The Best Restaurants in London

by The OpenTable Team

Updated November 09, 2023

Dining in the British capital holds no bounds when it comes to what type of cuisine is offered, budget, or atmosphere people are looking for. From food trucks to fine dining, London offers an almost limitless amount of options, and different neighborhoods in the city offer their own local flair and culinary experiences. With so much to offer, London’s restaurant scene is better to navigate by neighborhood. From the best in fine dining in the Marylebone neighborhood to the culturally celebrated Brixton. People can choose from outdoor cafes for long afternoon brunches, upscale Michelin star restaurants for special nights, or, when craving a truly unique culinary experience, dog-friendly food truck parks and small family-owned pubs and restaurants.

Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester

4.7

4.7 (999)

£41 and over

French

Mayfair

About the restaurant

Nestled between Hyde Park and Mayfair, the critically acclaimed French contemporary restaurant opened in 2007. From a seven-course tasting menu including local ingredients like pigeon from Brittany to an a la carte menu featuring line-caught trout or Dorset crab, the fine dining atmosphere can be enjoyed for different culinary experiences. The French-inspired cuisine is enjoyed in a contemporary atmosphere with the highlight and focal point of a fiber-optic backdrop. One of the world’s most successful chefs, Alain Ducasse is the namesake and owner with over 21 Michelin stars earned and proud owner of 3 Michelin star restaurants.

Top review

FionaVIP

Dined on Dec 6, 2024

The food was divine, the service exceptional. The environment quite dull and maybe that is by design so diners focus on the food and the experience but a little more decor would have been pleasing to the eye.

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Experience

Valentine's Day Dinner

Bar Douro City

4.7

4.7 (705)

£26 to £40

Portuguese

Liverpool Street

About the restaurant

Bar Douro brings Portuguese food and wine to the Finsbury neighborhood. Since its opening in 2020, the bright atmosphere covered in blue and white azulejo tiles has brought classic Portuguese dishes like salt cod hash and Portuguese smoked sausage to hungry Londoners. Owner Maxwell Graham’s family has been making wine in the Douro Valley for over 200 years. This casual restaurant focuses on celebrating Portuguese food and culture and helping people discover Portuguese wine and food.

Top review

Dominika

Dined 2 days ago

Amazing place with great food and ambience, super friendly staff, attentive and delicious food. It's little gem that I was very nicely surprised by. I would highly recommend. Everything was great.

BEZA ETHIOPIAN VEGAN RESTAURANT

4.6

4.6 (329)

£25 and under

Ethiopian

Elephant and Castle

About the restaurant

This Ethiopian vegan restaurant got its start in Camden Market in 2006 and finally found its home on Sayer St. The casual restaurant with concrete, steel, and brightly colored designs from its cuisine’s home country makes this the best spot for dining outdoors or a gathering with friends. Share curry dishes like Misir Wot or string beans and carrots with friends. The owner and namesake, Beza does a lot for the Elephant and Castle community in which the restaurant is located.

Top review

Tommy

Dined on Oct 8, 2024

Very friendly staff and the food was lovely and authentic!

Bordelaise

4.6

4.6 (628)

£25 and under

French

Tooting

About the restaurant

This rustic bistro is located off Tooting High Street in the Broadway Market, and is home to tasty cocktails like the Myrtille bellini and Nutella espresso martini. Relax with South-of-France-style comfort food like Ox cheek ragout and Tagliatelle pasta or the truffled croque monsieur sandwich. A Sunday tradition in London is not to be missed out on here; the Sunday roast comes with three different meat options and one vegetarian option. It also offers a brunch menu every day but Monday with a twist on classics like poached eggs with bone marrow or creamy courgette and spinach gratin.

Top review

FranVIP

Dined 2 days ago

Fabulous food and wonderful service! The early bird discount made it even better!

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4.8

4.8 (1129)

£26 to £40

Italian

Chelsea

About the restaurant

A local favorite since it opened its doors back in 1994, the traditional Italian cuisine with modern twists is loved by many. Sit outside and enjoy the views of Lower Sloane Street while enjoying popular dishes like Fettuccine alla rustica and a variety of antipasti plates for snacking and sharing. Enjoy the down-to-earth Italian dishes with one of the many Italian wines on their extensive menu. Founders Paolo Caraffini and Frank di Rienzo have over 80 years of Italian restaurant experience making this a true cultural hotspot.

Top review

NickF

Dined 7 days ago

Our first time at the restaurant. We had lunch. Menu was comprehensive and well balanced as was the wine list. 2 of our party are vegetarians and were very well catered for. The food was delicious and the service very good. Will definitely return!

