When speaking of best restaurants, London is home to quite a few. Arbutus is one of the best restaurants around. Located in trendy Soho, it was founded in 2006 by Will Smith and Anthony Demetre who had previously worked together successfully at Putney Bridge Restaurant and L’Odeon. Arbutus has been pulling in the crowds since it first opened, and they were awarded a Michelin Star in 2007.

Smith and Demetre were aiming for an informal eatery serving the finest of seasonal foods and inexpensive ingredients, and their expertise and skill has produced just that on a wildly successful scale.

The setting is a casual but sophisticated venue with large windows and a light airy feeling. The dark wood chairs and neutral décor lend a modern bistro atmosphere to the restaurant. There is a traditional dining area and also seating in the bar area.

The servers are friendly and knowledgeable, always ready with a food or wine recommendation.

One interesting policy at Arbutus is that all of the wines can be ordered as 250 ml carafes, which translates into about 2 glasses, so you and your companions can actually order several different wines to go with the various courses of your meal. The wine selection is excellent and the prices are generally quite reasonable.

The menu is interesting and various. It changes every Wednesday, depending on the season and what is available locally.

In general you will find more unusual cuts of meat being served at Arbutus, which rather adds to the mystique. Making these “less desirable” ingredients into something fabulous is just what Arbutus is all about.

One of their signature dishes is Braised Pig’s Head; a terrine of melt in your mouth meat served with potato and caramelized onions. Another very popular dish is the Squid and Mackerel Burger that is crisp and juicy.

Pieds et Paquet (lamb tripe parcels and trotters) is a treat rarely seen on a menu outside France; it is a rich and earthy delight.

Rabbit is another interesting menu choice; Arbutus has been known to serve it as a roasted saddle, a stew and as a cottage pie.

One of the best restaurants London has today is Arbutus.

Visiting Arbutus

Address: Arbutus, 63-64 Frith Street, Soho, W1D 3JW

Telephone: 020 7734 4545

Opening Times

Lunch: Monday to Saturday 12:00 - 14:30, Sundays 12:30 - 15:30 | Pre-Theatre: Monday to Saturday 17:00 - 19:00, Sundays 17:30 - 19:00 | Dinner: Monday to Saturday 19:00 - 22:30, Sundays 17:30 - 21:30

Pricing

Main courses £15-£19, Lunch 3-courses £15.50, Pre-Theatre 3-courses £17.50

Photo courtesy: Ewan-M

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