From Caribbean favourites to everyday vegetarian recipes: Observer Food Monthly’s best food books of 2024

Essential reading for would-be top chefs, stocking fillers for the fermentation curious and odes to the simple pleasures of the kitchen. Ask Santa for the set

Tim Minchin: ‘Maybe scrolling the traumas of the world is not in itself a moral act’

The comedian, actor and Matilda songwriter on the benefits of quitting social media and why happiness is like an orgasm

Hachi Japanese BBQ, London: ‘Proper fun’ – restaurant review

Japanese grill fans will love Hachi in Soho, especially those rich enough to indulge in the wagyu beef offering

I’ve made Christmas lunch for the past 30 years. Now I want a year off

Roll your eyes all you like at restaurants’ Christmas prices, but remember there are people giving up their day to cook for you

Desi Yew Tree, Wolverhampton: ‘Part of the brilliance of Desi pub culture’ – restaurant review

This place has masses of appeal and real star potential – if only someone had made a film about it

The Martlet, Rochdale: ‘A victory of professionalism’ – restaurant review

Civic pride meets glorious cooking at a remarkably fair price

The Yellow Bittern, London: ‘Leaves you muttering about school dinners’ – restaurant review

A new destination in Kings Cross turns its back on mod cons to cater to a fantasy of past times

Rick Stein: ‘I’m open to most things, but I can’t stand chocolate and marshmallow’

The chef and broadcaster on growing up on a farm, the best post-booze food, and why running a restaurant was never his ambition

What’s the silliest question you can ask a restaurant critic? (And yes, I have the answer)

It’s fair to say that, after 25 years of writing reviews, I have eaten in a lot of restaurants. But I’ve always thought it ludicrous to pick a favourite

Joseph’s Brasserie, London: ‘Let’s celebrate’ – restaurant review

With its smoky flavours and heady scents, this new west London restaurant showcases the best of Lebanese food

Mauby, London: ‘Exactly the vibe you want’ – restaurant review

The great spicy tastes of the Caribbean have been given a thorough shakedown at this eminently affordable, friendly new place in Brockley

1 York Place, Bristol: ‘Does the job beautifully’ – restaurant review

The eclectic menu here wanders right across Europe – but diners will want to stay right where they are

Tapas not tantrums: we put food at the centre of our Barcelona family holiday

On a rail trip to Spain from the UK via Paris, our writer discovers a great way of travelling happily with children …

Meet your makers: the artisans who help make eating out magical

Bespoke ceramics, evocative music playlists, handmade leather aprons – we may not always notice them, but these are the things that make eating out magical

Maroto, London: ‘I really can’t recommend it’ – restaurant review

The experiment with five flavours at this Brazilian-inspired place will leave diners feeling only bitter