WORDS RACHEL EDWARDS + MAISIE JANE DANIELS
One of the best things about London is that it's multicultural - you can find cuisines from all around the world on every corner. Fancy Japanese Swedish fusion? No problem! Want to escape the cold and pretend you're in Sicily? Certainly! Whatever cuisine you're craving, London has you covered. F Word have chosen three restaurants that transport you from South-east Asia in East London to the Mediterranean in Bermondsey. Read on to discover our top picks to sink your teeth into...
Words Rachel Edwards
With its warm, inviting atmosphere and a menu that reads like a love letter to the Mediterranean, Bermondsey restaurant Lolo is a hidden gem. You know my feelings on lighting (to me, it's as important as the food), and Lolo has a 'glow-glow' that makes it difficult to leave, especially on a cold winter evening. Beautiful artwork hangs on the walls and an open kitchen allows guests to witness chefs in action. Lolo is as relaxed as it is refined, and makes for the perfect celebratory dinner spot.
In terms of the food, fresh, locally sourced ingredients take centre stage, with dishes ranging from vibrant seafood platters to perfectly grilled meats and fantastic vegetarian options (no half-hearted token risotto here!). Menu highlights include the show-stopping Courgette carpaccio which almost looks too pretty to eat, and the “Rockfish” cuttlefish, complete with black squid ink sauce and rice. When it comes to drinks, the orange wine is some of the best I've tried, and the blood orange negroni was also a hit. For dessert, the chocolate mousse with cherries marinated in vermouth was sensational, but the sourdough soaked in red wine is their most popular. If you have room, try both!
Lolo is a fantastic dining experience in both atmosphere and taste - if you want somewhere that offers luxury and laidback, look no further.
Words Rachel Edwards
Cay Tre is easy to spot - it's the Vietnamese restaurant with the big queue outside in Hoxton. Perfect for post-Christmas shopping, this beautiful little restaurant smells as good as it tastes.
I'm usually a 'main and dessert' person, and can skip the starter but on this occasion I'm glad I tried the starters! We opted to share the mango salad and the pancake with mushroom and tofu. Both were generous in portion size and felt light and healthy. Me and my friend often joke that 'dressings and condiments' are our favourite food because a good sauce elevates any dish, and this was a prime example of this!
For mains, we tried the crispy fried sea bream, which was one of the best fish dishes I've tried in a restaurant, and the curry, which was slightly small in size but was delicious nonetheless. With a side of jasmine rice, we were left full and satisfied. Waiters were friendly and helpful, and we left promising ourselves we'd be back again soon. If you're looking for exceptional food in a relaxed atmosphere, this place is a gem.
Words Maisie Jane Daniels
Tucked away in the heart of East London's Clapton is Malaysian restaurant MAMBOW founded by young female chef Abby Lee, is anything but your standard local eatery. From the moment you step inside, you're greeted by a sensory overload - aromas wafting from the open kitchen, and décor that feels meticulously considered.
Let’s talk about the food first—because, really, that’s why you’re here. MAMBOW’s menu is a celebration of bold Malaysian flavours, delicately fused with Southeast Asian twists. The standout? Lee’s take on prawn toast—Otak-Otak Toast—featuring red curry and kaffir lime leaf-spiced prawns served atop wild betel leaf. It’s crispy, aromatic, and entirely unforgettable. And then there’s the Umai, a Sarawak-style ceviche with coconut milk, tamarind granita, and chive oil. This dish bursts with freshness and zing; a citrusy symphony for the pallet. Pair these plates with a glass of natural orange wine (if that’s your jam), and you’re on a culinary adventure that’s as exciting as it is unique.
The ambience is just as much a part of the experience. The open kitchen is a show in itself, with chefs orchestrating dishes that hit the eyes first before teasing the nose. And the decor? Dreamy. There’s an intimate outdoor area for those rare London evenings when the weather behaves, and even the bathroom feels like a little jewel box—a detail many restaurants sadly overlook. The soundtrack, however, might divide opinion. If you’re more into laid-back jazz or acoustic vibes, you might find it a bit much. Techno pumps through the space, making it less of a quiet dining affair and more of a pre-party vibe. Not into it? Fair. But if you’re heading out after dinner, MAMBOW’s energy will set the tone for the rest of your night. As for dessert, prepare to be surprised. This isn’t the place to order a brownie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Instead, MAMBOW serves distinct creations that will intrigue your palate and leave you rethinking what dessert can be.
MAMBOW is bold, and it knows it. For those seeking something a little offbeat with plenty of flair, this is your place. Just don’t expect to stay in your comfort zone.
Words Maisie Jane Daniels
Nestled in the heart of London's bustling West End, Scully St. James serves up a menu that redefines the modern dining experience. Helmed by Chef Ramael Scully, who trained under the legendary Yotam Ottolenghi, this restaurant offers a culinary journey that is as diverse as Scully’s own multicultural roots—Malaysian, Indonesian, and Chinese, with a dash of Australian flair.
The menu, championing low-waste, fermentation techniques, and an adventurous blend of global flavours, promises something entirely new for the capital’s dining scene. Each dish is a complex dance of textures and tastes, from the delicate to the daring.
On my visit, I was expertly guided through the menu by our fantastic waiter, who, with a knowing smile, suggested a whiskey cocktail. Now, I’m no whiskey connoisseur—more of a gin and tonic kind of girl—but this cocktail was an absolute delight. Sweet, light, and adorned with a tiny pine cone (an adorable festive touch).
For starters, we dove straight into the Puff Beef Tendons, Tomato Pancetta Kilpatrick, and a light, flavour-packed Oyster Mayo. Each bite was more vibrant than the last, a clear testament to Scully’s commitment to bold, unique flavour combinations. And then there was my moment of dangerous curiosity—tempted by the whiskey, perhaps—I ordered the vegan Forbidden Black Rice. Now, don’t let the 'vegan' label fool you into thinking this dish isn’t for meat lovers. With its green mole, smoked tofu, edamame beans, and Jerusalem artichokes, it was rich, savoury, and oh-so-satisfying. The waiter explained that Forbidden Rice was once reserved only for China’s elite—a detail that made the dish feel all the more special, steeped in history and culinary prestige.
On the carnivorous side of the table, my guest tucked into the Beef Cheek Pastrami with Wild Rocket-Wasabi Pea Pesto and Butterscotch Horseradish. It was a bold pairing of flavours, and the dish didn’t disappoint. But no meal at Scully would be complete without dessert. We shared the Popping Candy Basil Pot—an creamy concoction that fused Gianduja Cremieux, chocolate, hazelnut soil, and banana jam in a delightful mix of textures and flavours. The refreshing punch of Genovese basil and Lychee sorbet brought the meal to a sweet, zesty close.
Scully, with its stunningly sophisticated dishes and fearless approach to flavour, is the kind of place that will make you want to share each bite with those around you. Ideal for a meal with friends, a romantic dinner, or a solo adventure into the unknown, this is dining that will surprise, delight, and leave you planning your next visit long before the dessert course is even over.
