Whether you’re after an al fresco feast; food and entertainment or some of the best kosher smoked meat in London, here are my personal picks:
KOSHER COLLECTIONS:
1. Habiba’s Smoke House
Carnivores are beating a path to Zeb Igbi’s Temple Fortune restaurant where he is serving up everything from pulled beef sliders and smoked chicken wings to caveman-friendly slabs of short rib and the most tender smoked duck breast. There are also burgers, chicken nuggets plus some salads and sides. Smoked tomatoes were full of sweet, herby flavour. For old school eaters, there’s even smoked pickled tongue. They’re so popular, you’ll need to book.
Insider tip: wine drinkers can bring their own bottle. (kosher)
2. Reubens Cafe:
Not one but two reasons to hotfoot it to Baker Street this summer. You may have to wait until the end of the season for the iconic kosher salt beef bar but comfort yourself in the meantime at the kosher milky café which, owner Lee Landau claims is the first ever to open in London. On the menu (which I’ve yet to try) is a breakfast menu of which the highlights are the Reubens NY (fully loaded salmon/cream cheese bagel with salad, OJ and coffee); Croque Madame and a shakshuka bagel. There’s a full lunchtime menu including pasta; pizza; a full range of bagels (all baked on site) and salads. And best yet — a full afternoon tea. Check out the menu here.
Insider tip: They do cereal milk soft serve ice cream and milk shakes and chef Hodaya Cohen and her team bake everything on site. (kosher)
3. Kasa Bar and Grill
This Hampstead Garden Suburb restaurant has recently moved to KLBD supervision and celebrated with a menu relaunch in time for summer. Head chef Shachar (who has cooked all over the world) if focussing on the open barbecue grill so expect plenty of meat skewers, Tomahawk steaks and a range of burgers plus all the standard shawarma sides — think tahini, hummus and chopped salads all made in house and all HUGE flavours. Lighter summer eats include beef carpaccio and chicken thigh salad.
Insider tip: Chef Shachar is a master baker so makes all the good carby stuff in house. The Jerusalem bagels are next level, as is his laffa. And I’d advise booking. (kosher)
ISRAELI EATS:
4. Evenings at The Good Egg, Camden
Tucked away in The Stables is the north London branch of this popular Jewish-influenced mini chain. There’s a decent mix of Ashkenazi and Sephardi-style dishes — think overstuffed sabich on the puffiest pita; smooth labneh and a range of sandwiches on soft challah and Montreal-style bagels. You’ll also find knafeh — which isn’t on many London menus. More info here.
Insider tip: visit from later afternoon/early evening to avoid market crowds
5. Brunch at Carmel, Fitzrovia
I’ve recently reviewed (and loved) this Central London outpost of Josh Katz’s Middle Eastern-inspired restaurants. The food is great — he’s been described as some as doing Ottolenghi better than the man himself. High praise indeed for Katz, who is one of many graduates of the Israeli uber chef’s kitchens. More info here.
Insider tip: go for the set brunch menu for a flavour of everything. And make sure to order something sweet to finish.
Israeli takeaway: Omer Ido will be popping up at Honey & Co
6. Honey & Co supper club season:
Israeli favourites, Itamar Srulovich and Sarit Packer will be hosting a series of supper clubs through July and August at their Store Street restaurant, Honey & Co Daily. Each Monday, a new chef will be showcasing their food. Look out for Jerusalem-born chef, Omer Ido (July 8), whose supper club menu will focus on the Jewish-Kurdish cuisine he grew up with. Tickets are £45 per head bookable here.
Insider tip: When you visit, make sure to pick up a slice of their babka – it’s the best in London. Doesn’t matter which flavour – the tahini and white chocolate and chocolate hazelnut variations are both amazing.
COUNTRY ESCAPES:
7. Movie night at The Plough, Sleapshyde:
The boujie pub between St Albans and Hatfield has the best terrace in the area. And for the summer they have introduced a big screen to show a series of movies to watch while you eat. On Tuesday and Wednesday evenings they’ll be showing cult classics like Pulp Fiction, When Harry Met Sally, Ghost and Notting Hill as well as more recent favourites. On Saturday mornings it’s the children’s turn with a season of family films — think Shrek, Frozen, Encanto and more. Beyond film they’ll be screening the Euros and you can order food — plus popcorn — while you watch.
Insider tip: Make sure you order their fat chips — they’re top notch.
8. Field frolicking festival fun on the farm:
Another outdoor eating opportunity to be had is at Aldenham’s Home Farm where they are hosting their annual series of chef-led banquets and music gigs. The entertainment range includes music from Vanessa Haynes as well as Izo Fitzroy — both presented by favourite jazz venue, Ronnie Scott’s. And before you boogie you can sit down to an al fresco meal. For the chef-led banquets, Josh Katz, pops again as the host of one of the gourmet feasts cooked outdoors and eaten at long tables under the stars. More details here.
Insider tip: They are only three miles from Stanmore station, so an easy Uber ride for NW London based feasters.
9. Village life at Ottolenghi Bicester:
Eat inside or al fresco at the growing chain’s first non London branch. All the Israeli chef’s standards are there. Expect plenty of za’atar, harissa and tahini on this veg-forward menu as well as the signature eye candy cake display. If you’ve been to the London branches you’ll know what to expect, but this is a far bigger, and more airy site with a large terrace for al fresco feasting. If you fancy a day trip to the Cotswolds – with a side order of designer shopping – it’s worth adding this to your hit list. More info here.
Insider tip: It’s not cheap but portions are generous so I’d recommend ordering one main between two – which comes with three salads — plus extra salads to top up.
