Wondering where to eat in London? Living as close to the capital as I do has a lot of benefits, including being able to visit some wonderful London restaurants regularly. I’m excited to share my favourites with you.
London restaurants are expensive on the whole, but most of these offer good value for money considering the quality of the food and the dining experience. Some, like Le Gavroche and The Ritz are very expensive indeed. Please do check menus online so you can get an idea of what is on offer and the prices before booking.
Reservations are pretty much essential for all of the restaurants I have listed, so please do book in advance to avoid disappointment.
My Favourite London Restaurants
Theo Randall at The InterContinental
Located at The InterContinental Hotel in Park Lane, Theo Randall at The InterContinental is a great example of Italian Fine Dining and one of our favourite London restaurants.
The service is attentive and friendly with staff really going above and beyond to ensure your experience is outstanding. This is the perfect location whether you are sharing a romantic dinner for two or dinner with family and friends. The food is consistently outstanding. Menus change with the seasons and Theo Randall is famous for his tasting menus. I have so many favourite dishes we generally go a la carte.
The dishes I can especially recommend include the Cappelletti di Vitello, (homemade pasta stuffed with veal, pancetta, porcini mushrooms and Parmesan), Orata al Forno (roasted sea bream) and the steak. The Linguini Arogosta is the best lobster linguini I have ever had anywhere in the world.
Unlike many restaurants headed up by a celebrity chef, Theo Randall is generally at the helm of the kitchen personally, which is really refreshing. He’s very friendly and will often come and chat to diners. If you are really lucky, you may even get to visit the kitchen.
Our most recent visit – February 2022
The Brasserie of Light at Selfridges
With a modern, eclectic vibe, great service and really delicious food, The Brasserie of Light offers an excellent dining experience. The interior is quite simply fabulous and includes a 24 foot crystal encrusted statue called Pegasus by Damien Hirst which spreads its wings over the majority of the tables in the restaurant.
The menu at the Brasserie of Light is delicious, seasonal and very inventive. Don’t miss their extensive cocktail menu and really creative, mouthwatering desserts. We have been here on several occasions and the food, service, and atmosphere are consistently excellent. Whether you just fancy a cocktail, a light bite to eat, or you are after a three course celebration meal, this is the place.
There isn’t a dress code, but most people are fashionably dressed. It’s best to book in advance, although there are occasionally some tables available to walk-ins. And ladies, be sure to check out the restroom – it’s absolutely gorgeous!
Our most recent visit – February 2022
45 Jermyn Street
The latest addition to the collection of restaurants at Fortnum & Mason in Piccadilly, 45 Jermyn Street is located just behind the department store at its signature address. With a relaxed but elegant bistro vibe, excellent service and a creative seasonal menu, this is a great place for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
Favourite dishes for breakfast include Eggs Florentine and Crushed Avocado with Toast and Virgin Mary Sauce (I always add two poached eggs). During asparagus season you can order boiled eggs with asparagus spears to dip in – it’s heavenly! All the menus, including lunch and dinner, are seasonal and ever changing, but I can always find something delightful to enjoy. The bar is absolutely beautiful and offers an extensive wine list as well as some really lovely cocktails.
Dress is smart casual. 45 Jermyn Street is almost always busy so I definitely suggest booking in advance, even for breakfast.
Our most recent visit – February 2022
The Ritz Restaurant
The Ritz Restaurant is probably London’s most beautiful restaurant with a dining room reminiscent of the Palace of Versailles. Located in The Ritz Hotel at 150 Piccadilly, this Michelin starred restaurant is a delight. Executive Chef, John Williams, MBE, is at the helm, and the menu is seasonal, innovative and incredibly creative. I had the best Dover Sole of my life here, and my whole family highly recommend the Crêpes Suzette.
Friday Live at The Ritz is a great opportunity to enjoy live entertainment as well as an exceptional dinner. My son and his partner are pictured in The Ritz Dining Room above. We thoroughly enjoyed the live swing dance band, great vocalists, and professional dancers. Diners are encouraged to get on the dance floor too!
