Jamie Oliver's favourite London restaurants including River Cafe and Berners Tavern

Over the last few weeks, we’ve noticed you really enjoy content about Jamie Oliver.

And why wouldn’t you? The lovable chef has been a household name in the UK for decades.

The star first burst onto our TV screens in 1999, after he was spotted by the BBC. He went on to host The Naked Chef. The show saw him rise to stardom and his cookbook became a bestseller in the UK.

He grew up in Clavering in Essex but attended Westminster Catering College, now known as Westminster Kingsway College, where he earned a City & Guilds NVQ in home economics.

Jamie Oliver got his first big break when he was appointed sous-chef at the River Cafe in Hammersmith.

So given our shared obsession with the chef, we thought it would be a great opportunity to share some of his favourite London haunts.

Earlier this year, the celebrity chef was asked to name the most overrated restaurant in the capital. Not one to miss a trick, or slam a local business, Oliver answered Don Bastiano - a made-up restaurant that left fans puzzled.

1. River Cafe, Hammersmith

According to an interview with Conde Nast Traveller, Oliver’s favourite London eatery is still the River Cafe.

He said: “I know it’s predictable, but The River Café has to make this list. It has been around for coming up 30 years. Ruth Rogers and Rose Grey were the best bosses, and it’s very consistent.”

He went on to say he’s “never had a bad meal there.”

River Cafe is an iconic Italian restaurant that has been a popular spot in London since the late 80s.

Jamie’s dish of choice is the turbot which is roasted on the bone with Italian lemons and oregano. He describes it as “utterly delicious.”

2. Kenwood House, Hampstead Heath

In an interview with the Financial Times, as part of its Globe Trotter’s guide to London, Mr Oliver said he used to love going to a cup of tea at Kenwood House on Hampstead Heath.

The chef said: “When I lived in north London, I loved getting a cup of tea at Kenwood House on Hampstead Heath. The view over London is brilliant, and if you have an explore while you’re there you’ll find a collection of prints and drawings of exactly the same view from maybe 200 years earlier, with St Paul’s in the distance.”

3. Berners Tavern in the London Edition Hotel

During a chat with About Time Magazine, Oliver said Berners Tavern by Jason Atherton is his favourite place for a ‘civilised breakfast’ in the city.

He described it as “Straight, very well done, no-nonsense, and kind of what you want most of the time.”

Menu highlights include smoked salmon and scrambled eggs or crispy chicken and waffles.

4. Borough Market

Way, way back in 2015, Jamie told Time Out he finds London’s Borough Market to be a “complete joy”.

At the time he said: “I've loved seeing it change over the years with brilliant new businesses opening up and loads of exciting stuff going on, but there are still loads of the old faces, especially amongst the greengrocers, and I think that's what keeps the heart of a place beating. Always worth a visit.”

We wonder what he makes of it now!

5. Mangal, Arcola Street

Finally, during a speedy interview with Hot Dinners, Oliver revealed he loves a trip to Mangal.

"I love them - and I just love the dude who sits there playing the piano. Their food is well sourced and the charcoal is amazing.”

Mangal is a no-fuss Turkish cafe hung with kilims, serving a variety of grilled kebabs with warm bread. It’s got great reviews.