Calling all foodies! Here is one secret that won’t stay hush-hush. We’ve got the inside scoop on the tastiest secret menu items in London. Dine off-menu, indulging with exclusive meals and cocktails.
1. Kouzu
Belgravia, London
Modern Japanese
The Guardian has described Kouzu as “nothing short of exquisite.” When it comes to serving up some of the finest Japanese cuisine in London, Kouzu sets itself apart from the rest with unique varieties of sushi featured on the a la carte menu. However, for the real foodies, we have uncovered a secret menu of sushi rolls! Next time you visit Kouzu, request the following off-menu rolls: Alaska Roll (Salmon, Avocado, Cream Cheese), Spicy California in/out (Spicy salmon, Cucumber), Kegan Roll (Prawn Tempura, Anago eel, Avocado), Lady in Red (Spicy snow crab, Tuna), Lady in Green (Spicy snow crab, Avocado), and Scallop Roll (Scallop, Avocado, Chives).
2. Craft London
Greenwich, London
Modern British
Craft is an unbeatable spot for modern British cuisine. While you are already dining in style, take the experience to the next level by ordering off the menu. A popular favourite is “clay-baked duck.” If you want to feast on clay-baked duck at your next visit to Craft, it needs to be ordered 3 days in advance! For those who crave the true insider experience, visit Craft’s Test Kitchen. On Test Kitchen Tuesdays, Head Chef Stevie Parle serves a £28 blind tasting menu – which gives guests the chance to sample dishes before they make it to the main menu.
Here is a sample Test Kitchen Tuesday menu: Snacks of deep fried oysters rolled in dehydrated rhubarb, crab dressed in house-made XO sauce, wrapped in pickled celeriac, a whole Red Mullet offset by a sausage crumb, Salsify / Egg – A standout dish, roast salsify, fried sage, a poached egg with shaved chestnut mushroom, potato doughnuts with crabapple jelly – part savoury, part sweet, and yoghurt ice cream laced with a salted plum caramel topped with dehydrated milk crisp.
3. Pidgin
Hackney, London
Modern British
At Pidgin, you have the opportunity to try a new dish each time you visit. That is because at Pidgin, the menu changes from week to week. Although many restaurants have fixed menu’s, Pidgins unique cuisine brings a sense of excitement. If you are feeling savvy (and thirsty) order The Bee-Side Grenache by Domaine of the Bee, which isn’t featured on the wine list.
4. Plateau
Canary Wharf, London
French
Plateau offers diners an experience for all tastes – whether you’re looking for a fine-dining restaurant, bar, outdoor terrace, or more informal grill. Whichever option you choose you will be able to indulge in a #secretcocktail. What is a secret cocktail you ask? If you follow Plateau on Twitter (@plateaulondon), tweet #secretcocktail to them! The bartender will make you the secret cocktail of the week for just £6.50. One of the cocktails they have served before is a a Columbiana w/ 12 year old rum.
5. Boisdale
Canary Wharf, London
British, Miscellaneous
Looking for a fun spot to brunch? Boisdale at Canary Wharf is a must! Sit back and enjoy some of the best smooth jazz and soul from the house band, while sipping on bottomless prosecco or wine. For your entree, order scrambled Eggs w/ Périgord Truffles, a popular secret menu dish! It is important to keep in mind that you’ll first need to ask the waiter if they have any Périgord truffles available for their off-menu scrambled eggs… and if they do, you’ll need to order them right away!
6. Foleys Restaurant
Fitzrovia, London
Modern World
Foley’s is known for exceptional food at moderate prices but where Foley’s truly shines is on Sundays, when they host their off-menu tasting sessions with Head Chef Mitz Vora and his team. During your dining experience, Mitz’s team will prepare, serve and talk you through the method, flavours and influences of the evening’s menu. A test taster menu visit to Foley’s Restaurant will surely be one worth sharing with family and friends.
In the past, Mitz and his team have prepared food such as crab bisque with pickled lime and charcoal-grilled rice-flour roti, hake steamed in banana leaf, paneer with corn flakes, pistachio, saffron and mozzarella, rose ice cream and fried milk, almonds, strawberry and brioche. It is important to bear in mind that dietary restrictions will not be taken into consideration.
7. Cantina Laredo
Seven Dials, London
Mexican
Mexico may be thousands of miles away, but if you want to experience authentic Mexican cuisine in London, Cantina Laredo will provide a taste! The menu explores dishes from Mexico’s unique regions. Of course, the explosive flavours are best accompanied by a cocktail (or three). For something new, try pairing your meal with a secret menu cocktail. Ask for an avocado and kiwi smash, or hibiscus margarita, or even a tamarind margarita.
8.Duck & Waffle
City of London
European
If there is any restaurant that towers over the rest in London, it’s Duck & Waffle. Literally. Duck & Waffle is situated on the 40th floor of Heron Tower, complete with a perfect view of the city. Since Duck & Waffle is open 24/7, there is wide variety of menus including an all-day, breakfast, brunch, cocktail, wine, dessert, and late-night menu. At your next visit, pay close attention to the breakfast and brunch menus. During your meal, indulge on the sweetest secret menu item of all time: the “dossant,” which is a fried croissant dusted in sugar and filled with lemon cream… mmm…
9. Mr. Chow
Knightsbridge, London
Chinese
Mr. Chow originated in London when it opened in 1968 as the first upscale Chinese restaurant of its kind. Since then, Mr. Chow has become a worldwide favourite for serving up family style Chinese cuisine, with locations expanding across major U.S cities and Mexico City. The restaurant offers a wide variety of traditional Chinese dishes from chicken satay to gambei. Of course the food doesn’t stop here. For those who crave something new, request some of these highly popular and extremely delicious secret menu items: vegetarian Beijing duck, gold leaf dumplings, and lobster rolls.
10. The Happenstance Bar & Restaurants
St Pauls, London
Modern European
At Happenstance, you will enjoy a floor-to-ceiling window view of one of London’s most iconic landmarks – St. Paul’s Cathedral. Happenstance is bar & restaurant, deli, mixology table, florist, private dining area, and a hidden speakeasy known as “the curious treasury.” However, the speakeasy isn’t the only secret at the Happenstance. If you are craving a new kind of cocktail, explain that “a little bird told you” about a secret drink, and you’ll be served a gin cocktail made with pink grapefruit juice from the “secret menu.”
Make sure your stomach takes advantage of these delicious secrets and try to find out more in your dining experiences!
Have we missed anything? Do you know of any other secret menu items in London???