Delicious Britain & Ireland: 2003
When you take your tongue out sightseeing in Britain, what are its favorite taste treats? (Or does it just want to go back home?)
Deep Fried Mars Bar in Scotland
Who ever thought to deep fry a Mars bar? I tried this treat while in Edinburgh because I love trying 'new things'and my British friends suggested it. I was pleasantly surprised! It was warm and gooey... Quite delightful! I recommend stopping by a 'chips' stand or restaurant and giving it a try!
Nicole
CA USA 12/19/03
Indian food in Hampstead, London
Karahi Master in West Hampstead, London: 221 West End Lane. Fabulous food!
I had never eaten Indian/Middle Eastern food but the owner was kind enough
to help us sort through kabobs, naan, and curries (they also had burgers
that looked good). The lamb kabobs were excellent--as were the chicken ones,
the curry and the service. Worth a stop. The prices were very reasonable--two
people ate for 10 to 12 pounds! Easy walk from the tube station, high quality,
clean place.
Maria <email>
Austin, tx USA 12/05/03
Thornton's Chocolates and Toffee
Do find a Thornton's Chocolate shop--there's even one at Paddington Station--and
try the Special Toffee with Brazil Nuts. Absolutely yummy. And, if you like
it, stock up at Heathrow before heading home. It comes in large bags for
one pound 99. Even if you aren't a toffee fan, this is great stuff!!
Donna
USA 11/04/03
Delicious Ireland
When we were in Ireland we ate some wonderful meals.
Best fish & chips:
Beshoff's in Howth.
Best Irish stew: Rabbitt's in Galway (I thought it looked
gross, but my husband said it was fabulous.)
Best pint of Guinness: Brazen
Head in Dublin (800 yr old pub that serves wonderful lunches).
Best "Irish" coffee (yeah, I know it's from San Francisco): Abbey in Howth.
Most enjoyable
lunch: baked potato and seafood chowder at a picnic table outside a small
restaurant on a side street in Inishmore, after riding bikes for hours.
Best neighborhood cafeteria: The Pantry in Kilkenny (moms with toddlers,
working men, and us).
Kay <email>
Binghamton, NY USA 10/28/03
MMMMmmmmmm
I worked in London over the summer and must implore everyone who visits
to stay on the lookout for a GREEGS bakery. They're all over the place in
the more residential areas (ask at a hostel) and they have the best scones,
pastries, and for lunch, pasties and sandwiches for a cheep, quick bite
on the go.
Allison <email>
sun city, ca USA 10/13/03
Lethal Dessert & Harry Potter Sight
We just spent 2 weeks in Scotland and had no difficulties finding tasty
food, in spite of the UK's bad reputation. It isn't all haggis, black pudding,
and "neeps and tatties." We found delicious Italian food in restaurants
run by real Italians in Edinburgh, Indian food in Pitlochry, and tasty pub
fare all around. Many places had vegetarian options clearly marked or separately
listed.
On the down side, we discovered a lethal dessert called "sticky toffee pudding," a steamed cake (not like Jello pudding) served warm with butterscotch sauce and either cream or vanilla ice cream on the side. Another killer dessert is caramel shortbread. This is plain shortbread, covered with a layer of gooey caramel, then topped with a thin layer of chocolate. You will do much walking to work off either of these.
As for breakfast options, my husband tried the vegetarian haggis and said it tasted just like vegetarian sausage. And don't fear the "clootie dumpling," if you should see that as a breakfast option. It is a sort of muffin with raisins and orange peel, served warm. Very tasty!
If you are a Harry Potter fan, the Elephant coffee house in Edinburgh
is the spot where JK Rowling sat and wrote "HP and the Philosopher's Stone"
("Sorcerer's Stone" in the US). Just off the Royal Mile.
