Top Five Restaurants of 2024
I’ve reviewed almost thirty restaurants, pubs, clubs and cafés this year and two-thirds have rated above 5/10 by my scoring system of food, service and vibe. What this tells me is, first, that people are kindly recommending some fantastic places to eat and, second, that I should explore more of the eccentric and downright terrible places in 2025 to add more variation. Please do therefore send in your recommendations - the good, the bad, and the ugly.
And with that, here are my top five restaurants from 2024 in ascending order:
5. Trattoria Marione, Florence: 8.0
Marione is on the list purely for the vibe, for which I rated it 10/10. Chaotic, animated, and haphazard throughout, including the completely average service, the restaurant felt like an Italian nonna’s dining room that had gotten out of control. There were hams dangling from the ceiling, waiters wondering willy-nilly around with carafes of chianti, and Americans operatically singing happy birthday to their Italian table-neighbours.
The food was simple yet great, the Florentine special. I had lasagne, Mrs B. a cacio e pepe and they were both endlessly enjoyable. If you’re in Florence, you need to go to Trattoria Marione.
Full review here:
4. Wiltons, St James’s London: 8.3
Strong on food, service and vibe, Wiltons is the great all-rounder that has created an unmatched and timeless atmosphere to dine in. Dark wood and forest green upholstery, perfect white linen table cloths, well-dressed and attentive waiters, and superb food.
It’s steeped in tradition and the dishes reflect that - rock oysters, smoked salmon, slow braised venison and innumerable classic fish dishes - and within this old framework they still manage to innovative at the sides. My minor criticisms are that, for the price, I would expect the food to be at another level to equivalents like Rules, where the price-point is lower, and the service could’ve been prompter, especially given how quiet it was. However, these are relatively minor in comparison to the enjoyable evening Mrs. B and I spent there and, if you fancy an upmarket, classy fish restaurant then I’d recommend booking a table at Wiltons.
Full review here:
3. Taylor’s, Porto: 8.3
The port maker, Taylor’s, has its vineyards, distillery, and a fantastic restaurant all in the coastal city of Porto, Portugal. The food and service was borderline impeccable with a well-presented three course tasting menu that came with white and red ports to accompany the salmon, beef loin and, finally, the caramel cream pudding.
As a customer, you felt like each plate had been given due attention and regard, that each ingredient had been hand-picked and guided from farm to pan to plate with the utmost precision. The beef was on the tough side, preventing it from hitting a 10/10, and although our cricket group added life to the room, it was otherwise empty and a bit lacklustre. The views, however, are astonishing and well-worth the trip.
Full review here:
2. Ziani, Chelsea London: 8.7
Again, a 10/10 vibe with a similar chaotic Italian energy as Marione, despite being off the King’s Road in Chelsea. You go for the experience, stay for the food.
I’ve never had a bad meal at Ziani and whilst the food isn’t going to earn a Michelin star, I wouldn’t want it to. What makes it authentic is the pace and simplicity with which food and wine hits the table without fuss or frills. To force innovation or complication on this well-oiled machine would degrade the reason it’s great. Go to Ziani in early 2025 and go again, again, and again.
Full review here:
1. Fischers, Marylebone London: 9.0
Despite only scoring 8/10 for food, my highest rated restaurant in 2024 was Fischers, the Austrian restaurant in Marylebone village. The reason for this is the vibe was simply faultless and they’ve managed to achieve a relaxed yet formal setting that put me at ease whilst still upholding the highest standards of linen, cutlery, crockery, and presentation. I love to see it. They’ve also retained a unique sense of heritage with Austrian generals looking sternly down at you and the rich, forest-green leather benches and dark-brown wooden chairs customers are perched upon.
With the thick and meaty Parisienne jus poured over it, the chicken schnitzel was absolutely delightful and the buttery mash one of the best there is. Mrs B’s Kasekrainer frankfurter, with garlic and emmental cheese hidden within, was yet better and we subsequently ordered £40 worth of frankfurters from their supplier. Letting it down was the rather bland accompaniments of broccoli, sauerkraut and caramelised onions that felt dim and ordinary in comparison to the meat, decor, and service standards.
If you haven’t been, go. It’s a great experience.
Full review here:
Great information and well written