The River Cafe

Though celebrating some 20-plus years long-standing, the crowds still flock to Rose Gray and Ruth Rogers' enduringly famous Hammersmith Italian at the edge of the Thames. The place almost needs no description; a spacious, modern, minimalist white room (converted from an 18th-century warehouse) comes with plenty of steel and glass, and an urban vibe that successfully mixes a bustling, informal atmosphere with a fine-dining experience. Light floods in through floor-to-ceiling windows (opening up to the terrace in summer), and there's a long stainless-steel open kitchen with wood-burning oven, lively cocktail bar and close-set tables to add to the buzz. Menus change twice daily, so there's a sense of spontaneity to the flavour-driven cooking. The authentic, unfussy Italian cuisine - mainly Tuscan and Lombardian influenced - doesn't come cheap, but uses only the very best, freshest produce (with many ingredients specifically sourced for their rarity, locality and seasonality) simply treated and presented with skill and panache. Take wild sea bass roasted with lemon, capers and thyme and served with Castleluccio lentils and roasted trevise, and to finish, perhaps lemon tart or pannacotta with grappa and champagne rhubarb.

Restaurant in converted warehouse. Entrance on S side of Rainville Rd at junct with Bowfell Rd
Nearest station: Hammersmith

Find your way with AA atlases, books and maps
Plan a route to this location »  The River Cafe, London w6