London Knightsbridge And Belgravia

In the home of Harrods and Harvey Nichols, touristy and overpriced are easy to come by, but there are also some affordable and delicious Knightsbridge institutions. Even within Harrods, the bakery and select stands in the awe-inspiring food halls approach affordable. Beauchamp (BEE-cham) Place, off Old Brompton Rd., and the surrounding streets are lined with cafes, noodle bars, and sandwich shops. Belgravia is a bit tougher; there’s little chance of getting a sit-down meal at a restaurant for under £15, unless you go for a cafe or salt a £10 note and eat it straight. The mews behind Grosvenor Place cradle some popular pubs, and the gourmet delis and specialty food stores on Elizabeth Street will furnish a picnic basket fit for a prince. Some cheaper ethnic restaurants can be found on the side streets between Sloane Square and Victoria Station.

Jenny Lo’s Teahouse, 14 Eccleston St. Victoria. The daughter of the late Ken Lo, at one point one of the most famous Cantonese chefs in the UK, Jenny Lo serves some of the best noodles in town. A healthy variety of Vietnamese, Thai, and Wok noodles (everything from ho fun to wun tun) brings a crowd every time the clock strikes noon. Of course, to top off the meal, Jenny offers a selection of Chinese, mint, and “therapeutic” teas (£1.90). Vegetarian options abound. Takeaway and delivery available over £5 per person. Noodles £7-8.50. Open M-F noon-3pm and 6-10pm
Da Scalzo, 2 Eccleston Pl. (☎020 7730 5498; www.dascalzo.com), Victoria. After selling their Patisserie Valerie, brothers Enzo and Roberto Scalzo strike again with a restaurant that marries their 2 passions: delicious homemade Mediterranean food and cutting edge contemporary art. The menu features a sweeping selection of fresh pizzas and pastas (£7.50-11), as well as ambitious main dishes like fegato alla veneziana (grilled liver, crispy bacon, and onions) and creamed potatoes (£13-16). If the artwork on the wall looks familiar to you, that’s because many of the artists are also showing at the Saatchi, Tate, or National Portrait Gallery. Open M-Sa 8am-11pm, Su 8am-8pm
Haandi, 7 Cheval Pl. (☎020 7823 7373; www.haandi-restaurants.com), Hyde Park Corner or Knightsbridge. A restaurant with a regional specialty—North Indian cuisine—and a global presence, with locations in Nairobi, Juba, and Kampala. In a refined but casual atmosphere off of touristy Brompton Rd., feast on all the traditional favorites like samosas, chicken tikka, masalas, and curries. Entrees £6.50-11. Lunch special with entree, side, rice, and naan £9-13. Open M-Th and Su noon-3pm and 5:30-11pm, F-Sa 5:30-11pm

Cafes And Specialty Shops

Poilâne, 46 Elizabeth St. (☎ 7808 4910; www.poilane.fr), Victoria or Sloane Sq. Paris’s most famous boulangerie brings freshly baked delights to Belgravia. The shop is très petit and offers a selection ...more