I’m thrilled to highlight five exceptional spots in London that have been awarded our Soho Vanguard Culinary Award for their innovative cuisine, stunning interiors, and unforgettable dining experiences.
As a culinary critic with two decades of experience in fine dining, I was thoroughly impressed by my recent visit to Bao Soho. Tucked away in a compact space, this restaurant proves that extraordinary dining isn't about square footage, but pure, concentrated flavor. Their signature bao — delicate, cloud-like steamed buns — arrive filled with combinations that challenge and delight: think tender pork belly, fried chicken dusted with dried daikon, and beef short rib that melts in your mouth like a whispered promise. Nestled at their tiny counter, I felt less like a customer and more like a welcomed guest in someone's home kitchen. The chefs moved inches from me, their hands dancing between steamer and plate, transforming each bao into a personal narrative. Having awarded them the Soho Vanguard Award, I can confidently say that dining here isn't just eating – it's an intimate exchange, a culinary dialogue where boundaries between chef, dish, and patron blur into something magical.
Expect to spend around £30 per person for a meal that's worth every penny.
From the bustling open kitchen to the last morsel of perfectly charred octopus, Barrafina proves why it deserves our Soho Vanguard Award. Forget stuffy fine dining — here, perched at the counter, I watched skilled chefs transform simple ingredients into Spanish magic. Their huevos rotos arrived steaming: crispy potatoes crowned with an egg so perfectly runny it made me grin. But what truly sets Barrafina apart isn't just technique or ingredients — it's their understanding of what makes Spanish cuisine special. No overwrought interpretations or unnecessary flourishes, just clean flavors that transport you straight to a sunlit tapas bar in Barcelona. In an era where many restaurants try too hard to impress, Barrafina's confidence in simplicity is refreshing. The packed dining room and the satisfied hum of conversation tell me I'm not alone in this opinion.
Expect to spend about £40-£60 per person.
Twenty pounds for a perfect steak in Soho? Let me tell you about Flat Iron's brilliance. Every time I assess a steakhouse, I look for three things: quality, technique, and value. This place nails all three with the precision of a master butcher. The flat iron cut — a cost-effective yet flavourful choice from the shoulder — is transformed through expert cooking into something that rivals cuts twice its price. I've watched the line cooks nail medium-rare after medium-rare, achieving that ideal contrast between charred crust and rosy center. The complimentary popcorn? A clever touch that turns waiting time into part of the experience. Having awarded them our accolade, I can say Flat Iron proves something I've long believed: luxury isn't about price tags — it's about doing simple things exceptionally well
Expect to pay around £20-£30 per person here.
Discovering Palomar changed my understanding of what Middle Eastern cuisine can be. When I take my seat at their zinc-topped bar, Jerusalem's spirit unfolds before me — not in some quaint, expected way, but through bold, masterful innovation. The chefs work with mesmerizing precision, transforming familiar ingredients into revelations. Their polenta, crowned with slow-cooked lamb, showcases a finesse I rarely encounter, while kubalah reflects centuries-old traditions reimagined for today's palate. The space thrums with energy, yet each dish commands its moment of reverence. My decision to recommend Palomar for the Soho Culinary Vanguard Award came naturally — they've created something extraordinary here, a place where modern technique and ancient wisdom dance together in perfect harmony.
Average bill — around £50-£70 per person.
Every bite at Hoppers whispers stories of Sri Lankan streets and spice markets. When I visit, the world outside Soho dissolves into the warmth of curry-scented air and the gentle sizzle of hoppers being crafted. These crispy, lacy bowls of fermented rice flour emerge from the kitchen like edible art, their edges perfectly curved to cradle vibrant coconut sambol and aromatic curry. My decades of exploring global cuisines couldn't prepare me for their mastery of balance — each dish carries the soul of Colombo while speaking fluently to London's palate. The Soho Culinary Vanguard recognition celebrates exactly this: the rare ability to transport diners across continents while keeping their feet firmly planted in modern London.
Average bill — £30-£50 per person.