Over 1,000 restaurants in Greater London were rated and reviewed in a survey in which 5,497 diners took part. The survey was conducted by ZAGAT.com.
This year’s most popular award went to The Wolseley, dethroning Gordon Ramsay at Royal Hospital Rd., which is now No. 2. The Ledbury maintains pole position for Top Food and Dinner by Heston Blumenthal not only debuts as the Top Newcomer but also makes a splash at No. 10 on this year’s Top Food list with an impressive 27 food score out of a possible 30.
Other winners include Sketch – The Lecture Room & Library and Waterside Inn ranking atop their respective Decor and Service categories.
The cost of dining out in London has jumped a dramatic 6.3 per cent this year, marking the highest per cent change in over a decade. Despite this significant increase, people are eating out more – 2.4 times per week, compared with 2.2 last year – the first rise in three years.
Overall, 38 per cent of Zagat surveyors believe the London dining scene is better than last year.
“Having observed the London dining scene for many years, it is clear that there has never been a better time to eat out; almost every neighbourhood has a wealth of choices for great food at excellent prices – you can’t go wrong” said Tim Zagat, chief executive officer of Zagat Survey.
Simplicity reigns supreme as mid-priced restaurants pop up all over town, luring diners with intriguing concepts, menus and interiors. Spuntino, Polpetto and Da Polpo – all siblings of Polpo – present affordable Italian fare in the West End, while Covent Garden’s Opera Tavern offers Spanish/Italian tapas.
Bistro lovers can choose from newcomers of between 28 and 50 wine workshop and kitchen in Holborn, Henry Root in Chelsea and Chabrot in Knightsbridge, while Bar Battu offers “exciting, different” wines in the city.
Internet reservations continue to rise in London as 37 per cent of surveyors report typically booking online – up from 17 per cent in 2008.
When asked about texting, tweeting or talking on mobile phones at the table, 53 per cent consider it “rude and inappropriate”.
However, 74 per cent think its “ok” to take pictures of their food and companions.
In comparison, 67 per cent of diners in Los Angeles and 64 per cent of diners in New York consider it “rude and inappropriate” to text and tweet at the table.
In anticipation of the 2012 Olympics, there has been development in all areas of the city.
This has equated to more hotels and hotel restaurants opening. Notable new restaurants include the highly rated Dinner by Heston Blumenthal at the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park and Koffmann’s at The Berkeley.
London has also seen the return of Jean-Georges Vongerichten with Spice Market at the W Leicester Square, Marcus Wareing’s Gilbert Scott at the St Pancras Renaissance, Massimo Riccioli’s eponymous Massimo at the Corinthia, Andriano Cavagnini’s Amaranto at the Four Seasons at Park Lane and Fergus Henderson’s St John Hotel.