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Best Contemporary European Restaurants in Barbican

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64 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Fitz's Brasserie restaurant
4.5
Awesome(549)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary european • Bloomsbury
Booked 11 times today
Fitz's Brasserie in Bloomsbury, London, is a beacon for steak lovers, offering a culinary experience that far exceeds expectations. Celebrated for its innovative approach, the restaurant merges traditional British cuisine with modern flair, ensuring each steak is not just cooked but crafted. Diners rave about the quality and presentation, with one patron noting, "Both of the dishes we ordered were excellent. My husband said it was one of the best meals that he had during our London visit." This establishment not only promises a great meal but delivers an unforgettable dining atmosphere, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking authentic and exquisite steak.
A photo of Quaglino's restaurant
4.3
Awesome(2549)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary european • Green Park
Booked 47 times today
An iconic restaurant & bar synonymous with style and glamour; hidden within historic St James’s and offering live music seven days a week.The menu is a perfect canon of European classics, all made using the highest quality British ingredients. Bursting with Iconic heritage, Quaglino's is hidden in the heart of St James's and is the ideal place to indulge in contemporary European food, legendary cocktails and London finest live entertainment.
A photo of The Northall at Corinthia London restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(2737)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary european • Covent Garden
Booked 1 time today
At The Northall in Corinthia London, located in the vibrant Covent Garden, diners are treated to an exquisite Mediterranean culinary experience that effortlessly combines quality, authenticity, and creativity. The restaurant's seasonal menu, crafted under the guidance of award-winning Executive Chef André Garrett, highlights the best of Mediterranean flavors, ensuring every dish celebrates the essence of its high-quality ingredients. Glowing reviews continually praise The Northall for its "absolutely stunning" meals and "impeccable service," with one guest noting it’s the "Best place to taste yummy and delicious food." Whether it's for a special occasion or a delightful dinner, The Northall promises an unforgettable dining adventure in the heart of London.
A photo of The Lore of the Land restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(823)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary european • Fitzrovia
Booked 18 times today
At The Lore of the Land in Fitzrovia, London, the essence of exceptional Gastro Pub cuisine comes to life. Known for its innovative approach, this pub delights diners with contemporary English dishes crafted by the talented Head Chef Michal Kaszuba. The menu, freshly prepared to mirror the seasons, ensures every ingredient shines, particularly noted during their legendary Sunday roasts. Patrons rave about the "insanely good food" and the "exceptional service," highlighting dishes like the juicy sirloin steak and tender pork loin as "some of the best we've eaten." The ambiance, enhanced by original artwork and an open kitchen, complements the culinary experience, making every visit memorable. Whether it's for a casual drink at their copper-topped bar or a full dining experience upstairs, The Lore of the Land stands out as a beacon of Gastro Pub excellence in London.
A photo of Bar Crispin restaurant
4.4
Awesome(210)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary european • Soho
Booked 9 times today
Bar Crispin, nestled in the vibrant neighborhood of Soho, London, is a delightful showcase of Modern European cuisine. The restaurant is renowned for its broad European-inspired menu, which emphasizes locally and sustainably sourced ingredients. Patrons rave about the "unbelievable mix of flavours and textures," with standout dishes like crispy polenta, organic British vegetables, and sustainable seafood. The ambiance, described as cozy yet lively, complements the exquisite food offerings. Praises like "the food was very delicious" and "we had to have the menu explained to us on arrival" underscore the authenticity and innovation of their cuisine. With glowing reviews celebrating both the quality of food and the exceptional service, Bar Crispin is a prime destination for anyone seeking an authentic Modern European dining experience in the heart of London.
A photo of Frog by Adam Handling restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(3355)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary european • Covent Garden
Booked 17 times today
Frog by Adam Handling in Covent Garden, London, is a Michelin-starred gem celebrated for its exceptional Contemporary British cuisine. The restaurant offers a unique dining experience where each dish tells a story, often drawing from Chef Adam's fond memories or inspirations. This narrative approach to cuisine is not only innovative but deeply personal, making each meal an emotional journey. Guests rave about the "amazing food, brilliantly presented" and the "unbelievable food and experience," highlighting the attentive service and the theatricality of dining close to the kitchen action. The quality of Frog's offerings is consistently likened to those of higher Michelin-starred establishments, with reviews frequently noting the creativity and skill evident in every dish. Whether it's the tasting menu's exquisite flavor combinations or the thoughtful wine pairings, Frog by Adam Handling stands out as a pinnacle of Contemporary British dining, deserving of its accolades and highly recommended for anyone seeking a memorable culinary adventure.
A photo of The Cardinal Bar & Kitchen restaurant
4.4
Awesome(4)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary european • Aldgate
At The Cardinal Bar & Kitchen in Aldgate, London, diners are treated to an exceptional Contemporary Asian dining experience that marries traditional flavors with modern culinary techniques. Known for its vibrant atmosphere and impeccable service, The Cardinal stands out in London's dining scene. Guests rave about dishes like the sweet potato miso smash and the creatively prepared tuna tartare, confirming the restaurant's commitment to quality and innovation. One review exclaims, "The food presentation and quality were EXCELLENT," highlighting the meticulous attention to detail. Another adds, "The Tuna Tartare was amazing," showcasing the authentic yet contemporary approach. The Cardinal is indeed a jewel for those seeking a top-notch Contemporary Asian feast in a welcoming setting.
