Bacaro

Walk into Bacaro and you'll immediately notice the buzz. It's the kind of place where locals actually eat, not somewhere you've been dragged to reluctantly. The kitchen takes its Italian credentials seriously: handmade pasta that tastes like it should, risottos that aren't afraid of butter, and seafood done with restraint rather than faffing about. You're sitting shoulder-to-shoulder with other diners, which means the energy is always on point. It's unpretentious in the best way—proper food, proper prices (around £15-20 for mains), and staff who genuinely seem pleased you've shown up.