Clipstone

Tucked away on a quiet street just off Great Portland Street, Clipstone is the kind of London restaurant that feels like a well-kept secret-but one you want to share. Located at 5 Clipstone Street, W1W 6BB, this charming neighborhood spot delivers a modern European dining experience with sharp technique, thoughtful details, and a relaxed atmosphere that makes fine food feel incredibly approachable.

From the moment you step inside, Clipstone sets a tone of understated elegance. The dining room is airy but intimate, bathed in natural light during the day and softly glowing by evening. It’s the kind of place where solo diners feel as welcome as couples and small groups. There’s wheelchair-accessible seating, entrance, and toilet, making the space inclusive and thoughtfully designed.

Now, let’s talk food-because this is where Clipstone really earns its reputation.

The small plates format encourages sharing and trying a variety of flavors, and there’s no shortage of dishes that impress from both visual and taste perspectives. One standout is the Dexter beef tartare, paired with pink Paris mushroom and Old Winchester. It’s rich, earthy, and incredibly balanced-perfect with a glass of red from their impeccably curated wine list.

Speaking of wine, if you’re into discovering lesser-known bottles, Clipstone is a goldmine. The staff are clearly passionate and happy to guide you through the selection without pretense. It's no surprise they’ve become a quiet favorite for wine lovers across the city.

Another must-try? The Cornish mussels marinières-but here, they’re elevated with miso and sake, giving the classic French dish a delicate umami twist. Follow that with the duck breast, cooked with perfect pink precision, or the venison, which arrives tender and robust, often paired with seasonal purées or a reduced jus that pulls everything together on the plate.

Vegetarian or pescatarian? The green asparagus with hazelnut miso, egg yolk, and parmesan is both hearty and refined. And the halibut or mackerel, when available, come out flaky and seared just right.

For pasta lovers, the pappardelle and ravioli are no afterthought. These handmade dishes often reflect the season’s best produce-silky sheets of pasta folded around creamy fillings, finished with broths or foams that feel more Michelin than casual bistro.

One of Clipstone’s most celebrated dishes, surprisingly, is their sourdough bread. Baked in-house, it arrives with whipped butter and disappears quickly. It’s one of those simple items that reminds you of the power of doing the basics really well.

And yes, they absolutely shine when it comes to desserts. The camomile panna cotta is delicate and aromatic, while the tiramisu walks the line between indulgent and ethereal. Dessert here isn’t just an afterthought-it’s an experience worth lingering over, ideally with an espresso or one of their signature cocktails.

If you’re someone who appreciates craft, from the plating to the playlist, Clipstone delivers. It’s especially popular for lunch and dinner, often buzzing with a mix of creative professionals, food lovers, and regulars who know that Clipstone never phones it in. With no delivery or takeaway, this is a spot that insists you stay and savor.

Add in the coffee program (yes, they take it seriously), along with their offering of alcohol, beer, spirits, and healthy options, and Clipstone confidently hits that sweet spot between casual and elevated. Whether you're out for a quiet solo meal or a catch-up with friends, this is one of those rare finds where everything-from the service to the seasoning-feels just right.