London’s culinary scene is a kaleidoscope of flavors, a culinary adventure that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds. From the spicy curries of Brick Lane to the cosy gastropubs and Michelin-starred masterpieces, London offers something for every palate.
This vibrant city has transformed itself from a gastronomically unremarkable place into a haven for food lovers. Visitors from all corners of the globe flock to the city, eager to experience the best of what it has to offer. Tiny bistros with big reputations draw long queues, while the best curry houses outside of India on Brick Lane beckon with their aromatic aromas. For a truly unforgettable dining experience, you’ll need to book Michelin-starred hotspots months in advance!
This guide will lead you on a culinary journey through London’s diverse restaurant scene, highlighting hidden gems and well-established legends.
Settle In for a Culinary Journey
Oxeye is an ode to British cuisine, a testament to the country’s exceptional farmers and producers. The restaurant’s leisurely 2.5-hour tasting menu is an invitation to savor every bite, to truly appreciate the artistry of Chef Sven Hanson-Britt. The evening menu showcases the best of British, with delicacies like local scallops, rare-breed Derbyshire beef, and more, perfectly paired with handpicked wines. For a lighter lunch, indulge in a Japanese-style obento affair, featuring delightful bites such as ginger broth and shiso wraps.
Reimagine Indian Cuisine at BiBi
Prepare to be surprised by BiBi, a restaurant that redefines Indian dining. Chef-patron Chet Sharma, drawing on his experience at Michelin-starred restaurants, infuses bold contemporary flavors into his dishes. Fresh British produce meets exotic spices sourced from across India, creating a symphony of taste sensations. Indian papads are infused with local Somerset cheese, belted Galloway beef receives a pepper fry makeover, and Devon scallops are served with a nimbu pani lemonade twist. Even the cocktails join the culinary adventure, with the Calamansi Margarita, featuring mango, ginger, and green chilli, being a must-try.
Where Pub Grub Meets Fine Dining: The Harwood Arms
This isn’t your average pub. The Harwood Arms holds the distinction of being London’s only Michelin-starred pub, a culinary haven tucked away in the streets of Fulham. It’s a testament to the relaxed charm of a classic British pub combined with exquisite fine dining. The menu centers on “wild and game food,” with slow-cooked fallow deer shoulder frequently gracing the Sunday roast. Reservations are highly recommended, especially for the legendary Sunday roasts, which often require booking months in advance.
Elevated Dining with River Views: Sea Containers London
Escape the bland chain restaurants of London’s Southbank and discover the Sea Containers London hotel, home to a flagship restaurant that boasts iconic views of the River Thames. Enjoy the all-day menu with breathtaking panoramas, especially from the terrace on a sunny day. However, the real highlight is the weekend brunch, a feast for the senses that includes bottomless Grey Goose Bloody Marys and prosecco, accompanying breakfast bites like pancetta and egg tacos and crab-avo toast. Continue the celebrations at Sea Containers’ 12th Knot rooftop bar, where a tempting menu of inventive cocktails and classics awaits.
Discover Brick Lane’s Culinary Delights
No trip to London is complete without a curry on iconic Brick Lane. Brick Lane Brasserie offers a treasure trove of Indian flavors, ensuring every guest will find their perfect dish, whether they crave hot and spicy, mild and mellow, vegetarian, or a meat feast. Embrace classics like butter chicken, tikka masala, and biryani, or venture into the world of tandoori and thali dishes. Don’t forget to order all the trimmings, because what’s a curry without its perfect accompaniments?
Fresh Pasta Perfection at Padella
Padella is a tiny bistro with a big reputation. Be prepared to wait in line for a taste of their fresh pasta, but it will be well worth the wait. This is a place where the dishes are small but perfectly formed, making it ideal for sharing with friends. Indulge in the creamy cacio e pepe, ricotta ravioli, and slow-cooked beef pappardelle, each bite a testament to the chef’s artistry.
A Capri-Style Trattoria: Gloria
Gloria is a bold and beautiful trattoria, reminiscent of 1970s Capri, exuding charm with its opulent décor and bottle-laden bar, always ready to whip up a negroni. Settle into the cozy wine room, surrounded by 50 of the world’s best Barolos, the perfect accompaniment to your chosen dish. The menu offers a tempting selection of Neapolitan pizza, handmade pasta, and Italian gelato.
Champagne and Culinary Elegance at The BBR
This classy London institution, known as The BBR, has a reputation for pouring more champagne than any other establishment in the city. Each table boasts iconic “press for champagne” buttons, ensuring that your bubbly needs are met with impeccable service. Accompany your fizz with Anglo-French fare such as steak tartare and Stinking Bishop cheese souffle. End your meal with the BBR Signature Chocolate Glory, featuring praline crunch and coffee mousse, a decadent finale.
A French Culinary Oasis: Pied à Terre
Pied à Terre, the UK’s longest-standing independent Michelin-starred restaurant, remains true to its mission: to serve London unbeatable French cuisine. The restaurant, led by the passionate owner David Moore, offers a 10-course tasting menu that is a symphony of flavors. Delight your palate with delicacies like salted cod, French rabbit, and strawberry millefeuille. Challenge your perception of French dining with Pied à Terre’s plant-based menu, one of the best vegan tasting experiences around.
Berners Tavern: An Elite Private Members Club
Just a stone’s throw from Pied à Terre, you’ll find Berners Tavern, a plush restaurant that feels like an elite private members club. The dimly lit ambiance, adorned with artwork and chandeliers, creates a sense of luxury. Despite the sophisticated surroundings, the friendly staff ensures a welcoming atmosphere, serving grass-fed Scottish steaks and succulent seafood prepared by the acclaimed Chef Jason Atherton. Don’t miss the perfectly mixed cocktails, with the Blazing Ritzy, featuring Johnny Walker Black Label, being a highly recommended choice.
From the vibrant street food of Brick Lane to the sophisticated dining experiences of Michelin-starred restaurants, London offers a diverse and tantalizing culinary landscape. Whether you seek a quick bite or a formal meal, London’s restaurants are sure to delight your taste buds and create lasting memories.
