London is a place where culinary dreams come to life, and where the phrase “food coma” takes on a whole new meaning. We have some of the finest restaurants in the world – despite all the jokes about British cooking – and even some of the best-known chefs!
Don’t believe us? Well, grab your fork, bring your appetite, and join us as we take you through the best of London’s dining scene. You’ll see that there’s more to the English than sausage rolls and boiled cabbage!
The Ledbury
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Location: 127 Ledbury Rd, London W11 2AQ, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7792 9090
The Ledbury boasts two Michelin stars, a testament to their culinary mastery. With every bite, they orchestrate flavours that will leave your palate singing arias of delight.
The restaurant’s talented head chef, Mr Brett Graham, channels his culinary wit to create dishes akin to edible artworks. Great care is also taken in the ingredients he uses, from foraged mushrooms to organic heirloom vegetables, their pantry is a treasure trove of nature’s bounty.
Restaurant Gordon Ramsay
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Location: 68 Royal Hospital Rd, London SW3 4HP, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7352 4441
This esteemed establishment bears the name of the culinary virtuoso himself, Mr. Gordon Ramsay. With his fiery passion and razor-sharp culinary skills, he has charmed the taste buds of many, earning his rightful place in the pantheon of culinary gods.
The restaurant has garnered a prestigious three Michelin stars. From succulent seared scallops dancing on the palate to buttery-soft beef Wellington that melts like a lover’s whisper, each dish is executed with the precision of a culinary virtuoso.
Sketch
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Location: 9 Conduit St, London W1S 2XG, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7659 4500
Here’s a whimsical wonderland where gastronomy meets artistry. At Sketch, each dish is crafted to ignite your senses and leave you craving more.
But the real star of the show is their legendary Eggs Benedict. It’s a delicate dance of perfectly poached eggs, velvety hollandaise sauce, and a chorus of indulgent accompaniments. Whether with luscious smoked salmon or seductive truffles, every bite is an ode to morning decadence.
Core by Clare Smyth
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Location: 92 Kensington Park Rd, London W11 2PN, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 3937 5086
Firstly, let’s talk about the boss lady herself—Clare Smyth. This culinary goddess is no stranger to greatness, having honed her skills at none other than the Restaurant Gordon Ramsay.
We suggest the divine “Potato & Roe” dish. It’s a heavenly creation that brings together buttery potato terrine, luscious caviar, and a velvety sauce that’ll have you licking the plate (if only it were socially acceptable).
The Clove Club
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Location: Shoreditch Town Hall, 380 Old St, London EC1V 9LT, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7729 6496
The Clove Club’s menu is full of inventive creations, from delicately seared scallops that melt like butter on your tongue to succulent venison with a rich sauce.
But it’s not just the food that sets The Clove Club apart – it’s the entire dining experience. This is a converted Shoreditch townhouse exuding contemporary charm, where chic meets industrial chic.
Dinner by Heston Blumenthal
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Location: 66 Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7LA, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7201 3833
The man behind the magic here is Heston Blumenthal, a culinary alchemist who transforms ingredients into pure enchantment. His menu takes you on a historical journey through British cuisine.
Each dish is a love letter to our culinary past, with recipes dating back centuries and reinvented to suit the modern palate. Try the iconic Meat Fruit, where chicken liver parfait masquerades as a mandarin, or the heavenly Tipsy Cake that dances with flavours of pineapple and brioche.
La Trompette
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Location: 3-7 Devonshire Rd, Chiswick, London W4 2EU, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 8747 1836
La Trompette boasts a menu that marries creativity to classic techniques. From delicate seafood delights to succulent meat masterpieces, every bite is like a standing ovation for your palate.
And let’s not forget about the wine. La Trompette’s wine list is a virtuoso performance, curated with a discerning eye for the finest vintages. Whether you’re a connoisseur or a novice, the sommelier will guide you through a melodic journey,
The Wolseley
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Location: 160 Piccadilly, St. James’s, London W1J 9EB, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7499 6996
Stepping inside The Wolseley will make you feel like you’ve entered a time machine whisking you back to the days of the roaring ’20s. With its high ceilings and marble pillars this restaurant exudes a sophistication that would make even the Great Gatsby himself tip his fedora.
The menu celebrates classic European dishes with a modern twist. Expect perfectly cooked steaks that will make your taste buds do the cha-cha or pastries that will have you doing a happy little waltz.
