Best Restaurants in London

Best restaurants in London for the experience

Pick & Cheese: The world’s first cheese conveyer belt restaurant, Pick & Cheese serves over 25 different combinations of British cheeses and charcuterie on sushi-style conveyer belts. Diners sit at the counter and choose directly from the rotating belt, creating a fun and interactive way to enjoy high-quality, locally produced cheeses. Located in the heart of London's vibrant Seven Dials Market, the ambiance is casual yet lively, making it a must-visit destination for cheese lovers and food enthusiasts seeking a distinctive culinary adventure in London.

Address: Seven Dials Market, Short's Gardens, London WC2H 9AT, United Kingdom

Amazónico: Amazónico is an upscale dining establishment that transports guests to the lush, vibrant atmosphere of its namesake, the Amazon rainforest. Located in the heart of Mayfair, this restaurant is renowned for its exotic, immersive décor, which features abundant greenery, rich textures and dramatic lighting to evoke the energy of the rainforest. Amazónico further entrances its guests with an innovative tropical cocktail menu that features bold flavors and fresh fruits, herbs and premium spirits served in fun tiki tumblers. The menu fuses Latin American, Asian, and Mediterranean flavors, with dishes such as sushi, grilled meats, and fresh seafood. Don’t miss out on the Picanha Rodizio, delivered by a valiant sword and skewered directly onto your plate for instant devouring.

Address: 10 Berkeley Square, London W1J 6BR, United Kingdom

Sexy Fish: Sexy Fish exudes an opulent vibe with lavish interiors, vibrant aquatic-themed décor and striking artwork. The effect is an engaging, visually stunning dining environment. An extensive selection of fine wines, sake, and electrifying cocktails seamlessly complement the menu's offering of high-quality seafood. The most memorable part of the dining experience is the “sexy fish” themselves, who captivate patrons as they glide through the restaurant to the melodic ripples of the house DJ.

Address: Berkeley Square House, Berkeley Square, London W1J 6BR, United Kingdom

Best restaurants in London for the food

Maggie Jones's: A quaint and otherwise unassuming hideaway in Kensington, Maggie Jones's is the rarest of hidden gems in London. Upon entering, you’ll be enveloped in a warm, rustic and homely atmosphere reminiscent of cozy countryside cottage. The decor is quintessentially British, featuring wooden beams, vintage furnishings and an eclectic collection of knick-knacks and antiques that lend a charming, nostalgic feel. Our waitress mimicked the warmth of the restaurant with her friendly and welcoming demeanor. She sat us in a dimly lit back booth and covertly revealed this was Princess Di’s coveted seat of choice once upon a time. Way to make the guests feel like royalty! Analogous with the rest of the ambience, Maggie Jones’s menu is delightful and comforting, defying everything you thought you knew about lackluster British cuisine. I highly recommend the roast rump of lamb, though any of their menu offerings is a winning choice.

Address: 6 Old Ct Pl, London W8 4EP, United Kingdom

Dishoom: I thought I didn’t like Indian food – until I tried Dishoom. There’s a reason this Indian icon has several locations throughout London. The mix of traditional and modern Indian fare, and their selection of innovative cocktails, will satiate like no other meal you’ve had before. Every dish is inviting and scrumptious. I strongly recommend the lamb biryani, marinated and slow-cooked until the lamb is incredibly tender, absorbs the rich flavors of the spices and melds perfectly with fluffy rice.

Gordon Ramsay Bread Street Kitchen & Bar: Bread Street Kitchen & Bar offers a sophisticated dining experience without being overly formal, making it accessible to a wide range of diners. As part of Gordon Ramsay’s restaurant empire, it carries the prestige and quality associated with the celebrity chef’s name. The menu boasts modern European cuisine, including beef Wellington and roast cod with crushed potatoes. But the star of the show is dessert. Their sticky toffee pudding, a classic British dessert, takes the cake (or should I say pudding?) for the best dessert I’ve ever had.

Can’t-miss pubs

Ye Olde Cock Tavern: Ye Olde Cock Tavern is a historic and quintessentially British pub located on Fleet Street in London. Established around 1549, the pub exudes a rich historical ambiance with its classic wooden beams, traditional furnishings, and antique décor. With a wide selection of ales and a menu brimming with traditional British dishes such as fish and chips, bangers and mash and steak and ale pie, there’s no wonder why it's endured nearly 500 centuries as a Fleet Street landmark.

The Cadogan Arms: For more modern pub flair, check out The Cadogan Arms. In addition to traditional British pub fare, The Cadogan Arms offers gourmet options that elevate the dining experience, such as dry-aged steaks and artisanal cheeses. During the day, the establishment welcomes guests with its refined restaurant atmosphere. At night, it transforms into a lively hotspot, drawing in a young crowd with craft cocktails, fine wines and of course, local brews.

Address: 298 King's Rd, London SW3 5UG, United Kingdom

Greyhound: I don’t think a single day went by during my last London trip where I wasn’t at Greyhound. This is the spot for a true London pub experience. You’ll mesh with locals to watch football, eat fish and chips and lose yourself in hours of shuffleboard. With a wide selection of local British ales and knowledgeable bartenders, you’re sure to find a new favorite beer. My go-to quickly became the Hells Lager from Camden Town Brewery.

Ye Olde Chesire Cheese: For another historic, authentic and traditional Fleet Street pub, make sure to visit Ye Olde Chesire Cheese. Established in 1538, it has a long and storied history as one of London's oldest and most iconic pubs. Wander downstairs to the dimly lit yet strangely inviting bar and raise a pint to London’s literary past, joining the ranks of legends like Charles Dickens who once frequented this very pub.

Tea time

Afternoon tea at The Lanesborough: Of course, no London visit is complete without tea. While London boasts a variety of elegant afternoon tea options, no one does elegance quite like the Lanseborough hotel. Their afternoon tea is a luxurious and indulgent experience that combines exquisite food, impeccable service and a sumptuous setting. More than just a meal, this is a sophisticated ritual, embodying the finest traditions of British aristocrats and culinary craftsmanship.

Unfortunately, last fall, Maggie Jones's suffered severe damage from an electrical fire. At the time of this article, the restaurant is still closed for renovations. However, 2024 is set to mark the restaurant’s 60th anniversary, so fingers crossed it will reopen any day now. This is a small independent restaurant, so I implore you to consider supporting them by choosing to dine with them once they’re back in business.

Dishoom is a walk-in restaurant and, despite having seven locations across London, you will likely have to wait in a long line before being seated. That said, those in the know — which now includes you — can walk in earlier in the day and ask for a reservation. But don’t stress too much about waiting in line. It’s well worth the wait, even if you don’t think you like Indian food.

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to London. For more inspiration, check out Fora Advisor Jeff Katcherian's guide, London and Edinburgh: 7-day Itinerary.