My favourite restaurants: James Knappett

Fast becoming one of London's most recognisable fine dining restaurants, Kitchen Table has really become a poster child for the produce-led, hyper-seasonal, eclectic cooking style that has defined the last decade of high-end dining in London. Since chef founder James Knappett got up on stage to receive his second Michelin star in 2018, Kitchen Table has more or less been fully booked on every night, with a place at this iconic counter becoming on of the hardest seats to book in the capital. 

There's good reasons for that. Not only is Kitchen Table one of just 14 London restaurants to hold two Michelin stars, it also has just 20 seats along the curved, horseshoe counter. Every lucky guests who manages to get a booking gets a front row seat to the theatre, as Knappett and his team of chefs guide you through an intimate and highly precise blind tasting menu that can get up to 20 courses long. Utterly unique and compelling, it remains one of London's signature restaurant experiences over a decade after opening. 

James himself boasts a CV that includes some of the most famous, well-respected names in the industry. As a youngster he had planned to join the police, but later as a catering college student, an episode of Gordon Ramsay's Boiling Point documentary led him to get in touch with Ramsay. Incredibly, that meeting led to a job at Restaurant Gordon Ramsay, which proved a real baptism by fire for the young chef. 

Aside from Ramsay, James has worked for Rick Stein, as well as with Rene Redzepi at Noma, with Marcus Wareing at Petrus, and with Thomas Keller at Per Se in New York, where he met his now wife and Kitchen Table sommelier and front of house leader Sandia Chang. 

Phenomenally well travelled and leading the line at one of London's top restaurants, who better to grill for some restaurant recommendations? Scroll down to read about James' favourite places to eat in the UK.

Acme Fire Cult, Dalston

James says: ‘Andrew Clarke punches hard with flavours but cooks consciously with low waste, using fermentation and by-products. The vibe is always fun, cocktails are great, and rain or shine it is a great weekend place to hangout with the family.’
Where: The Bootyard, Abbot Street, E8 3DP
Book now: Acme Fire Cult

Plates, Shoreditch

James says: ‘There are not many plant-based restaurants in the UK. Here, Kirk Haworth brings vegetable-focused dining to London with not only respect to ingredients but skilful execution that leaves omnivores not missing meat.’
Where: 320 Old Street, EC1V 9DR
Book now: Plates

Timberyard, Edinburgh

James says: ‘This restaurant is truly inspirational. From service to the beverage program and the food, it never ceases to inspire me. The wine list is one of the best in the country.’
Where: 10 Lady Lawson Street, EH3 9DS
Book now: Timberyard

The Plimsoll, Finsbury Park

James says: ‘One of our favourite local pubs for food. The food is no-fuss and hits the spot of what you want from a pub with great ingredients and precise execution. There's something for everyone. Me and my kids fight over the chipolatas.’
Where: 52 St. Thomas's Road, N4 2QQ
Book now: The Plimsoll

Speedboat Bar, Chinatown

James says: ‘One of my favourite cuisines is Thai food. The Thai food here packs some heat. It has great authentic flavours with creative dishes you don't see in normal Thai restaurants. You can get a tower of beer on the table to help lower the heat. The vibe is bright and fun and it also opens late.’
Where: 30 Rupert Street, W1D 6DL
Book now: Speedboat Bar

Looking for more restaurant recs from chefs who are in the know? We’ve mined our connections for the most reliable, top-grade restaurant suggestions from chefs like Tom Cenci, Nuno Mendes, and Mike Davies.