37 Monck St, London SW1P 2BL
This is the place for modern Sichuan cuisine and dim sum. Expect lots of sizzle and spicy flavours in a relatively minimalist and sleek space with service that errs on the formal side. There are two set menus as well as à la carte; it’s particularly good for groups.
68 Victoria Street, London SW1E 6AQ
This two-level stylish Victoria branch of the Ibérica restaurant chain from two-Michelin-starred executive chef Nacho Manzano showcases some of the best Spanish produce in London. You can expect Juan Pedro Domecq jamón, croquetas from Manzano’s grandmother’s recipe and classic desserts such as caramelised rice pudding and churros.
191 Victoria St, Westminster, London SW1E 5NE
A food court, but not as you know it; this is where you’ll find some excellent dining options under one roof, with nine different kitchens, two bars, and a heated rooftop terrace overlooking Victoria station. The only dilemma will be which vendor to order from.
1F Mentmore Terrace, London E8 3PN
Run by the team that was once Hot 4 U, Papi sees chef Matthew Scott team up with Charlie Carr from Wingnut Wines. While also having a big focus on sustainability and zero-waste, it's key to point out that 'fun' is a big part of the vibe of the restaurant. Expect a regularly changing menu, great wines and a small bar downstairs too.
10 Stoney Street, London SE1 9AD
Rambutan is a Sri Lankan restaurant from chef, restaurateur and author Cynthia Shanmugalingam. The restaurant takes influence from both her family's cooking as well as her travels across Sri Lanka.
256 Kentish Town Rd, London NW5 2EN
The Parakeet is a pub run by the people behind Camden's Blues Kitchen, having taken over what was The Oxford pub. It remains part pub, part restaurant with the latter run by chef Ben Allen. The menu changes regularly and there's an emphasis on cooking over fire.
53 Park Lane, London W1K
The Dorchester's modern take on the classic British grill restaurant is headed up by chef Tom Booton, whose name is now above the door. He trained under Alyn Williams and is the grill's youngest-ever chef. The lobster thermidor dish is a real signature here.
55 Jermyn Street, London, SW1Y 6LX
The great fact to bandy about Wiltons is that it’s older than the United States of America (the restaurant first opened 280 years ago). Looking good for its age, this is a place to perch up at the counter for oysters or find a booth at the back for luxe but traditional treats like Lobster Thermidor or an epic mixed grill.
22 Charlotte Street, London W1T 2NB
Jun Tanaka's Fitzrovia venture is a French/Mediterranean neighbourhood-style restaurant which uses fine dining cheffing techniques but with a more casual feel. The Pain Perdu with ice cream is an absolute must.
70 Leonard St, London EC2A 4QX
Zapote is a modern Mexican restaurant in the heart of Shoreditch with an ex-Aqua Nueva chef in the kitchen. All their tortillas are made in-house daily and the menu features a mix of the traditional and modern, with tacos and quesadillas sitting alongside dishes like their coal-roasted sweet potato. There is a big bar here too, so it's very handy for some of their cocktails and snacks.
Unit 3, 1 Finsbury Ave, London EC2M 2PF
Travel to Portugal and perch at the counter by the open kitchen of the City outlet of Bar Douro, enjoying petiscos, such as salt-cod fritters and smoked sausage croquetas, while admiring the azulejos that adorn the walls.
Unit 114 Lower, Stable St, London N1C 4DR
If you value a menu that cuts straight to the chase, this no-nonsense Japanese canteen is the place serving up three varieties of curry and rice and nothing else.
4 Stoke Newington Rd, London N16 7XN
This family-run Dalston ocakbasi was transformed into one of London's most exciting restaurants when ownership passed to the original owners' sons. Now you can expect thrilling modern Turkish food through an East London lens.
11 Old Jewry, London EC2R 8DU
One of London’s best steak restaurants, this City outlet of the Goodman restaurant group is popular with business diners. The meat is dry-aged on-site, and regular diners even have theirs cut to order. There’s a private dining room seating up to 10, for serious steak meetings.
10 Basinghall St, London EC2V 5BQ
Also renowned for their steaks, excellent wine list and service, Hawksmoor is a reassuring choice, and this branch is particularly suited to the business crowd, with breakfast meetings well-catered for. There’s also a 22-person private dining room, complete with audio-visual equipment, for presentations with exceptional catering.
