exactly what you’ll want to be mopping up with that bread you saved from earlier. I also loved the mussels in smoked chilli and cream (can never go wrong with mussels - and again, you’ll want that bread mop here too), and the burrata with peas and mint, which was so gooey and fresh.

To finish, you haven’t truly lived until you’ve had a Forza Custardo for dessert. It’s essentially a shot of espresso mixed into a silky, homemade custard. 12/10, no notes. It’s an essential order.

One thing to note is that they have already started updating the menu for the warmer months, so things are changing. The brioche is taking a break sadly (weep!), but keep an eye out for new hitters like the bavette steak and crispy mushrooms, which I’ll definitely be making a return for.

DRINKS 🍸

They started us off unprompted with a little aperitif, which was a chic touch to get the whistle wet. Note to self; if you’re there on a school night, the ‘Forza Fiver’ is a white vermouth on the rocks that is always five pounds.

For the wine lovers, there is of course a very considered menu; a few on the table shared two bottles of the Loire Valley white with their meal, but I stuck to the Terre Siciliane orange wine. It is actually served on tap, but do not judge me because it’s actually delicious.

We eventually caved and a few of us finished the night with their chilli mezcal martini, which was perfectly balanced, and the perfect end to a Tuesday night. Zero regrets, until maybe Wednesday morning.

THE DAMAGE 💸

The ‘whole menu’ option is £145 and easily feeds a group. For eight people, including a fair few extra portions of a few of the dishes, and plenty of wine and drinks, the bill came to £477, or just shy of £58 each, which I thought was really quite reasonable for Soho. Could this be one the few places in the west end where you can go hard without wanting to cry when the card machine arrives? I think so.

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VERDICT 👀

What I love most about Forza is that it doesn’t feel the need to impress you, which naturally makes it the only place I want to be.

Given the vast space, for me the main restaurant area is better for a larger group, but really the terrace or the high-table bar area is the real spot you want to be for a more intimate 1:1 gossip session with a friend. When you need a bottle of something orange and a menu that actually justifies the hype, Forza has got you covered.

Forza Wine Soho, Rose House, Manette St, London W1D 4AL

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There’s a certain type of venue that manages to stay under the radar just long enough to feel like a genuine discovery. I’d heard whispers about this spot through the grapevine, and while I’m sometimes wary of places that get a lot of digital noise, this one felt different. It has that lowkey, IYKYK energy that actually holds up in person, provided you can navigate the waitlist.

#010 DOVER STREET COUNTER 🍸🐆

Getting a table at Dover Street Counter is a sport.

I’d been eyeing it for a while and finally snagged a spot by hovering over their waitlist like a hawk. It was one of those rare sunny London Thursdays where everyone usually flocks to a rooftop, so the Mayfair gods smiled on me and opened up a 6pm slot in this sultry, dark hangout.

Walking past the intentionally inconspicuous entrance more than once, I arrived ten minutes late and had some time to be nosy waiting for my friends who were caught in traffic coming across town. I can’t deny the whole place oozes sex appeal, even the hostess walked at an intentional, model-like pace to guide me to the table, adding to the drama.

The bar is the absolute centrepiece and ideally where you want to be sat; all 1930s glamour, chrome counters, and these dome lights that look like they were taken straight from a vintage film set. They save the counter spots for pairs, so since we were three, we were sat at a spacious booth towards the back, dark wood everywhere and perfectly private for a heavy gossip session, though my heart definitely lingered at the counter.

The soundtrack was elite too; think a mix of Sault, Erykah Badu, Leon Thomas, and even a surprise Justin Timberlake moment that somehow felt cool rather than cringe.

DRINKS 🍸

I love a concise cocktail menu. They know what they do well (mostly Margaritas and old-school classics) and they don’t try to reinvent the wheel. I started with a mezcalita on the rocks, which arrived impressively fast. I hate waiting for a drink, so the speed of the service here was an immediate green flag.

There was a table of city boys in gilets next to us sipping on strawberry margaritas. There is something inherently comical about seeing a corporate fleece paired with a bright pink drink, but hey, at least they have taste.

As the night progressed, I moved onto the lychee margarita. It was so fresh and easy to drink, I ended up sticking to it for the rest of the night. My friend, who was battling a soul-crushing hangover from the night before, went for a Classic Dry Vodka Martini. It was punchy enough to basically restart her heart.

PLATES 🍽️

We were hungry and kicked things off with the whipped ricotta and truffle honey. It was as good as you would dare to imagine, and we mopped up every single drop with the Italian crispbread. Cheese and truffle honey is just an elite tier combination. We also had the raw vegetable rolls, which were exactly the kind of light, fresh palette cleanser we needed, especially with the sharp chilli vinegar dip.

There was a bit of a seaweed theme running through the snacks which I was very much here for. The tuna tartare arrived looking incredibly chic in a little silver coupe, served with rice crackers that had that salty seaweed hit. Even the famous disco fries came topped with a seaweed crisp. While I’m not usually a massive fries girl, the mix of pickles, ginger, and ‘disco jus’ made them very addictive.

For the main event, I shared the grilled half lobster with my friend and it was buttery, juicy, and perfect. I have a slight suspicion I might have accidentally inhaled all the good meaty bits of the tail just because that end of the plate was closer to me, so if you are reading this Emily, my sincerest apologies. My other friend had dietary requirements which meant she steered clear of sharing and went for the grilled salmon steak, which she gave a glowing report on too.

To feel like we were at least attempting a balanced lifestyle, we paired this with the avocado salad and slow baked sweet potato. I am perpetually obsessed with sweet potato, and having the sour cream melt into it was pure heaven.

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THE AFTER-PARTY: THE DOVER 🍸✨

Since we were kicked off the table at 8pm sharp (sadly no time for dessert) and we definitely weren’t ready to end the night, we hopped two doors down to their original restaurant, The Dover to grab some more drinks.

My friends were genuinely shocked I hadn’t been here before, and after five minutes at the bar, so was I. This place is essentially the sophisticated, New York-Italian big sister to the Counter. It felt like stepping into a 1970s Brooklyn movie set, all velvet curtains, walnut panelling, and a moody but seductive energy.

Even though we didn’t have a reservation, sitting at the bar was the exact glamorous counter experience I had been craving all night since walking into Counter. Their cocktails were divine and the bar snacks looked so good I’ve already added them to my hit list for next time.

