Autumn and winter are bursting with hearty dishes and comforting flavours. We've bundled up the best menus from St James's and nearby West End restaurants to bring you this season's must-try dishes.
1. Papa L's Kitchen
Celebrate the arrival of the cooler months with bold flavours, good music, and great vibes at Papa L's Kitchen on Jermyn Street. Founder Lawrence Gomez, or Papa L, blends his African heritage with knowledge earned from over 15 years in London’s top kitchens to create inventive African fusion cuisine. Try the braised pork cheeks with butter beans, carrots, curry yoghurt and coco bread, or lentil and sweet potato curry as warming mains, and treat yourself to a chocolate steamed pudding with rum crème anglaise to finish.
2. Franco's
One of the first Italian restaurants in London, Franco's continues to draw locals and visitors alike with its classic Italian flavours and charm. Chase away the chill with pumpkin and chestnut soup, indulge in venison with root vegetables, or savour sweet Sicilian canolo with bacio gelato – a comforting shopping pit stop on Jermyn Street.
3. Scully
Looking for a truly eclectic experience? Scully has harvested the best from this season to bring diners a feast for the eyes and the stomach. With Rameal Scully’s rich cultural influences, expect an explosive culinary experience – whether arepa served with eggplant sambal and bergamot labneh, or crispy mochi dumplings with green mango, romaine lettuce and szechuan pepper, your tastebuds truly travel the world. To top it off, we'd recommend the popping candy basil pot for a fun end to the meal.
4. Wild Honey St James's
Packed full of seasonal treats, Michelin-starred Wild Honey St James's regularly changing menu features cosy dishes such as Loire valley rabbit, tortellini of slow-cooked shin of beef, rack and shoulder of lamb, and greengage clafoutis this season. Make sure you leave enough room to squeeze in its famous Wild Honey ice cream – bee-lieve us, it's worth it.
5. Fallow
Eco-conscious eatery Fallow has a whole host of seasonal treats as part of its new December menu. Pumpkin and stuffing flatbreads, glazed chipolatas with bacon crumb, orange and cranberry, and a side of sprouts and chestnuts bring those festive vibes to your plate; alongside signature dishes such as smoked beef ribs and confit smoked cabbage.
Looking for more seasonal dishes in nearby Regent Street? Take your tastebuds for a trip around the world with southern Portuguese flavours from Casa do Frango or enjoy plant-first, feel-good food from Tendril's menu. For festive feasting, check out Christmas dining picks for 2023.
