As far as love languages go, food is at the top of my list. A good balance of shared food, friends and quality time is the way to my heart and one of the many ways that I love to bring people together. If you’re planning a girls’ night full of laughter and quality food, consider these five tried and tested restaurants.
Faros, Holborn
The ethos of this cozy restaurant is ‘Flavours of the sun’, each dish reminiscent of the warmth of Italian and Mediterranean flavours. The chef’s passion for food can be felt in each dish, from the fluffy Focaccia to the richness of the truffle pasta and the decadent Tirimisù.
The simplicity of the décor at Faros is intentional in drawing the diners focus to the food and the company, and the size of the restaurant brings the feeling of a homely Mediterranean family-gathering. Reservations can be made via phone, the official website or on the OpenTable app.
The Ivy, Chelsea Garden
This branch of the Ivy restaurant is best known for its beautiful outdoor garden setting, filled with plants potted in ceramic vases, fresh flowers, water fountains and picturesque natural lighting. An elevated, contemporary British menu which offers monthly seasonal specials and a handful of Japanese inspired dishes.
I recommend sampling the salt and pepper squid tempura or warm crispy duck salad for starters, the Malaysian curry for mains and Apple Tarte or Chocolate Bombe for dessert. This restaurant is also a good choice for vegetarian and vegan diners, as they provide a special menu for these dietary needs. A bonus for this restaurant is that diners also have the option to be seated inside in the conservatory-style part of the restaurant which features a fireplace, or inside the main restaurant itself. Reservations can be made directly with the restaurant or in the OpenTable app.
Taquería, Notting Hill
Taquería is a Mexican restaurant located on the famous Westbourne Grove in West London. This is a great choice for a variety of dishes and sharing plates with a group of your girlfriends. The menu ranges from quesadillas to tostadas and tacos served in the traditional soft corn tortillas.
This restaurant proudly uses organic and free-range meat, and line-caught fish produce, offering the best and freshest of Mexican cuisine. Seasonal specials include a range of tacos and desserts, and drinks include authentic Mexican beers and cocktails including the classic margarita. This restaurant accepts group bookings for up to 14 people and bookings can be made via the official website.
Aubaine, Selfridges London
Aubaine is a popular choice for all day dining. Located on Oxford Street, on the second floor of Selfridges, this French Brasserie has a plethora of menu options, from fresh pastries, French toast brioche and truffle scramble eggs on the breakfast menu; steak and fresh fish on the lunch and main menus; and patisserie, cakes, and cheese boards on the dessert menu.
Towards the back of the restaurant you’ll find the famous hanging purple wisteria flowers which makes for a great photo background. Aubaine has several venues in the city which accept large party bookings and offer private dining rooms, including Notting Hill, Mayfair, Marylebone, and Brompton Road. Reservations can be made via phone, on the Aubaine website or on the OpenTable app.
Circolo Popolare, Fitzrovia
If you’re searching for a restaurant with a lively atmosphere and quirky décor then the Big Mamma group restaurants are definitely worth the experience. Circolo Popolare provides flavours from Sicily, Napoli and Campania; set in a decoratively lit room with hanging lanterns and greenery, featuring walls decorated with hundreds of empty wine bottles and brightly coloured crockery. All of the food is famously purchased in Italy and homemade to the authenticity of the country’s coastal regions.
The food is incredibly rich in flavour, large in portions and ideal for sharing with the table. As the evening progresses, the lights are dimmed across the entirety of the restaurant, leaving the lanterns and candles to illuminate the room, which is a beautiful touch to the romanticism of the venue. Other Italian restaurants to explore in the Big Mamma group are Gloria, Jacuzzi and Ave Mario. Group bookings can be made online up to 30 days in advance for parties of 2-7 people and 37 days in advance for 8 people or more.