It’s an impressive spot to take someone from out of town, or honestly just yourself when you want to feel like a main character. I will definitely be coming back to tackle their proper food menu; I have my eye on the spaghetti meatballs and that cheesecake brulee.

THE DAMAGE 💸

For a Mayfair hotspot where it’s notoriously impossible to get a table, I was prepared for a heart-attack-inducing bill. We had lobster, multiple rounds of cocktails, and a full spread of snacks, so I think £231 for the three of us was… not too bad!

One of my friends wasn’t drinking (perhaps why I didn’t fall to the floor when the bill came), so once she settled her food portion, it worked out at £98 each for me and my other friend. Honestly, for the location and the quality of what we ate, that felt like a genuine win. It’s rare to leave a W1 ‘it’ spot feeling like you actually got your money’s worth rather than just paying a premium for the postcode.

VERDICT 👀

Dover Street Counter is sexy, fast-paced, and manages to bring a sexy New York energy to Mayfair without it feeling forced. Between the Counter and the original Dover, this stretch of W1 is officially my new favourite playground.

Dover Street Counter, 31 Dover St, London W1S 4ND

The Dover, 33 Dover St, London W1S 4NF

Have you been? Did you love it or hate it? And where else in Mayfair do I need to try? Let me know in the comment section below 👇🏼

We have all been there. The group chat has been pinging for days (weeks), you’ve finally managed to coordinate everyone’s calendars, and you end up at a spot that looked great on IG, but feels totally soulless in person.

But I’m here to make sure we never waste a precious Friday night on a bad reservation again.

Whether it’s a low-stakes first date spot, or a venue for a full blown Girl Dinner debrief, these are the rare gems that actually justify the battle for a booking.

Consider it your curated shortcut to the places that actually earn the hype, where the music is never a miss, the cocktails arrive at exactly the right speed, and the food tastes as good as the table looks in your camera roll.

Just... maybe don’t tell everyone, okay?

1. Lagana, Shoreditch: The ultimate spot for a chaotic but chic dinner with good vibes and good music; the food is incredible, the cocktails are delicious, and the salted caramel basque cheesecake is so insanely delicious it should be illegal.

2. Nina, Marylebone: Tucked in a basement, it’s all leopard print curtains, mismatched kitsch furnishing and a killer soundtrack. The vibe is electric, fun, and perfect for a long lunch that accidentally turns into dinner. Order the mini martinis and don’t leave without tackling the giant, boozy tiramisu.

3. Dover Street Counter, Mayfair: The sultry younger sister to The Dover just two doors down, this spot brings a rare cool girl energy to W1 with its chrome counters, 30s inspired glamour and a menu that feels like the world’s best room service. Pro tip: go with just two of you so you get seated at the bar.

4. Noisy Oyster, Shoreditch: This seafood bistro is a masterclass in industrial minimalism, and the perfect spot for your next dinner with your most fun friends. It’s truly the perfect backdrop for a high-aesthetic oyster and martini moment, with an extensive sharing menu and a great selection of natural wines.

5. Canteen, Notting Hill: I love when a high-end restaurant doesn’t take reservations, mainly because I’m never good at being organised in advance - but this place is worth the praise. Here’s, it’s all about deli chic interiors with canary yellow seating and steel countertops. The menu changes daily, but if the chocolate mousse with sea salt and olive oil is on there, it’s a non-negotiable order.

6. Osteria Angelina, Shoreditch: This spot serves a surreal Italian Japanese fusion that somehow just makes perfect sense. One of my favourite restaurant openings of 2025, it’s sophisticated, unexpected, and very ‘New Shoreditch’. Just make sure you go in a big group so you can order everything on the menu.

7. Brat, Shoreditch & Hackney: With Brat, you have two ways to experience it; the original Shoreditch site is an intimate, elevated sanctuary above a pub, while Brat at Climpson’s Arch is its rugged, industrial younger sister. For me personally, the duck rice is the absolute star of the menu, rich, smoky, and exactly what you want on the table for a shared feast.

8. Oranj, Shoreditch: What started as a cult favourite wine bar with chef residencies tucked away on a back street, has officially settled into a permanent restaurant. You can still count on their funky natural wines and candlelit, concrete cool vibe, but the food has levelled up. It’s the gold standard for a candlelit East London date night.

9. One Club Row, Shoreditch: Hidden behind a secret stairway above The Knave of Clubs, this bistro feels like a private residence for those in the know, and it’s pure Instagram bait with slouchy tablecloths and artfully distressed walls. You absolutely must order the cheeseburger au poivre.

10. Luso, Fitzrovia: Bringing contemporary Portuguese heat to the west end, Luso is the place for sophisticated small plates without the pretension. The vibe gives Friday night in Lisbon with its sleek, vibrant interior. Be sure to order the lobster rice and the salt-baked Sea Bass.

What London hotspots am I missing from the list

and where should I go next?

Let me know 👇🏼

This girl dinner accompanied a marathon catch-up. I had a mountain of gossip to get through with a friend I hadn’t seen in months, and needed somewhere central, moody and sophisticated, with a cocktail menu that could keep up with our pace. Luckily for us, we landed in Fitzrovia at the perfect spot for just that, a restaurant that is officially putting Chile on the London food map.

#009 MAREIDA 🏺🌵

Tucked away on a quiet stretch of Great Portland Street, Mareida is a masterclass in understated drama. Slick and low-lit, the decor is stunning; think dip-dyed mauve curtains with chunks of Chilean stone forming the bar. It feels expensive, but not stiff, and you can really feel the passion in the room with every detail. It is rare to find somewhere this polished that still feels so personal.

My dinner date Alya (subscribe to her, if you haven’t already) is the queen of logistics and thankfully booked us a table here last minute through The Nudge, saving us from inevitably enduring a disappointing walk-in situation at whichever one of the Soho Houses we were closer to.

I didn’t really know too much about The Nudge membership before now, but it’s essentially a curated lifestyle membership that gets you into secret soft launches and gives perks like free food and discounts at various places in London. Thanks to her booking, we got 50% off the food bill and an early taste of some dishes from their new menu. Plus, it pointed us towards Mareida, somewhere that wasn’t even on our radar yet. I’ll definitely be signing up for this reason alone.

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PLATES 🍽️

Straight up, the menu here is a single page of rock-solid options.

We started with the sopaipilla pumpkin bread with pebre and fermented chilli. It was the perfect stomach-liner and came highly recommended by our waiter. Then came the black truffle and cauliflower empanada. Both were a true 10/10.

