Rita's

"If being in the heart of Soho, knocking back mini martinis, and popping chilli water-laden gildas to the soundtrack of LCD Soundsystem sounds like your kind of birthday meal, then you’ll like Rita’s. A medley of southern fried quail and punchy low-intervention wines makes for an extremely fun evening. It’s not a big restaurant, nor is it elaborate, but no other restaurant is doing modern American like this in London." - jake missing, rianne shlebak, sinead cranna, heidi lauth beasley

"At Rita’s, it’s all about candlelight and Roy Davis Jr playing in the background, groups of penny loafers clip-clopping in, and trademark punchy martinis alongside chilli water-laden gildas. The room isn’t big or elaborate, but it is comfortable. Bowls of homely clams with sugared Idaho scones, and a plate of Southern fried quail with creamed corn could be on the changing menu. It’s a dash of Americana that feels completely at home in London." - jake missing, rianne shlebak, sinead cranna, daisy meager

"Rita's is a taste of Americana in the heart of Soho where cocktails and chilli water-laden jalapeño gildas are served all summer long. Inside, it’s all candlelight and an excellent playlist, but it can get pretty crowded. Which is where the backyard garden comes in. It’s simple—essentially a brick courtyard with whitewashed walls—but that’s all part of the charm." - heidi lauth beasley, jake missing, rianne shlebak, sinead cranna

"Missy Flynn is co-owner of Rita’s, a Soho spot where you can get a taste of Americana and a chilli water-laden jalapeño gilda. If candlelight and great music are your thing, you’ll love it here. On any given night this spot is crowded with groups of Prada loafers and acrylic nails. Stop by for dates, drinks, and a cardiac-inducing chicken parmigiana." - heidi lauth beasley, jake missing, rianne shlebak, sinead cranna

"Jalapeño popper gilda In the relatively poky pantheon of seductive and small fish-based snacks, Rita’s gilda rates extremely highly. The cream cheese-stuffed olive, anchovy, and jalapeño creation arrives on a silver tray looking like an illicit treat from the future. As is Soho tradition, it’s best eaten with a very strong drink in your other hand. Like a martini, one isn’t enough but three is too many." - jake missing, heidi lauth beasley