With Valentine’s Day on the horizon, we asked our chefs and office team which London restaurants they’re loving right now. After all, who better to ask than the people who live and breathe great food every single day? We spent time chatting with the team, gathering their recommendations, recent favourites, and the dishes that have truly stayed with them. Here’s what they shared.
What’s the best dish you’ve had so far this year, and where did you have it?
For Sous Chef Kiaran, the standout dish of the year (so far) comes from Wildflowers: a beautifully crafted cuttlefish rice with pork jowl, glazed cheek, morcilla, and quince allioli – a plate he hasn’t stopped thinking about.
Wildflowers, tucked away in Newson’s Yard just behind Pimlico Road, is a Mediterranean‑inspired restaurant and wine bar known for cooking with exceptional seasonal ingredients over coals. Set within a former wood yard in Belgravia, the space blends a warm, welcoming dining room with an intimate private room upstairs, giving the whole experience a quietly special feel.
Their menu is rooted in the seasons, drawing on produce from small British farms, local day boats, and outstanding Mediterranean growers – something Kiaran says you can taste in every bite.
Which newly opened restaurant would you recommend visiting?
For Jane, our Head Canape Chef, the answer is an easy one: Cornucopia by renowned chef Clare Smyth. Having opened its doors in December 2025, Cornucopia has quickly become a standout for Jane thanks to the way it reinvents classic British dishes – elevated with real skill, care, and a sense of integrity.
She loves how the menu balances comfort with creativity. Highlights include their playful take on Dover sole “fish and chips,” perfectly paired with a lobster mousse, and an irresistible Sherry Trifle that Jane still talks about. Guests can also dive into the dedicated potato side menu inspired by Clare Smyth’s childhood on a farm in Northern Ireland – featuring ten different kinds of potatoes. (Yes, you can even upgrade your mash with caviar and black truffle.)
Cornucopia’s close partnerships with UK farmers, growers, and fishermen shine through in every plate, transforming the best seasonal ingredients into dishes that honour British heritage while feeling fresh and exciting. For Jane, it’s a restaurant that instantly earns a spot on your must‑visit list.
Is there a restaurant you’ve been keeping as a hidden gem?
For Senior Event Planner Rebecca, the place she’s been quietly holding onto is Lima in Fitzrovia.
Founded by two brothers who helped introduce contemporary Peruvian cuisine to London, Lima has stayed one of her go‑to favourites for its bold flavours and creative dishes. Head Chef Diego brings real finesse to the menu, using British ingredients elevated with vibrant Latin American flair- something Rebecca says makes every visit feel special.
They’re even offering a special Valentine’s Day menu this year, perfect for anyone wanting something colourful, uplifting, and a little different!
This Valentine’s Day – restaurant or home?
For Sous Chef Lewis, Valentine’s Day is all about Cher Thai in Clapham – a restaurant devoted to authentic, heartfelt Thai cooking.
Cher Thai was opened by Chef Att, who brings 14 years of experience leading busy Thai kitchens across London. Together with his partner, he’s created a warm, welcoming spot that reflects his long‑held dream of running a place of his own. Their menu features comforting, beautifully executed dishes such as crab meat fried rice and river prawn glass noodles – simple, generous, and full of flavour.
As a chef, Lewis usually spends special occasions cooking at home, but Cher Thai is a favourite for both him and his wife – so this year, he’s more than happy to let someone else do the cooking!
Which underrated restaurant do you think everyone should have on their radar?
Our Senior Event Planner, Karolina, admits she’s reluctant to share this one – it’s her best‑kept secret. Da Paolo, tucked just a short walk from Tottenham Court Road, offers all the charm of a traditional Italian spot: crisp white tablecloths, classic Italian service, and generous portions that practically guarantee a ‘stretchy‑trouser’ kind of meal.
If you could only dine at one restaurant for the rest of the year, which would it be and why?
Beth, our Creative Assistant shared that her choice would be Colbert in Sloane Square. Inspired by the great boulevard cafés of Paris, Colbert offers a classic all‑day Parisian café menu that effortlessly spans breakfast, morning coffee, lunch, afternoon snacks, early evening drinks, and dinner.
