London restaurants are among the finest in the world. The streets team with legendary names, the skies are packed with Michelin stars – many of the best restaurants in London can only be accessed via elevator.
The quantity of great London restaurants is a blessing – but also a challenge. Narrowing down the names on your culinary bucket list can be tricky. Choices abound.
Therefore we've come up with a list of the London restaurants you must visit. Not necessarily the best, for the best London restaurant is a matter of taste. (Although you will not experience a bad meal in any of the venues below.)
No, these are the names that you need to drop, the experiences that must be chased – whether due to their global celebrity, their historic status, or their ongoing popularity.
Some of these are indeed among the best restaurants in London. Some are merely the most fun. All are very much worth an evening of your life.
Each restaurant on the list has a link to a more detailed review. We'll be updating fairly frequently so don't be a stranger. Bon appetit!
Best London restaurants – the classics
Alain Ducasse at the Dorchester
One of London's most celebrated restaurants, Alain Ducasse at the Dorchester boasts three Michelin stars and a gilded mystique. Dining here is almost a rite of passage for gourmets – and yes, the experience is every bit as special as you would imagine.
Read the full review of Alain Ducasse at the Dorchester
53 Park Ln, London W1K 1QA; Alain Ducasse
L’Escargot
London’s oldest French restaurant? Mais oui. Pull up an armchair get a genuine slice of Soho at L’Escargot, the historical haunt of actors, artists, and formerly Princess Diana.
Read the full review of L'Escargot
48 Greek St, London W1D 4EF; L'Escargot
Langan’s Brasserie
Famously co-owned by Sir Michael Caine, Langan’s Brasserie is a legend of London dining, with the iconic restaurant hosting a galaxy of stars in the 1970s and 1980s. Restaurateurs Graziano Arricale and James Hitchen have restored Langan’s to its former glory.
Read the full review of Langan’s Brasserie
Stratton St, London W1J 8LB; Langan’s Brasserie
Galvin La Chapelle
Opened by the Galvin Brothers, Galvin La Chapelle has been wowing diners for over a decade. Dine in one of the most beautiful restaurants in London, with a menu that somehow exceeds its surroundings. Every meal here becomes a special occasion.
Read the full review of Galvin La Chapelle
5 Spital Square, London E1 6DY; Galvin La Chapelle
The Ivy
The Ivy, West Street has been feeding London's great and good since 1917. Yes, it's still one of London's most fashionable restaurants but don't be fooled – the food is genuinely fantastic and the ambience one of timeless bliss.
Read the full review of the Ivy, West Street
1-5 West St, London WC2H 9NQ; The Ivy
Claude Bosi at Bibendum
In 1987, Bibendum opened for business in the Grade II-listed Michelin House in South Kensington, and the following years saw the restaurant establish itself as one of the most celebrated in London. Under legendary chef Claude Bosi its class remains permanent.
Read the full review of Bibendum
Michelin House, 81 Fulham Rd, London SW3 6RD; Bibendum
The Ledbury
Reopened after the pandemic, two Michelin-starred The Ledbury remains one of the premiere dining destinations in London. Head to Notting Hill for a tasting menu that will blow your mind and empty your bank account. The best food in London isn't free.
Read the full review of The Ledbury
127 Ledbury Rd, London W11 2AQ; The Ledbury
Gymkhana
Widely regarded as the best Indian restaurant in London, which basically means the best Indian restaurant in Europe, Gymkhana is inspired by the members’ clubs of Colonial India. The food, however, is already the stuff of legend. Believe the hype.
Read the full review of Gymkhana
42 Albemarle St, London W1S 4JH; Gymkhana
Benares Mayfair
However if you fancy an alternative Indian restaurant, Benares Mayfair has a Michelin star of its own and has been a Mayfair staple since 2003. Why not try both over one delectable day? The restaurants are only a few minutes apart.
Read the full review of Benares Mayfair
12a Berkeley Square, Mayfair, London, W1J 6BS; Benares Mayfair
Quaglino’s
Talk about food fit for royalty. Quaglino’s restaurant in St James has been welcoming visitors for nearly a century since its opening in 1929. Princess Margaret was a regular and even Her Majesty the Queen has paid a visit. Live music will help your dinner down.