Thanks to Alya’s Nudge membership, we also got a complimentary empanada, and the most divine dish from the upcoming Spring menu; a mix of courgettes and melon with carob rusks. It sounds like a fever dream, but it was so refreshing and clever. If you see it on the menu when you go, order it. We also had the hamachi crudo, which was fresh and came with a beetroot sauce that looked like art.

But girls, the crispy brussels sprouts? Wow. Throw out everything you think you know about soggy Christmas sprouts you had at your grandma’s house. These were charred, flavoursome, and paired with squash and quinoa. A must.

For the main event, we shared the 45-Day aged ribeye. We actually had to ask the kitchen to hold it back for twenty minutes just so we could make some physical space in our bodies to enjoy it properly, but when it came it was so soft it basically melted like butter in our mouth. We paired it with the winter tomatoes to keep things light.

Not ones to miss out on a dessert, we finished with the pumpkin roasted milk. It had shards of pumpkin on top and a rye caramel that was sweet without being cloying. Not too sweet or sickly, and perfect for when you are full but your dessert stomach is demanding attention after a full-on feast.

We were some of the first ones in and, true to form, some of the very last to leave. Thankfully, the staff were icons for letting us linger over the tea we were spilling.

DRINKS 🍸

We had great plans to work our way through the cocktail menu, but we started with their Mareida sours, and to be honest they were too good that we ended up sticking with the same drink order all night. They were insanely delicious.

My only slight gripe here was that they took a little while to reach the table, but honestly, that probably saved us from ourselves. I only had three, or maybe four, and I definitely felt the punch the next morning.

THE DAMAGE 💸

With the 50% discount off the food, our bill came to £91 each. Without the discount off the food, this is definitely a payday treat or a celebration spot, but for the quality of the food and that Fitzrovia postcode, it is worth the splurge. As per usual, we ordered enough to feed a small village, so we boxed up the leftovers for a very elite Friday lunch.

VERDICT 👀

Mareida is the sophisticated, cool new friend of the London dining scene. The service is thoughtful, the acoustics are (importantly) perfect for gossiping, and the food is genuinely unique. Truly the perfect spot for an elevated and long-overdue catch-up with a good friend after work.

Mareida, 160a Great Portland St, London W1W 5QA

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Time to tap in, because this week I’m taking us outside of Zone 1 to a very cute pocket of E17. If you haven’t spent time in Walthamstow Village lately, you’re doing it wrong. It’s quaint, it’s bustling, and it’s currently home to the most exciting new Italian residency to hit the scene this year...

#008 MACCHINA 🍝

You might have heard of head chef and owner, Hayley Meredith, as the force behind the legendary Pasta Slut pop-ups and parties (London, Margate, Bristol and far beyond). Her nights were famous for being deliciously carb-heavy, and totally debaucherous if you stuck around long enough. But after eight years of being a Pasta Slut, she’s decided it’s time to build something fresh and new. Enter: Macchina.

It was the first real sunny Sunday in London, and 10 minutes of actual Vitamin D hitting my face as I stood on Orford Road waiting for my girlfriend to arrive made me feel like a brand-new person. I don’t live too far from Walthamstow, but I have to admit that I don’t spend enough time in this part of town.

Tucked away at the back of Hometipple wine bar and bottle shop, Macchina is an intimate, freshly refurbished, Italian sanctuary. The mustard yellow walls are covered with black and white pictures and photos of Hayley’s friends and family, giving it that sitting in a nonna’s kitchen vibe. As expected, Hayley herself is a total bundle of energy too; a Northerner with Sicilian roots and the kind of curly-haired charisma that sets the tone for the whole evening.

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PLATES 🍽️

The menu is a love letter to authentic Italian cooking. We started with the bread & olive oil whilst we perused the menu. When the oil is that flavoursome, you know you’re in for a 10/10 meal.

First came the burrata with pistachio pesto. This is an absolute must-order. The centre was perfectly gooey, swimming in a vibrant pesto that we mopped up with the bread. For the pasta, we went for the orecchiette with tomato, aubergine, and scamorza. The scamorza is smoked, creating this deep, smoky dream of a dish that I basically inhaled all on my own. We couldn’t choose just one, so we also ordered the tagliolini with nduja, mascarpone and lemon, the perfect balance of spice and citrus.

To offset the pure carb-loading, we thought chicken milanese caesar salad would do the job. The chicken breast was so succulent and perfectly breaded, the ‘salad’ every girl dinner needs. We also got a cheeky taster of the Sunday special pork crackling brought out by the chefs on a little side plate, and it was life-changingly crunchy and delicious, even for someone that isn’t overly in love with pork.

Side note: do not leave without ordering the Pistachio Tiramisu. We sadly did (I have regrets) because we were so full, but I’m told it’s the legacy of Hayley’s Pasta Slut days, and one of the best tiramisu’s you’ll have in London. I’ll be going back to verify this, of course.

DRINKS 🍸🍷

We were in a wine shop on a Sunday, so starting with a margarita on the rocks might have been a bit rogue, but we’d both had heavy weekends and needed to jump-start our systems.

Once we’d regained our status as civilised beings, we wandered to the front of Hometipple to talk wine. Since we’d ordered a lot of bold flavours, and because I need no excuse, we went for an orange and the guy working there helped us land on a bottle of Spanish Enblanco de Altolandon. Okay, so we broke the Italian theme, but it was so easy to drink and complemented the smoky scamorza perfectly. Maybe a big statement too, but this was probably one of my favourite orange wines I’ve drunk in a long while, and a good one if you don’t like your wine too low-intervention.

THE DAMAGE 💸

The bill for the two of us came to £124, which felt fitting for what we ordered, and definitely more than justified for the quality and quantity. Honestly, we ordered way more than we could eat and ended up boxing up the leftovers to take home for lunch, but I wanted to try as many plates from the menu as possible. Wouldn’t have changed a thing.

The best part? We stayed until they basically closed. It was so nice to not be rushed or told they needed the table back after 90 minutes. It felt like a proper lazy Sunday feeding, and exactly what we needed.

VERDICT 👀

Macchina is pure heart. Between Hayley’s high octane energy and her Italian co-chef who sat and chatted with us as we finished our plates, the whole experience felt personal. It’s intimate, full of character, and serves some of the best pasta I’ve had in a long while, the kind of hidden gem you almost want to gatekeep (but the food is too good not to).

