# According to LTI, these are the best restaurants in London > We've rounded up the best restaurants in London: refined cuisine from Michelin-starred chefs in one-of-a-kind interiors. Find out where to go for a special dinner in the city. - URL: https://langandtrip.com.ua/en/article/naikrashchi-restorany-londona-proponuiut-vyshukanu-kukhniu-vid-mishlenivskykh-shefiv-u-unikalnykh-interierakh/ - Language: en - Published: 2024-04-01 - Categories: Culture, Leisure, Restaurants, England, Food & Drinks, Events --- London's culinary scene has come a long way over the past decade, and it can now hold its own against more long-established global contemporaries. From modern fine dining, contemporary Indian and fusion Peruvian to flawless sushi and dim sum, right through to casual tapas, London has it all, served up with the high-octane buzz of one of the world's great capitals. LTI considered 48 contenders before settling on this eclectic pick of the 20 best luxury restaurants in the British capital, where you can enjoy great food and drink: ## Smith & Wollensky ![](/storage/image/prev/july-article-image-16-1-2024.jpg) This celebrated American steakhouse made the journey across the Atlantic to open its first location outside the US, right here in London. Set inside the art deco Adelphi building and spread over two floors, it's a classic New York steakhouse: all leather, wood, brass and enormous steaks in a powerhouse atmosphere. Reflecting Smith & Wollensky's signature green-and-white theme, the London branch has its own dry-aging room and three private dining rooms. Steaks are clearly the main draw, but there's also an excellent selection of shellfish, fish and poultry. To start, we recommend the famous Wollensky pea soup, their signature crab cake made with lump crabmeat, or the burrata with tomato salad. As for mains, this is the only steakhouse in London with USDA Prime on the menu, and we're especially fond of the Cajun bone-in rib-eye, though every steak is aged for 21 to 28 days and won't disappoint. Smith & Wollensky, The Adelphi Building, Covent Garden Riverside, 1-11 John Adam St, London WC2N 6HT; +44 20 7321 6007 ## Mere ![](/storage/image/prev/july-article-image-16-2-2024.jpg) Mere, pronounced Mary, is run by former Le Gavroche duo Monica Galetti and her husband David Galetti. Monica Galetti is more widely known for her television appearances on the British cooking show "Masterchef," while David Galetti is a former sommelier at Le Gavroche. The restaurant's head chef is Canadian Renee Miller, who has worked at Michelin-star level. As you'd expect, the dishes are expertly executed and beautifully presented, with unusual as well as classic pairings. We love that the menu is uncomplicated, offering just six choices per course, all dictated by what's in season. There's also a three-course set menu, though it's not quite as impressive. The more unusual dishes include roast pigeon with manuka-glazed swede and a scallop starter with black curry. Every table is well spaced and pleasant, but the banquette tables beneath the frescoes are the most comfortable. Mere, 74 Charlotte St, Bloomsbury, London W1T 4QH; +44 20 7268 6565 ## Locanda Locatelli ![](/storage/image/prev/july-article-image-16-3-2024.jpg) Giorgio Locatelli still personally oversees our favourite Italian restaurant in London, which looks better than ever after being renovated following a fire. Legendary interior designer David Collins created this cream and dark-wood dining space, intimate yet luxurious and devoted to relaxed indulgence. Soft, rounded banquettes curve around large tables, and the atmosphere is warm and welcoming yet elegant. The menu is built around melt-in-the-mouth pasta, and the emphasis seems to be on letting the natural quality and flavours of the ingredients shine, with many elements imported directly from Italy. A wide and impressive range of breads is baked fresh on site. The roast monkfish in a caper and nut sauce is one of many standout dishes, and we also love the tiramisu, which is perfect for sharing. Locanda Locatelli, 8 Seymour St, Marylebone, London W1H 7JZ; +44 20 7935 9088 ## Henrietta ![](/storage/image/prev/july-article-image-16-4-2024.jpg) Henrietta brings together Michelin-starred chef Ollie Dabbous and the group behind the Experimental Cocktail Club to create a hotel restaurant with real personality. With award-winning Parisian designer Dorothee Meilichzon in charge of the decor, the interior makes a genuine impression. Forest-green velvet chairs, exposed brickwork and a glass ceiling combine with pressed flowers, paying tribute to the neighbourhood's gardens of years past while creating a festive atmosphere. The restaurant's spirit-heavy bar turns out original cocktails inspired by great authors: The Citadel, a tart blend of absinthe, gin and orange bitters, stands out. As for the food, Henrietta's menu is creative, French and pleasingly accessible, with mains starting at around 19 pounds ($25). There's also a selection of grilled flatbreads that are great for sharing, and the perfect madeleines make a wonderful dessert. Henrietta, 14- 15 Henrietta St, London WC2E 8QH; +44 20 3794 5313 ## Benares ![](/storage/image/prev/july-article-image-16-5-2024.jpg) Chef-patron Atul Kochhar holds the distinction of being the first Indian chef to earn a Michelin star (at Tamarind), before winning one for Benares as well. Occupying a large slice of prime Mayfair real estate, the restaurant