Read the full review of Quaglino’s
16 Bury St, St. James's, London SW1Y 6A; Quaglino’s
Best London restaurants – the new wave
Above at Hide
The Michelin-starred Above at Hide from executive chef Ollie Dabbous overlooks Green Park. Except exceptional food, even-better wine and one of the best people-watching spots in the world. Feeling thirsty? Pop down to the cocktail bar Hide Below.
Read the full review of Above at Hide
Above at Hide, 85 Piccadilly, London W1J 7NB; Hide
Core by Clare Smyth
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After heading up Goran Ramsay's Royal Hospital Road, Clare Smyth decided to go solo in 2017. Three Michelin stars later, and the Northern Irish chef Clare Smyth is showing that her tenure at Restaurant Gordon Ramsay was just an appetiser.
Read about Core by Clare Smyth's Dom Perignon pairing dinner.
92 Kensington Park Rd, London W11 2PN; corebyclaresmyth.com
Le Dame De Pic
Anne-Sophie Pic is the most decorated female chef in the world, with a stunning six Michelin stars to her name. A visit to Le Dame De Pic in the new Four Seasons at Ten Trinity Square will make you understand why. French cuisine done to perfection.
Read the full review of Le Dame De Pic
Four Seasons Hotel at 10 Trinity Square, London EC3N 4AJ; Le Dame Du Pic
Pavyllon London
Yannick Alléno has 16 Michelin stars across 17 restaurants. Pavyllon London, his residency at the Four Seasons Park Lane, has already added to the legendary chef’s haul of accolades. It couldn’t be more deserving.
Read the full review of Pavyllon London
Hamilton Pl, Park Ln, London W1J 7DR; Pavyllon London
Kitchen Table
Executive Head Chef James Knappett brings an amphitheatre of gastronomic experimentation to Kitchen Table, alongside award-winning sommelier Sandia Chang, who just happens to be his wife. Sweetcorn will never be the same.
Read the full review of Kitchen Table
70 Charlotte Street, W1T 4QG; Kitchen Table
Lyle's London
Lyle's London mightn't be the famous name on this list but its placement on The World's 50 Best Restaurants – plus a cheeky Michelin star – mark the Shoreditch venue as a must-visit. The seasonal menu changes each week but the food will always be sublime.
Read the full review of Lyle's London
56 Shoreditch High St, E1 6JJ; Lyle's
Seabird London
One of the most beautiful restaurants in London, Seabird Restaurant in Southwark's Hoxton hotel serves delicious seafood platters with stunning views of the capital. You'll be wanting to order the platter, which seemingly contains half the ocean.
Read the full review of Seabird
40 Blackfriars Road, South Bank, SE1 8PB; Seabird
Trivet
Trivet only opened in 2019 and has already picked up a Michelin star. The restaurant is the first solo venture from Fat Duck alumni Jonny Lake and Isa Bal. Enjoy a gorgeously relaxed dining experience with some seriously impressive food and wine.
Read the full review of Trivet
36 Snowsfields, London SE1 3SU; Trivet
Dinings SW3
Serving up the Japanese food of your dreams, Dinings SW3 is one of Chelsea's hottest restaurants with the freshest fish and sharpest saki. The adjacent bar is pretty great, too. Just don't think about the bill.
Read the full review of Dinings SW3
Lennox Gardens Mews, SW3 2JH; Dinings SW3
Aulis London
The younger sibling of the original Aulis in the Lake District, Aulis London offers further testament to Simon Rogan's enduring greatness. Aulis is limited to eight diners with two chefs cooking superb food directly in front of you. A truly unique experience.
Read the full review of Aulis London
16a St Anne’s Court, W1F 0BF; Aulis London
Amethyst
A 12-course tasting menu? Amethyst, the new Mayfair restaurant from Carlo Scotto, is not a restaurant to do dinner by halves. Enjoy dishes from all corners of the globe and meal you won't forget in a hurry – regardless of your wine consumption.
Read the full review of Amethyst
6 Sackville St, London W1S 3DD; Amethyst
Humo
One of London's hottest new restaurants in every sense, HUMO in Mayfair is dominated by the massive grill upon which your meal is prepared in front of you. Order the tasting menu for the full experience and watch flames fly. There's even a bar in the corner for your aperitif.