Macchina @ Hometipple, 4 Orford Rd, London E17 9NJ

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This one is a bit of a personal victory lap because I spent a while questioning my own street cred after trying, and failing, to get into this spot numerous times without a booking (I was starting to think I’d been blacklisted from E2). But finally, one rainy evening in February, with an organised friend who booked in advance, I got to see what all the fuss was about.

#007 MAD CATS 🐆🔊

If you’ve wandered down Redchurch Street lately, you may have seen the striped awning and golden jaguar handle on the door of Mad Cats. It’s the hottest listening bar to hit Shoreditch of late, and the hype is very much real.

The space itself is separated into a colourful front seating area and a moodier, small back room with custom-made speakers lining the walls. It is strictly vinyl only, with the turntables taking pride of place and DJs spinning a mixture of electronic, house and disco every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, and with live Jazz on a Sunday.

I went with two girlfriends on a Saturday night, and the vibe was dark, perfectly moody, and very IYKYK. A word to the wise on timing: we booked for 8pm, but since there was a table reservation after us, we had to vacate our spot just as the music was being turned up. We could have lingered at the edge for more cocktails and a boogie, but we were fuelled on cocktails and it hadn’t fully got going yet, so we ended up trotting off down the road for a dance elsewhere. Note to self: I’ll be back.

The space is honestly quite small, which explains my previous walk-in failures, so please learn from my trauma and book ahead. Next time, I will definitely book for 9:30pm so I can stay for the transition from dinner spot to dancefloor.

Also, the toilets? They play an echo-y, slightly trippy vocal rendition of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy on loop. It’s a total fever dream at 10pm, so I can only imagine the vibes after a few more drinks.

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PLATES 🍽️

Their philosophy is all about aural and oral pleasures, so they worship the music as much as the menu, and the food here is anything but an afterthought.

We started with the Hamachi Carpaccio. We got the dressing on the side to make sure we didn’t set off a friend’s citrus-induced migraine, but If you’re a crudo addict like me, this is a non-negotiable order. The Devon Crab Salad was also lovely; light, fresh, and exactly what we needed before the heavier hitters.

Then came the Shish Barak Dumplings. They looked so incredible when they hit the table that we impulsively ordered a second portion before we’d even tried, let alone finished, the first. In hindsight, between the three of us we probably didn’t need the second round, but the labneh and mint pesto combo was delicious, so no regrets.

We also circled back to order the bread and very addictive miso butter, mainly to mop up the Lebanese sauces left over from the dishes. No notes, just pure yum.

For the mains, the Wild Mushroom Gnocchi was the star of the show in my eyes, which completely surprised me, as this wouldn’t necessarily be a dish at tge top of my list. Glad we didn’t skip this, the sake and smoked sage emulsion was insane.

We also had the Potato Cake, which was basically like crispy fried rosti nachos with a mascarpone dashi dip. Very yummy, though perhaps a touch too fried for my personal taste.

By the time the Crispy Pork Belly arrived at the end, I was pretty much done (I’m not a huge pork-lover anyway), but the girls tucked in and it went down well.

DRINKS 🍸

This is where things got interesting. My friend booked the table and ended up selecting a ‘prosecco on arrival’ option for £9 a head. It felt like a bit of a random extra just to secure the spot, but we leaned into it.

When we moved on to cocktails, I started with the Rose Royce (whisky, miso, red cabbage, and sherry). I think I just saw the word ‘rose’ and ignored the fact that I was basically ordering a fermented vegetable salad in a glass. It was... interesting, but I wasn’t mad about it.

For round two, I went for the Lebanese Martini with za’atar and asked for it extra dirty. Wow. If you like a savoury, herbaceous drink, this is your soulmate. Just make sure you’ve eaten first, because it’s punchy enough to make you a casualty before you’ve even seen the gnocchi.

The rest of the cocktail list was just as inventive, and I wished we’d stayed a little longer to try some more. This gives me good reason to return.

THE DAMAGE 💸

The bill for the three of us came to £293 total. For a full dinner, multiple rounds of high-end cocktails, and that mandatory prosecco, it felt pretty standard for a Saturday night in Shoreditch to spend £98 a head.

Considering you’re essentially getting a private DJ set with your dinner, it’s worth the investment.

VERDICT 👀

Mad Cats is cool, loud, and the food actually stands up to the sound system. It’s the perfect spot for a fun dinner and gossip session with your inner circle. I’ll definitely be back again, and I plan to stay for the duration.

Tell only your best of friends.

Mad Cats, 107 Redchurch St, London E2 7DL

Have you been to Mad Cats and what did you think? Found another London listening bar you think might be better? lmk in the comments 👇🏼

Chapter six of GIRL DINNER is taking us to a restaurant that has been ALL OVER my socials the past few months; a sophisticated, slightly rebellious lovechild of an Italian trattoria and Japanese izakaya, and a hotspot that actually delivers on the plate. Pull up a chair… just make sure you reserve far enough in advance.

#006 OSTERIA ANGELINA 🍝🇯🇵

If you’ve not heard about this restaurant, where have you been ?!?

Tucked away in Shoreditch, and opposite my fave cool-girl spot Noisy Oyster, Osteria Angelina was one of the most talked about openings of last year.

If the name sounds familiar, it’s because this is the newest outpost from the iconic team behind Angelina in Dalston. The vibe? Think gorgeous Italian traditions colliding with Japanese flavours and ingredients, set in a chic, modern setting.

I saw off the end of January here with five of my girls on a Saturday afternoon, after finally snagging a table via the waitlist. I’ll be the first to admit I didn’t think Jan would be this busy, but I was so wrong; it was the perfect level of buzzy, with a queue out the door when we arrived.

Luckily when they finally sat us, they tucked us away on a gorgeous corner table, prime real estate for heavy gossiping without prying ears. Our waiter was a total vibe, too; he wasn’t shy with the recommendations, which is exactly what we needed when the menu is this good. Being real, perhaps it didn’t really matter, because we ordered pretty much everything on there anyway.

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PLATES 🍽️

Get ready to take notes, because we went in.

We started with the Hokkaido Milk Bread with jam and burnt honey butter. We ordered two portions between five and honestly we could have eaten three, but I’m glad we didn’t because there’s a carb-heavy roster to come.

We had healthy intentions, so we went for two salads to set the tone. Usman’s Magic Tomato Salad was so unique, topped with a salsa verde granita that added this cold, sharp crunch. We also grabbed the Radicchio Salad with blood orange and Katsuobushi, which was the perfect bitter-sweet balance.

