London's culinary landscape is home to a dazzling array of restaurants, each with its unique story to tell. But what happens when we try to condense this vibrant scene into a single list? Do we risk losing the essence of what makes these establishments truly special?
For food writer Jonathan Nunn, the answer lies in embracing the subjective nature of "best" and celebrating the diversity that defines London's food culture. His latest project, a list of 99 restaurants, took him over two years to compile after devouring nearly 3,000 meals at eateries across the city.
However, as Nunn notes, when we create lists like these, we're forced to confront some uncomfortable questions. What does it truly mean to be "the best"? Is it solely about the culinary expertise of the chefs or about creating an unforgettable dining experience? Shouldn't we consider the impact that restaurants have on their local communities and the skill involved in crafting a simple yet delicious dish?
Nunn's approach is refreshingly honest, revealing the inherent flaws in traditional lists like those found in Michelin or The World's 50 Best. These guides often prioritize high-end establishments over more humble eateries, which can lead to an unrepresentative view of London's food scene.
In contrast, personal lists – those written from a place of passion and experience – are far more compelling. They're the ones that show us that even the most esteemed restaurants aren't immune to criticism or controversy. Take Richard Collin's New Orleans Underground Gourmet, for instance, which exposed a spaghetti sauce scandal in the city.
For Nunn, the goal is not to create a definitive ranking but to spark conversation and encourage readers to develop their own opinions on what makes a restaurant truly exceptional. By doing so, we're reminded that "best" is often a matter of personal preference – one that's shaped by our individual experiences and relationships with food.
As Nunn points out, some of the most memorable restaurants are those that hold a special place in our hearts. Whether it's Ognisko for birthday celebrations or Survivor for comforting Jamaican takeaway, these eateries embody the very essence of what makes London's food scene so richly diverse.
Ultimately, Nunn's list is more than just a collection of top-rated restaurants – it's an invitation to engage with the complex web of emotions and memories that we associate with our favorite dining spots. By embracing this subjective approach, we can create lists that truly capture the spirit of what makes London's food scene so remarkable.
For food writer Jonathan Nunn, the answer lies in embracing the subjective nature of "best" and celebrating the diversity that defines London's food culture. His latest project, a list of 99 restaurants, took him over two years to compile after devouring nearly 3,000 meals at eateries across the city.
However, as Nunn notes, when we create lists like these, we're forced to confront some uncomfortable questions. What does it truly mean to be "the best"? Is it solely about the culinary expertise of the chefs or about creating an unforgettable dining experience? Shouldn't we consider the impact that restaurants have on their local communities and the skill involved in crafting a simple yet delicious dish?
Nunn's approach is refreshingly honest, revealing the inherent flaws in traditional lists like those found in Michelin or The World's 50 Best. These guides often prioritize high-end establishments over more humble eateries, which can lead to an unrepresentative view of London's food scene.
In contrast, personal lists – those written from a place of passion and experience – are far more compelling. They're the ones that show us that even the most esteemed restaurants aren't immune to criticism or controversy. Take Richard Collin's New Orleans Underground Gourmet, for instance, which exposed a spaghetti sauce scandal in the city.
For Nunn, the goal is not to create a definitive ranking but to spark conversation and encourage readers to develop their own opinions on what makes a restaurant truly exceptional. By doing so, we're reminded that "best" is often a matter of personal preference – one that's shaped by our individual experiences and relationships with food.
As Nunn points out, some of the most memorable restaurants are those that hold a special place in our hearts. Whether it's Ognisko for birthday celebrations or Survivor for comforting Jamaican takeaway, these eateries embody the very essence of what makes London's food scene so richly diverse.
Ultimately, Nunn's list is more than just a collection of top-rated restaurants – it's an invitation to engage with the complex web of emotions and memories that we associate with our favorite dining spots. By embracing this subjective approach, we can create lists that truly capture the spirit of what makes London's food scene so remarkable.
what about all the hidden gems that people never talk about? those are the ones that really make london food scene special.
They always make me think that someone's had a free meal at Michelin-starred places and now they're an expert 
. I mean, who gets to decide what's 'the best'? Is it just the chefs or is it actually about the community and the experience? It feels like these lists are trying to fit every restaurant into this tiny box and that's just not fair to all the amazing, hidden gems out there 
.
. But still, I wish these lists would be more inclusive and not just focus on the high-end places. Can't we celebrate all kinds of food experiences, from street food to fancy restaurant meals? 
. It's all about celebrating the diversity and uniqueness of each spot, rather than trying to fit them into a narrow definition of "best". And I'm totally with him on that – what does "best" even mean, anyway? Is it just about fancy food or is it about creating an experience that makes you feel like you're part of something special?
. They show us that even the best restaurants aren't immune to criticism, and that's what makes them human. And let's be real, who needs a fancy list when you can just ask your friends for recommendations? 
What I love about Nunn's approach is that he's not trying to create some definitive ranking – he's just encouraging people to share their own opinions and experiences.
. That's what makes London's food scene so amazing – there's something for everyone, and that's what makes it truly special 
.
no more trying to fit every restaurant into a tiny box 
. How did Jonathan Nunn actually compile all those meals and reviews? Did he just eat his way through London or is there some kind of formulaic approach to ranking restaurants? 
I need some credible sources on this before I even start considering it a legit list.
. I guess it's all about personal preference and being open to trying new things... but at the same time, can't we just make a list for fun and not overthink it 
?
. london's food scene is all about diversity and individual experiences, so let's celebrate that instead of trying to fit everything into a neat little list 
. Who needs "best" when you can just enjoy the ride? 
its all about personal faves n experiences, not some fake ranking 
. I mean its cool he got personal experience and stuff but honestly some ppl just gotta get over themselves 
.
everyone can chime in with their own thoughts and maybe even get some new recs 