We moved from pineapple-infused oysters to crispy pig tails with Korean spices, blistered padrons, delicate mackerel, in-season asparagus, before landing on some seriously good steaks.
And yes, the baked Alaska with apple crumble ice cream lives up to James Acaster's hype.
Natural light pours in, the open kitchen glows, and the setting mixes urban edge with soft greenery. Our server made the whole experience feel easy—knowledgeable, friendly, and full of youthful energy.
Thanks to my mate, Craig, for the nudge to come here. We’ll be back.
Headrow House, 19a The Headrow, Leeds LS1 6PUWebsite
From Smoked sea bass & shrimp sambal spiced rice, wild garlic and boiled egg to flatbreads and bone marrow (if you don’t order it, there’s something wrong with you), the flavours hit hard—stretching from Southeast Asia to the Middle East and back again.
The space is dark and compact, lit by the glow of the kitchen and fuelled by laid-back, come-as-you-are energy. Vibrant chatter, strong smells, and cocktails that don’t mess about (yes, there’s a Mr Lyan on the list).
We’d been before—but forgot how good it was. Rock and roll cooking at its finest. And don’t forget: shots for the kitchen are on the menu. It’s rude not to.
156 Canonbury Road, Islington, London, N1 2UPWebsite
The best way to describe it? ‘Japanese style with Thai ingredients.’ But honestly, that doesn’t quite capture the creative invention at play here.
We showed up hungry and left wishing we could have kept eating—every dish was peak performance. Hold on to your hats when you taste the house-made ponzu sauce.
One of the absolute highlights of our time in Chiang Mai, and we’re already counting down the days until we can return.
8-10 Samlarn Road, Phra Sing, Mueang Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai, 50200, ThailandWebsite
We secured our spot at the counter and watched as Chef Shin delicately crafted his signature bowls. His philosophy? ‘Ramen can make people happy.’ Judging by the smiles (and slurping), he’s absolutely right.
Seats are limited, so play by the rules and book for the week ahead on Sunday mornings.
These are bowls of slurping fun you won’t want to miss.
1/2 Soi Athakravi 1, Sukhumvit 26 Road, Bangkok, 10110, Thailand
Website