From Burmese to Japanese, here are the best things the CODE team ate this week

Lahpet

To the new Lahpet in the West End on Thursday night, where margaritas preceded a platter of fritters – sweetcorn and shallot, tofu, split pea – to be dipped in tamarind sauce. I had fond memories of the tea leaf salad, too, first enjoyed when I visited the original restaurant in Shoreditch. I ordered it again, along with a green tomato number and another of ginger, twice-fried beans and cabbage. All were excellent. As were the grilled king prawns, which were paired with a spicy tomato chutney. By the time the hake curry arrived, and then crisp belly pork with a sour bamboo curry, I was dutifully full, and well aware I’ll be returning.
Josh Barrie, editor
CODE was a guest of Laphet

Sumosan Twiga

There is a lot of choice when it comes to a high-end brunch in London, yet Sumosan Twiga in Knightsbridge continues to be a hotspot of fun and free-flowing Veuve Cliquot on a Saturday afternoon. Perfect for a group of friends looking for a party vibe at lunchtime, Twiga offers a delicious Italian/Japanese fusion menu where you get to try a selection of sushi, salads and robata dishes. Let the DJ create the soundtrack to your Saturday, chances are you’ll be on your feet dancing before dessert arrives.
Henry Southan, social media manager
CODE was a guest of Sumosan Twiga

Uno Mas

Finding Spanish food worth its salt in Dublin city has always been sisyphean. Four years ago, Uno Mas made a play. Sister to the beloved Etto, it is now a ward of Aungier Street. While the main courses at Uno Mas have a certain guile, they are the kilt of many. The para picar section, however, is the divine light of simplicity itself. There is nowhere else to pick and share tapas than in the muted light of this small restaurant. Like the charm of a summer night, you can let your senses run awry. The sound of sherry-filled glasses chiming is forever enticing, and decisions become easier as time passes on.
Céire Carey, operations associate

Itaku

I was excited to visit Itaku when I first heard the news of its opening some months ago. To see the renders now materialised into this beautiful restaurant in Fitzrovia is fascinating. The menu is a celebration of Italian and Japanese cuisine together, with unlikely but surprisingly delicious pairings like seabass sashimi with ‘Nduja and sea urchin linguini. You must also sample their inventive cocktail list.
Henry Southan, social media manager
CODE was a guest of Itaku

Variety Jones

The site of meal so memorable three years ago that when an early table became free midweek at Variety Jones, I almost considered taking a 3 hour train to make it. This drastic action was alleviated by a later Thursday sitting at the Thomas Street restaurant with the enigmatic door. Time’s ravages had left the sommelier untouched, recalling our last encounter with precision, and leading us with a sure hand to Domaine Leon Boesch and Chateau Musar. We ate the tasting menu with alacrity, stopping to wonder at the witchcraft of head chef Keelan Higgs, a man who knows celeriac. A lasting flavour is the sultry purple beetroot ketchup crowning the carrots. Another memory to hold onto.
Céire Carey, operations associate

Read more reviews from the CODE team here