Furthermore from Equinox: Where to eat in London now

This story originally appeared on Furthermore from Equinox, the official wellness partner of The Related Life.

After helming two outposts of Manicomio, London's go-to for Italian power lunches, Chef Tom Salt decided to pursue a different direction for his next restaurant. “With Canto Corvino, we wanted something a bit younger and more fresh, and in an edgier neighborhood,” shares Salt. “Bishopsgate fit the bill being near the City, which is the financial district, and on the fringe of trendy East London and Shoreditch.”

While Salt’s menu is Italian at its core, he incorporates global flavors as a reflection of the increasingly dynamic neighborhood. “We frequently use our charcoal Josper [grill-oven hybrid], like for our lamb rib with smoked eggplant purée and sesame and tiger prawn arancini with jalapeño and lime.” The wine list highlights smaller producers "from around Italy and off the beaten track."

In recent years, Bishopsgate has evolved into one of London’s most desirable areas for shopping and dining. Historically anchored by bustling Spitalfields Market, the neighborhood will be home to Equinox's third location in the city and the UK's first Eataly. “This part of London is being reimagined as more than a hangout for bankers and finance types,” explains Salt. “[It's] welcoming in more creative industries and independent business owners.”

Here, the chef's favorite eateries in Bishopsgate and beyond.

Gunpowder London, Spitalfields
“Gunpowder is always an excellent choice,” says Salt. “It’s a rather small restaurant just behind Spitalfields Market that showcases intense Indian flavors and home cooking.” Go for the grilled artichoke hearts in red pepper masala, the pickled zucchini in “gunpowder” spice, and tiger prawns with green peppercorn, kumquat, and summer tomatoes. If you're extra hungry, order the sea bass steamed in banana leaf.

Smoking Goat, Shoreditch
“Simplicity is key here: Thai barbecue with proper Thai flavors not dulled down for Western palates.” Start with steamed oysters and a green papaya salad with heritage carrot and chili, then the slow-grilled guinea fowl with black vinegar or whole plaice with nam jim, a sweet and spicy dipping sauce.

Brat, Shoreditch
Brat is a Basque-inspired restaurant that Salt enjoys for its lively setting: “Brat has a very cool open kitchen that’s almost inside the dining room—a square open pass with charcoal grills all around it. The wine list is also excellent.” Try the young leeks with fresh cheese, bitter leaf salad, and the famous grilled turbot (brat translates to 'turbot' in Old English).

Som Saa, Spitalfields
“Som Saa is another authentic Thai restaurant with no-frills decor that manages to be hip. It’s a wonderful after-work joint for cocktails that goes into the night with DJs and live music.” Sample the gaeng juet het, a mild broth of mushrooms, young watermelon, and Thai basil and the grilled clams with green chili dipping sauce.

Royal China, Fulham
“I’ve been going to Royal China since I was a kid, and now I take my children. It’s the best dim sum in town,” says Salt. “The char siu pork buns, cheung fun (rice noodle rolls), and siu mai (steamed dumplings) are all very special.” There are several Royal China locations in London. Visit the award-winning Royal China Club in Marylebone for Cantonese fine dining, with dishes like steamed whole wild sea bass with ginger and stir-fried king prawns with tea leaves.

Bright, Hackney
“Expect simple, creative Anglo-Italian fare at this outstanding wine bar. They have a crazy list full of young producers breaking all the traditional notions of winemaking—a match for the impressively creative cooking,” explains Salt. “The turbot on the bone is great, as well as the spatchcocked chicken."

Barrafina, Covent Garden
“I really think this is the best tapas in London and is even more perfect for solo dining. Sit at the bar and watch the chefs go about their business. The croquetas are unreal, and so are the artichokes with cuttlefish black rice,” says Salt. “Barrafina also does an amazing feasting concept for large parties in the cellar where they serve a divine whole-roasted Iberico suckling pig—an indulgence for sure.”

Takahashi, South Wimbledon
“Nobuhisa and Yuko Takahashi, a husband-and-wife team, run the show in this tiny, modern restaurant with innovative small plates. You would never expect to find this caliber of Japanese cuisine in such a leafy residential area.” In addition to the selection of sushi and sashimi, try the seasonal dishes like scallop carpaccio with yuzu salsa, grilled king crab legs, and the tomato and avocado wasabi salad.

This story originally appeared on Furthermore from Equinox, the official wellness partner of The Related Life. Check out their site and follow them @furthermore.