When dining in London, the abundance of choices can be both exciting and overwhelming. To help navigate the culinary scene, House & Garden’s food editor Blanche Vaughan and deputy digital editor Charlotte McCaughan-Hawes have curated a list of the 50 best restaurants in London. This selection considers not only the quality of the food but also factors such as atmosphere, service, wine offerings, and overall dining experience. The chosen establishments span a diverse range, catering to various preferences, from fine dining to casual bites, tasting menus to sharing plates.
The list is presented in no particular order, allowing diners to explore options based on their individual preferences. Whether you’re in the mood for a leisurely afternoon tea or a hearty brunch, the guide offers recommendations. Additionally, for those seeking outdoor dining experiences, there’s a curated list of restaurants with inviting terraces.
This compilation reflects the dynamic nature of London’s restaurant scene, with updates to accommodate new openings that capture attention. It serves as a go-to resource whenever you find yourself pondering where to dine in the city. As of December 2023, Café Kitty in Soho has been tried and celebrated as one of the best restaurants in the area. Additionally, anticipation surrounds a visit to The Dover in Mayfair for its decadent, Italian-inspired cuisine, and the new local spot in Clapham, Brooke, promises exciting dining experiences.
1/20 Mountain, Soho
Renowned chef Tomos Parry, the genius behind the beloved Brat, transported the flavors of the mountainous Basque region to Soho with his latest venture, Mountain. This restaurant boasts a winning formula— an expansive, open interior providing a view of chefs at work, a shareable menu featuring tempting dishes, and an exceptional wine list. Since its opening, securing a reservation has been a challenge, but the experience justifies the hype. – Charlotte McCaughan-Hawes
Neighbourhood: Soho Address: 16-18 Beak St, London W1F 9RD Recommended: Red mullet, mutton chops, and smoked potatoes
2/20 Sessions Arts Club, Clerkenwell
Sessions Arts Club achieves a perfect balance between simplicity and decadence, offering an experience that is both understated and intoxicating. The restaurant’s light approach to ingredients allows expert seasoning to shine, resulting in flavorful sauces and plates that leave diners yearning for more. The discreet entrance, marked by an inconspicuous red door, adds to the allure, creating an atmosphere of exclusivity. The interiors, atmosphere, wine list, and food seamlessly come together, making Sessions Arts Club a standout success. – Charlotte McCaughan-Hawes
Neighbourhood: Clerkenwell Address: 24 Clerkenwell Grn, London EC1R 0NA Recommended: Clams, coco de Bretagne & Borettane
3/50 Apricity, Mayfair
Apricity, led by chef Chantelle Nicholson, embraces a zero-waste, sustainable ethos. The menu creatively uses byproducts, ensuring minimal waste and featuring local, quality ingredients. With a focus on seasonality and daily offerings from growers and suppliers, Apricity’s plant-based dishes contribute to its low environmental impact. The menu evolves, reflecting the best of each day’s produce. – Charlotte McCaughan-Hawes
Neighbourhood: Mayfair Address: 68 Duke St, London W1K 6JU Recommended: Black pearl, maitake & oyster mushrooms, ‘XO’ sauce, watercress
4/20 St John, Clerkenwell
St John, a long-time favorite, has expanded with a new branch in Marylebone. Offering a simpler menu than its original Smithfield location, this restaurant maintains its reputation for superb and deceptively simple English dishes. From devilled crab to game birds (in season) and the famous anchovies on toast, St John continues to deliver exceptional British cuisine. Desserts range from hearty to light, featuring classics like rice pudding with rum-soaked raisins and madeleines cooked to order. – Blanche Vaughan
Neighbourhood: Barbican & Marylebone Addresses: 26 St John St, Barbican, London EC1M 4AY | 98 Marylebone Lane, W1U 2QA Recommended: Deep-fried Welsh Rarebit and madeleines
5/20 Plaza Khao Gaeng & Arcade Food Hall, Tottenham Court Road
Arcade Food Hall on New Oxford Street introduces a unique dining concept, featuring chef-led restaurants under one roof. With eight open kitchens and a mezzanine restaurant, diners can explore global cuisines, from Thai curries to Middle Eastern shawarma. Plaza Khao Gaeng, situated on the mezzanine, offers southern Thai cuisine in a vibrant market stall-like setting. The restaurant prioritizes authenticity, sourcing ingredients directly from Thailand for an explosive flavor experience. – Blanche Vaughan
