Rita's
Bistro · Soho
49 Lexington St, Carnaby, London W1F 9AP, United Kingdom
Highlights
Candlelit Soho spot with punchy cocktails & chilli water gildas
Candlelit Soho spot with punchy cocktails & chilli water gildas
"If being in the heart of Soho, knocking back mini martinis, and popping chilli water-laden gildas to the soundtrack of LCD Soundsystem sounds like your kind of birthday meal, then you’ll like Rita’s. A medley of barbecued beef tartare and punchy low-intervention wines makes for an extremely fun evening. It’s not a big restaurant, nor is it elaborate, but no other restaurant is doing modern American like this in London." - jake missing, rianne shlebak, sinead cranna, heidi lauth beasley
"At Rita’s, it’s all about candlelight and Roy Davis Jr playing in the background, groups of penny loafers clip-clopping in, and trademark punchy martinis alongside chilli water-laden gildas. The room isn’t big or elaborate, but it is comfortable. Bowls of homely clams with sugared Idaho scones, and a plate of Southern fried quail with creamed corn could be on the changing menu. It’s a dash of American-inspired food that feels completely at home in London." - jake missing, rianne shlebak, sinead cranna, daisy meager
"Rita's is a taste of Americana in the heart of Soho where mini martinis and chilli water-laden jalapeño gildas are served all summer long. Inside, it’s all candlelight and an excellent playlist, but it can get pretty crowded. Which is where the backyard garden comes in. It’s simple—essentially a brick courtyard with whitewashed walls—but that’s all part of the charm. Keep an eye on their social media for details about when you can book." - heidi lauth beasley, jake missing, rianne shlebak, sinead cranna
"Any night that starts with a jalapeño popper resting on a mini martini is going to be a good one. Even if your head doesn’t think so the next morning. That’s how things go at Rita’s, a fashionable hangout in Soho. A booth with your favourite bad influences can spell trouble at this tight-knit spot. The beaujolais seems to pour itself and things like an Americana-inspired deep-fried quail demands fingers and fries. Consider an espresso martini for dessert. Soho is your oyster, after all." - rianne shlebak, heidi lauth beasley, jake missing, sinead cranna
"After a decade of pop-ups featuring fried chicken and always-punchy cocktails, Rita’s have moved into a candlelit Soho space to show off a more adult take on their American-influenced cuisine. Glistening gildas in a puddle of chilli water and sugary Idaho scones are essential." - jake missing, rianne shlebak
