Andrew Edmunds restaurant in London

Candle-lit, well-worn, and with an overwhelming Dickensian vibe to it, Andrew Edmunds is a permanently packed, deeply romantic Soho institution—though it could be larger, less creaky, and the church-pew wooden bench seats more forgiving. Tucked away behind Carnaby Street, it's a favorite with the insider Soho media mafia that come for daily changing, photo-copied, fixed-price lunch menus and the overall quirky/historic vibe. Satisfyingly rustic and keenly priced starters and mains draw on the tastes of Ireland, the Mediterrannean, and the Middle East. Harissa-spiced mackerel, woodcock on toast, goose rillettes, seafood paella, and pork belly with apple purée are all hale and hearty.