Carrot in London: Munch with Mansi's top five restaurants

Did you know our editor-in-chief Mansi Vithlani is a big foodie? To kick off our new column, “Carrot in London”, Mansi shares her top five restaurants perfect for several occasions from her delicious account.

We are so excited to announce our new column, Carrot in London… yes a play on Emily in Paris! This column will feature articles that will act as a guide for new students to London and for prospective students who love living in the big city but are unsure on where to visit. Carrot in London will be providing content around things to do here, how to avoid ‘touristy’ traps, the most Instagrammable places and giving honest opinions on whether places are genuinely worth the hype. And what better way to kick off the column with a food listicle from our EIC.

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I have been a huge foodie my whole life and when I decided to move to London, it was the food scene that excited me the most. During the summer I decided to make a food page on Instagram called “munch with mansi” where I share my best food finds in London. As I navigate this whirlwind of third year, I always make time for food, whether it be I find a new restaurant on the gram or I am procrastinating and eating out will distract me. Anyway, let’s kickstart Carrot in London and delve into my top five delicious restaurants that can cater various needs and are absolutely *chef’s kiss*. More detailed reviews on my Instagram in the extended captions (@munchwithmansi).

My go-to brunch spot:

When it comes to my favourite meal of the day, I will always choose brunch. Need a catch-up with a friend – go for brunch, hungover after a big night out – go for brunch, need a good study spot – go for brunch. My go-to is Grind, and if you are a vegetarian like myself, you will fall in love with their ‘Full Vegetarian English’, but their ‘Sweet potato harissa cakes’ are just divine. I have mine without eggs and you can request scrambled tofu too – super veggie/vegan friendly. I tend to opt for an iced coffee or an oat milk latte but if you are feeling a little spicy, you must order their cocktails and you can also enjoy bottomless prosecco everyday before 5pm – what more could you ask for! With eight locations across London, you’ll be able to get seated even when you are feeling spontaneous! My personal favourite location is tucked away in Broadgate Circle, near to Liverpool Street station.

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Fancy an Italian?

As a university student I eat a lot of pasta so when it comes to eating out, I tend to stay away from Italian restaurants. Harry’s Bar changed my mind and took me to Italian heaven. If you are an avid TikTok user like myself, I am certain you have seen the famous ‘Harry’s Toadstool’ and the video went straight into my favourites. The pasta dishes are nothing like I’ve tasted before with the ‘pasta verde’ and their pumpkin filled ravioli infused in the most beautiful and sweet sauces. Now Harry’s is rather difficult to get a booking, so I advise planning a date and putting this in your diary ahead of time as you don’t want to miss out on their exquisite traditional Italian cuisine. A little more on the expensive side but it is worth every penny, and if I could, I would go every week. P.S their Tiramisu is one of the best I have tried in the whole of London!

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The best for vegans:

A slight disclaimer for this one – I was invited to this meal and it was all paid for but I will be going again. Being vegetarian or vegan can be challenging but London has so many restaurants that cater for plant-based diets. Holy Carrot is a rather new, revolutionary plant-based restaurant in London and their is goal is to provide guests with a new way of experiencing and appreciating vegan dishes. My personal favourite was the ‘Holy Maki’ – vegan sushi is hard to perfect but they got it just right. The restaurant is also one of the most aesthetically pleasing so be sure to get some snaps ‘for the gram’. I know friends who LOVE their meat and tested Holy Carrot and instantly fell in love with their plant-based substitutes for chicken and salmon.

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Going for the Gram?

I must admit, I do love an eatery that goes all out and ensures that their restaurant is perfect for Instagram photo opportunities. Claimed as ‘the most Instagrammable hotspot in London”, EL&N have really made a name for themselves, starting with just two locations in London to now ten, and even one in Doha, Qatar. Pink, pink, pink – the cafe chain the most vibrant decor to match their aesthetic and playful menu. I have been on multiple occasions for brunch, lunch and even for a hot drink and each location never fails to amaze me. It is the perfect place for a catch-up with friends and if your parents are ever in town be sure to take them as they will be mesmerised.

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If you want to splash the cash:

Now when I say this is for special occasions, please take my word for it. Fine dining in London is an aspect I wish I could do all of the time but it is not feasible at all. However, if you have a VERY special celebration, I would recommend Mimi Mei Fair. An opulent restaurant tucked away in Mayfair, Mimi offers China’s rich gastronomic traditions from over the decades. The food is incredibly delicate and the ‘vegetable dim sum’ is the best I have ever tried – I have a tendency to dream and drool about them when I am hungry. If you enjoy eating out where you can have a full experience with incredible service and a peaceful setting then this restaurant is for – just keep an eye out for their prices!

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