East and west London restaurants added to UK Michelin Guide

Both east and west London are represented in these inclusions, with Tamil Prince in Islington and Notting Hill’s Caia earning a spot.

The Islington back street desi pub has been open for barely two years, winning diners over from day one.

Housed in a back street pub, the restaurant still retains its pubby feel

Created by the Roti King team, The Tamil Prince serves up a compact, but punchy menu, comprising of small and large plates.  

Tuck into the likes of okra fries, Indian desi salad, and pulled beef masala uttapum with chilli coconut chutney as starters or sharing plates, or try the grilled tiger prawns rolled in a vibrant garlic masala rub or the chettinad lamb curry.

Behind the bar, there’s craft beers, refreshing cocktails and really good wine.

Michelin Inspectors said that the people behind The Tamil Prince have “demonstrated the possibilities are limitless” when it comes to defining what a typical London pub is.

They added: “They took over what was previously The Cuckoo, gave it a lick of warm green paint inside and turned it into a hugely popular venue for their appetising menu of dishes inspired by the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. If you can’t get a seat inside, take advantage of the tail-end of summer by trying your luck with one of the outdoor tables.

Over in Notting Hill, Caia also opened in 2022, and the music-forward wine bar and open fire restaurant has hosted many a DJ since opening.

Horse Meat Disco DJs, Phonica Records, Rough Trade Records and NTS Radio have all set up behind the decks since launching.

Found on Golborne Road, the neighbourhood wine bar focuses on natural and low intervention wines and cocktails, as well as small plates of the likes of red prawns; black carrots with sea urchin and bottarga; Monkfish cheeks, and Wagyu ribeye.

Speaking about Caia, Michelin Inspectors described the bar as “cool”, adding: “The sharing plates benefit from the kitchen’s skill at cooking over an open fire – don’t miss the black carrot with sea urchin sauce; wines are varied and well chosen; and downstairs a DJ delves deep into a diverse album collection. Come with friends for a fun night out.”

The neighbourhood pub and wine bar were just two venues of 12 UK-wide restaurants that were added to the guide.

For the full list, visit August: The Michelin Inspectors’ Favourite New Restaurants