12 St George St, London W1S 2FB; Humo
Bossa
A newly opened Brazilian restaurant round the corner from Bond Street, Bossa is totally brilliant. The food is fantastic, the wine list extensive, the vibes are immaculate. There's even a late night bar downstairs. It's that kind of place. Dress sharp and maybe a little funky.
4 Vere St, London W1G 0DH; Bossa
Best London restaurants – the ballers
Hakkasan
In 20 years, Hakkasan has grown from a London restaurant offering high-quality Chinese food to a veritable global brand – that still offers high-quality Chinese food. Choose between Hakkasan Mayfair or Hakkasan Hanway Place – although unlike Hakkasan Las Vegas, neither has a nightclub.
Read the full review of Hakkasan
8 Hanway Place, W1T 1HD; 17 Bruton St, W1J 6QB; Hakkasan
Nobu
Founded in New York by chef Nobu Matsuhisa and Robert DeNiro (yes, that one), Nobu has become a global brand with 50 restaurants and 13 hotels all around the world. There are three Nobus in London: Park Lane Nobu is the original but Portman Square and Shoreditch both offer five-star accommodation.
22 Portman Square, W1H 7BG; 19 Old Park Ln, W1K 1LB; 10-50 Willow St, EC2A 4BH; Nobu
Oblix at the Shard
The Shard is the most visible building in London – and Oblix is perched halfway up. Oblix West is a restaurant, Oblix East is cocktail bar. Both are very much worth a visit. Try the chef's tasting menu at Oblix West but be warned – you might be leaving the Shard in a wheelbarrow.
Read the full review of Oblix West
Level 32, The Shard, 31 St. Thomas Street, London SE1 9RY; Oblix West
Sushi Kanesaka
Book ahead to grab one of only eight seats around Chef Kanesaka’s table at 45 Park Lane. From Scottish lobster to salmon ikura, the transformational experience you’ll get at this uber-exclusive sushi spot is well worth the eye-watering price tag.
Read the full review of Sushi Kanesaka
45 Park Ln, London W1K 1PN; Sushi Kanesaka
The Gallery at sketch
The Gallery is the main restaurant at sketch – there's also a cocktail bar called the Glade. The Galley has pink walls decorated with David Shrigley artwork and its toilets are shaped like eggs. Very much a restaurant to visit with an open mind and a fully charged phone.
Read the full review of The Gallery at sketch
9 Conduit St, London W1S 2XG; sketch London
Sexy Fish
Want to dine among the young, cool and beautiful? Then Sexy Fish is the place – plaice? – for you. Since opening in 2015, the Mayfair restaurant has firmly established itself at the heart of London’s dining and social scenes. Don’t forget to Instagram your evening.
Read the full review of Sexy Fish
Berkeley Square House, Berkeley Square, London W1J 6BR; Sexy Fish
Sumosan Twiga
Knightsbridge hotspot Sumosan Twiga draws inspiration from Japanese specialists Sumosan and legendary Italian restaurant Twiga. The result is delicious – if expensive – proof that opposites can attract. Frequently turns into a nightclub on the weekend.
Read the full review of Sumosan Twiga
165 Sloane St, SW1X 9QB; Sumosan Twiga
CUT at 45 Park Lane
The first European from superchef Wolfgang Puck, CUT at 45 Park Lane lives up to its exceptional pedigree. Feast on Wagyu beef and lobster across the road from Hyde Park – it tastes like winning. The hotel isn't bad, either if you don't fancy the commute home.
Read the full review of CUT at 45 Park Lane
45 Park Ln, London W1K 1PN; CUT
M Restaurant
There are two M Restaurants, one in Threadneedle Street, the other in Canary Wharf. Both offer the most marvellous meat your mind can imagine. Try the Wagyu Experience menu if you wanna go full baller.
Read the full review of M Canary Wharf
Newfoundland Place, E14 4BH; 60 Threadneedle St, EC2R 8HG; M Restaurants
Best London restaurants – the crowd pleasers
Dishoom
Over the last few years, Dishoom has established itself as London's favourite Indian restaurant with multiple outlets across the capital. Offering consistently great food – including the legendary breakfast naan – at fantastic value for money, there's a reason for Dishoom's ongoing popularity.
