Martin Seymour is the founder of The Mayfair Foodie, where he curates central London restaurant reviews, British recipes, and guided culinary tours.

While his professional life is rooted in the capital, Martin is a Surrey local. This "foot in both worlds" gives him a unique perspective on the dining scene, allowing him to bridge the gap between London’s high-end haunts and Surrey’s hidden gems.

Here are Martin’s top five picks…

Martin Says: Nick Beardshaw spent years at Tom Kerridge's side before striking out alone, and Starling is the result. It opened in August 2024 and earned a Michelin star within six months — which tells you everything.

The menu is short, seasonal and very British, cooked in a large open kitchen that you can watch from your table. But what keeps me going back isn't just the food — it's the atmosphere. The team here have created something genuinely warm and informal.

Honourable Mention: The French Table in Surbiton. For over 25 years, it has been consistently good, featuring an inventive seasonal menu. It is one of my favourite restaurants.

Martin Says: I was put on to this gem by Ryan from The Butcher's Block in Banstead (a top butcher's) — he recommended The William IV in Albury, and he's a good judge, because the food is excellent. The William IV is set in a beautiful Surrey village, serves excellent food and has proper beer. A lovely pub, full stop.

Honourable Mention: My local pub of choice is The Jolly Coopers in Epsom; the food is good, and they have a microbrewery on site.

Martin Says: Dastaan is close enough that I can walk there, which is fortunate because I go often. Owners Nand and Sanjay both came through Gymkhana and worked with Angela Hartnett before opening their own place, and that pedigree shows in every dish.

The menu draws from the streets of Mumbai — punchy, packed with spice, dishes that are slightly different from the norm. The lamb chops are extraordinary, and I have never once resisted ordering them.

When Angela Hartnett visited and reviewed it, her only criticism was that it wasn't in London. London's loss is very much Surrey's gain.

Martin Says: I have to be honest, I don't have a favourite pizza restaurant in Surrey. Because of what I do, my favourites are London-based. However, I do enjoy a takeaway pizza, and I always order from Classico in North Cheam. They serve classic Neapolitan pizzas cooked traditionally in a wood-fired oven. They are extremely good.

I haven't yet made it to the award-winning Napoli on the Road in Richmond, but three separate friends have told me I must, so it's next on my go-to list.

Martin Says: Starling again, with their set lunch menu — a Michelin-starred lunch for £37.50, three courses, available Wednesday and Thursday lunchtimes only. When I first went late last year, it was £30, so yes, it's crept up, but for the quality on the plate, it is still good value and an excellent way to experience a top restaurant.

Honourable Mention: Dhansiri, my local Indian in Ewell Village. Most of the chef's special dishes come in under £10, the food is consistently good, the staff are wonderful, and it's just had a smart refurb. A great value for money restaurant.