Full bouquet

Wildflowers (Belgravia)

RESTAURANTS • First Word

The Skinny: Nestled inside a small boutique shopping arcade in smart Belgravia, Wildflowers serves the sort of flavourful, perfectly executed food one would expect in Borough Market or Soho, but in a part of London where such unpretentious spots are harder to find. Opened last fall, the debut restaurant from Aaron Potter — who previously worked at London favourites Trinity and Elystan Street — focuses on Mediterranean-inspired open-fire cooking.

The Vibe: The restaurant offers two distinct spaces over two floors inside the interior-design-focused Newson’s Yard. On the ground floor is the long, narrow restaurant where most tables have a view onto Carter’s open kitchen. Upstairs is a spacious balcony bar looking onto the smart main area of Newson’s Yard, giving an open, airy feel (without actually being outdoors). Interior stylist Laura Hart is behind the decor, which includes vintage furniture, exposed brick, and colourful art. With a mix of more secluded tables and those in full view of the pass, it’s great for everything from business lunches to romantic dates or group dinners.

The Food: It’s all about the grill, which touches everything from the signature sugar pit Iberico pork chop to the Italian bitter leaf salad. Consider going lighter on the mains in favour of snacks and starters, like moules farcies, a platter of 12 piping hot mussels in their shells, drenched in garlic and parsley butter. Dessert is excellent, with options like fior di latte gelato with olive oil, sea salt, and grape balsamic.

The Drink: A brown butter Old Fashioned makes for a great start to the meal, as would a pour of Wildflowers’ own wine from the tap. Staying longer? Retreat to the intimate upstairs wine bar for a postprandial drink.

The Verdict: A banging neighbourhood restaurant worth travelling across London for. –Laura Price

→ Wildflowers (Belgravia) • Newsons Yard, 57 Pimlico Rd • Tue-Sat 12-3p & 6-10p, Sun 12-4p • Book.