London's Top 100 Restaurants

Hot-shot Brat is the first solo project of one of Britain’s hottest young chefs, Tomos Parry. Feast on the house speciality grilled turbot, drink 35 wines by the glass and lap up the whole zeitgeisty buzz of it all.

This first solo restaurant for chef Clare Smyth has established itself as one of the essential places to eat not only in London but the whole of Europe. Book well ahead and anticipate with pleasure.

The first London restaurant from celebrity chef Tom Kerridge showcases the signature dishes from his two-Michelin-starred Marlow gastropub The Hand and Flowers, luxed up for a London audience in the swanky setting of the Corinthia hotel.  

Glamorous Scott's remains one of the best restaurants in London for celebrity-spotting, fish suppers and all-round good times. Meat eaters and veggies get decent choice too while walk-ins and solo diners should try a seat at the counter.  

The original and still the best of Jeremy King and Chris Corbin’s ever-expanding group of brasseries, The Wolseley is the acme of all-day dining in the capital, as well suited to breakfasts as a post-theatre snack and everything in-between.

Jason Atherton’s Pollen Street Social is a playful Michelin Star restaurant in Mayfair. Plates are packed with personality while surprises from the kitchen come in many forms – to borrow a cliché, expect the unexpected.

Chef Jackson Boxer has propelled himself into the frontline of London’s best chefs with this accomplished riff on his childhood holidays in Scotland. Seafood is a strength, but all the ingredients are treated with an assured touch.

With its infectious atmosphere, over the top Italian dishes (which are far better than they need to be) and Instagram-baiting interiors, Gloria has rightfully earned the title of the most fun dining room in London.

The downstairs segment of Nieves Barragan Mohacho’s first solo project is an L-shaped eating counter where chefs in the open kitchen serve up classic tapas treated to an accomplished modern tweak, washed down with knockout Spanish wines.  

The Cinnamon Club offers Indian fine-dining in a relaxed converted-library setting. High quality ingredients are transformed into well-spiced, moreish plates of things like blackened wild king prawns and a delicate chicken korma.

The kitchen at this chic and minimalist Anglo-French restaurant is headed up by chef Gregory Marchand (who learned his trade under Jamie Oliver), serving a superb and innovative menu alongside a very accomplished wine list.

The neighbourhood restaurant that everyone wishes they had on their doorstep has made a Wandsworth parade of shops into a site of pilgrimage. Expect a fabulous atmosphere, a knockout wine list and always delicious modern European cooking.  

A landmark in every sense, Ruth Rogers’ legendary Italian restaurant is as close as you can get to sampling la dolce vita in London, especially in summer, when the entire dining room moves outside to the garden.

This mind-bending fusion restaurant introduces diners to a myriad of flavours and textures which are inspired by chef Ramael Scully’s mixed heritage. Expect to be intrigued and ultimately impressed, while knowledgeable staff are also delightful.

They just don't make restaurants like this anymore. Le Gavroche is a defiantly luxurious tribute to the joys of formal French dining. Not somewhere to eat every day, but for a slap-up treat, it can’t be beaten.

Heston Blumenthal may not cook at the London restaurant that bears his name but the chef's singular re-interpretation of historic British cooking is in very safe hands here thanks to long-term right-hand man Ashley Palmer-Watts. 

This ground-breaking restaurant transformed Londoners’ attitude to Spanish food. Three more branches may have followed, but long queues attest that the original is still the best. Expect all the tapas classics and terrific Spanish wines.   

This City outpost of JKS Restaurants (Gymkhana, Trishna, Hoppers et al) has established itself as a destination worthy of attention for anyone in search of top-flight Indian food and fun times, whether or not you work in the Square Mile.

Trinity is a Michelin-starred Clapham restaurant from chef Adam Byatt which serves a subtly excellent menu of modern dishes with French overtones. Gallic cheeses and an impressive wide ranging wine list complete this tempting picture.

Claude Bosi has settled in nicely to his new digs in the iconic Michelin Building. Fans of the Lyon-born chef’s cooking will be relieved to hear that it has survived the move from Hibiscus as brilliant as ever.

Often thought of as London’s most romantic restaurant, the conservatory at Clos Maggiore is the hottest ticket in town for lovebirds. With delicious French-accented food, foliage and twinkling lights galore, it’s easy to see why.

Brasserie Zedel is a French brasserie housed inside a former ballroom that has won praise from our readers for its “unpretentious food”. That means the likes of steak frites paired with a 30-strong wine list.

