25 Best Restaurants in London 2026

This two-Michelin-starred Indian restaurant in Mayfair delivers an extraordinary dining experience with its sophisticated take on classic Indian cuisine. The interior design transports you to a different era with rich wood paneling and elegant details. Standout dishes include the wild muntjac biryani, kid goat methi keema, and their exceptional wine pairings.

Clare Smyth’s three-Michelin-starred restaurant in Notting Hill celebrates British ingredients with technical brilliance and creative flair. The elegant, understated dining room provides the perfect backdrop for her signature dishes, including the now-famous “Potato and Roe” and the spectacular “Lamb Carrot.” The tasting menu offers an unforgettable journey through contemporary British cuisine.

This intimate two-Michelin-starred restaurant in Fitzrovia offers a unique dining experience with just 20 seats arranged around an open kitchen. Chef James Knappett creates an ever-changing tasting menu showcasing the finest seasonal British ingredients. The interactive format allows diners to watch their meal being prepared and engage directly with the chefs, creating a memorable and immersive experience.

Fergus Henderson’s iconic restaurant in Smithfield has been championing nose-to-tail eating since 1994. The stark white dining room provides a simple backdrop that allows the food to take center stage. Signature dishes include the roast bone marrow with parsley salad, deviled kidneys on toast, and the legendary Eccles cake with Lancashire cheese. Don’t miss the freshly baked madeleines for dessert.

London’s only Michelin-starred pub offers a refined take on British pub food in Fulham. The menu showcases game and wild food, with a strong emphasis on seasonal British ingredients. Their Sunday roast is legendary, featuring perfectly cooked meat, crispy potatoes, and towering Yorkshire puddings. Start with their famous venison Scotch egg – a signature dish that exemplifies their approach to elevated pub classics.

Established in 1798, Rules is London’s oldest restaurant and continues to serve traditional British food in its historic Covent Garden location. The opulent dining room, adorned with portraits and antiques, provides a glimpse into old London. The menu focuses on classic game dishes, including roast grouse, venison, and steak and kidney pudding. Their cocktail bar upstairs is equally worth a visit for expertly crafted traditional drinks.

James Lowe’s Michelin-starred restaurant in Shoreditch offers a daily changing menu that celebrates the best of British produce. The minimalist dining room provides a calm backdrop for food that is precise, thoughtful, and deeply connected to seasonality. The evening set menu showcases Lowe’s talent for finding the perfect balance of flavors, while lunch offers a more casual à la carte experience.

Set in the historic Shoreditch Town Hall, this two-Michelin-starred restaurant offers an innovative tasting menu that celebrates British produce with global influences. Chef Isaac McHale’s signature dishes include the buttermilk fried chicken with pine salt and the raw Orkney scallop with hazelnut, clementine and Périgord truffle. The blue-tiled dining room with open kitchen creates an intimate yet theatrical dining experience.

Tomos Parry’s Michelin-starred restaurant in Shoreditch draws inspiration from the Basque country, focusing on open-fire cooking. The wood-paneled dining room with open kitchen creates a warm, convivial atmosphere. Signature dishes include the whole turbot (which gives the restaurant its name – ‘Brat’ is an old English term for turbot), the grilled bread with anchovy, and the burnt cheesecake that has inspired countless imitations across London.

This popular chain pays homage to the old Irani cafés of Bombay, offering a menu that spans breakfast to dinner. While there are now several branches across London, each maintains its own distinct character. Must-try dishes include the house black daal (simmered for 24 hours), the bacon naan roll (a breakfast favorite), and the ruby chicken curry. Their cocktail menu is equally impressive, featuring Indian-inspired creations.

Andrew Wong’s two-Michelin-starred restaurant in Victoria offers a sophisticated journey through China’s diverse culinary regions. The dim sum lunch menu features meticulously crafted individual pieces, each representing a different Chinese province. The evening “Taste of China” menu is an elaborate affair, showcasing both traditional and innovative techniques. Don’t miss the “Memories of Peking Duck” – a remarkable reinterpretation of the classic dish.