South Place Hotel, 3 South Place, London EC2M 2AF
With spectacular views from the 7th floor of the South Place Hotel, Angler presents Michelin-starred dining with a special focus on seafood. Enjoy a tasting menu, lunch or à la carte meals from the rooftop terrace, with the likes of sea bass tartare with oyster cream, green apple and shiso on offer.
11 White’s Row, London E1 7NF
Opened in 2015 and since expanded to restaurants in Soho and Tower Bridge, this original Gunpowder serves Indian small plates with an inventive twist. The dishes are inspired by those that the team grew up with and the Kashmiri lamb chops are a must.
10-12 Bloomberg Arcade, London, EC4N 8AR
If you have a penchant for freshly made udon noodles, this is the place: a larger version of the much-loved Koya in Soho, where you can sit at wooden tables and enjoy izakaya small plates with sake and beer.
48 Gresham St, London EC2V 7AY
Cabotte is a restaurant founded by two Master Sommeliers. So while the menu is classic French, really the key thing here is the wine list that accompanies it. A good wine for bringing any really keen wine drinkers.
13 Philpot Lane, London EC3M 1DE
Set in an atmospheric basement of a Grade-II-listed building, the City outlet of Blacklock, a chophouse renowned for the quality of its grass-fed meat, is where carnivores can indulge in the likes of smoked maple-glazed bacon chops or even pig’s head on toast.
Royal London House, 10th Floor Montcalm, 22-25 Finsbury Square, London EC2A 1DX
On the edge of Finsbury Square, this has a view overlooking the square - albeit mainly from the terrace and bar at the front of the hotel - with some excellent views from the private terraces one floor down, which are highly covetable. In winter, there are bookable igloos too while the menu is a modern European affair.
39 Queen Victoria St, London EC4N 4SF
One of London’s best – and oldest – seafood restaurants, Sweetings has been going strong for over a century. All fish and seafood are from sustainable sources, and while it’s only open for lunch, it’s the place to step back in time while also savouring such classics as prawn cocktail, fried whitebait, Lobster Thermidor and cod’s roe on toast.
1 Poultry, London EC2R 8EJ
This elegant French restaurant offers slick rooftop dining that’s popular with the working-lunch set, and is especially busy in summer for its garden with sublime views. There are set menus, including one featuring the ‘classiques’, such as escargots de Bourgogne.
Unit 2, 30 Angel Ct, Throgmorton St, London EC2R 7HJ
At Temper, it’s all about the heat, with your barbecue coming from a huge central firepit. Alongside steak, you can also enjoy the likes of wood-roasted sea bass or cheeseburger tacos, as well as a cocktail list that's heavy on mezcal and gin creations.
Level 3, 122 Leadenhall St, London EC3V 4AB
Infamous for its ‘press for Champagne’ button at every table, this London institution is great for groups (the largest booth size seats eight but up to 18 can dine comfortably in their private dining rooms). Menu-wise, expect reinventions of classic European dishes.
4 Suffolk Pl, London SW1Y 4HX
For maximalists rather than minimalists this Italian restaurant took over a former bank just off Pall Mall, so expect acres of marble and gilt. In addition to the restaurant and bar, there’s also a walk-in wine cellar, whisky room and private dining room - it’s definitely a dress-up place for a special occasion.
1 Norris St, London SW1Y 4RJ
Finding well-priced restaurant options in St James can be a bit tricky but this Italian pizzeria is always a good bet. The USP here is that they use Mediterranean seawater in the pizza dough - that may sound gimmicky but the proof is in the eating and the pizzas are really good.
35 Spital Square, London, E1 6DY
Set within the astoundingly opulent Grade-II-listed St Botolph’s Hall, with its high stone ceilings and large arched windows, Galvin La Chapelle is fine French dining indeed. Holding a Michelin star since 2011, this 110-seater restaurant is the place for dishes such as barbecued Bresse pigeon, celeriac, Yorkshire rhubarb and dark chocolate. There are vegetarian and vegan menus too.
160 Picadilly, London W1J 9EB
Situated in a former car showroom, this Viennese style cafe is now a bona fide celebrity magnet where financiers rub shoulders with stars of the stage and screen. Breakfast is probably the hottest ticket here but they also do a very nice afternoon tea too.
300 - 302 St Paul's Road, London N1 2LH
Probably Islington's most famous restaurant, this Italian affair sees Tim Siadatan (also behind Padella) and Chef Owner Conor Gadd in charge. Expect superlative Italian cuisine and if you're passing by, it's well worth a look in their next-door deli too.
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