Claude Bosi at Bibendum

4.7

4.7 (1702)

£41 and over

French

South Kensington

About the restaurant

Within the historic art-deco Michelin House lies the two Michelin stars Claude Bosi since 2017. Come for lunch, the a la carte, or tasting menu, and let the light from the stained glass windows spotlight the artistic plating. This iconic restaurant offers delights like Wild Scottish halibut and Galician beef on its a la carte menu. The lunch tasting menu includes a half bottle of wine hand-picked by the resident sommelier. They also have sharing plate and vegetarian options.

Top review

JOAO

Dined on Dec 27, 2024

Delicious food, full of flavours and excellent presentation. Great service. The dining room was barely heated and the environment coincided with the cold that was felt. Either way, it's one of those restaurants that is worth it and you want to go back again.

CORE by Clare Smyth

4.8

4.8 (3508)

£41 and over

British

Notting Hill

About the restaurant

This light and bright highly awarded fine dining establishment is located on Kensington Park road and opened its doors in 2017. Among the many awards this restaurant received, the notable three stars in the 2021 Michelin Guide proves high praise. The cuisine pays homage to the passion for British food such as classic dishes like “Lamb carrot” and “Beef and oyster”. The owner and chef, Clarye Smith is the first female chef to run a three Michelin star restaurant in all of the UK.

Top review

AishaVIP

Dined 2 days ago

Everything was perfect, staff are incredible seamless smooth service

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Experience

Valentine's Day Dinner

Experience

Valentine's Day Lunch

Fait Maison, Salon de Thé: 144 Gloucester Road

4.3

4.3 (442)

£26 to £40

Middle Eastern

South Kensington

About the restaurant

Walking into this flagship is like walking into a fairy tale. With flowers, chandeliers and white flowing throughout, this is the place for high tea or Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine. For breakfast, indulge in an English breakfast or Royal Shakshuka or come for high tea and an array of baked delights and finger sandwiches. For dinner, try the spice rubbed lamb shank or Scottish salmon fillet. Helmed by owner and chef Om Waleed who founded this place in 2001, is also an interior designer.

Top review

FionaP

Dined 2 days ago

If you're in London, this should be on your list. Food and ambience are all amazing! Staff are great, and you're not rushed. Afternoon Tea is delicious!!!

Farang London

4.7

4.7 (693)

£26 to £40

Thai

Highbury/Islington

About the restaurant

This highly awarded and acclaimed brick and mortar restaurant opened this location in 2017. Farang has been awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand as well as their name on the National Restaurant Awards top 100 list. Share red curry with beef cheeks or traditional Thai dishes like crispy pork belly. Farang also makes their own curry pastes, sauces and a recipe book can be purchased at the store or online. Sebby Holmes is the owner and chef who fell in love with Thai food after touring Asia in 2008.

Top review

Deborah

Dined on Dec 20, 2024

Absolutely delicious meal, great service, great atmosphere - have wanted to go for ages - will be back!

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Experience

Valentine's Day

Hawksmoor Borough

4.6

4.6 (6769)

£26 to £40

Steakhouse

London Bridge

About the restaurant

Not far from the London Bridge lies an old hops warehouse that is now the home to Hawksmoor Borough. The steakhouse opened its doors in 2014 and prides itself on having the best steaks in London by only sourcing from small local farms and fishermen. The restaurant has received many awards, including the most sustainable restaurants in the UK and 10 years on the Best Companies in the UK list. Dining for lunch, the small tasting menu, and Sunday roast at Hawksmoor Borough, patrons know the Old Spot belly rib, prime rib and assortment of fish are all locally sourced.

Top review

Camila

Dined 2 days ago

what an incredible dining experience… my boyfriend and I are visiting from NY and genuinely did not expect such high quality steak + absolutely delicious sides. the restaurant is simple: a comforting sexy ambience and high quality straightforward foods. I can’t wait to return. woke up thinking about it.

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4.8

4.8 (584)

£26 to £40

Persian

Maida Vale

About the restaurant

The simple but elegant Persian restaurant offers indoor and outdoor seating in a garden setting. Loved by locals, it received the Best New Local Restaurant award by TimeOut and Michelin Bib Gourmand in 2021. The simple white interior allows the dishes like chargrilled meats and stews to stand center stage. The restaurant also features a private dining room and the ability to book the outdoor terrace making it a perfect spot for larger groups or celebrations.

Top review

Stephen

Dined 2 days ago

Delight staff and outstanding food. A wonderful restaurant.