Crudo is always a love of mine (as is truffle), so it was no surprise I was a fan of the Hamachi with truffle soy. I used the milk bread to mop up the extra soy. The Tuna with House Ponzu was sensational too, with a punchy wasabi kick that caught me off guard. I can usually take or leave wasabi, but this actually worked perfectly. I would have happily had another portion of both of these to myself.

Then came the main event: the pasta. The Tortellini with fresh Black Truffle was truly delicious; they were generous with the truffle shavings and the sauce alone was divine. But the real star? The Fazzoletti with Duck Ragu. Fazzoletti translates to handkerchiefs, and these were the most delicate, draped sheets of silk-like pasta that the entire table raved about. If you’re only getting one pasta dish, make it this one.

We also had the Tuna Tagliolini, and look, I have to admit it was a dish I could live without. It’s probably one of the most photographed pasta dishes on the gram right now, but for me, it didn’t quite hit the heights of the others. I was in the minority here though, and the rest of the table finished the whole lot, including my portion.

Finally, we moved on to the heavy hitter and shared the Aged Angus Ribeye. It looked slightly intimidating when it hit the table, but we somehow managed to inhale every last bit. It was cooked to perfection and paired with Miso Braised Onions covered in grated fontina cheese, which was an unexpected revelation.

We gave ourselves a minute before we ordered desserts, and then did the only sensible thing when there’s a group, and ordered one of everything.

The Sesame Pannacotta with blood orange was the winner for me; it’s maybe an acquired taste, but if you love sesame as much as I do, it’s non-negotiable. We also had the Kinako Cheesecake with matcha gelato. I loved the cheesecake, but the gelato was a bit of a miss for me, which was a surprise because I’m usually a matcha addict.

Then came the Chocolate Cake with miso caramel gelato, which was rich but not too sweet, and the Koji Rice Pudding with pear and a delicious hazelnut topping. I’m a rice pudding girlie anyway, but the crunchy topping on this really elevated it.

DRINKS 🍸

I strictly stuck to cocktails, starting with the Mikan Balsamico (mandarin, sake, and white balsamic). Not sure whether this would be Glucose Goddess approved, but my inner wellness girlie convinced me that the vinegar would cancel out the carb-heavy sins of the meal, and it had a sharp, vinegary kick that I kind of loved.

A few of the girls started with the Shinjuku Albatross (spiced pineapple and citrus), and the fomo hit immediately, so that was my round two. It was sweet, yummy, and dangerously punchy.

The absolute plot twist, however, was my final choice: the Big Cheese. I initially ignored it because... parmesan in a cocktail ?? But our waiter was so insistent I couldn’t say no. It was actually my favourite drink of the afternoon, a mix of citrus, pear, and vodka with just a tiny sprinkle of parmesan on the top. Do not miss this.

I stayed far away from the white wine (it can turn me feral, and I wasn’t in the mood to risk it), but the rest of the group polished off two bottles of the Langhe Bianco Tres Plus, so consider that a certified winner.

THE DAMAGE 💸

The total for five of us was £625, so when it came to splitting the bill it worked out £125 each.

For a table overflowing with masterpieces, multiple rounds of cocktails, and two bottles of wine, it felt pretty reasonable. If you’re rolling with a bigger group, it’s the perfect way to trial the whole menu.

A word to the wise: they actually close for service mid-afternoon. We didn’t realise this, so as our lunch went on, the vibrant atmosphere slowly evaporated until we were the only table left while the staff prepped for dinner. It was a bit surreal. Next time, I’m booking an evening slot to keep that high-octane energy throughout.

VERDICT 👀

Osteria Angelina is a flavour powerhouse that cannot be missed. The Itameshi vibe is pure GD perfection, and it’s the perfect spot for a group catch-up with friends that liked to eat (a lot).

My recommendation is to avoid the mid-service lull and book a more vibey evening table for dinner.

🍝🇯🇵 Osteria Angelina, 1, Nicholls Clarke Yard, London E1 6SH

Have you been to Osteria Angelina and what did you think? Found somewhere you think might be better? lmk in the comments 👇🏼

It feels like the 100th day of January and the weather is giving seasonal depression, but I’ve found the smoky, high-energy antidote your soul and stomach desperately need. It takes a strong recommendation to get me to battle the Borough Market crowds on a weekend, but this spot is truly worth the hype.

AGORA 🧿✨

Located on the edge of Borough Market, underneath its sophisticated sister restaurant OMA (the only Michelin-starred Greek spot in London), Agora is the rebellious younger sibling, serving up simple yet brilliantly effective Greek-inspired dishes. It wasn’t intentional to follow up my last post with yet another hot Greek spot, but the cuisine is clearly having a London moment and I’m more than happy to go along for the ride.

The name Agora means ‘market’, and they’ve designed the restaurant to have an indoor/outdoor vibe, with a retracting front, open in the summer to allow the restaurant and bar seating to spill out onto the street. Of course January meant the windows were firmly shut, but a note to self to return in the summer for a Thursday evening date night.

Operating primarily on walk-ins (normally something I avoid), we stupidly arrived at peak Sunday lunchtime, but the 30-ish minute queue flew by thanks to the staff who brought out snacks and took drinks orders whilst we waited.

When we were eventually seated, we were sat at the bar overlooking the chefs and the wood-burning oven. If you’re a total sucker for watching food be made, seeing the flatbreads puffing up in real-time is hypnotic, and the chefs have such high-octane energy; it adds this buzzy, chaotic layer to the meal that you just don’t get at a standard table.

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PLATES & DRINKS 🍽️ 🍸

Dry Jan is not something I subscribe to, so naturally we kicked things off with cocktails - the Plum and Mezcal Margarita and the Apricot and Ginger Rum Punch. I’m a Margarita girlie through and through and both were delicious, but the rum punch actually won this round. It was punchy, fresh, dangerous and an absolute must.

First up was the Sesame Seed Koulouri Pita which looks like a floofy, delicious bagel, designed to be torn apart and dunked in their delicious Hoummus. Our waiter also recommended the Chard Borani with crispy garlic and I am so glad he did. It is an elevated, garlicky tzatziki-style dip that I could have eaten by the bucket.

I switched from cocktails to wine for the main event, opting for the Retsina of Mesogia orange wine. it felt only right given it was the only Greek orange wine on the list and we were in a Greek restaurant after all. If you’re a natural wine fan, you’ll love this; it’s low intervention, complex and fits the smoky food perfectly.

