Arbutus Restaurant

Since opening to universal acclaim in 2006, with the aim of offering great quality, value-for-money dining in relaxed and informal surroundings, this high-achieving brainchild of ex-Putney Bridge restaurant duo Anthony Demetre and Will Smith has gone from strength to strength. Located at the Soho Square end of bustling Frith Street, its unassuming dark-grey frontage conceals an equally understated interior that is cool and calm, with a smart, simple décor dominated by creams and dark browns. In the style of the bistro moderne, white tablecloths and formal service have been put aside in favour of a relaxed atmosphere in smart yet unpretentious surroundings. Service (with Will Smith out front) is friendly but slick and polished, and bar-seating is also available in the U-shaped dining room. Anthony Demetre's impressive modern bistro cooking displays obvious pedigree, the style intelligently simple, highly skilled, imaginative and innovative, with a shopping list of more humble ingredients also helping to elevate it above the crowd. Flavours are clear and confident and combinations well judged, as in a vibrant starter of squid and mackerel 'burger' served with parsley emulsion, pea shoots, razor clams and finely sliced baby squid. For main course, take perfectly cooked line-caught Cornish pollack with macaroni, chorizo and octopus, or perhaps bavette of Scottish beef with dauphinoise potatoes.

Exit Tottenham Court Road tube station, turn left into Oxford St. Left onto Soho St, cross over or continue around Soho Sq, restaurant is on Frith St 25mtrs on right
Nearest station: Tottenham Court Road

Find your way with AA atlases, books and maps
Plan a route to this location »  Arbutus Restaurant, London w1