La Dame De Pic London

4.8

4.8 (1499)

£26 to £40

French

Tower Hill

About the restaurant

Located in the Four Seasons Hotel London at Trinity Square, this celebrated restaurant offers innovative cuisine using unusual flavor profiles and cooking techniques to build its multi-coursed menu. One of the most celebrated female chefs in the world, Anne-Sophie Pic who openend this restaurant in 2017, has received many awards for La Dame De Pic, which has been named one of the 50 best restaurants in the world. She currently holds eight Michelin stars across her five restaurants. The tasting menu changes seasonally and with inspiration from the chef team.

Top review

Valérie

Dined on Dec 27, 2024

The chef came to our table and we had a nice talk. It s always important to share and a pleasure to meet who is in charge. The menu was delicious and all the staff really caring.

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Experience

Lunch Menu

Love Shack

4.8

4.8 (502)

£25 and under

Vegetarian / Vegan

Bethnal Green

About the restaurant

In the heart of Hackney, since 2018, lies this vibrant vegan cafe with goals of sustainability and charitable goals. Lounge in areas that mirror young adult living rooms or outside on the brightly colored picnic tables and enjoy breakfast items like a chickpea omelette, buffalo cauliflower bites, or Tempeh caesar salad. Choose from a variety of smoothies, juices and mushroom teas as well as a full range of cocktails like the old vegan or Tickle my pickle. Love Shack also has live performances like comedians and bands.

Top review

Anne

Dined 7 days ago

We travelled to Hackney for a race in Victoria Park. We had a lovely meal at the Love Shack in really unique environment and very helpful staff.

MARIAGE FRÈRES

4.5

4.5 (408)

£25 and under

French

Covent Garden

About the restaurant

This five-story townhouse on King’s Road holds more than the restaurant and tea room. It is also home to the world’s largest collection of teas and the main flagship store for the UK. The restaurant is brightly lit with white furniture mixed with blue and white tiles as well as paintings in the same color and delicacy with a large warming fireplace in the middle of the dining area. Enjoy dishes created with tea fusions like avocado with matcha green tea roasted chicken with rose tudor tea. Come for high tea or tea-infused pastries and desserts.

Top review

Bernadette

Dined 1 day ago

Every moment, from entering the building until we left was fantastic. Staff were so helpful and friendly. The food was beautiful, and had such interesting flavours. I will come back next time I’m around Covent Garden.

Myrtle Restaurant

4.9

4.9 (1164)

£41 and over

Modern European

Chelsea

About the restaurant

Walking into Myrtle restaurant, there is an air of sophistication but down-to-earth-ness throughout the dining room. A touch of Ireland is noticeable in the restaurant as well as the contemporary dishes being served. Owner and head chef Anna Haugh, who opened Myrtle in 2019, comes up with Irish-influenced dishes like lamb with dingle pie and courgette stuffed with Irish goat’s cheese. The tasting menu also comes with a wine pairing for an additional cost.

Top review

Tony

Dined on Jan 3, 2025

This was our fourth visit, haven’t been for a couple of years, must say if anything the food is even better, fantastic food and service

Okan South Bank

4.5

4.5 (1103)

£25 and under

Japanese

Waterloo

About the restaurant

Walking into Okan on the South Bank is like being transported to another part of the world. This Japanese restaurant opened its doors in 2018 and is a replica of what people would walk into in the small back streets of Osaka. This small Osaka brick and mortar restaurant features traditional Japanese dishes spilling over with umami flavors like miso udon noodles and Japanese pancakes. Accompany the dishes with imported Japanese beers and sake.

Top review

Mitchell

Dined 2 days ago

A warm space that took my girl friend back to her time travelling Japan, the food was just as she remembered it and she was blown away. So was I, the food was tasty, the range of flavours were phenomenal and I’m very impressed.

RedFarm

4.3

4.3 (581)

£26 to £40

Chinese

Covent Garden

About the restaurant

This small but brightly lit dining room boasts white and red checkered upholstery and natural wood to give it the feel of its name. RedFarm is fresh, clean, and bright, just like the owner and chef Joe Ng designed the contemporary Chinese menu. From soup dumplings with paper straws to the famous Pastrami Egg Roll, the menu is playful and unique. Since 2016 the kitchen is open for lunch and dinner, but can also be enjoyed for a long leisurely brunch.

Top review

Bernadette

Dined on Jan 2, 2025

Delicious food, very friendly, helpful staff, and service was pretty quick. Would visit again.