This acclaimed Spanish tapas bar has several locations across London, each offering counter seating around an open kitchen. The menu features impeccably sourced Spanish ingredients prepared with technical precision. Highlights include the milk-fed lamb’s kidneys, the tortilla (made to order), and whatever seafood is freshest that day. The no-reservations policy means queues are common, but the wait is well worth it for some of London’s best Spanish food.

This pasta bar near Borough Market has earned a cult following for its handmade pasta at affordable prices. The concise menu features classics like pappardelle with slow-cooked beef shin ragu and the signature pici cacio e pepe – a seemingly simple dish elevated to perfection. The no-reservations policy and limited seating mean queues are common, but the line moves quickly and the pasta is worth the wait.

Starting as a street food stall, Bao has expanded to several locations across London, each with its own distinct personality. The signature steamed buns with various fillings remain the star attraction, particularly the classic pork bao with peanut powder. Beyond the buns, don’t miss the Taiwanese fried chicken and the beef short rib with aged white soy. The minimalist design and counter seating create a casual yet stylish dining experience.

This iconic Westminster cafe, established in 1946, serves some of London’s best traditional English breakfast. The art deco interior has remained largely unchanged, creating an authentic atmosphere that has made it a favorite filming location. The full English breakfast is the star, featuring perfectly cooked eggs, bacon, sausage, beans, and toast. The friendly service and shouted order announcements add to the charm of this London institution.

This three-Michelin-starred restaurant within the Sketch complex offers one of London’s most theatrical dining experiences. The opulent dining room, designed by Gahban O’Keeffe, provides a dramatic backdrop for Pierre Gagnaire’s inventive French cuisine. The tasting menu is a culinary adventure, featuring intricate dishes that surprise and delight. The famous egg-shaped toilet pods and pink Gallery room make for excellent photo opportunities before or after your meal.

Located on the 31st floor of The Shard, this restaurant offers breathtaking views of London through its floor-to-ceiling windows. The contemporary British menu features seasonal ingredients and classic flavors with modern twists. While the food is excellent, it’s the combination of spectacular views and attentive service that makes this a perfect special occasion destination. Request a window table when booking for the full experience.

Often voted London’s most romantic restaurant, Clos Maggiore in Covent Garden features a magical conservatory with a retractable glass roof and cherry blossoms overhead. The French-influenced menu showcases seasonal ingredients and an exceptional wine list with over 2,500 selections. The herb-smoked Welsh lamb and slow-cooked black leg chicken are standout main courses. Request the conservatory when booking for the full romantic experience.

This neighborhood restaurant on Columbia Road serves seasonal European dishes with a focus on sustainability. The bright, airy dining room creates a relaxed atmosphere perfect for long, leisurely meals. The menu changes regularly, but expect perfectly executed dishes like hand-rolled pasta with seasonal vegetables, whole roasted fish, and exceptional charcuterie. Their natural wine list is one of the best in London, with knowledgeable staff to guide your selection.

This family-run Turkish restaurant in Dalston has evolved from a traditional ocakbaşı to one of London’s most exciting dining destinations. The menu combines Turkish traditions with contemporary techniques and flavors. Standout dishes include the cull yaw kofte, sourdough pide with seasonal toppings, and the remarkable grilled mackerel with bulgur, white peaches, and pistachio. The natural wine list complements the bold flavors perfectly.

This family-run Thai restaurant near London Bridge focuses on authentic Bangkok-style dishes made with locally sourced ingredients and homemade sauces. The bright, modern space creates a welcoming atmosphere for enjoying their exceptional Thai cuisine. Must-try dishes include the fragrant prawn tom kha soup, the perfectly balanced pad thai, and the aromatic massaman curry. Their commitment to avoiding MSG while maintaining authentic flavors sets them apart from many Thai restaurants in London.