Famous across the globe, the Hakkasan brand has carved itself out as a luxury restaurant that means business. The Mayfair outpost is no exception, serving up high-glamour and delicious Japanese fare that does not disappoint.

Small in size but big on flavour, the food at Noize (the former site of Dabbous) sees classic French bistro dishes being given a luxury makeover, alongside a cracking wine list and charming, knowledgeable service.

The debut solo restaurant from chef Tom Brown (who trained under Nathan Outlaw), Cornerstone is a sophisticated seafood restaurant serving comfort food dishes in relaxed surrounds. It also brings some much-needed charm to Hackney Wick.

Thanks to chef Fergus Henderson’s pioneering manifesto of nose-to-tail eating , St John has deservedly become one of the most famous British restaurants in the world and its signature dishes are must-trys for any self-respecting foodie.

Dining at Mayfair’s Imperial Treasure certainly is not cheap, but we think the food is worth every penny, with our editor hailing it as “the best Chinese restaurant to open in London since A Wong”.

There might now be an Ivy Café on almost every upmarket high street in Britain but this Theatreland original remains an evergreen on the restaurant scene. Celebrity sightings are scarce these days but you’ll still leave feeling like a star.

Order eye-opening regional cooking in small or large portions at Jacob Kenedy’s agenda-setting Italian. Soak up the Soho buzz in the dining room at the back or people-watch from the long marble bar.   

You’ll now find Hawksmoors all over the more high-rolling parts of London (as well as Manchester, Edinburgh and New York) but we reckon this Covent Garden outpost distils the feel-good factor that makes the group so special.  

He might be more famous as a TV star than a chef these days but should anyone doubt Gordon Ramsay’s culinary credentials, they should pay a visit to his three Michelin -starred Chelsea flagship, where Matt Abé transmits his master’s vision.

A unique and very special place on the London dining scene, this grandest of hotel dining rooms is a failsafe option when you have something to celebrate. John Williams’ cooking is as luxurious as the decor.

Take your seat within the tranquil surrounds of the restored 19th-Century drawing room at Somerset House and prepare for mouth-watering seasonal dishes designed by SquareMeal’s Female Chef of the Year, Skye Gyngell.

Sexy Fish is a wonderfully camp restaurant from Caprice Holdings. Wondering what we mean? Well, the pan-Asian brasserie’s interiors (waterfalls, fish-tail motifs and a gold-plated crocodile on the wall) should help you get the idea.

Chef-patron Rohit Ghai, who has previously worked at the likes of Gymkhana, Jamavar and Bombay Bustle, is the man behind this contemporary fine-dining Indian restaurant in Chelsea, which delivers with its delicate and distinct spicing.

Berners Tavern is a restaurant from chef Jason Atherton found at the London Edition hotel. The awe-inspiring baroque dining room is matched only by the menu of restrained traditional British cuisine made with expert hands.

Kricket originally started out life as a pop up in Brixton, but its first permanent site proves this is a concept that’s built to last. Expect cracking Indian small plates and plenty of vegetarian options.

Gauthier Soho occupies a three-floor Regency townhouse and looks like a typical haunt for old-school fine-dining. However, behind the gloss is a restaurant that’s in tune with current trends, including the popularity of plant-based diets.

Housed inside a converted chapel, split-level Galvin La Chapelle is a warm and inviting space that manages to make its grand surrounds feel cosy. The French-leaning menu that’s served by amiable staff certainly helps too.

Mere is MasterChef Judge Monica Galetti’s flagship restaurant, serving up beautiful modern European food which is often presented with a South Pacific twist (Galetti is Samoan). Happily, the service and setting match the elegant food.

Serving up a modern British menu with international influences, Marcus at the Berkeley remains one of London’s foremost fine dining experiences. With flexible menus and delightful staff, this is an experience not to be missed.

Open 24/7 and boasting awe-inspiring views of London’s skyline, Duck & Waffle is a fun and fast-paced dining experience. Expect rich dishes which play with sweet and savoury tastes – the eponymous dish is a must-order.

24 floors high, City Social sits among London’s skyscrapers rather than towering over them. A favourite among the City crowd, dinner here means steaks from the grill or refined, seasonal British meat and fish dishes.

Based on grand Mittel-Europe cafes, The Delaunay offers a cavernous, sumptuous space to enjoy all-day dining in. From sandwiches and afternoon tea through to full three course meals, the menu covers every eventuality.

