Food spots to try this month

Here’s our pick of food spots to check out this month.

Bar Douro

Bar Douro City offers a bright and airy dining space that promises authentic Portuguese food and wine. The restaurant’s welcoming interior is made even more inviting by the food-inspired Azulejos tiles covering the walls.

The traditional yet modern décor compliments the menu perfectly. To drink, why not opt for a glass of something fresh and fruity like the Ruelas White, or if you’re after something non-alcoholic, there are also some refreshing mocktails on offer such as the Botivo soda. The helpful and attentive staff recommend choosing two or three small plates per person. The crispy polenta with fermented red pepper sauce is the perfect snack to start things off with. You’re able to select dishes from their garden, sea and land sections. From Salt cod with Portuguese cornbread to Onglet steak and mustard sauce, Bar Douro has all the bases covered when it comes to tasty and authentic combinations.

The presentation is delightful across the board. You’ll find that the painted tiles aren’t only on the walls, as some items on the menu are served on tiles too. Dining here wouldn’t be complete without trying the Pastel de nata. Served with a scoop of cinnamon ice cream, this Portuguese staple is the perfect sweet treat to round off the experience. Bar Douro should definitely be on your list of restaurants to visit!

1 Finsbury Ave EC2M 2PF
BAR DOURO – CITY

Vivat Bacchus

Just a five minute walk from Farringdon station, Vivat Bacchus awaits to give you a taste of South Africa. The staff are warm and welcoming, the atmosphere is lively yet intimate and the wine is always flowing! The interior is made up of a mixture of wooden furnishings and exposed brickwork, with an array of different wine bottles on display. Vivat Bacchus even has its own walk-in wine cellars to explore.

As for the wine list, the choices are boundless, and cover all corners of the world. There really is something for everyone and the friendly staff are on hand to help find the right wine for you. If you’re thinking of sticking to something from South Africa, Vivat Bacchus is home to the longest South African wine list in London. With everything from a sweet citrusy Riesling to a rich oaky Merlot, they’ve made it impossible to go wrong!

Each course on the menu is brimming with exciting dishes that, as promised, bring South Africa straight to your plate. The Mushroom and Beetroot Frikkadelle with tangy Chakalaka Sauce is a great way to kick things off. For the main event, why not try something from the Braii (grill) like their signature Sirloin or their Peri Peri Chicken Flattie and pair with one of the delicious sides like Triple Cooked Chips or Maple Roasted Beetroot. The vegan option of Bobotie Spiced Cauliflower Steak with Macadamia Cream and Red Bush Raisins is a delicious plant-based spin on the South African classic. What really stole the show on our visit was the Molva Pudding with Custard – perfect for those with a sweet tooth.

47 Farringdon St EC4A 4LL
Vivat Bacchus | South African Steak Restaurant & Wine Bar

Yauatcha City

Yes, we’ve got a soft spot for this place and it’s pretty obvious. If you’re looking for a restaurant for date night or simply a restaurant to enjoy some fantastic food, then this is the place to try. Located in Broadgate Circle, Yauatcha City delivers on sophistication, class and City vibes with ease. The food here is always spot on. Whether you’re in the mood for dim sum or duck spring rolls – there is something to for everyone. They also have a fantastic dessert selection that is worth trying. The bar is also a great spot within the restaurant and with so many fantastic cocktails on offer it can be a little hard to narrow down what to drink. However, once you do choose your poison of choice, you won’t be disappointed. The cocktails here not only ‘Insta worthy but also taste delicious. One thing note worthy about Yauatcha City is no matter how many times you visit this spot you will never be disappointed by the food or the service. Full marks from us at City Matters.

Broadgate EC2M 2QS

Bistro Bleu

If you’re in the mood for a Sunday Roast – then a great spot to visit is Bistro Bleu. Nestled in central London’s leafy Bloomsbury neighbourhood, the restaurant is everything that you would expect from a classic French bistro. The roast here is generously portioned and with great options to choose from, you really are spoilt for choice. The level of service from staff is superb – they are friendly and approachable. If you’ve got some room left for dessert, then the cheese board is always a great choice. Cocktails here are also amazing and with a great selection to choose from – it sounds like the perfect Sunday treat to us.

19 Great James St WC1N 3ES
Bloomsbury Pub | Traditional French Cuisine | The Rugby Tavern

Jugad

A wonderful spot for lunch nestled in Broadgate Circle that deserves to be tried this month is Jugad. If you’re looking for a casual spot to get your Indian food fix during your lunch break then this is it. With generous portion sizes, diners won’t be leaving this place disappointed. The team at City Matters recently had the pleasure of visiting and felt immediately comfortable by the casual feel of this spot. We ordered the samosa chaat to share which comes in a generous portion size – tasty and filling. However, if you’re just opting for one dish of the menu during your lunch break then the aloo gobi wrap is a great shout. The naan bread is generously filled with potatoes and cauliflower with spices that are wonderfully balanced. However, if you’re more of a meat lover then the chicken wrap is a fantastic choice. Not only does this spot offer great value for money but also gives diners a chance to grab some authentic Indian food during their lunch break. One to check out this month.

1 Finsbury Avenue EC2M 2PF