Where to eat near Frieze London

‘Casual’ is the first impression on entering chef Anna Tobias’ dinky restaurant in Bloomsbury. Once the first dish arrives, however, you’ll realise that this is some of the most accomplished modern European cooking in the city and all the talking is done on the plate. The chalkboard menu changes daily, and if the October weather is kind, you can enjoy your meal al fresco, a pleasure in this storied part of London. 

With locations in Belsize Park and, nearest to Frieze, St John’s Wood, chef Jake Finn’s live fire bistro is an understated delight. Expect smoky flavours and rich umami throughout, with vegetables becoming almost operatic in flavour after the application of flame. The cinder block salmon served with pickled cucumbers and shallot has become the restaurant’s signature and rightly so, but the spicy crab doughnut with a prawn glaze and kombu is one of London’s best and most decadent dishes.

Chef Santiago Lastra’s Kol was the first Mexican restaurant in the UK to win a Michelin star, which it retains, and set the bar for ‘fun dining’ in the capital – relaxed service and a rambunctious atmosphere, but food with fine-dining chops and high-quality ingredients. Lastra elevates the cuisine of his homeland with famous dishes such as a langoustine taco and tamales. Head to the mezcaleria downstairs for a pre- or post-dinner drink and art chat.

The art set naturally loves Japanese food. Luckily, one of London’s best Japanese restaurants is a short hop away in Marylebone. Roketsu serves traditional kaiseki, the multi-course, seasonal Japanese meal that inspired the tasting menu. Kaiseki is all about the quality of the produce and purity of flavour, with minimal fat and seasoning, so expect dishes that gently hold your hand rather than shouting in your face, like Cornish crab chawanmushi and lobster tempura.