Read the full review of Dishoom
Multiple outlets across London; Dishoom
Duck & Waffle
The highest restaurant in the capital, perched at the summit of the Heron Tower, Duck & Waffle specialises in exactly that! Duck, on waffle. Sounds good, right? Judging by the restaurant’s Instagram following, much of London agrees. Open 24-hours if you fancy a late one.
Read the full review of Duck & Waffle
Heron Tower, 110 Bishopsgate, London EC2N 4AY; Duck & Waffle
Sushisamba
Any reason to make the trip up Heron Tower, Sushisamba serves up fantastic cocktails, delicious wagyu – and great sushi, obviously. With a menu that draws on Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian cuisine, you'll quickly realise why Sushisamba has restaurants all around the world.
Read the full review of Sushisamba
Heron Tower, 110 Bishopsgate, London EC2N 4AY; Sushisamba
Burger & Lobster
Among the most satisfying dining experiences in London, Burger & Lobster has a simple mission statement – great burgers paired with great lobsters. The sharing platter will leave you in a state of stuffed delight. Every bit as fun as it sounds.
Read the full review of Burger & Lobster
Outlets across London; Burger & Lobster
Wright Brothers
Seafood specialists Wright Brothers recently opened their third London restaurant – this time in the renovated Battersea Power Station on the banks of the Thames. The lobster and fries is an absolute banger.
Read the full review of Wright Brothers
26 Circus West Village Battersea Power Station, London SW11 8EZ; Wright Brothers
Boisdale
The Boisdale Group has been feeding Londoners since the 1980s, with their restaurants firmly focused on four items: Scotland, whisky, cigars and jazz. Come for the oysters and steak, stay for the live musical performance and a wee dram.
Read the full review of Boisdale
Outlets across London; Boisdale
Coya
With outlets in the City and Mayfair, Peruvian restaurant Coya offers a stupendously summery dining experience. The menu is nearly as vibrant as its outdoor terrace and the Piscos flow all evening long!
31-33 Throgmorton St, London EC2N 2AT; Coya
Best London restaurants – the hidden gems
Manteca
Delicious Italian food that won’t require you remortgaging your house? Manteca fits the bill and then some . Initially opening in Soho, Manteca has relocated to Shoreditch but lost none of its quality en route.
Read the full review of Manteca
49-51 Curtain Road, London, EC2A 3PT; Manteca
Baccalà
Now here’s a proper treat. Founded by four friends, seafood and wine restaurant Baccalà is a delightful dining experience that transports a corner of Italy to Bermondsey Street. Great food, even better hospitality.
Read the full review of Baccalà
194 Bermondsey St, SE1 3TQ; Baccalà
Legare
Tower Bridge restaurant Legare encapsulates the very best of the London dining scene: delicious food served in an unpretentious yet classy setting. Yet another reason to visit the London Bridge area on an empty stomach. (Another is above.)
Read the full review of Legare
Cardamom Building, 31G Shad Thames, SE1 2YR; Legare
Llama Inn
One of the Big Apple's best restaurants has made its way to the rooftop of the Hoxton Hotel. Llama Inn combines the flavours of Peru with the edge you'd expect from a native New Yorker – all with a fantastic view of Shoreditch.
Read the full review of Llama Inn
81 Great Eastern St, Greater, London EC2A 3HU; Llama Inn
Crispin
Crispin in Spitalfields looks like an art gallery and certainly serves up some masterpieces on the plate. The menu changes on a weekly basis but expect seasonable, often locally sourced food cooked with expertise and care.
Read the full review of Crispin
Pavilion on The Corner, White's Row, E1 7NF; Crispin
Luca
Balancing seasonal British fare with Italian artistry, Luca is well-deserving of its Michelin star. Head Chef Robert Chambers brings his heritage, and expertise, to this Tuscan dream in the middle of Farringdon.
8 St John St, London EC1M 4EH; Luca
El Pirata
A Mayfair institution, El Pirata has been feeding delicious tapas to the great and the good for more than 25 years. Most of the diners are regular patrons and you’ll likely become one of them.
Read the full review of El Pirata
5 - 6 Down St, W1J 7AQ; El Pirata
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