From Bisushima to Brindisa, here are the best things the CODE team ate this week

Bisushima

Who would have thought that you could enjoy a meal on a terrace at the end of October in London? “We must be mad,” I hear a fellow diner say. We weren’t mad for choosing Bisushima as our after-work sushi dinner, that’s for sure. Favourites included the Toro rolls containing dry aged tuna belly, kanpyo & shiso, and the yellowtail carpaccio. The sushi is nicely washed down with their signature list of cocktails, and their large selection of sake.
Henry Southan, editorial intern

Bone Daddies

Bone Daddies is one of the best places to eat ramen in London and we were lucky enough to visit the OG joint on Peter Street in Soho. We had a window seat which made me feel pretty bad as I tucked into my crispy fried chicken with yuzu kosho mayo in front of the queue of waiting guests. We were blown away by the Tantanmen 3, a plant-based, warming bowl of sesame, chili and fresh tofu (and the melt in the mouth ramen egg). Don’t forget to order some snacks like Korean fried chicken wings and their in-house kimchi. You can even crush a pickled garlic at your table for some extra flavour. Bone Daddies has some wicked beers too (Gipsy Hill Hepcat did the job). You’ll need to visit a few times to finish this extensive and inventive menu.
Tom Pilgrim, accounts manager

Mike’s

Since it opened earlier this year, I’ve been meaning to go to Mike’s but it seemed eternally booked up. I finally made it last weekend and boy oh boy was it worth the wait. Having made the trip to Peckham specifically for their pizza, we were in for the long haul and whiled away the afternoon ordering slice after slice. My personal favourite was the roast datterini with anchovy cream and basil but the ‘Nicoletta’ – pineapple, mozzarella, scotch bonnet onions and mortadella – was a close runner up and has forever changed my mind about pineapple’s place on pizza.
Molly Wade, memberships manager

Townsend

With its wood and mirror panelling, bar lighting and parquet floors, Townsend is a handsome restaurant befitting its setting in the Whitechapel Gallery. Though very much attached to the gallery, it has a sense of independence and is a warm refuge from the noise and chaos of Whitechapel High Street outside. The CVs from the team here are equally inviting: the operation is led by Nick Gilkinson of the Garden Museum Cafe, so naturally the cooking is seasonal and pared-back but with refinement. In the kitchen is head chef Chris Shaw, who comes from Emile, bringing with him some familiar flourishes and, notably, the celeriac and hazelnut dish – meaty, buttery and hidden under a snowdrift of Berkswell and black truffle.
Chloe Hamilton, content manager

Brindisa Richmond

We were invited to come and try Brindisa’s new tapas restaurant in Richmond, which opened earlier this month. It’s in a prime spot right on the riverfront and as with all Brindisa kitchens, the menu showcases the best Spanish produce around. Favourites include the Arroz Negro, Jamón Ibérico Croquetas and the selection of Brindisa’s cheeses. With a beautiful selection of wines to accompany, I’m sure they’ll be a hit in Richmond, especially outside once we see some warmer weather again!
Sam Selwood, accounts manager

Carousel, Fitzrovia

I was lucky enough to enjoy a preview of the new residency-focused Carousel restaurant in Fitzrovia. While the site has a little while to go before opening, the evening gave a glimpse of what’s to come. We sampled what will be the wine bar menu, with co-founder Ollie Templeton in the kitchen. Favourites included the grilled pork collar with radish and plum, delica pumpkin with burrata and sage, and a decadent take on a classic apple pie with lemon thyme and caramel ice cream. Charlotte Street welcomes yet another fabulous restaurant.
Henry Southan, editorial intern

Dispatch’s Osso Buco Festive Feast by Cafe Murano

Whilst the finish-at-home meal kit market is struggling against the allure of dining out, Dishpatch have corned the premium end of the market and offer feasting menus from some of the best chefs in the UK. We tried out Angela Hartnett’s Cafe Murano Festive Feast which comprised heaven-sent porcini and truffle arancini, a spread of antipasti and then the main event: Chianti braised osso buco with a silky, saffron-gold risotto alla Milanese. Dolci was an equally brilliant panettone bread and butter pudding. The beauty of the feast was in the quality of ingredients that shone through but also in how easy it was to pull together so you can wine and dine your loved one without distraction.
Chloe Hamilton, content manager

Read more reviews from the CODE team here