Having lived in London for almost five years in the past, it is always so normal yet surreal to be back as a visitor.
My annual trip is mostly focused to catching up with old friends, but we always find time to revisit old haunts or explore new restaurants.
{can I also add that I am so excited that there are now “food hygiene” grades similar to our Department of Health grades?! I am a food safety dork.}
The good ones
3bis gelato – the fig and mascarpone is a perfect autumnal flavor if, like me, you enjoy ice cream year round.
The amarena cherry is also fantastic, a smooth balance of tart and sweet.
Morito – the surprising casual tapas place with sophisticated flavors in Exmouth Market. There were not a lot of places like this in London when I lived there, but there are more and more of them in trendy Shoreditch and Farringdon. Try the spicy lamb, the Moroccan bread salad, and the chorizo “burger.”
The Churchill Arms – I have walked by it many times, but never been inside this historic pub until recently. It is full of fun knickknacks, easy service, and authentic Thai dishes which it made famous as pub food. 
The old favorite
La Fromagerie – bits of Marylebone are still my favorite parts of town, and no visit is complete without a stop at Daunt Books or The Ginger Pig. This place is a winner because there is something reliably delicious about eating fresh produce and cheese while surrounded by said produce and cheese.
And I will be making that kale and cabbage cheese soup, so stay tuned!
The not so good
Alas, our meal at Pollen St Social was disappointing. The ambitious and complex dinner started off brightly with a scallop crudo with frozen grapefruit and a delicate eel soup, but reeled off course with clunky presentation and complicated plating that left main dishes lukewarm and overwhelmed by accompaniments.
The desserts were interesting, though I decided that I never needed to taste pickled rose petals… I loved the fresh herbarium tea presentation though.
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