Carol
VA USA 10/12/03
Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese in London
We took Rick's London guide with us and made sure to stop in at the Ye Olde
Cheshire Cheese tavern. What a WONDERFUL experience! It was our only traditional
English meal during our week there and it was lovely. The favorite haunt
of Charles Dickens became my favorite dining experience in London. We ate
in the Chop Room and it was filled (there are only about 6 tables) with
Americans all with Rick Steves book in tow. Be prepared to hunt for this
place though. It's easy to miss as it's located on a small dark pedestrian
alley. Easy to miss. But if you want to rest your weary bones where the
likes of Charles Dickens and Samuel Johnson did, this is a great historical
place to dine!
Stephanie
Minneapolis, MN USA 09/24/03
Irish Eats
Try The Shack in Dublin's Temple Bar district. Cozy, fun, and wonderful
friendly service! I had the corned beef which was excellent and my boyfriend
had a wonderful Irish stew. They even gave us a free shot of Creme de Menthe!
Excellent. Eat at the English Market in Cork. Wonderful chowder and a great
view of the bustling market below. Or, grab a baguette, some nice Irish
cheese and you'll be set!
Jen
St. Clair Shores, MI USA 09/23/03
Our Best Meal in London
No doubt about it, London is a spendy place for food and lodging. We spent
a weekend there earlier this month, enjoying some great meals at Golden
Hind, Wagamama, and Tagines. But our very best meal - by a long shot - was
at Verbanella, an Italian restaurant at 15-17 Blandford Street W1H 3AD,
just off Marylebone High Street. We could not believe the prices, especially
for London. We were seated at a lovely table, with nice linens, and given
menus which represented some pretty creative Italian cooking. I genuinely
thought, "No way. The food cannot be decent at these prices."
However, we settled in, ordered our wine, and observed other diners clearly
enjoying their meals with that contented glow and animated conversation
that rarely occurs when the food is lousy! The kicker is that alongside
their regular menu, they offered a full page of specials: appetizers priced
at 4 pounds and main dishes priced at 7 pounds! This was our last meal
in London, but I assure you that had it been our first, we would have
probably returned there for at least two more meals. If you are in London
feeling a bit discouraged about the price of things, then you need to
find this restaurant, where we were blown away by the value received for
the price paid. FYI-There is another "Verbanella" at 30 Beauchamp Place
in Knightsbridge, but I don't know if they offer the same caliber of experience
as this location.
Ken <email>
Naples, FL USA 09/23/03
Good Eats
In the Wembley area of northwest london lies a small Greek place called
the Arena restaurant. Simply superb greek food, very reasonably priced.
Great place. For lunch all I can say is Harrods, Harrods, Harrods. Out of
this world, and NOT at all expensive. I would kill for a Harrods food hall
here at home.
Bret Spencer <email>
Phoenix, AZ USA 09/17/03
London is always great for good food!
I love the Bayswater area north of Hyde Park in London! There is truly something
for everyone when it comes to food. On Queensway, you'll find McDonald's
next to a Lebanese place (I recommend this--great bargain meals for 2-3
pounds), Chinese, anything American, Greek, you name it. My pick is Santorini's,
a Greek restaurant around the corner on Moscow Road. I love Mediterranean
appetizers, and this place has the best I've ever tried. Besides, the wait
staff is great.
Amanda <email>
Clayton, MO USA 09/06/03
Good Eats in Dublin
There's a cozy bistro style restaurant on the edge of Temple Bar in Dublin
that is not to be missed! It's called Wollensky's. Strange to have a Polish
named restaurant in Dublintown, but try the salmon and burgers. Might be
a splurge for some travellers. It was right in our budget and was a treat!
We found it by chance roaming about back in March 2001. When we went back
to Dublin this past June we headed right there (after trying a ho hum restaurant,
Roma Mexico). I'm going to Dublin for business in October. Guess where I'm
eating most of the nights I'm there?!