A photo of The Cork & Bottle - Leicester Square restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1503)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary european • Leicester Square
Booked 14 times today
The Cork & Bottle in Leicester Square, London, stands as a beacon of British culinary excellence. Renowned for its "excellent home cooking" and an "extensive wine list," this establishment is a cherished gem amid the vibrant city bustle. Patrons rave about its authentic British offerings, notably the "ham and cheese pie" and "Shepard’s pie," which are described as "worthy of travelling for." The ambiance is lauded as "superb," creating a cozy, inviting atmosphere that complements the high-quality, innovative food. A diner summed it up perfectly: "In a changing world the Cork has always been a beacon of consistency, great wines, excellent food, personal service, a true haven from the world outside." The Cork & Bottle not only serves delectable British fare but also encapsulates a quintessential British dining experience, making it a must-visit destination in London.
A photo of CORE by Clare Smyth restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(3489)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary european • Notting Hill
Booked 9 times today
CORE by Clare Smyth in Notting Hill, London, stands as a beacon of Contemporary European cuisine, infused with a distinctive British flair. Since its opening in 2017, the restaurant has captivated diners with its "sublime" and "meticulously put together" dishes, as one patron noted, emphasizing the harmonious blend of flavors. The dedication to excellence is palpable, with guests praising the "exceptional food and service" and an ambiance that marries elegance with comfort. Reviews consistently highlight the "thoughtful food" and the skilled staff that makes each dining experience memorable. CORE by Clare Smyth is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of contemporary culinary artistry, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking the pinnacle of fine dining in London.
A photo of The Rooftop restaurant
4.3
Awesome(442)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary european • St. James's
Booked 1 time today
Nestled in the vibrant St. James's neighborhood of London, The Rooftop delights diners with its exquisite Contemporary European cuisine and panoramic views of the city’s skyline from Trafalgar Square. Guests rave about the "delicious European-inspired dishes" that evolve with the seasons, ensuring a fresh and authentic taste experience. The ambiance, described as "fabulous" with "lovely, helpful staff," complements the high-quality, carefully crafted menu. Patrons particularly recommend trying the "gluten-free chocolate cake with honeycomb ice cream" for a delightful finish to a perfect dining experience. The Rooftop is a gem in London’s dining scene, where every meal is served with a side of spectacular views.
‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Oluwabunmi
    London •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Everything about the service was perfect. The only let down was the food - I ordered the Mauve aubergine, smoked coconut yoghurt, fragrant sticky rice. The sticky rice was cooked to perfection but the mauve aubergine with the smoked coconut yogurt wasn’t that great. I’ve had better meals at the restaurant. Aside from that the staffs are amazing and friendly. I will still return and try another meal.
    More info
    Fitz's BrasseriePrice: Expensive• Contemporary European• Bloomsbury
    4.5
  • David
    London •12 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    The tasting menu at Frog was mind-blowingly good and far beyond what you would expect from a single Michelin star restaurant. The manicured dishes flow at just the right speed which is important given you munch through nine or ten plates including the amuse-bouche at the start and the petits-fours. The stand out dish for me was the crab timbale with a deliciously fresh herb sauce of blitzed lovage, sorrel, parsley and apple peel. The minute crab decorations were a lovely touch. This edged out the duck served with a remarkable umami mushroom "ketchup" and turnip puree. I particularly enjoyed the use of British ingredients like woodruff (similar to vanilla) which are not perceived as luxuries but have phenomenal flavour. The only miss on the food was the temperture of the lobster ravioli. We enjoyed the premium wine pairing and the sommeliere did a fantastic job of explaining the aromas and flavours and how they matched each dish. My main criticism is that given the price point for the premium wine flight (£250) there really should be more premium wines. Having memorized the labels some cost £20-30 which is definitely not premium. That said, well chosen and fun, but wine quality should be higher. The cod would have benefited from a Pouilly-Fuisse 1er Cru or Chablis 1er Cru from a south-facing slope which captures some tropical notes. My advice: buy a bottle from the list as these are much better value than the flights. All in all, the food and experience was on a par with Lameloise in Burgundy which has three stars.
    More info
    Frog by Adam HandlingPrice: Very Expensive• British• Covent Garden
    4.9
  • Steve
    London •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Awesome and flavoursome food. Great wine list and great staff. Will be back soon.
    More info
    Stem and Stem - Restaurant and FloristPrice: Expensive• Contemporary British• St Paul's
    4.8
  • Leanne
    London •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Dec 8, 2024
    Best Sunday roast in London in a beautiful setting with wonderfully attentive staff
    More info
    The Northall at Corinthia LondonPrice: Expensive• Contemporary European• Covent Garden
    4.8
  • Lisa
    London •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on Oct 4, 2024
    Waiters were really helpful, food was fantastic, ambience was good.
    More info
    The Cardinal Bar & KitchenPrice: Expensive• Contemporary European• Aldgate
    4.4
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