The Best Central London Restaurants

Strada - Kingston-Upon-Thames

Address: 1 The Griffin Centre, Market Place, KT1 1JT
Telephone:

One of the newest additions to this perennially popular chain of modern Italian restaurants, Strada Kingston occupies two floors of a grand listed building near (though not on) the Thames. The main Strada ingredients are all here - a buzz, dark wood tables, burgundy banquette seating, friendly staff, quality fish, meat, pasta, veggie dishes and scrummy big wood-fired pizzas, good wine list - but this time in a large, tall-ceilinged space filled with sunlight flooding in through big windows. What makes this branch different to most of the others is its bar, reached by stairs enclosed beneath a gleaming glass conservatory at the entrance. It's up here that locals like to make the most of the relaxed vibe with great cocktails. Planning a BIG party? Strada's your venue. The Kingston branch has a ginormous 150 covers over two floors, waiting to be filled at get-togethers, Christmas parties, business lunches and birthday parties. Plus there's room for 20 people outside the lovely listed building. Twenty is also the size of the largest group booking accepted. Smaller groups can hire a cosy burgundy banquette or two. The whole of the top floor can be hired, with exclusive use of the bar. As social Strada connoisseurs will know, menu choices are simply a la carte and set. Lots of vegetarian dish options. Children are welcome and have use of highchairs should they need them. No smoking area. Air-conditioned. Open seven days a week.