Robert~ <email>
Philadelphia, Pa USA 08/22/03
Midi in Dingle (in the west of Ireland)has to be the find of our european
trip. The combination of exotic dishes, the incredible pizzas, the wonderful
selection of gourmet vegetarian, the homemade desserts on display, the look
of the place, the music and least but not last the amazing service, friendly
and effective. We had our first dinner there last week and went back the
next day. Check out the provencal onion tart, the spicy thai beef with black
rice, the jamaican fish curry and of course the oriental duck pizza. That
place is such a high concept that I wouldn't be surprised if it went on
a franchise, it has something on offer for everybody. Keep this up!
pj mandeville <email>
New York, NY USA 08/12/03
London cuisine....WOW!!
Original Tagines...an absolutely WONDERFUL Moroccan cuisine restaurant just
off Regent Street in a quite little backstreet located at 7a Dorset Street
is a place to check out. Very quiet...very courteous, and DELICIOUS food!!
Since England has rather "so so food" anyway, this place takes you to northern
Africa for the evening, and I'm sure you'll enjoy the night. (try the light
red wine they offer by the glass....very light, and very good as well)
Mike <email>
Portland, OR USA 08/12/03
London Eats
For great Indian food: Top Curry Centre, 3 Lupus Street in Pimlico (near
Pimlico underground station - or take No. 24 bus to Pimlico).
For Chinese: Royal Dragon, 30 Gerrard Street, Chinatown.
For fish and chips: The Fryer's
Delight, 19 Theobald's Road in Holborn. Order your fish and chips with peas.
Susan <email>
USA 07/28/03
<
Galaxy Bars
in not sure if i should post this here or on the chocolholics site, but
if you like chocolate dont miss eating a 'galaxy' bar, the plain one. its
less milky and soft than a cadbury bar. i thought it was one of the best
chocolate bars ive ever eaten!(and ive eaten a lot!)
Elizabeth <email>
Houston, TX USA 07/26/03
We recently did a 5 day london trip and would like to share where we
had a meal that was excellent. It was at the Audley Pub on the corner of
south audley / mount street. As an option the pub meal was $15 the roast
beef / yorkshire pudding was excellent. The atmosphere was nice and the
wait staff very friendly.
mike
plymouth, pa USA 07/23/03
Bristol Indian Restaurant--Best in Britain--Veg Friendly
The best meal my husband and I had in Great Britain was at an Indian restaurant
in Bristol, England, called Chilli's. In fact, it was one of the best meals
of our lives. I am a vegetarian, and recommend their veg sample platter.
Incredible! Chilli's address is 39 Park Street, Bristol, England, BS1 5NH,
telephone 0117 9499884.
C. Bean <email>
Minneapolis, MN USA 06/25/03
Delicious (?) Britain
Our best meal while recently in London was at Soho Spice (recommended in
Rick's book). We shared a variety of Indian dishes and loved them all and
the service was great. The manager/host was very charming and came over
several times just to check on my 78 year old mother-in-law who was on her
first trip abroad.
Another great experience was twice grabbing yummy sandwiches
at Pret (I still daydream about the pesto, basil, and avocado) and eating
in the St. Paul's churchyard. We were surrounded by Londoners ranging from
professionals in suits to construction workers enjoying a beautiful day.
Marks & Spencer's Simply Food (at many tube stations) is another great place
to grab a picnic and their selection of freach fruit is wonderful. Although
a chain, ASK pizza is reliable for a good meal too.
Melanie <email>
Houston, Tx USA 06/24/03
Seafood in Oban, Scotland
On the pier in Oban, there is a small green shack which is creatively signed "Shellfish" and has the best seafood I've ever had, quite frankly and honestly
(and I've had it all over Mass, Maine and other locales).
The smoked salmon
sandwich and tub of prawns were just delectable. The gentleman who runs
the shack gets the seafood right off the boats there on the pier and prepares
it there as you order it..doesn't get any fresher than that! Oysters, mussels,
scallops, langostines, you name it. Very affordable too. Only drawback is
that it is take-away and very few comfortable places to sit nearby.
