The Riverside Journals - Festivals Issue 38 - FULL | Page 127

Best for traditionalists: Quo Vadis Quo Vadis was one of the first Italian restaurants to open in Soho, in the 1920s, and it’s still going strong. Their breakfasts are particularly filling. What to order: Try the cooked breakfast (bacon, sausage, black pudding, egg, roast tomato, fried bread) for £12, or eggs (poached, fried, scrambled or boiled) with fried bread for £6. 26-29 Dean Street, London W1D 3LL www.quovadissoho.co.uk Lunch Dinner Best for traditionalists: The French House This pub and daytime dining venue is a part of authentic Soho. It’s been a popular meeting place for Soho workers, bohemians and artists since it opened in c. 1910. What to order: The hot salt beef sandwich for £6.50 is a popular lunch time snack with a half pint of beer (the bar only serves half pints) to wash it down. 49 Dean Street, London W1D 5BG www.frenchhousesoho.com Best for traditionalists: Andrew Edmunds This restaurant is considered one of the last mainstays of ‘old Soho’. Andrew Edmunds has a relaxed atmosphere and a seasonal venue that has attracted loyal customers for nearly three decades. What to order: For starters, go for the dressed crab and follow it with a main dish of roast rump of lamb. Finish off with a pudding or a selection of Neal’s Yard cheeses. 46 Lexington Street, London W1F 0LP www.andrewedmunds.com Best alternative option: Koya Bar London is one of the most multi-cultural cities in the world and one way to take advantage of this is by sampling the food on offer. Koya Bar is an udon noodle venue that opens for morning meals. What to order: As well as a traditional Japanese breakfast meal of grilled fish, miso soup, pickles and rice, other early morning options include hot, handmade, wheat noodles with raw egg and soy sauce, rice porridge and kedgeree. 50 Frith Street, London W1D 4SQ www.koya.co.uk Best alternative option: Cinnamon Soho This laidback and stylish venue specialises in small plates inspired by classic pan-Indian flavours but presented in a modern and westernised way. What to order: The experimental roganjosh shepherd’s pie or vindaloo of ox cheek are popular mains, but the real signature staples on the menu are the balls. Try the masala corn fritter or bangla scotch egg. 5 Kingly Street, London W1B 5PF www.cinnamonsoho.com Best alternative option: Bó Drake London is one of the best cities in the world to try and embrace fusion food. Bó Drake is a Korexican restaurant, serving food that’s inspired by Korea and Mexico, although it prefers to be known as an East Asian barbecue joint. What to order: The restaurant has a rotating menu. Star dishes currently served at lunch include the smoked duck bao and the confit pork belly rice bowl. 6 Greek Street, London W1 4DE www.bodrake.co.uk Best for vegetarians: NOPI Yotom Ottolenghi has revolutionised vegetarian food in London. While NOPI does also serve meat, even carnivores can’t get enough of the veggie dishes. What to order: Start the day on a sweet note with the French toast with star anise sugar, berry compote and orange yoghurt or Black rice, coconut milk, banana and mango. 21-22 Warwick Street, London W1B 5NE www.ottolenghi.co.uk/nopi Best for vegetarians: Mildreds Tucked away on one of quiet streets of Soho is Mildreds, a small veggie venue that has no booking policy (prepare to queue out the door as soon as the clock strikes 1pm). What to order: The fresh tortelloni with wild mushroom broth is a nice light lunch. For something heartier, go for the portobello, wild mushroom and ale pie. 45 Lexington Street, London W1F 9AN www.mildreds.co.uk Best for vegetarians: Ethos Ethos is a buffet style restaurant that prices its food according to weight. The main menu includes a dozen dishes from diverse cuisines. The idea of eating a Moroccan tagine with an Asian kamikaze stir fry may sound odd, but it works. What to order: The food is full of wholesome dishes and vibrant salads. The Tuscan salad and sweetcorn fritters are quite moreish. 48 Eastcastle Street, London W1W 8DX www.ethosfoods.com Best for indulgence: Dean Street Townhouse This popular all-day restaurant has garnered quite a following, particularly with media-types. The fast and friendly service is a bonus as is the sophisticated, yet intimate, interior. What to order: Try the heritage beetroot hash or grilled Manx kippers, both served with duck eggs or the lorne sausage and tattie scones. 69-71 Dean Street, London W1D 3SE www.deanstreettownhouse.com Best for indulgence: Maison Bertaux There’s no such thing as too much cake. Not at Maison Bertaux anyway. This French café and patisserie has been around for over 100 years. What to order: Cakes, tarts and pastries are lined up in rows by the window to tantalise those who walk by. The mini strawberry tart or fruit cheesecake are particularly exquisite. 28 Greek Street, London W1D 4AG www.maisonbertaux.com Best for budgeting: Milk Bar There’s something quite peaceful about Milk Bar. Whatever the reason, it’s the perfect place for a morning brew and a light bite at very reasonable prices. What to order: Coffee. Milk bar is known for it. For sustenance, order some freshlybaked baked goods displayed on the counter. 3 Bateman Street, London W1D 4AG 020 7287 4796 Best for budgeting: Pizza Pilgrims Soho champions the venues that came from humble beginnings. The brothers that set up Pizza Pilgrims started their journey in southern Italy;