My favourite restaurants: Sam & Sam Clark

London is brimming with excellent restaurants, but only a select few can lay claim to true icon status - and Moro is one of them. Opened back in the ‘90s - a time when other legendary names like St. JOHN and The River Cafe were also launching - the Exmouth Market restaurant was the first of its kind, introducing Londoners to Moorish cuisine and flavours. The restaurant introduced diners to unfamiliar ingredients, from pomegranate molasses to preserved lemon, while pioneering the stripped-back, seasonal cooking that has since become a hallmark of the city's dining scene. 30 years on, Moro’s timeless identity and enduring influence still makes it one of the hottest reservations in town, and that’s all thanks to founders, Sam and Sam Clark.

The husband-and-wife duo first met in the early 1990s, later crossing paths at gastropub The Eagle in Farringdon. With experience in some of London’s top kitchens, the pair set off in a campervan travelling around Spain and Morocco in search of fresh inspiration. Through exploring local markets and embracing different dining cultures, they returned home with a car-load of ingredients and a wealth of ideas no one had heard of. The idea for Moro was born.

Making its debut in the same location it occupies today, Moro was an instant smash hit. Underpinned by produce-led, bold cooking, the restaurant has become known for its exemplary technique, balanced spicing and perfectly judged flavours. Above all else, Sam and Sam made Moro a home first and a business second, creating an incubator for new ideas, recipe testing and emerging talent. Many of its alumni have since gone on to open cult London restaurants, including Bocca di Lupo, Carousel and Padella, carrying the lessons they learned at Moro with them.

Sam and Sam Clark may be best known for their trailblazing take on North African and Spanish cuisine, but the pair also have a soft spot for Asian food. Having travelled extensively throughout the Far East, they often cook Asian food at home and for staff meals at Moro - which, we hear, are very popular. We asked them to share some of their favourite Asian spots in London, from trusty favourites in the heart of the city to hidden neighbourhood gems and unassuming takeaway joints.

Dim Sum Duck, King's Cross

Sam & Sam Clark say: ‘Fast establishing itself as the place in London for dim sum, this family-run restaurant on King's Cross Road - and more recently on Pentonville Road - is wonderful. The dim sum is spot on and super fresh. We're so lucky that it's round the corner from us, and so glad that they have opened a second, larger restaurant, which helps with the queues. Our favourite dishes are the bean curd skin prawn roll, glutinous rice wrap with lotus leaf, salt and pepper tofu, stir-fried morning glory with preserved bean curd and chilli, cheung fun, and BBQ roast duck.’
Where: 124 King's Cross Road, WC1X 9DS
Book now: Dim Sum Duck

Lucky & Joy, Clapton

Sam & Sam Clark say: ‘Opened in 2020 by ex-Moro chef Ellen Parr and Pete Kelly, this joyful Clapton restaurant serves regional Chinese food - and just keeps getting better and better. Their homemade fragrant chilli oil is a must for the store cupboard. The menu changes seasonally but some of our favourites from over the years are Grandma’s potatoes, cucumber, tofu skin and Guizhou chilli dressing, and Hunan-style crispy pork.’
Where: 95 Lower Clapton Road, E5 0NP
Book now: Lucky & Joy

Chisou, Mayfair

Sam & Sam Clark say: ‘Tucked behind New Bond Street, Chisou always delivers as a family favourite for Japanese food. It is unpretentious, has a great atmosphere, and never disappoints. You can't go wrong with any of the sushi, sashimi and nigiri, as well as the aged dashi dofu, and the Horenso salad.’
Where: 22-23 Woodstock Street, W1C 2AR
Book now: Chisou

Plaza Khao Gaeng, Oxford Street

Sam & Sam Clark say: ‘For authentic, uncompromised Thai flavours, Plaza Khao Gaeng transports you to Bangkok. We always go for the stir-fried bitter gourd with egg, pineapple salad with dried prawn and roast coconut, dry wok-fried pork with chillies, long pepper and wild galangal, and crispy egg.’
Where: 103-105 New Oxford Street, WC1A 1DB
Book now: Plaza Khao Gaeng

Song Que, Hoxton

Sam & Sam Clark say: ‘Opened 30 years ago on Kingsland Road, Song Que has always been the benchmark for Vietnamese food in East London. It is now run by the second generation and is as good as, if not better than, ever - and always bustling. Our favourite dishes include papaya salad with prawn, grilled beef wrapped in betel leaf, rare steak, flank and tripe beef pho, grilled pork, spring rolls, and shredded pork bun.’
Where: 134 Kingsland Road, E2 8DY
Book now: Song Que

Xi'an Impression, Highbury

Sam & Sam Clark say: ‘Opposite the Arsenal stadium and at the bottom of the hill from where we live is our favourite takeaway, Xi'an Impression, which does very tasty Szechuan food. Our top picks are the refreshing black fungus and smacked cucumber with garlic sauce, Xi’an cold noodles in sesame sauce, and Xinjiang stir-fried chicken with bones.’
Where: 117 Benwell Road, N7 7BW
Book now: Xi'an Impression

If you love all kinds of Asian food, check out our top picks for the best Chinese restaurants in London or make a reservation at one of the top Japanese restaurants in the city. For more chef-selected restaurant recommendations, find out where Tommy Banks, Leonard Tanyag and Uncle Roger love to eat.