London's hottest young chefs choose their favourite restaurants

Londoners’ appetite for restaurants knows no bounds. But how to choose between them? Adam Coghlan talks to five top young cooks to find out where they eat

Chef's choice: Florence Knight of Polpetto likes to zigzag around the West End to go her food shopping (Pic: Paul Winch-Furness)

Adam Coghlan

3 October 2014

SHUKO ODA, KOYA BAR

Toast E.D: I was so happy when they opened, finally a good place to eat and drink in my local area! Love their seasonal dishes and bread.

Hunan: My father took me there for the first time more than 15 years ago, authentic and strong flavours of China, and lots of it.

Polpetto: Nice place to go after work for drinks and nibbles. Casual but well-thought and delicious Italian food.

Rochelle Canteen: Opening hours mean I don’t get to eat there often, but when I do, the whole setting and food makes me happy.

Lyle’s: Simple and tasty.

OLLIE DABBOUS, DABBOUS

I mainly eat at Byron and sleep, but…

Tayyabs: Amazing lamb chops and dhal. No alcohol license so bring your own. Incredible curries; no frills. Long way from anywhere, but worth the detour.

Le Gavroche: I enjoy places that are unashamedly classic and comfortable in their own skin. Don’t be intimidated: the staff are lovely.

Kitchen Table: Our neighbour. James Knappett is a great cook; it’s nice to watch someone else slaving away!

Polpetto: Lovely simple product-driven cooking in a quaint setting. Fantastic value. Nothing not to like about it.

Tonkotsu: As well as the ramen, the karaage chicken is a must.

FLORENCE KNIGHT, POLPETTO

40 Maltby Street: One of my favourite restaurants in London. Incredible pedigree and a truly great feel for texture and flavour.

Vasco & Pierro’s Italian Pavillion: A Soho stalwart. Not up there as a “fashionable” place to go but they do wonderful pasta.

Leila’s: Produce-led and unpretentious in Shoreditch.

Towpath: I’m always happy for an excuse to have a coffee and food at Towpath in Hackney.

Story Deli: Pizzeria. Not everyday someone re-invents a standard.

I zigzag around the West End from I Camisa and Sons, Lina Stores, Neal’s Yard Dairy and I walk up to Marylebone Farmer’s Market every Sunday.

BRETT GRAHAM, THE LEDBURY

The Clove Club: chef is Isaac McHale.

Ottelenghi: for great pastry, it’s on Ledbury road.

Petersham Nurseries: then a nice walk in the best park on the planet (Richmond.)

Hedone: in Chiswick, chef Michael is a real pro.

40 Maltby Street: Stephen Williams at is a great guy and one of the best cooks I know.

La Fromagerie: a superb cheese shop.

JAMES LOWE, LYLE’S

40 Maltby Street: Raef’s wine is fantastic and the food from Stevie Williams is always great – his menu always stands out and has a feel of its own.

The Camberwell Arms: Michael Davies is one of my favourite chefs in London. If it were my local I’d go all the time.

Nathan Mills: The best place to buy meat, he buys rare breed from a selection of farms across the UK. Find him at Spa Terminus on Saturdays.

Bread Ahead: Easily the best bakery in London, Justin Piers-Gellatly and I worked together at St John for several years and he’s now set up in Borough with Matt Jones.

Koya: My favourite in London and I don’t think enough people know about ordering from the specials board when they go there. It’s a must.

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London's hottest young chefs choose their favourite restaurants

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