If dinner is too much of splurge, going to The Ritz Restaurant for breakfast. It’s a great opportunity to see this beautiful dining room. Between us, my family and I have pretty much tried everything on the menu, and there’s nothing I would not recommend.
Dress is formal. Men must wear jacket and tie for dinner. Ladies may wear smart trousers, but at dinner you will definitely feel more comfortable in a skirt or dress. Jeans and sports shoes are not allowed.
Our most recent visit – January 2020
Le Gavroche
The London restaurant for a very special meal, Le Gavroche has been delighting London diners for over forty years. (Charlie Chaplin, Ava Gardner and Robert Redford attended the opening!) Located in a beautiful townhouse at 45 Upper Brook Street, Le Gavroche is really cosy and welcoming. Michel Roux Jr., the son and nephew of the founders, is now at the helm of this iconic 2 Michelin star restaurant featuring the best of French cuisine.
The menu is seasonal and classic with a modern edge. On our most recent visit in September 2021, I enjoyed a beautiful lobster dish for starter, followed by butter roasted Gigha Halibut. My husband and I shared a Baba aux Pommes with Crème Chantilly for dessert.
The service is formal but friendly; many of the team have worked at the restaurant for years. Michele Roux will often come out of the kitchen and chat with diners, and our most recent visit was no exception. He is very friendly and interested in his clientele.
To sample the experience without completely breaking the bank, visit Le Gavroche for lunch. The Business Lunch Menu is much more accessible than the dinner menu and every bit as good.
Dress is smart casual, but I definitely suggest erring on the side of smart. Men are requested to wear a jacket/blazer.
Our most recent visit – October 2021
Kutir
If you enjoy Indian food, Kutir is sure to be a treat. Located in a Chelsea townhouse, this elegant yet cosy restaurant features the best of modern Indian cuisine. Kutir also features cocktails and an excellent wine list. We ordered a selection of dishes to share and had a wonderful evening exploring the extensive yet approachable menu. Service is friendly and efficient, so don’t hesitate to ask questions if you aren’t sure what to order.
Our most recent visit – September 2021
London Restaurants – Knightsbridge
Signor Sassi
I can’t believe it took me so long to discover this wonderful hidden gem. Tucked around a corner just across from Harrods, Signor Sassi is a buzzing, popular Italian restaurant. You definitely need a reservation!
The atmosphere is really vibrant, the menu extensive and the service is exceptional. If you enjoy seafood as I do, you will love their Lobster cocktail and Salmon in Champagne Sauce. However, there are some clearly marked vegetarian dishes as well as a great selection of classic Italian meat dishes. Not surprisingly, their pasta dishes are exceptional. You won’t want to pass up dessert either.
Our most recent visit – January 2022
My & Sanne
My & Sanne is a great all-rounder, perfect for lunch, coffee and dessert, or a relaxed yet elegant dinner. The first thing you notice when you enter the restaurant is the gorgeous decor – from walls to the ceiling, there are flowers everywhere. The second thing you notice is the glass case full of the most beautiful cakes, pastries and macarons!
My & Sanne is all about pretty – with gorgeous cocktails, mocktails and absolutely beautiful desserts. The menu has a Mediterranean vibe and also features Greek, Italian and Asian-inspired dishes. The menu is small but perfectly formed. Favourites include the Padron Peppers (perfect for sharing) and their Superfood Salad, either topped with chicken or the salmon fillet from their main dishes. Their homemade pasta is delicious – particularly the Homemade Tagliatelle with Pulled Lamb Shoulder, Spinach and Saffon and Pecorino. There’s a great selection of fresh and delicious side dishes as well. Their coffee is excellent and you definitely want to leave room for dessert.
We have visited for lunch and dinner but they also serve breakfast and the menu looks very tempting. One day I’m going to visit just for coffee and dessert!
Most recent visit – February 2022
There are so many restaurants in London it would take several lifetimes to try them all but I’m doing my best! Please note, this post contains my unsolicited personal recommendations and I have not been compensated or incentivised in any way by any of the restaurants mentioned.
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A Visit to The Dorchester Hotel, London
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