Darling’s guide to dining out locally talked to the chefs behind the delicious dishes in some of our favourite SW London and Surrey restaurants.
We asked the chefs who run the kitchens at some of our absolute favourite restaurants what they love serving to their customers and what are the must-try dishes on their menus. This selection of fantastic restaurants are all European, serving authentic cuisine with a modern twist. Wherever you choose to dine, you’re sure to enjoy the experience. Go and discover yourself!
Averna – classic Italian cooking with a modern twist
Head Chef Fabio’s menu is rooted in authenticity, with inspirations taken from the Italian table. Everything is made with only the best locally sourced seasonal ingredients, that are kind to the planet too. This is all reflected in their well chosen menu. Fabio serves fresh, homemade dishes, including comforting bowls of pasta and pizza, delicious meat, fish and vegetarian dishes and classic risotto. And he cooks a great Sunday roast too! All the bread and pasta is made fresh on the day.
The Green, St Leonards Road, Claygate, Surrey, KT10 0JQ
Stein’s Berlin – discover modern German cuisine at its best
Stein’s Berlin offers a culinary journey through all of Germany’s varied regions. Owner Bele Weiss wants to offer a real German experience to her guests and recommends the Berlin sharing platter with a selection of sausages and freshly prepared schnitzel, served with sauerkraut and Bratkartoffeln potatoes. Apart from fresh produce, all food, beer and wine is imported directly from Germany. Stein’s Berlin brings a stylish contemporary yet relaxed city addition to the well loved, family owned group of Stein’s Bavarian restaurants in Kingston and Richmond. The bar also mixes fantastic cocktails, and coffee and cake is on the menu all day.
51 Princes Gate (entrance on Exhibition Road), South Kensington, London SW7 2PH | 0203 968 4600 | berlininkensington.stein-s.com
OKTOBERFEST AT STEIN’S KINGSTON – WEDNESDAY 13 OCTOBER FROM 7:30pm.
To book email kingston@stein-s.com or call 0203 7466250
CuVée VIII – classic French restaurant with wine bar, cocktail bars and alfresco garden
When visiting this elegant restaurant and bar in the hearth of Esher you can expect classic French cuisine cooked to perfection by their Executive Chef Marcellin Marc and Head Chef David Fetigny. They serve a frequently changing seasonal menu, with fresh and locally sourced seasonal produce. Ballotine of French quail and chargrilled red endive followed by the fish of the day served with fragrant Sicilian aubergine and fig caponata is a winning combination, and why not finish your meal with a superb baked Tahiti vanilla cheesecake.
Their wine and cocktail bars offer an extensive selection fine wines and the best experimental cocktails you’ll find anywhere in Surrey.
2-8 Church Street, Esher KT10 8QS
Fratelli Delicatessen – for the authentic Italian taste
Fratelli Delicatessen has long been a favourite of Italian food and wine lovers. Chef Antonio, a former Head Chef of Cecconi’s in Mayfair, wanted to bring his wealth of knowledge in the best of Italian cooking to Kingston when he opened Fratelli’s with his wife 25 years ago.
Antonio’s favourite dishes to cook for both eat-in or take away are crab ravioli, vegetarian or meat Crespolini pancakes, Paglia e Fieno and Tagliolini Gratinati. And remember to ask for a slice of his amazing ricotta and pear cake to go with your coffee.
57 Park Rd, Kingston upon Thames, KT2 6DB
fratellidelicatessen.com
Don Luis Tapas – for lovers of great Spanish food
At Don Luis Tapas the team are passionate about the food they serve. The Head Chef Raul Domingo is a talented chef from Madrid with a gift for delivering authentic Spanish cuisine. Using only the best ingredients, he serves up a culinary feast for everyone who visits his Esher restaurant.
Raul adds his magic touch to all his dishes. Some of his favourites to cook are Patatas Bravas, Croquetas, Sizzling Gambas, and his popular Paella.
Their regular customers are a testimonial to their tasty food, they just can’t get enough!
10 High Street, Esher KT10 9RT | 01372 202197
La Luna di Luca – traditional Italian Trattoria
La Luna is a hidden gem and firm favourite amongst the Richmond Hill locals. Chef patrons Martina and Jamal offer authentic Italian regional dishes, always cooked with seasonal ingredients. The menu changes twice weekly with daily specials with emphasis on fish, such as their signature lobster tagliatelle. Vegetarians and vegans are also well catered for. They also serve fantastic pizzas from their wood fired oven. Pair your meal with Sardinian wine or beer for a truly Italia meal. La Luna’s deli opposite stocks many of their restaurant wines, Tuscan sausages, cheeses and much more.
19 Friars Stile Rd, Richmond TW10 6NH
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