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Experience

Pre-Theatre Two Course Menu

Restaurant Gordon Ramsay

4.7

4.7 (1954)

£25 and under

Unspecified

Chelsea

About the restaurant

Gordon Ramsay is one of the world’s most famous chefs, and back in 1998, he opened this restaurant as his first solo establishment. Since the beginning, the ambiance of the restaurant was focused on impeccable service in an intimate low lit fine dining experience. The restaurant has received countless awards including three Michelin stars. Choose from an a la carte or tasting menu to experience the well thought out ingredients on every carefully crafted plate.

Top review

Georgina

Dined on Dec 21, 2024

We had the Menu Prestige and it was absolutely delicious.

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Experience

Inspiration Table Experience

Restaurant Story London

4.8

4.8 (1081)

£41 and over

British

London Bridge

About the restaurant

Opening its doors in 2013, the bright and modern look of Restaurant Story has been well received and awarded with three Michelin stars. With an open kitchen showing the creation of dishes step by step, chef Tom Sellers tells the story of British food in every ingredient on the plate. After making a reservation or arriving at the restaurant, no menus are offered. Each person will experience a tasting menu made with only seasonal ingredients. There are two tastings offered, one of eight courses and the other of 10 courses.

Top review

BonnieVIP

Dined on Dec 20, 2024

What a fantastic evening. The food was absolutely delicious. Everything was beautifully prepared, and the presentation was fun, fresh, and lovely. We also got the wine and cocktail pairing. The drinks were so interesting, and paired perfectly with the food. More importantly, the sommelier explained each wine and cocktail to us, carefully explaining the flavors, why that drink was chosen, and the many tones of the drinks. Was very fun and enlightening. All of the staff (and there were many taking care of us!) were just incredible. Knowledgeable, fun, friendly, personable staff. We even got to tour the kitchen and take pictures with the chef and team. Just a fantastic FIVE hour experience. Thankyou.

St John Bread and Wine

4.7

4.7 (2194)

£26 to £40

British

Spitalfields

About the restaurant

St John Bread and Wine opened its doors in 2003. Bright and upbeat, this restaurant used to be a bakery, and has now evolved to include this lively wine shop and restaurant. It also received the Michelin Bib Gourmand in 2021. The menu changes almost daily as it is heavily reliant on fresh ingredients, but a theme to recognize in the menu is pork, baked goods, and seasonal produce. Spiced Game and Trotter Pie, Bread and Wine Salad, and Welsh Rarebit are popular dishes. Pair these dishes with wine from the extensive wine menu.

Top review

Jack

Dined 1 day ago

Just the best. Nothing missing, nothing unnecessary, nothing less than perfect. In my opinion St John continues to be the flag bearer for what British cookery is capable of, and the food today was as good as its ever been. Thank you all. Long live St John

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Popular dish

Eccles Cake and Lancashire Cheese

Popular dish

Madeleines Half Dozen

Popular dish

Welsh Rarebit

SW16 Bar & Kitchen

4.6

4.6 (89)

£25 and under

Contemporary Italian

Streatham

About the restaurant

Looking for a deli, bistro and a lounge area to work online? This neighborhood restaurant, open since 2021, has it all. With plugs everywhere and fast Wi-Fi, during the day the restaurant is a valuable workspace. By night it is a casual and comfortable dining room serving seasonal and locally sourced food. The kitchen offers lunch, brunch, snacks, and up to three course dinners. Try the short rib benedict for brunch, grilled chicken for lunch, or the pan-seared Sea Bass for dinner. The deli and wine shop are open for take-out.

Top review

Steven

Dined on Nov 15, 2024

Good service and delicious food, specially the starters/tapas. Food can take a while to be served

Taverna Trastevere

4.7

4.7 (608)

£26 to £40

International

Clapham

About the restaurant

Taverna Trastevere brings Rome to the heart of London since 2019. This small and cozy Italian restaurant is popular with locals and returning diners. They may do classics like Spaghetti alla Carbonara and Roma style pizzas, but done to Roman perfection. Also known for their traditional and popular dessert, the Millefoglie. The wine menu is quite large, but luckily the restaurant is known for its fantastic service so don’t forget to ask for a pairing suggestion from the knowledgeable waitstaff.

Top review

alexander

Dined 2 days ago

Service is always the best. My favourite Italian in London!

Thai Tho - Wimbledon

4.6

4.6 (382)

£25 and under

Thai

Wimbledon

About the restaurant

This small neighborhood restaurant with white linen tables and leatherback booths feels casual yet intimate with wooden artwork from Thailand adorning the walls. Get traditional Thai curry dishes like Penang, Massuman, or jungle red curry with your desired meat, seafood or vegetable option. As any Thai person would say, make sure to get the famous Som Tam salad to accompany the entrees. The vibrant Thai food coming out of Thai Tho’s kitchen can also be ordered for catering purposes.