Medlar has been popular in Chelsea ever since it opened its doors in 2011, thanks to its slick service and relaxed French menu. Seasonality is championed here for fresh, colourful plates that ensure repeat custom.

Zuma is a staple of Knightsbridge’s restaurant scene and for good reason too. The electric atmosphere and chance to spot famous faces is reason enough to visit, while the masterful Japanese fare seals the deal.

The Palomar’s menu of modern plates inspired by the food of Jerusalem has been a hit with adventurous Londoners since it opened. Bag a seat at the bar for views of the bustling kitchen.

You might not recognise a single dish on the menu at this Michelin-starred West African restaurant in St. James’s, but it won’t matter – everything here tastes great. But then, Ikoyi is under the direction of chef-patron Jeremy Chan.

Frog by Adam Handling is the chef’s flagship restaurant in Covent Garden, which serves a five- or eight-course tasting menu that intrigues and excites. Must-try signature dishes include the chicken fat butter served with sourdough.

Innovative, playful cooking is at the heart of what chef Ollie Dabbous does at Hide Above, showcasing his style of stripped-back fine dining in dishes like a savoury Crème Egg and ‘Garden Ripple’ ice cream.

Bob Bob Cité follows on from its Soho sibling, bringing the signature opulent surrounds to The Cheesegrater. The main draw, perhaps, is the infamous ‘press for Champagne’ button but the Anglo-Russian food is high-end too. 

Serving up fresh pasta at affordable prices, this casual WC2 joint has won legions of fans. It’s all the work of former Locanda Locatelli chef Louis Korovilas, who serves up the likes of oxtail ragu.

Now twinkling with a third Michelin star, the have-to-be-seen-to-be-believed interiors of Sketch reach a zenith of opulence in the fine-dining Lecture Room. Head chef Johannes Nuding crafts courses of multiple dishes that look as beautiful as the surroundings.

Picture a supremely comfortable country-house hotel dining room, only with buzz and fun, and you’ve about got the measure of this neighbourhood gem in SW3. Ex-Atherton Chef Iain Smith is at the helm, so expect top-quality food.

Expect classical French technique combined with a contemporary, spice-infused viewpoint at this two Michelin-starred outpost of chef Hélène Darroze in one of London’s most luxurious hotels, as well as a superb selection of Darroze Armagnac.

With a good hit of theatre from the central robata grill and plates of sparklingly fresh sushi, ROKA Charlotte Street is any Japanophile’s dream. Pull up a chair at the bar for the best views.

Bentley's Oyster Bar & Grill has dominated the seafood scene in London for over 100 years, and is now headed up by Michelin star chef Richard Corrigan. Expect expertly cooked seafood and the freshest oysters.

Headed up by three-Michelin-starred chef Quique Dacosta, Arros QD is a paella restaurant, but not as you know it. Wood burning stoves add rich aromas, while the luxurious ingredients used elevate this traditionally humble dish.

Elystan street is a comfortable neighbourhood restaurant in Chelsea that serves robustly reliable modern European plates. The food is unfussy, unpretentious and heartily portioned without losing its finesse, thanks to chef Phil Howard’s delicate handling.

Perilla’s laidback neighbourhood vibe contrasts with its far more serious menu. The chefs make the most of simple but high-quality produce, resulting in sparkling places of modern European food. Don’t miss the reasonably-priced set menu.

While Michelin Star restaurants aren’t a rarity in Mayfair, Jamavar sets itself apart from the rest with its bold and colourful plates of food. Each one manages to carefully balance traditional flavour with modern presentation.

This Michelin starred restaurant sits within The Town Hall Hotel in Bethnal Green and serves up a modern European menu. Expect fresh plates like scallop tartare and sorrel ice cream made with locally foraged herbs.

Angela Hartnett’s Italian has been a foodie mecca since opening in 2017, when it won its Michelin star. Expect modern plates that ignore the usual fine dining trappings in favour of flavour above all else.

This Soho outpost of international Chinese restaurant brand Yauatcha serves up a wickedly moreish menu of dim sum. Elsewhere there are larger Chinese plates, perfect for dinner, as well as an intricate line-up of patisserie.  

Cora Pearl serves up complex comfort food classics that play with seasonal ingredient for delicious rifts on traditional British food. Trendy interiors, a Covent Garden location and a cracking pre-theatre menu are further draws.