Neighbourhood: Soho Address: Arcade Food Hall, 103-105 New Oxford St, London WC1A 1DB Recommended: Pik Gai Tord Khamin Deeplee and Miang Phuket
6/20 Dorian, Notting Hill
Amidst Notting Hill’s culinary renaissance, Dorian stands out as a must-visit. Helmed by Chris D’Sylva, owner of the beloved Notting Hill Fish Shop and Supermarket of Dreams, and led in the kitchen by Max Coen, formerly of renowned establishments like Kitchen Table, Frantzén, and Ikoyi, Dorian focuses on showcasing the best of seasonal produce. The menu reflects a commitment to excellence and creativity, making it a standout choice in the area. – Arabella Bowes
Neighbourhood: Notting Hill Address: 105, 107 Talbot Rd, London W11 2AT
7/20 Cavita
Transporting diners to the vibrant streets of Mexico City and the village of San Felipe Ixtacuixtla, Cavita in Marylebone offers a colorful and memorable culinary journey. Chef Adriana Cavita’s ambitious yet relaxed approach creates an authentic experience, embracing the warmth of home. Terracotta tiles, exposed brick, and lush plants set the stage for a journey into Mexican flavors. – Tal Dekel-Daks
Neighbourhood: Marylebone Address: 56-60 Wigmore Street, London W1U 2RZ Recommended: Smoked beef shin quesabirria
8/20 Manteca, Shoreditch
Manteca in Shoreditch is a lively hotspot that embraces whole-animal butchery, sourcing the highest quality meat to create an array of delectable dishes. With an in-house salumeria, wood-fired breads, hand-rolled pastas, and flavorful Italian vegetable dishes, Manteca offers bold flavors in a buzzing atmosphere. – Blanche Vaughan
Neighbourhood: Shoreditch Address: 49-51 Curtain Rd, London EC2A 3PT Recommended: Bagna Cauda with anchovy sauce, pork and veal-stuffed olives, and, if adventurous, the unctuous braised pig’s snout.
9/20 Lisboeta, Fitzrovia
Lisboeta in Fitzrovia serves as a vibrant homage to Portugal, celebrating the country’s culture through its decor, wine list, and cuisine. With a diverse menu featuring snacks, charcuterie, cheese, and a variety of sharing dishes, Lisboeta captures the essence of Portuguese flavors. Helmed by Nuno Mendes, every dish reflects culinary perfection. – Charlotte McCaughan-Hawes
Neighbourhood: Fitzrovia Address: 30 Charlotte Street, London W1T 2NG Recommended: Vindalho empada, bacalhau à Brás, and arroz de Marisco
10/20 Sumi Sushi, Notting Hill
Sumi Sushi, the sister restaurant to Michelin-starred Endo at the Rotunda, brings sublime Japanese cuisine to Notting Hill. With a focus on high-quality Japanese cooking, this relaxed neighborhood venue on Westbourne Grove offers an exceptional sushi experience. – Blanche Vaughan
Neighbourhood: Notting Hill Address: 157 Westbourne Grove, London W11 2RS Recommended: Hotate Temaki – diced scallop with hanahojiso flowers, soy, and salt, £9
11/20 The Clove Club
The Clove Club, named after the supper club that brought its founders together, has been serving arguably the best tasting menu in London since 2013. Located in Shoreditch, this modern British restaurant showcases seasonal ingredients in an impeccable dining room. With Michelin-starred status and flawless service, The Clove Club is a destination for special occasions. – Charlotte McCaughan-Hawes
Neighbourhood: Shoreditch Address: Shoreditch Town Hall, 380 Old St, Hackney, London EC1V 9LT Recommended: Tasting menu
12/20 KOL & KOL Mezcaleria
Santiago Lastra’s KOL is a vibrant celebration of Mexican heritage, enveloping guests in warmth from its terracotta, wood, and ceramic interiors. The tasting menu, available in six or nine courses, invites diners on a journey through the complex and artful cooking mastered by Santiago and his team. The explosion of flavors, textures, and carefully balanced heat levels ensures an unforgettable dining experience. If securing a table is challenging, the Mezcaleria downstairs offers antojitos (small plates) and exquisite cocktails, adding to the overall allure of KOL. – Charlotte McCaughan-Hawes
Neighbourhood: Marylebone Address: 9 Seymour St, London W1H 7BA Recommended: Tasting menu
13/20 Cafe Cecilia, Hackney
Max Rocha’s Cafe Cecilia in Hackney, overlooking the canal near Broadway Market, merges fashion with food in a modern and light-filled space. Drawing on Rocha’s training at River Cafe and St John, the restaurant embodies delicious simplicity. From the light and crisp sage and anchovy fritti to the perfect pork and apricot terrine, every dish showcases attention to detail. The menu features delightful surprises, including a recycled Guinness bread transformed into brown bread ice cream and the Instagram-worthy deep-fried bread and butter pudding with cold custard. – Blanche Vaughan