Gymkhana
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Location: 42 Albemarle St, London W1S 4JH, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 3011 5900
Gymkhana takes you on a gastronomic journey through the flavours of Indian cuisine. From succulent tandoori delights to rich curries that will make you weak at the knees, Gymkhana’s menu is a winner in every bite.
But it’s not just about the food: the restaurant itself is a stunner. With its dark wood furnishings, vintage photographs, and luxurious ambience, you’ll feel like you’re dining in a maharaja’s palace, only with a modern twist.
Pollen Street Social
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Location: 8-10 Pollen St, London W1S 1NQ, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7290 7600
Their legendary Pigeon Wellington must be tried. It’s a succulent pigeon breast, perfectly cooked and encased in a delicate pastry shell, giving a nod to the classic Beef Wellington.
The entire menu is a parade of culinary artistry, actually. From inventive starters that awaken your palate to exquisite desserts that leave you in a state of bliss, every dish at Pollen Street Social is memorable.
The River Café
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Location: Thames Wharf, Rainville Rd, London W6 9HA, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7386 4200
The River Café takes Italian flavours to soaring heights, delivering a concoction of taste that will make even the most discerning foodie sing “That’s Amore”!
Try their legendary Taglierini al Tartufo, where delicate strands of pasta intertwine with the earthy allure of truffles. Or go for the heavenly Chocolate Nemesis cake that will make your heart skip a beat,
The setting is a feast for the eyes as well. Nestled by the riverside, The River Café offers views that transport you to a romantic Venetian dream.
Zuma
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Location: 5 Raphael St, London SW7 1DL, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7584 1010
Zuma is as stylish as a kimono on a fashion runway. With its contemporary design, dimly lit corners, and an air of sophistication, it sets the stage for a dining experience that oozes elegance.
The menu too is lovely, of course. From melt-in-your-mouth Yellowtail Sashimi with Jalapeno to tender Robata-grilled meats, every dish is a flavour symphony that will leave you craving more.
St. John
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Location: 26 St John St, Barbican, London EC1M 4AY, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7251 0848
St. John embraces the power of simplicity. Its culinary philosophy revolves around showcasing the true essence of ingredients. No flashy gimmicks or unnecessary embellishments here.
One of St. John’s defining features is its unwavering commitment to nose-to-tail eating. They embrace the whole animal, not just the prime cuts, and transform every part into delectable dishes.
From succulent roasted meats to innovative creations featuring offal and lesser-known cuts, they showcase the potential and versatility of each component.
The Fat Duck
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Location: High St, Bray, Maidenhead SL6 2AQ,United Kingdom
Contact: +44 1628 580333
The Fat Duck is renowned for its groundbreaking approach to molecular gastronomy. Under the guidance of culinary genius Heston Blumenthal (yes, it’s another of his restaurants), the place takes culinary innovation to new heights.
From the iconic “Sound of the Sea”, where edible sand and foam transport you to the seaside, to the whimsical “Mock Turtle Soup”, each of their dishes is a work of art that defies expectations.
Lyle’s
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Location: Tea Building, 56 Shoreditch High St, London E1 6GY, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 3011 5911
What sets Lyle’s apart as one of the best restaurants in London is its unwavering dedication to showcasing the best of British cuisine.
Signature dishes like their exquisitely seared North Sea cod, delicately paired with sorrel emulsion and earthy Jerusalem artichokes, are a testament to the culinary prowess of the chefs.
And let’s not forget about their legendary roasted bone marrow, a rich and decadent delight that has become iconic.
Nobu
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Location: 19 Old Park Ln, London W1K 1LB, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7447 4747
Nobu’s Japanese cuisine with a contemporary twist is like a harmonious dance between tradition and innovation. From their melt-in-your-mouth black cod marinated in miso to their yellowtail sashimi with jalapeno, each dish is a gastronomic revelation that transcends cultural boundaries.
Plus, their sleek and stylish ambiance adds an air of sophistication, making Nobu the go-to spot for anyone seeking a taste of luxury.
Hakkasan
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Location: 17 Bruton St, London W1J 6QB, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7907 1888
Hakkasan’s mastery lies in its ability to flawlessly blend modern Cantonese cuisine with a dash of avant-garde flair.
We love their delectable Peking duck with crispy skin that crackles like a standing ovation. Their dim sum delights are also small parcels of joy, perfect when you’re craving an enchanting escape into the realm of exquisite Cantonese cuisine.