This London export of a Hong Kong restaurant brand serves up Northern Chinese food in a breath-taking, fine-dining setting; from the 33rd floor of The Shard. This combination offers diners an incomparable all-in experience.  

Chutney Mary was one of London’s original fine dining Indian restaurants, and thirty years on still pulls rank on the capital’s dining scene. Expect plates of things like tandoori Dover sole and Keralan chicken mappas.

Fluffy buns and moreish fillings made Bao an almost-overnight success. The original restaurant (there are now five sister sites) continue to draw queues four years later thanks to a winning menu of Taiwanese small plates.

Even diners who dislike tasting menus are likely to be won over by the joy and invention on show at Tom Sellers’ Michelin-starred restaurant near London Bridge. Relaxed service and Scandi-chic interiors are both plus points.

Wild Honey might have lost the cosy charm of its Mayfair premises but the show-stopping interiors of its new residence within the Sofitel St James are a fair trade. Chef-patron Anthony Demetre’s cooking remains as brilliant as ever.

“Sophisticated” and “elegant” are words often associated with Gordon Ramsay’s Michelin-starred restaurant in Knightsbridge. Each dish shows off the chefs’ prodigious skills and the expansive wine list makes its own aristocratic statement.

Gastronomic thrills abound at Anne-Sophie Pic’s French restaurant, located within the grand former London Port Authority building. Two Michelin Stars attest to Pic’s pedigree and inventiveness, which come together to ensure an experience like no other.

This antiquated establishment has been wining and dining its guests since the late eighteenth century and remains one of London’s most charming restaurants. Expect five-star treatment from top-hatted doormen and charming staff.

Trendy and laid-back, Smoking Goat serves up modern Thai barbecue and seafood small plates inspired by Bangkok’s late-night canteens. Big on flavour, but not on price, this Shoreditch eatery is a must-try.

A bakery, restaurant and wine bar from the team behind Lyle’s was never going to be a flop, and Flor has stayed true to form to become one of London’s hottest tickets in 2019.

Jason Atherton’s stylish, buzzy, low-lit eatery in Soho earned a Michelin Star within six months of opening and remains one of the capital’s most down-to-earth spots for fancy drinking and dining.

An all-female team of housewives runs the kitchen at Asma Khan’s Darjeeling Express in Soho, so diners can expect top-notch home-style Indian food that promises to nourish body and soul. Prepare to queue though – it’s mega popular.

James Lowe’s Shoreditch restaurant strips away the fancies of gastronomy to leave a bright, buzzy space where disarmingly simple, Michelin-starred food does the talking. It’s seasonal, full-flavoured and affordable food at its best.

This buzzing bonfire of a restaurant is dedicated to the art of barbecuing in-house butchered steak and meats, which are served alongside traditional corn tacos. Mezcal flights served in traditional clay copitas and cocktails dominate the drinks menu.

This perennially popular Indian small plates restaurant pays loving homage to the Irani cafés that were once part of the fabric of life in Bombay. Warming comfort food, including the famous bacon naan, ensures queues throughout the day.

This buzzy new restaurant from Michelin-starred chef Peter Sanchez-Iglesias blends the Spanish cuisine of his homeland with influences picked up on his travels around Mexico. Great views and slick service are boons too.

The hype surrounding this Soho eatery might have quelled, but Hoppers remains as popular and tasty as ever on account of its brilliant Sri Lankan small plates and decent prices. Lovely service adds to its appeal.

Once a 19th-Century working man's eating house, but now a thoroughly modern enterprise, this Farringdon stalwart serves up modern British cuisine with passion and flair. And the Grade II-listed dining room is beautiful to behold.

Atul Kochhar’s Indian fine dining restaurant in Mayfair specialises in the little-known cuisine of the Seven Sister States, which border China, Tibet and Burma. Prepare for outstanding flavours and charming service.

A seductively hypnotic buzz pervades this canal-side restaurant in Coal Drops Yard where you can tuck into rich Middle Eastern dishes cooked by Assaf Granit, the brains behind the world-famous Machneyuda in Jerusalem.

The crowd-pleasing all-day menu at this smart brasserie within the beautiful Rosewood London hotel stretches from filling hot breakfasts to hearty late-night suppers, and receives generous praise from diners for both.

Arguably one of the hottest openings of the year, Circolo Popolare has caused quite a stir on the London dining scene. Little sister to now-infamous Gloria, this buzzy restaurant offers showy interiors and fail-safe Italian dishes.