Neighbourhood: Hackney Address: 32 Andrews Rd, London E8 4FX Recommended: Deep-fried bread and butter pudding with cold custard
14/20 José Pizarro at the Royal Academy
Situated on the first floor of the Royal Academy, José Pizarro’s restaurant offers a grand setting with soaring ceilings and intricate décor. The Spanish chef and his team serve up exceptional tapas, presenting flavorful combinations with meticulous attention to detail. The combination of the elegant setting, impeccable service, and delectable dishes makes it a perfect dining destination. – Charlotte McCaughan-Hawes
Neighbourhood: Mayfair Address: Burlington House, Piccadilly, London W1J 0BD Recommended: Buñuelos de bacalao, ensaladilla rusa, and langostinos al ajillo
15/20 Fallow
Formerly of Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, Will Murray and Jack Croft bring their ‘creative cooking, sustainable thinking’ ethos to Fallow in Mayfair. Drawing inspiration from nose-to-tail and root-to-stem philosophies, they deliver inventive and sustainable dishes. Fallow’s standout dishes, including the cult-favorite corn ribs, showcase their culinary prowess and commitment to unique flavors. – Charlotte McCaughan-Hawes
Neighbourhood: Mayfair Address: 2 St James’s Market, St. James’s, London SW1Y 4RP Recommended: Corn ribs, mushroom parfait, and cod’s head with sriracha butter sauce
16/20 The French House
Neil Borthwick leaves his mark on the upstairs dining room of The French House, an archetypal Soho pub. The daily changing menu, celebrating French classics, reflects Neil’s culinary finesse in a relaxed, bohemian atmosphere. With dishes like oysters mignonette and lamb navarin, the execution showcases superlative skill without unnecessary fuss, providing a pure and enjoyable dining experience. – Blanche Vaughan
Neighbourhood: Soho Address: 49 Dean St, Soho, London W1D 5BG
17/20 Luca
Nestled on a quiet EC1 street alongside St John, Luca stands out as one of the best restaurants in London, combining British produce with an Italian twist. The sleek and warm interiors create a romantic ambiance, complemented by an exceptional Italian wine list. Opting for the chef’s menu allows the culinary experts at Luca to curate a delightful selection of courses, ensuring a memorable dining experience in safe hands. – Charlotte McCaughan-Hawes
Neighbourhood: Farringdon Address: 88 St John St, London EC1M 4EH Recommended: Roast Orkney scallops, rigatoni with pork sausage ragù, and tiramisù
18/20 Trivet
Since its 2019 opening, Trivet has quietly built a loyal fanbase for its refined, inventive cuisine and unparalleled wine list. Awarded its first Michelin star, Trivet boasts a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere with plaster walls, wooden accents, and an open kitchen. The stylish menus, akin to tomes, set the stage for an exceptional dining experience. A trip to London Bridge is well-rewarded with incredible dishes and wines. – Anonymous
Neighbourhood: London Bridge Address: 36 Snowsfields, London, SE1 3SU Recommended: ‘Hokkaido potato’
19/20 Bancone
Amidst London’s array of excellent pasta bars, Bancone stands out with its cool yet slightly formal atmosphere and smart interiors. The restaurant beckons repeat bookings for its silky pasta, flavorful sauces, and lip-smacking small plates. A favorite, ‘silk handkerchiefs,’ features extra-wide pappardelle adorned with walnut shavings, butter, and a luscious egg yolk. – Charlotte McCaughan-Hawes
Neighbourhood: Charing Cross or Soho Address: 39 William IV St, Charing Cross, London WC2N 4DD | 8 Lower James St, Soho, London W1F 9EL Recommended: Silk handkerchiefs, bucatini cacio e pepe, and spicy pork ragù
20/20 Claude Bosi at Bibendum
Claude Bosi takes the helm at the iconic Michelin building in South Kensington, creating an indulgent and sophisticated dining experience. In the spacious upstairs dining room, guests can savor extravagant meals from the à la carte or set menu, experiencing five-star service. Dishes like Goosnargh duck with cauliflower cous-cous à la Grecque showcase Claude’s technical prowess with modern touches. – Blanche Vaughan
Neighbourhood: Chelsea Address: Michelin House, 81 Fulham Rd, Chelsea, London SW3 6RD Recommended: Frog legs, Cornish turbot, and French cherries “Burlat”