has a relaxed feel despite its elegant surroundings. The tables are well spaced, and the lighting creates an intimate, romantic mood. The menu is made up of innovative, refined, modern Indian cuisine using the finest British ingredients, showcasing Kochhar's tireless research into regional Indian recipes and his global travels. Everything cooked in the tandoor is superb. Other standouts are the crispy soft-shell crab and the roast shoulder of English lamb. The three-course set lunch is great value, and there's a very interesting street food menu, but the tasting menu is perfect for special occasions. Benares, 12a, Berkeley Square, Mayfair, London W1J 6BS; +44 20 7629 8886 ## Barrafina ![](/storage/image/prev/july-article-image-16-6-2024.jpg) Sam and Eddie Hart now have three Barrafina restaurants serving London's finest tapas and rich Catalan cuisine, with the first of them earning a Michelin star. The no-reservations policy means queuing for one of the coveted spots at the bar, which would be a real turn-off if the food weren't so outstanding. The philosophy here is to use the freshest, finest ingredients with minimal intervention. Barrafina's famous specials board changes twice a day. Head chef Angel Zapata Martin, who took over from Nieves Barragan Mohacho in 2017, runs a constantly changing menu that showcases tapas from every region of Spain. There's no bad choice here, but the restaurant serves one of the most flavourful pan con tomate around, and the specials are well worth trying, especially the fresh fish. Barrafina, 26-27 Dean St, Soho, London W1D 3LL; +44 20 7440 1456 ## The Ivy ![](/storage/image/prev/july-article-image-16-7-2024.jpg) The iconic Ivy is back to its very best after a major, widely publicised refurbishment. It was once known for its good and bad tables, but since reopening with a new layout, every table thankfully has equal status. The small, cramped bar by the entrance has been replaced with a grand bar designed for lingering and for dining. Some of the restaurant's most memorable features have been kept, however, such as the famous diamond-shaped stained-glass windows and the leather banquettes. All the old favourites are still on the menu, such as shepherd's pie, liver and onions, and sausage and mash, but they now sit alongside a more eclectic selection, like miso salmon and tuna sashimi. We love the burrata with datterini tomato and beetroot salad to start, followed by fish and chips or a rib-eye steak (with one of the sauces on offer). As for the service, the staff are very knowledgeable, which, unfortunately, can occasionally come across as arrogance. The Ivy, 1-5 West St, London, WC2H 9NQ; +44 20 7836 4751 ## Scott's ![](/storage/image/prev/july-article-image-16-8-2024.jpg) This Mayfair seafood veteran is part of Richard Caring's empire of restaurants and private clubs, and it still draws an affluent, glamorous crowd. The space is dominated by a quietly grand marble seafood and champagne bar; the deep-red banquettes are understatedly glossy, and the fine silver and crystal glimmer softly under universally flattering light. The tables by the bar are the most sought-after, as they give diners a perfect view of the entire room. When it comes to the food, oysters are king when in season; otherwise there's a variety of crustaceans, such as the classic lobster thermidor, and a dizzying array of fresh fish straight off the hook. While Scott's is a haven for seafood lovers, the menu also features game and meat dishes such as venison and roast Cornish lamb. There's also an impressive choice of 42 wines by the glass (many available in half-bottle carafes), showing a commendable commitment to the modern restaurant ideal. Scott's, 20 Mount St, Mayfair, London W1K 2HE; +44 20 7495 7309 ## Chiltern Firehouse ![](/storage/image/prev/july-article-image-16-9-2024.jpg) Andre Balazs's hotly anticipated debut on London's hotel and restaurant scene in 2013 stirred up more controversy than any other opening in recent memory. Covering 4,000 square feet, the hotel restaurant seats 120 and is divided into four interconnected sections: a small bar, the main area, a more private zone behind a partition just off the main dining area, and a narrower rear space. The atmosphere is lively yet still cosy, and the strict reservation policy keeps its tables among the most in-demand. Chef Nuno Mendes (formerly of El Bulli) is at the helm of the kitchen, reimagining an American-inspired menu with a lighter touch, while the wine list offers everything from the sensible to the stratospheric. Chiltern Firehouse, 1 Chiltern St, Marylebone, London W1U 7PA; +44 20 7073 7676 ## StreetXO ![](/storage/image/prev/july-article-image-16-10-2024.jpg) Madrid's Michelin-starred chef David Munoz (of DiverXO) has brought his avant-garde cooking to London, complete with plenty of artistic flair. Located in an industrial-style basement, the decor features red Formica tables, leather chairs and lots of art, including a striking neon fish above the counter. If you don't take it all too seriously and embrace the theatrics of it, you're in for a relaxed and fun evening. Munoz previously worked at Nahm and Hakkasan, and his dishes here carry Asian influences alongside European and South American ones. The regularly changing menu is varied and original, featuring a steamed club sandwich, Peking-style dumplings and a prawn stew among the wildly colourful options. It's worth noting that the background