Back to the food and onto the grill. The Slow Grilled Chicken Thigh was the undisputed star. It was so juicy and soft we actually ordered a second portion immediately. We also tucked into the Lamb Kebab and Pork Souvlaki which had that perfect charcoal char. Then came the Greek Saláta where the Carob Rusks (basically an elite version of a crouton) were a total revelation.

On the waiter’s advice, we tried both the Spicy Pork Sausage Flatbread (I was sold by the addition of roast pineapple and hot honey) and the Lamb Adana Flatbread. We would have probably been fine with just one of them to be honest, but we we feeling a little greedy. I will say that the sauces were a bit rich for me, and I’m blaming this for nearly tipping me over the edge.

To finish, we went straight for the Tiramisu. After the trauma of missing out on the infamous cheesecake at Lagana, I had massive dessert FOMO and needed a win. This was light, fluffy, and exactly what we needed. I finished with a mint tea solely because I was bursting full at the seams and my digestion needed a little help.

As we left at around 4pm there was no queue, so if you’re not a fan of waiting in line, the trick here is all about the perfect timing.

THE DAMAGE 💸

OK so a pleasant surprise; the bill for two came to £132 incl service. For the amount of food, the fact that we sat at the bar for what felt like hours, and the quality of the cocktails and wine, it felt more than reasonable.

The waiter really deserved that service too; chilled, charismatic, and knowledgeable on every detail of the menu. He elevated the entire experience from a quick bite to a proper event.

VERDICT 👀

I’m giving Agora an 8.5/10.

Points lost purely for the fact that I don’t love walk-ins… read: I don’t like waiting (but I’d do it all again). The flavour profile is perfection, and the warm, smoky flavours were just what I needed to get me through the rest of January.

Agora, 4 Bedale St, London SE1 9AL

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A final thought: If you’ve reached this point in the post, thanks for sticking with me. I just want to give a heartfelt thank you to everyone that has shared, commented and engaged with all of the GIRL DINNER posts so far; it costs nothing, but really means everything. I’m loving seeing this little community grow with People Like Us! xo

It’s January, it’s miserable, and the only thing keeping me going is living vicariously through my December camera roll. After the 2025 wrap-up fever dream, I knew the first drop of the year had to be a heavy-hitter to beat the winter blues. Enter…

#003 LAGANA 🏺

I’ve been trying to secure a table at Lagana since it opened its doors last September, but the demand has been literal insanity. It’s no surprise, given I’ve seen more than a few of my trusted cool-girl-friends posting from there over the past few months.

They’ve cleverly hidden the main entrance on the street around what should technically be the back of the restaurant, giving it this immediate air of mystery like you’re entering a secret spot for people with immaculate taste.

Walking into an achingly cool, laid-back restaurant, couples sat at the counters, groups of girlfriends in abundance, it was nice to be there as it turned to night; the lighting went low and the house music went up, turning dinner into a whole scene. If they had a club area, we would have stayed until they kicked us out.

They have crayons on every table for doodling on the tablecloths, which is a cute touch, but my friend and I were way too locked into the gossip to even pick one up. I ended up chatting with the ladies next to me who had covered theirs with doodles depicting their 30+ years of friendship. Cute.

Service was an absolute dream. Our waiter was a charismatic icon who actually sat down next to us to take our order. Instant ‘dining with a friend’ vibes. He steered us away from the filler and straight to the hits, which is the exact no-gatekeeping energy I live for.

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PLATES 🍽️

OK, so the good news was that the food came fast, which was essential because we were both starving.

We started with the spicy feta & red peppers and the aubergine & spring Onions dip. We went a bit basic bitch with the oregano and salt flatbread, which arrived puffed up into a massive, fluffy dome; not flat at all and total main character energy. I have to admit, I think we messed up here by ignoring the cheesy or soutzoukakia flatbreads after seeing them delivered to other tables, however it was an elite-level carb experience either way.

For the raw fish lovers, the seabass ceviche is a non-negotiable (and stunning to look at), and the yellowtail with orange was so delicious I was basically drinking the tomato dressing. I am obsessed with sweetcorn just generally, so the corn with chilli butter was a must-get, along with the juicy Chicken Thigh with lemon oil as more of a main dish.

🚨 Massive error alert 🚨 I didn’t pre-stalk their Instagram (very out of character), so I missed out on the caramel cheesecake which is apparently their “thing”, and went for the orange cake instead. It was delicious, but now I’ve seen the cheesecake with my own eyes, I really think we messed up.

Consider it bookmarked for the inevitable revisit.

DRINKS 🍸

The cocktail menu is where Lagana really flexes, and we were surprised by just how good they were.

We both started with the White cocktail (Tequila based, with coconut, cocoa and citrus). It mentions cocoa so we feared it might be creamy, but their cocktail selection is all clarified, so it came out looking dangerously like water. We ordered a few of these and I’d recommend you do the same.

I also tried the slightly more floral tasting Orange cocktail with apricot gin, sloe and vermouth,for a bit of variation. Delicious, but the White was true perfection, so I circled quickly back.

THE DAMAGE 💸

The bill for two came to just over £200 combined. Given the amount of cocktails we inhaled and the fact the table was overflowing with plates, we were expecting a much heartier hit to the bank account. For this level of food and vibe in the heart of Shoreditch, I think it’s totally justified.

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VERDICT 👀

Lagana is the real deal. The service makes you feel like you’re part of the inner circle, I could drink the clarified cocktails all day, and the atmosphere is exactly what a hot spot should be.

I’m giving Lagana a 9/10.

It would be a 10 if I could order that White cocktail in a jug… and probably if I’d done an insta-stalk of their dishes before I came! I’ll definitely be back. 💖

Lagana, 19 Willow St, London EC2A 3HU

Looking back at 2025, my camera roll is basically a 12-month diary of natural wine, vibey lighting, and the kind of dishes that make you forget your own name.

The fact I have a favourite spot for every month is a testament to how hard I went this year, though I have to be real: narrowing this down was hard.