Top review

Ben

Dined on Dec 24, 2024

Very nice Christmas eve dinner and experience, thank you.

The Garden at Corinthia London

4.7

4.7 (209)

£26 to £40

European

Charing Cross

About the restaurant

On a hot summer day or the dead of winter, since 2021, the Garden inside the Corinthia Hotel leaves the bustle of the city behind. Enjoy the sun during a summer lunch or cozy up with blankets next to the heaters and fireplace for a cool evening dinner. Comfortable red cushioned chairs and garlands draped everywhere make it a perfect spot for the extensive wine list and cigar collection available. Enjoy Mediterranean cuisine with a twist like Roasted Sea Bass, Lobster Linguine, or Oven roasted lamb chop.

Top review

Lucy

Dined on Dec 15, 2024

We had an absolutely excellent lunch. Service was friendly, warm and highly attentive but not overbearing. Probably not a kids restaurant but the team were simply lovely with my 6 year old daughter. Superb food. Impressive. We’ll be back!

The Ninth

4.7

4.7 (478)

£41 and over

Mediterranean

Fitzrovia

About the restaurant

The exposed brick and well-thought-out lighting give this two story neighborhood bar and restaurant an intimate and comfortable atmosphere. The downstairs is lively and a place for drinks and walk-ins without reservations, while the upstairs provides an intimate setting. This restaurant opened in 2016 and is owned by Chef Jun Tanaka, a Japanese-British chef best known for his appearances on popular cooking shows in the UK. The Mediterranean-French inspired menu has offerings like Flamed mackerel, Lamb and truffle, and marinated veal chop.

Top review

KevinVIP

Dined 5 days ago

Perfect. Set price lunch. Best meal we’ve had in London.

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Experience

Chef's Choice Menu Six Courses

The Tiffany Blue Box Cafe at Harrods

4.4

4.4 (511)

£41 and over

International

Knightsbridge

About the restaurant

Since 2020, on the ground floor of a high-end shopping center, the Blue Box Cafe is decorated in Tiffany blue and white, a perfectly bright and classy atmosphere for afternoon tea after shopping. Enjoy an assortment of drinks including teas, mimosas and coffees during breakfast with signature dishes like the crab muffin. Or come for afternoon tea and choose from a variety of high quality ingredient finger sandwiches and sweets. The menu also offers a variety of teas and wines to accompany the Tiffany themed menu.

Top review

yasmin

Dined on Dec 16, 2024

Gorgeous setting with delicious options, the scones were absolutely divine. Lovely flavours in tea, our first visit, certainly not the last. Thank you for a memorable experience!

Trinity

4.9

4.9 (3569)

£41 and over

European

Clapham

About the restaurant

This stylish two-story neighborhood restaurant opened its doors in 2006, and has been awarded a Michelin star and many other awards. Owner Adam Byatt and the restaurant have had loyal locals since the beginning, because Adam takes pride in making sure to listen to the locals in order to give them what they want. For lunch or dinner, favorites include lobster, baked fish and Bouillabaisse big enough to share with friends or family.

Top review

ChrisVIP

Dined 2 days ago

Awesome food, great service. Beautiful restaurant.

TWIST Marylebone

4.6

4.6 (292)

£26 to £40

Contemporary European

Marylebone

About the restaurant

A wine and food pairing haven, this chic and rustic tapas bar and restaurant focuses more on local ingredients than a particular type of cuisine.Since its opening in 2014, the menu offers small plates, sharing dishes and snacks including the popular T-Bone for two, scallops, and roasted octopus. Along with ingredients the kitchen at Twist has a passion for pushing their creativity with modern cooking techniques. Make sure to check out their Sunday Jazz dinner.

Top review

jonathan

Dined on Dec 21, 2024

Very enjoyable. Excellent vegetarian tasting menu. Interesting wines.

Westerns Laundry

4.8

4.8 (1679)

£26 to £40

Modern European

Holloway

About the restaurant

An industrial and stylish restaurant with courtyard, communal tables and counter seating, the ambiance and seafood centric menu are meant to be enjoyed with a group. The menu changes daily and is only found on a large chalkboard in the dining area. Awarded a Bib Gourmand in 2021, and has received many more since it opened in 2017. Chefs David Gingell and Jeremie Cometto-Lingenheim opened Westerns Laundry after much success with Primeur, their first restaurant in North London.

Top review

Dined 3 days ago

Great dining experience! Friendly, knowledgeable and helpful staff, very warm ambience (and it was freezing outside!), and really interesting food. Not the cheapest, but all 6 of us thought it stood up very well against city centre restaurants.

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