Akoko is a Michelin-starred gem in the heart of Fitzrovia. The team’s focus on excellence is apparent, yet each time I visit, the experience continues to improve. The food is exquisite, beautifully complemented by stunning wines and an elegant environment. It is a restaurant I will never tire of. As someone who pretty much eats everything, this restaurant is perfect for me, there are no decisions to be made, as it is a set menu.

2210 by NattyCanCook is a relatively new arrival on London’s restaurant scene, and it has landed with a bang. I believe this is due to the absence of a Caribbean restaurant in London that fits this profile: delicious food, refined presentation, Natty’s story and energy, and a space that is very much a vibe, supported by great music. It is a take on traditional Caribbean recipes, delivered with his own distinctive twist. Natty can cook!

Another Michelin-starred restaurant in Fitzrovia, I have been a huge fan of this restaurant for years. Founded by Adejoké Bakare, the Executive Chef takes you on a discovery journey around West Africa, showcasing foods and recipes I had never experienced before, but am always glad to visit. I personally love the service style, which is warm and friendly; the changing menus keep things fresh, and the food is truly delicious.

I live in South London, and this one is worth heading north for. Roger’s combines traditional Jamaican dishes with an environment that isn’t stuffy yet still features white tablecloths. Roger, the founder and Executive Chef, is Jamaican-born, and each time I visit I enjoy the taste of home in an intimate setting, with attentive service. It is always worth the hour-long trip for me.

Akara is the more casual sister restaurant to Akoko, offering the same attention to detail and quality in a more accessible, informal setting. Named after akara, deep-fried black-eyed pea fritters, the menu features several variations alongside dishes from across West Africa. I booked the private dining room last year, which only enhanced an already great experience.

RapChar is a neighbourhood restaurant that stole my heart a few years ago. I definitely hold a bias towards Jamaican food, as it is the food of my heritage and childhood. The menu blends traditional recipes with outside influences, such as a Caribbean risotto. This is where I go for comfort food, generous portions, and a true home-away-from-home feeling.

The award-winning Little Baobab is housed within the beautifully decorated Africa Centre and was my first introduction to Senegalese cuisine. The service is warm and hospitable, the food full of flavour, and, wonderfully, I was able to take a little of Little Baobab home with me. Their chilli oil is spicy, smooth and I love it.

Think white tablecloths, a grand piano, and oxtail or curry goat served in a pastry shell. Ayanna’s is a family-owned and run Jamaican restaurant, a stone’s throw from the City of London. I have been going here for many years, and alongside the food and setting, the team are passionate advocates for Jamaican cuisine. That enthusiasm shines through as they talk you through the menu.

The Flygerians was founded by two of my favourite people in the industry, Jo and Jess Edun. The concept centres Nigerian street food that is vibrant, colourful, playful, and full of flavour. The sisters are deeply values-led, which is evident in their choice of premises, one being Peckham Palms, a Black women-led business hub, and the other House of MOBO, a South London pub celebrating Black music, food, and culture.

Founded by Yolanda Brown and Black Grape Live, this venue is one of my favourites as it brings together two of my very favourite things: good food and live music. The menu draws broad inspiration from across the diaspora, arriving in a place of comfort, full of flavour and familiarity.