It’s a cosy spot overlooking Sloane Square that’s perfect for people‑watching, with consistently delicious bread and a timeless charm. And with French cuisine enjoying a well‑deserved moment right now, it’s easy to see why Colbert would be her pick for the year.
What’s your favourite cuisine at the moment, and why?
For Mim, our Commercial Director, the answer is easy – ever since spending Christmas in Hong Kong, she’s been craving wonton noodles. It’s a simple dish on the surface, but as she explains, there’s an incredible amount of skill behind creating the perfect broth.
She’s been searching for a version in London that lives up to the bowls she enjoyed over the holidays, but hasn’t quite found ‘the one’ yet – so if anyone has recommendations, she’d genuinely love to hear them!
Is there a dish you tried recently that surprised you and ended up becoming a favourite?
A recent trip through Central America over Christmas rekindled Senior Event Operations Manager Emma’s love for simple, spice‑driven cooking. The region’s food culture is rooted in freshness, bold seasoning, and the harmony of everyday ingredients -dishes often centre around fish, rice, vegetables, and flavourful marinades influenced by Indigenous, Caribbean, and Spanish traditions. That approach inspired her to return to basics with meals like spiced fish paired with chicken, coconut rice, and salad – unfussy dishes that are vibrant, comforting, and deeply satisfying.
If you’re looking to enjoy similar flavours here in London, Señor Ceviche in Soho is a great place to start. While primarily Peruvian, its menu channels the same bright, punchy, spice‑forward profiles that run through much of Central and South American cooking.
Have you ever had a dish at a restaurant then made it at home?
For Canape Chef, Mamie, her answer is a little different. Rather than recreating a dish she once tried, she brings a flavour philosophy from a restaurant she used to work in straight into her cooking at By Word of Mouth.
She recalls her time working as a chef at Spring, Somerset House, where she fell in love with their signature use of lemon and Parmesan – flavours that added a bright, salty zing to so many of their dishes. It’s a balance she now tries to incorporate into her day‑to‑day cooking here.
And if you ever find yourself visiting Somerset House, Mamie recommends stopping by Spring. Not only is the food fresh and beautifully balanced, but the interior mirrors that freshness too – light, elegant, and reflective of the restaurant’s approach to flavour.
What’s a restaurant that truly wowed you, and what stood out?
Our Director of Marketing, Clare, visited Humble Chicken with Executive Head Chef Mark, and it left a remarkable impression.
Humble Chicken offers an intimate 13‑seat, 16‑course chef’s table experience in the heart of Soho, with a tasting menu inspired by Chef Angelo Sato’s Japanese and European heritage. The experience is immersive from start to finish – elevated, thoughtful, and designed to captivate. Every dish carries a sense of meaning, artistry, and impeccable flavour, showcasing a distinctive fusion that feels both personal and innovative.
This is the kind of place you choose when you’re seeking a true ‘wow’ experience, befitting of a 2 star Michelin restaurant: refined dining, beautifully presented plates, and an atmosphere that feels special and deeply considered. The dishes themselves are small, elegant, and stunningly presented – each one offering something truly memorable.
Every year, we host our own chef’s table, and it’s often inspired by the restaurants our team has explored. One year, for example, we created an Alpine‑inspired menu influenced by CT’s trip to the Dolomites – proof that these experiences continue to spark new ideas within our own kitchen.
Final Notes:
At By Word of Mouth, our passion for exceptional food drives everything we do. Our chefs and team are constantly finding inspiration from the restaurants they visit, bringing new ideas and creativity back into our own menus. The exploration never stops.
We hope this curated selection helps you discover something new this February. If you visit any of these spots, don’t forget to tag us in your stories. We’d love to see what you order and hear your thoughts!
Photo Credits:
1-4: Rebecca Dickson @rebeccadickson_photography
5: By Word of Mouth @Bywordofmouthuk
6: Cher Thai @Cherthailondon
7: Da Paolo @dapaolorestaurant
8: Joe Howard @jwhowardphoto
9: Spring @Spring_Ldn
10-13: Humble Chicken @humblechicken_uk