THE JOURNAL

English breakfast udon at Koya. Photograph courtesy of Koya
There are few people in London who understand what makes a great restaurant better than Mr Karam Sethi – the co-founder of JKS Restaurants. This is a restaurateur who has an uncanny knack for predicting and creating established dining trends in the city – whether it be champagne and hotdogs (Bubbledogs), inventive Indian food (Gymkhana), Taiwanese buns (BAO) or innovative British cooking (Lyle’s). So we figured he might be a man to speak to when it comes to restaurant tips. Below, we asked him for the three places he likes to eat when he’s not at work. Read on for some priceless insider opinion you won’t see on TripAdvisor.

Somewhere new…
Koya City

Torinikomi hot pot. Photograph courtesy of Koya
10-12 Bloomberg Arcade
“Just like the original in Soho, this new outpost of Koya delivers exceptional quality and excellent value. Get the tarako noodles. It’s all about the udon. I’m pretty sure they still make their noodles fresh, every day, in the traditional way (using their feet!), and it makes all the difference. It’s such a great addition to the City and Bloomberg Arcade – I’m very happy to have them as neighbours.”

An old favourite…
Yauatcha

Edamame truffle dumplings. Photograph courtesy of Yauatcha
15-17 Broadwick Street
“I’ve been eating here for 14 years. It’s consistent, innovative, and – in my opinion – the best dim sum in London. My favourite dish is the venison puffs – which are just about as amazing as they sound; tiny balls of puff pastry filled with succulent venison.”

A guilty pleasure…
La Petite Maison

Escargot. Photograph courtesy of La Petite Maison
53-54 Brook’s Mews
“Legendary, and for a reason. The foie gras roast Black Leg chicken here is unbelievably good, if only as an occasional treat. Familiar and relaxed, it delivers old school hospitality, and will always be a favourite. The chicken has the perfect crispy skin and is perfectly rich. They stuff it with French bread, which soaks up all the juices. A proper French restaurant.”