Eat Out In London: Western’s Laundry, Plaza Pastor, Ikoyi

As someone who loves to try delicious food wherever I go, I wanted to start a new series highlighting a couple of recommended restaurants each month that I have dined at to try out. London surprisingly still gets a bad rep for plain and boring (beige) food and I want to share some more unique and delicious places for you to try whether you’re visiting for a couple of days or another local trying out what’s new around town. 

Western’s Laundry 

Address: 34 Drayton Park, Highbury East, London N5 1PB

Closest Station: Holloway Road and Highbury & Islington Stations for Tube / Overground options

Why go: For the novelty of eating at a great little seafood restaurant in a converted garage with weekly rotating set menus.

Must try: For a £35 per person Set Dinner Menu, you get a four course seasonal selection that won’t leave you hungry. Any of the seafood courses are refreshing and delightful.

Plaza Pastor 

Address: Coal Drops Yard, London N1C 4DQ

Closest Station: King’s Cross 

Why go: By far some of the best tacos and mexican food I can find in London and I’m a Southern California girl who has high expectations for the quality of mexican food I consume. Plaza Pastor also has an outdoor dining terrace which is great for hot summers and set up with lots of heaters for the winter season. 

Not to miss: Tuna tostadas, al pastor tacos, and contramar sebream marinated with both mojo verde and salsa rojo served with fresh tortillas

Ikoyi 

Address: 1 St James’s Market, St. James’s, London SW1Y 4AH

Closest Station: Piccadilly Circus 

Why: This contemporary West African-inspired restaurant, co-owned by Iré Hassan-Odukale and Chef Jeremy Chan, serves flavour focused fine dining that is well deserved of its first Michelin star.

Not to miss: Crab & daikon roll on malted barley brioche, creamed spinach Ehuru with reduced garlic cream & Nigerian Nutmeg, fried chicken & hot sauce, & smoked Jollof rice with aged sheep kebab and crab custard.