The Michelin list just came out with the latest updates and additions. In the old times, this used to mean a restaurant would become booked out for months. However, these days, with aesthetics of a dish taking precedence over its taste, very ‘loud’ places that would otherwise be deemed average have lines out the door, with TikTok and Instagram being the main culprits behind the crimes against culinary authenticity.
Furthermore, London, a city known for its rich gastronomy, now hosts a parade of restaurants where the décor screams for attention – think fake florals and quirky interiors screaming for a snapshot, but perhaps not your return. It’s not to say that a scene doesn’t matter to a night out. Indeed, I do value a beautiful room, but more than likely that room is stark and lets the atmosphere speak.
In this whirlwind of visual feasts, the chase for virality has led to a culinary circus of sorts. Take, for instance, the emergence of dishes that seem to have been conceived for their shock value rather than taste: gargantuan croissants, pastry hybrids that defy tradition, and burgers stacked so high they challenge physics rather than tempt the palate. These creations garner likes and shares, but often leave the diner wondering if the chef’s intentions were more focused on fleeting fame than on culinary merit.
There’s a certain restaurant group that has Italian hot spots all over town. Each one of their openings is covered high and low. Every ‘gram girl scrambles to get in the door to a new opening’s first month. You’ll see the aesthetic all over your feed. And what of the food? Parmesan cheese wheels and huge trays of Tiramisu served table side feature sure, but again, what about the food? Sure, your feed looks great, but when it comes to taste? It’s… fine? That’s what I keep hearing over and over. This isn’t to single out this group in particular; it’s merely a symptom of a wider, filter-applied condition affecting our dining tables.
However, there’s hope for taking back our dining scene. It just might take a little more effort than scrolling. Moving beyond the curated facades and the pursuit of the perfect Instagram backdrop, let’s navigate towards rediscovering the joy and authenticity of dining out where the essence of the meal takes center stage:
Firstly, return to the Classics. Those spots that have been around and beloved long before social media became the dining critic? They’re your gold standard. No need for the theatrics when the cuisine does all the talking. Secondly, seek out the silent but tasty. Good food doesn’t need to shout for attention on Instagram. Find the places where the ambiance whispers.
Additionally, menu brevity is key. I’ve been saying this for years: Never trust a long menu unless it’s in a diner or the Cheesecake Factory (I will die on this hill). That food may come from frozen but there’s something about an old Queens’ diner that I’ll trust forever. In the restaurant world, though, a concise menu offers an early signal that a kitchen focuses on quality over quantity, each dish a testament to the chef’s expertise.
Also, consult the insiders! Skip the influencer endorsements. Ask the local chefs, bartenders, and sommeliers where they eat on their nights off. They KNOW the best. I’ve always found the best restaurants from my chef’s recommendations for late nights.
And lastly, trust your gut over your feed. Sometimes, the best finds are the ones that don’t make it to social media. Let your palate, not your phone, lead the way. In essence, let’s start valuing the taste, texture, and the joy of eating again over the hunt for the perfect Instagram post. After all, the best meals are those that satisfy your hunger, not your follower count.
Still looking for some trusty resources for great restaurants? Here’s a few of our favorites:
Eater – They’ve got America down, and are expanding to add some more great food locations worldwide. Staffed by real F&B people and longtime food writers, this is a great resource for what’s hot right now.
The Infatuation – They are more on the pulse, and have a real feel for whats up and coming. Want to get in on a super cool spot just before everyone else raves? Check them out! They also have a great EEEEEEEATS!Con festival every year.
Time Out – All over the world, a great resource that you can count on across the globe for the best in all categories. They’re extra great for finding stand out food halls, markets and cafes beyond just restaurants and bars.
