London based holistic health coach and Urbanologist, Tori Boughey, shares with U her favourite places for ‘soul food’.

When on a quest to find somewhere to feed my soul, I go no further than this handful of places. There are (rare) occasions where I want to walk out not feeling ‘over-fed’, there are others where I’m desperate for comfort and then sometimes it’s all about health to the bone. I can assure you, if you order right at all of the below you will not leave feeling anything but delighted with your restaurant choice.

La Famiglia

There’s something about the name that is instantly inviting: La Famiglia, a family run Italian in the heart of Chelsea and the best food you’ll taste outside of Italy. And we’re talking first dates, birthday’s, family lunches… You name it, they’ll cover it. You want to sit outside come rain or shine (in winter they have a canopy), it’s beautiful with the odd olive tree and pale blue tablecloth; you’ll feel transported to Italy within minutes. As I never eat pasta at home, I have a habit of ordering spaghetti carbonara whenever I visit La Famiglia, however the Sea Bream with fennel and white wine is incredible, rocket & parmesan is a forever favourite of mine and be sure to order fried zucchini and just wait until you see the pudding trolley… The profiteroles are ridonkulous.

Foley’s

Nestled in the midst of Fitzrovia, Foley’s is without a doubt my favourite fusion restaurant in London right now! Ideal for lunches - both rapid or lengthy and for dinner with the crew. If there’s a group of you then sit downstairs in the cave cabins - you’re right in the mix with the chef’s, where you’re able to witness the magic happen - or alternatively switch off from everything else around you and be engrossed in eachother. If you’re only a couple then prop yourself on a stool at the window-bar upstairs and enjoy a Foley’s Gin & Tonic and immerse yourself in the atmosphere.

Foodwise, you really want to get as much of the menu covered as possible, but let’s not mess about - these are the musts: the salmon tartare taco, the Korean BBQ chicken thighs, the Aubergine and pomegranate extravaganza, the sticky pork and grilled octopus - if you aren’t so keen on attacking the ‘bits & bobs’ or ‘small plates’ then I couldn’t recommend the Persian lamb tacos or Bangkok market fried fish more! Everything beautifully presented and just exquisite. My mouth is actually watering as I write.

Chicama

This is a new favourite of mine, tucked away near the Vivienne Westwood store on the King’s Road, Chelsea. First and foremost, the waiters are enchanting, so welcoming helpful - you’re in for a good evening if you’re blessed with John Doe’s presence. Its menu is entirely inspired by the coastal food of Peru, quite the fashion right now in London. The interiors are so up my street; Michaela Philippo’s touch, complimenting the aura with rustic coloured tiles, a combination of copper and marble and you’ll eat from the most beautiful, pastel plates and bowls.You want to sit in the middle of the restaurant, in-front of the kitchen-action, or if a balmy evening then outside on the terrace. Do the right thing and order the crispy aubergine, sea bass ceviche, tuna tostada with avocado & jalapeño sauce, the fish of the day and the black rice. You can thank me later. Oh and have the Mariposa cocktail.

Tonkotsu

For me, Tonkotsu ticks a variety of boxes. Whether I’m hungover, tired, cold or in search of an Eastern inspired feed, ramen is usually what I’m searching for this is where I’ll head. There are a handful in London: just of Portobello road, Soho, Southbank and East…. So basically wherever you go - you’re not too far from one of these havens. You want to avoid going with a big group - its great for a quick dinner-for-two or a lunch pitstop, but you’re most likely going to be sitting at the noodle bar and not wanting to linger.  Menu wise, we’re talking some shared gyoza and edamame to start and then my favourite ramen is the chilli chicken - but if you can handle ‘rich’ then the classic Tonkotsu is the one for you.

Farmacy

I couldn’t agree more with the belief that food really is our medicine, so hats off to the crew behind this gem which is a stone’s throw away from Westbourne Grove in West London, they’ve created a swanky, vegan restaurant that’ll serve you a Martini for a Friday night or a syringe shot of turmeric for a Monday morning; that’s balanced right? Whilst nothing too hectic or marvellous, the interiors are something to bark about - there’s greenery coming from the ceilings and comfy bonquette seating. Food wise, perfect for a brunch with the girls, and I’d recommend the protein omelette. And for lunch or dinner I’d go for nachos to share followed by the chef’s green curry or the Asian salad followed by the Pharmacy burger and make sure you do not leave without trying the ‘nice cream brownie sundae’, it’s a game changer. 

TBalance is a Holistic Health Coaching service and brand that strives to help people connect with, value and look after themselves. Tori offers one on one coaching programs to assist people in becoming the best version of themselves. Focusing heavily on what individuals are eating, of course - but she believes that health starts with everything else that ‘fills us up’. From relationships and exercise, to careers and spirituality - Tori’s courses guide people through techniques that teach people how to love and respect themselves.

Ideal For

Nourishment, feeding the soul