London hotels boast an impressive array of restaurants, from Michelin-starred dining experiences to lively gospel brunches. This diverse selection caters to every taste and budget, with renowned chefs like Alain Ducasse constantly challenged by exciting newcomers like Anne-Sophie Pic. Many of these restaurants offer value-for-money lunch menus, making them an accessible treat for those seeking a gastronomic adventure. Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner for two or a group gathering, London hotel restaurants offer stunning venues and a global tapestry of cuisines, from Italian to Japanese, and everything in between. Join us as we explore some of the most exciting hotel restaurants in London today.
A Culinary Masterpiece: Anne-Sophie Pic
Anne-Sophie Pic’s career is truly remarkable, and dining at her eponymous restaurant is a humbling experience. At just 23 years old, Pic faced a devastating loss – the passing of her father and the subsequent loss of their family restaurant’s third Michelin star, a title they had held since 1934. She bravely took over the family business and dedicated the next ten years to reclaiming the star, becoming the only woman in France and one of only five women globally to achieve this distinction. This dedication led her to open her own restaurant, a testament to her talent and perseverance.
The restaurant’s ambiance is equally impressive, with high ceilings and a mesmerizing network of mirrors that create a captivating optical illusion. This design evokes a sense of privacy and intimacy, particularly when nestled within one of the comfortable booths.
Nobu’s Shoreditch: A Modern Japanese Gem
Having established its first London outpost at the COMO Metropolitan hotel, Nobu’s second London restaurant graces the trendy Shoreditch neighborhood. While 65% of Nobu’s menu remains consistent, Shoreditch boasts unique dishes like the wood oven roasted lobster with Hakaido scallops, coriander aioli and ikura. You’ll also find the signature sleek, dark wood decor, a buzzing atmosphere, and beloved dishes like the velvety miso black cod. The emphasis at Nobu is on shared dining, so follow the staff’s advice and save the sushi for last to prevent overindulging in rice.
Don’t be surprised when every staff member enthusiastically greets you with “irasshaimase!” upon entering – it’s their warm welcome to all diners. You may even find yourself spotting a celebrity among the vibrant crowd.
Marcus: A Modern British Masterpiece
The interiors of Marcus exude an air of exclusivity, resembling a private members’ club with its dark wood-panelled walls, brown leather banquettes, white tablecloths, and captivating art collection. However, it’s the Michelin-starred cuisine that truly steals the show, prepared by the celebrated chef Marcus Wareing alongside his partners, Mark and Shauna Froydenlund.
Seasonal modern British dishes are the hallmark of Marcus, with exquisite attention to detail and textures. From the poached pheasant egg served alongside smoky, tender short rib to the salt-baked Jersey Royals with Tunworth custard mousse, each dish is a culinary masterpiece. The Herdwick lamb with crispy croquette breast and chimichurri sauce is equally impressive, as is the tower of toffee, peanut, and milk chocolate nougat.
Jean-Georges: A Pan-Asian Culinary Journey
Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s namesake restaurant at The Connaught is a captivating blend of elegance and sophistication. The soft greys and pale blues of the dining room, paired with the conservatory that curves alongside the Mayfairian building, create a truly refined atmosphere. The Alsace-born chef offers a pan-Asian menu with European influences, highlighted by the tasting menu, which takes diners on an epicurean journey infused with sesame oils, bold flavors, and intriguing textures.
Highlights include the caviar on toast, a delightful combination of soft, bulbous egg yolk nestled between crispy brioche and a generous serving of caviar. The tuna tartare, served over creamy avocado and topped with sliced radishes and ginger soy sauce, is another must-try, delivering a harmonious blend of heat and cool. Salmon over a layer of chipotle sauce on a crispy rice block and the famous truffle pizza are equally enticing.
Alyn Williams: Classic Elegance and Stellar Cuisine
The dining room at Alyn Williams embodies traditional elegance with white tablecloths, plush beige chairs, panelled walls, and impeccably dressed staff. The floor-to-ceiling wine cabinets add to the exclusive atmosphere. While this classical ambiance may not appeal to all, it reflects the five-star setting of its Mayfair location.
However, it’s the Michelin-starred cuisine that truly captivates. Alyn Williams is known for its seasonal, elegant dishes, which delight both the eye and palate. The lobster, a masterful rendition featuring a rosy red half lobster tail accompanied by caviar, carrot gel, and a vibrant orange sauce, is a true highlight. Other must-tries include the smoked eel and ricotta enveloped in beetroot and the black fig and marjoram dessert.
The Oval: A Celebration of Italian Classics
As its name suggests, The Oval is situated within an elliptical space, bathed in warm beige and gold hues with soft lighting. The dining room evokes old-world sophistication with its Italian marble floors, ostrich leather wall coverings, and orchid flower arrangements.
The menu celebrates the culinary classics of Italy, with homemade pasta taking center stage. The spaghetti with chili and tomato sauce, cooked to perfect al dente, is a testament to the restaurant’s dedication to authentic Italian cuisine. The pyramid-shaped duck ravioli is the pièce de résistance, each piece delicate and filled with juicy duck leg and breast meat.
Angler: A Global Seafood Symphony
Located on the seventh floor of the South Place Hotel, Angler offers a light-flooded, cream-colored dining room with a shimmering mirrored ceiling, making it a breath of fresh air in the city’s banking district.
Angler specializes in seafood, and Chef Gary Foulkes has successfully retained its Michelin star through his bold and inventive cooking, drawing inspiration from Asia, Scandinavia, and local British flavors. The tasting menus are a true highlight, offering five or eight courses that showcase the restaurant’s global influences. Highlights include the delicate mackerel tartare with apple and shiso leaves and the robust roast turbot with imam bayıldı. Even the meat options are exceptional, with the grouse agnolotti revealing a rich whipped mousse interior tempered by wild blueberries.