There were so many incredible spots that didn’t make the cut purely because the competition was just too strong. We’re talking elite-tier meals that are currently sitting in the honourable mentions graveyard only because I had to pick just one place per month

From taco alleys in Mexico to king crabs in Ibiza, these are the places that defined my 2025…

January: Fish Shack La Punta, Puerto Escondido 🌮

Picking a favourite spot after spending three weeks in Mexico was nearly impossible, but this relaxed sandy alleyway spot just off the beach was pure perfection; so good we went back three times in a week. Super relaxed, you can rock up in your bikini, the tacos are sensational, the fish SO FRESH, music loud and the vibes unmatched.

February: Planque, Dalston 🍷

The dining experience felt so refined and unexpected for Dalston; every seasonal plate was a little masterpiece of flavour and texture. I’m already manifesting a revisit just to sit in that moody lighting and sip something orange.

March: Seco, Los Angeles ☀️

Tucked away in Silverlake and away from the main touristy spots, it was hard not to feel like a local at this cute neighbourhood wine-and-small-plates bar. Quite frankly, this night was all about catching up on the gossip with a friend who was also in town, so the main course was mainly LOTS of natural wine, but we did grab a couple of their small plates. The Hamachi crudo was a delicious dream.

April: Amalur, Ibiza 🍝

A long and surprisingly sunny April weekend with the girls in Ibiza ended at this Italian restaurant to curb our friend’s carb cravings. This was a late swap in our plans, but the food was so divine it felt like it was meant to be, especially when the night ended up with us dancing round the table.

May: Mieux, Paris 🇫🇷

Rule #1: if my French-based colleague Marie makes a reservation or recommends a wine, I pay attention. This Saint Lazare gem is the epitome of laid-back Parisian cool. The menu was seasonal, super interesting, and the natural wine menu was extensive and totally delicious. I will for sure be recommending this cozy, cool spot to friends.

June: Jondal, Ibiza 🐚

It was hard to pick just one spot to crown as my favourite for June after spending most of the month in Ibiza, but Jondal was giving place to be seen and it delivered on every front. The King Crab Leg was honestly life changing. Unreal setting, stunning crowd, and a Jacquemus takeover… a masterclass in luxury beach dining.

July: Roscioli, New York 🗽

I’m surprised at myself for having TWO Italian restaurants on my faves list (who knew we would end up here ??), but this place felt extra special and I was very grateful for my colleague who made this reservation. The food was divine, so packed with flavour it actually made the New York City summer humidity feel worth it. And omg, the wine pairing… 12/10 sensational, no notes.

August: Beigel Bake, Brick Lane 🥯

August was peak London day festival season, so I have to pay homage to the only place that matters at 2am when you’ve been two-stepping in a London park all day. TAKE A MOMENT for this icon…

September: Nettuno, Scopello 🇮🇹

Accidentally finding ourselves in the middle of the pre-parties for Charli XCX’s Sicilian wedding was not on our bingo card when we booked a stay in this sleepy town, but it did make for an exciting story (and celeb spot). I rarely have a bad meal in Italy, but the Tuna Belly here was so fresh and delicious it stood out from the rest.

October: The Marquee Moon, Dalston 💿

Is it a pub? Is it a restaurant? Honestly, it’s both and I kind of love it, with a young, Dalston-y crowd and a creative menu. The food is genuinely interesting and pairs perfectly with their natural wine selection. The highlight for our visit was definitely the DJ downstairs blaring UK Garage classics. An unexpectedly perfect ending.

November: Noisy Oyster, Shoreditch 🦪

The vibes here were SO immaculate they spawned the birth of Girl Dinner. Enough said.

December: Lagana, Shoreditch 🍸

December was a battle of the heavyweights with The Devonshire, Yeni and Berenjak all in the running for top spot, but Lagana snatched the crown at the very last minute. The vibes were immaculate (shout out to their playlist), food delicious, and their cocktails surprising and wonderful. This one was too good not to dedicate its own post, so SPOILER ALERT it’s dropping next. Make sure you’re subscribed.

I’m making reservations for 2026: what was the ONE hot spot you visited last year that totally deserves a spot on GIRL DINNER? Comment below.

I’m still on a high from the response to the first GIRL DINNER Substack drop. Honestly, thank you for entertaining my foray back into writing… it feels good to be back. To everyone who shared the last post with their group chats and for everyone that subscribed, you are the realest xo

#002 YENI 🧿

We’re in the depths of the festive season, and for our latest sequel we took our talents to the heart of Soho on a rainy afternoon in December. If Noisy Oyster was the moody Shoreditch rebel, Yeni is her sophisticated, well-traveled older friend who knows exactly which natural wine to order.

Yeni first came to my attention when I spotted their iconic Yeni Mantı dumplings listed with an ‘IYKYK’ on a friend’s IG story. It was such a pretty dish and I trust my friend’s choice in restaurants explicitly, so I knew I had to make the pilgrimage.

Blending Istanbul roots, British produce & open-fire cooking, the space is giving sophisticated industrial with exposed brick, high ceilings, and an open kitchen with a wood-fired oven that makes the whole room smell like a smoky dream. It’s tucked away on Beak Street, and while it wasn’t overly busy during lunchtime, it felt like a polished, cool-girl sanctuary in the middle of Soho chaos.

PLATES 🍽️

First thing to note: every single dish that arrived was a masterpiece.

First to hit the table was the Açma baskets, their squishy, warm house brioches with a smoked butter. If fresh bread like this doesn’t get you excited, then we probably wouldn’t be friends because we inhaled them immediately (I layered mine with the Pastirma cold cured spicy beef rib eye) and *chefs kiss* it was a literal religious experience. If I could give you one piece of advice at this point in your meal, it would be to exercise self-control and keep some of your bread to mop up all the sauces left from the dishes later on. We sadly did not have this foresight or restrain.

The starters arrived in quick succession, which was great because we came hungry. The olive oil braised beetroot was stunningly pretty with its vibrant colours and sour cherry pops. As a massive aubergine lover, I was shocked that I didn’t vibe with the chargrilled aubergine dish, it felt like it was missing a little something to tie it together. The fried kelle cheese was the only dish that wasn’t some kind of artistic display, but it was deliciously rich and a must for any cheese and honey lover. I could have lived without the vine leaves tempura. Nice, but not essential.

However, the Yeni Mantı dumplings were the stars of the show, and we of course ordered both the beef and the dried aubergine, each one coming with 8 dumplings. While the table fought over the beef, I was obsessed with the aubergine and that punchy, double-fermented yoghurt. You cannot come here without trying these.