Amy <email>
Beverly, MA USA 06/03/03
Memorial Day Weekend Eats in London
My husband and I made a quick trip to London over Memorial Day weekend.
Here are some of our restaurant recommendations. Our favorite meal was
at Song Que Cafe, a Vietnamese restaurant that won the best restaurant
in London in Time Out's Cheap Eats category. The food was the best we've
had since our trip to Vietnam in January. Be sure to try the Betel leaf
appetizer, it was excellent. We walked to the restaurant from the Old
Street Tube station, it was about a mile and we took a taxi back to the
tube after dinner. The address is 134 Kingsland Road.
We also had a dinner at Busaba Eathai in Soho, good Thai food in a cool
atmosphere. The address is 106-110 Wardour Street. We had a great fish
and chips lunch at the Westminster Pub which is recommended by Rick. It
is a good place for lunch if you're visiting Westminster, Parliament,
or the Cabinet War Rooms. We also ate dinner at Belgo Central near Covent
Garden. The food was good, the beer excellent (mmm Triple Karmaleit).
Anna <email>
Kenosha, WI USA 05/28/03
a few of my favorite things!
We spent a month in the UK last summer (first time abroad for three college
girls!) and loved the food! We ate cheap lunches, even in London, by buying
cheese, bread, fruit, crisps, and chocolate at Sainbury's. We also bought
pasties at many different bakeries (cheap, warm, and filling pastries...
filled with meat, cheese, and/or potatoes). Some of my favorite things that
I wish I could get (cheaply) in the States: mint Kit Kats, Magnum Double
Caramel ice cream bars, Taxi candy bars, Coronation Chicken salad, cheese & pickle crisps, Port Salut cheese, and of course, Cadbury's Dairy Milk!
Sara <email>
Joplin, MO USA 05/27/03
Edinburgh and London
Edinburgh: (1) Good tasting and reasonably priced seafood at the Mussel
Inn located at 61-65 Rose Street (just behind Princess St. in New Town).
Their specialty is mussels which they harvest at their own farm on the
west coast. A big bucket is L9.95. Get there early as the place fills
up in mid-evening.
(2) China Town on Newington Road has won lots of awards (they're posted in the window) and they're well-deserved. It's just a couple bus stops from the B&Bs on Dalkeith Road.
London: We were pleasantly surprised to find a real barbecue place just
a couple blocks from Victoria Station and the Eccleston area. It's called
"Biguns" ribs and it's on the corner at 2 Warwick Way. Good portions,
clean, efficient service, surprisingly inexpensive for London and half
the place is non-smoking.
Roger M <email>
OR USA 05/19/03
Eating in Yorkshire, etc
The best fish & chips in the world are at the Magpie Cafe in Whitby, Yorkshire,
UK. Be prepared to stand in line for about half an hour to get a table.
Also, if you want a good, healthy, fairly cheap sandwich anywhere in Britain,
try a Boots drugstore (they are in every town).
Joyce <email>
Sydney, Australia 04/24/03
Eating in Oxford
My friends and I spent eleven days in the Oxford and London areas and found
the food delicious but expensive. A favorite place in Oxford is the Nosebag.
It is a small, two story establishment that serves gourmet treats, cafeteria
style. I had a delicious salmon pie, red cabbage, and ginger shortbread.
You can eat vegetarian or be carniverous there. We also found a place called
Ask for Italian food that was good. The soups I had in England were rather
watery, with fewer vegetables and other ingredients than what I'm accustomed
in the U.S.
Kathie <email>
Miamisburg, OH USA 04/24/03
Indian food in London!
If you want to try great Indian food in London, go to Punjab, near the Covent
Garden tube stop, and down the street from Les Miz. It's a must eat. I spent
4 months studying in London and found no better Indian food!
krysta <email>
Champaign, IL USA 04/16/03