Onto mains, and the Banduma chicken was a total plot twist, fried in pastry and tipped upside down, and with some kind of brothy sauce poured over. The Orkney scallops soft, buttery and perfectly cooked. Finally, the waiter talked us into ordering the wood-fired lamb. I usually would take a pass on lamb, but this was delicious, tender, and perfectly smoky. Trust the waiter, he knows what’s good.

We really wanted to end on a high with the Baklava, but after being left for a little bit too long with an empty table, they told us it would take 15 minutes to cook. By then the restaurant was nearly empty and the energy had shifted, so we skipped it.

DRINKS 🍸

I went for the Adan Mezcal and Passionfruit cocktail. It was smoky, sweet, and exactly what a chilly December afternoon called for.

Shout out to their wine list, because I am a natural wine girlie through and through and they have an amazing selection of natural wines, including some really delicious orange wines that are worth the price.

The only letdown was perhaps the service.. it was a bit too relaxed. The waiter was lovely and knowledgeable, but even with the restaurant being quiet, they weren’t very attentive and it means we probably ordered fewer drinks than we’d have liked.

THE DAMAGE 💸

The bill came to £380 plus service (which wasn’t automatically added on the receipt) which, for 6 people, I thought wasn’t bad at all. For a table full of masterpieces in the heart of Soho, it felt like a fair trade for the experience.

VERDICT 👀

Despite the sleepy service and the missed dessert, Yeni is is a flavour powerhouse that deserves a spot on your hit list for the manti dumplings alone. Not worthy of a pilgrimage, but certainly a delicious and worthy booking if you’re in the area.

I’m giving Yeni a 7.5/10.

Yeni, 55 Beak Street W1F 9SH, Soho

Is there a dish you’ve seen on IG that actually lived up to the hype, or was it just for the grid? 👇🏼 Tell me where I’m eating next

Pull up a chair, because the inaugural GIRL DINNER location was such a slay, it instantly triggered the comeback of my Girl About Town era . We’re starting strong, and this is our first vital intel drop.

#01 NOISY OYSTER 🦪

I know, I know. Friday night dinner for six in Shoreditch has the chance of ending up being a cesspit of out-of-towners with a price tag that doesn’t match the vibe. Luckily, that was not the case at Noisy Oyster.

Six girls deep on a Friday night, and the energy was immaculate.

It’s tiny, it’s buzzy, it felt like we stumbled into the best new secret spot in East. Tucked away from the main streets, opposite the newest outpost from cool Dalston hot-spot Angelina’s (note to self: must visit!), think low, slightly moody lighting, industrial decor, great playlist, it’s giving effortlessly cool hidden gem.

PLATES 🍽️

Noisy Oyster labels themselves a seafood bistro of the future on their IG and I see where they’re going with that framing. All of the seafood faves are on there, but with the imaginative twists and flavours that you want from your favourite small plate purveyors.

We were not playing around with the Oyster order, starting strong with EIGHTEEN straight up (birthday girl has a vision for the content and it came to life perfectly). They were ice-cold, perfectly shucked, and served with this spicy mignonette that was genuinely addictive. They disappeared in approximately five minutes flat.

Luckily everyone likes to share, so everything went in the middle of the table. The Caviar Toast was popular, though it was a little strong in flavour for my usual taste - definitely a want, not a need. The Bluefin Tuna Tartare was fresh and perfectly fancy, but for me the Monkfish Skewers stole the show (recommended by the waitress, and I’m so glad she did), top marks for the almond pesto, and the Tropea onions gave a perfectly sweet crunch. Finally, the Stracciatella & Anchovies gave a necessary creamy, cheesy moment to balance all the seafood, mopped up with a serving of their fluffy Focaccia.

We’d ordered a lot, so we didn’t go OTT on mains, ordering three between six. It was perfect actually. The Grilled Octopus Risotto was delicious, though think more like a rich crispy rice, topped with chunks of Octopus than your traditional risotto. We also had a little surf and turf moment with the Bluefin Tuna and the Onglet Steak. It felt a bit wrong ordering the Onglet in a seafood bistro, but I have to admit it was pure perfection. Zero regrets, we ate like queens.

The ultimate Friday night tragedy, the Crab Doughnut Holes were sold out, and I’m still having slight regrets over not ordering the Fig Panzanella and Crab Orecchiette, but honestly we left FULL, and it’s just more reason to come back another time.

Finally, let’s talk about the sweet stuff. We weren’t initially super excited by the dessert options (imo it was seriously missing a good Tiramisu moment, sigh), but we had to get something to hold a candle for Marina. We chose the Pavlova with mixed berries and, even though it’s not usually my favourite, I’m glad we did; the meringue was light and crispy and it was the perfect, light, celebratory end. Redemption achieved.

This is where the Girl Dinner ethos comes in, btw. Forget holding back .

DRINKS 🍸

Noisy Oyster prides itself on its Martinis, but for me, the Mezcal Margarita was the real star; smoky, spicy, and the perfect Friday night cocktail. I like it on the rocks, and there was something really delicious about whatever mix of sweet and salty goodness they put around the rim.

My friends went classic with the Dirty Martini, though we collectively agreed it needed more olive brine. If this is your vibe, I highly recommend asking for it extra dirty.

(we were thirsty, no photo evidence exists).

Our waitress was straight-up iconic too; so fun, so nice, and genuinely understood the girl dinner assignment. Perhaps the drinks could have come a little quicker, but we were gassing, and they weren’t hovering, which is a huge bonus for me. I hate feeling rushed when I’m trying to solve all my life problems and catching up with a group of women who have so much that I want to listen to.

THE DAMAGE 💸

I was fully expecting a heart attack on the bill, given all the oysters and cocktails, but happy to see the total split between five came in at £138 each (we did the classy birthday friend thing and split the bill between five).

Was it cheap? Absolutely not, and neither should it be. This was a treat yourself moment that was 100% worth it. Sometimes you have to invest in the experience, not just the balance sheet.

VERDICT 👀

The fact I’ve already messaged a handful of friends planting the seed about going back to Noisy Oyster says everything that it needs to.

It’s a great destination when you need intimate chaos, stunning food, amazing service, and a content-friendly corner for a big celebration. Especially good for the friends that want to go somewhere cool but who don’t like venturing too far away from Zone 1 or a reliable tube service.

The bar has been set. I’m giving this 8/10.

🦪 Noisy Oyster, 2 Nicholls Clarke Yard, London E1 6SH

What’s the absolute best, most underrated Girl Dinner spot in your corner of London right now? lmk in the comments 👇🏼