music here is loud, so it's not the ideal spot for anyone after a quiet evening. StreetXO, 15 Old Burlington Street. Mayfair, London W1S 2JR; +44 20 3096 7555 ## Zuma ![](/storage/image/prev/july-article-image-16-11-2024.jpg) The original Zuma, where it all began, is still one of the most in-demand restaurants in the English capital, humming with energy seven days a week. Designed to deliver authentic, high-quality Eastern flavours in a lively, fun, sophisticated izakaya-style setting, it does exactly that and then some. The atmosphere is fittingly buzzy and laid-back yet refined, and the decor embodies contemporary Eastern simplicity with bare wooden tables, plain beige chairs and slatted wooden partitions. The menu has something for everyone, from grilled robata temptations to the freshest sushi and sashimi. Meanwhile, the sake bar holds more than 40 varieties of sake, along with Zuma's signature cocktails. Zuma, 5 Raphael St, Knightsbridge, London SW7 1DL; +44 20 7584 1010 ## Colony Grill Room ![](/storage/image/prev/july-article-image-16-12-2024.jpg) Inspired by the grill rooms of the early 1900s, which offered gentlemen a welcome respite from the constraints of formal evening dress and dining, the atmosphere at the Colony Grill Room is quietly cosy and relaxed, even when the dining room is full. Tucked inside the stylish yet understated Beaumont, the debut hotel of Chris Corbin and Jeremy King, it's decorated with sumptuous deep-red leather banquettes, tables draped in white linen, sepia-toned art deco wall murals and framed images of personalities from the past. The menu features transatlantic classics such as chicken pie, the Colony Club chopped salad, oysters (when in season) and old favourites like shepherd's pie. For dessert, we recommend the make-your-own ice cream sundae. The Colony Grill Room, The Beaumont, 8 Balderton St, Brown Hart Gardens, London W1K 6TN; +44 20 7499 9499 ## Spring ![](/storage/image/prev/july-article-image-16-13-2024.jpg) Set in a wing of Somerset House on the Strand, this former government tax office has been transformed into a beautiful, contemporary space with chef Skye Gyngell at the helm. The main dining room is graced with a stunning white marble bar, wide oak floors, pastel walls, high ceilings, white columns and honey-coloured leather dining chairs. Spring's daily changing menu is devoted to using only the freshest, seasonal produce, and the kitchen takes a simple, elegant approach. Recent options have included guinea fowl with buttered leeks, chanterelles and creme fraiche, as well as wild sea bass with crushed borlotti beans, braised tardivo and rosemary. Spring, Somerset House, Lancaster Pl, London WC2R 1LA; +44 20 3011 0115 ## Park Chinois ![](/storage/image/prev/july-article-image-16-14-2024.jpg) Alan Yau's upscale Chinese restaurant is a spectacle worth seeing: its interior is as refined as an 18th-century French building, with a hint of 1930s Shanghai glamour. Park Chinois delivers the perfect full evening out with cocktails, excellent food and entertainment (most nights there's a live jazz bar), and it's open until 2am daily. Every table is wonderful, but if you want to be closer to the action, we suggest a table near the small stage for live music. And while there's plenty on the menu to admire, most guests come for the duck, meant for sharing. Complemented by steamed pancakes and hoisin sauce, Thai cucumber and spring onion, plus a choice of caviar (an exquisite touch), it's a particularly memorable dish that lifts Park Chinois onto our list of London favourites. Park Chinois, 17 Berkeley St, Mayfair, London W1J 8EA; +44 20 3327 8888 ## Sexy Fish ![](/storage/image/prev/july-article-image-16-15-2024.jpg) This super-glamorous addition to Richard Caring's empire is an Asian fish and seafood restaurant led by German chef Bjoern Weissgerber. Essentially, it's a super-luxe and eye-catching brasserie packed with stunning commissioned artwork, including installations by Damien Hirst and remarkable pieces by Frank Gehry (designer of the Guggenheim in Bilbao). The Asian-inspired menu includes a tempura section as well as plenty of seafood salads, soups and noodle dishes, and, of course, plenty of fish. There's also a choice of meat dishes, including bone-in rib-eye steak and Japanese wagyu. Sexy Fish also offers a wine list that means business, focusing firmly on European icons, renowned domaines and chateaux, and boasting impressive vintage depth for those with the pockets to match. Sexy Fish remains one of London's hottest tickets, so be sure to book well in advance. Sexy Fish, Berkeley Square House, Berkeley Square W1J 6BR; +44 20 3764 2000 ## Hakkasan ![](/storage/image/prev/july-article-image-16-16-2024.jpg) Serving contemporary Cantonese cuisine with a twist, this second London branch of the now international Hakkasan brand keeps going from strength to strength. The two-level restaurant includes a bar and a large casual dining area on the ground floor, plus a more intimate, den-like restaurant space on the lower level. Hakkasan was a pioneer in creating a look and feel best described as a Chinese-style nightclub, in its original restaurant on Hanway Place, with a stunningly moody, dark interior designed by Christian Liaigre, and Hakkasan Mayfair carries on the blue-and-black theme and nightclub vibe. Standout dishes include the roasted silver cod in champagne and honey, the roasted Chilean sea bass and the black truffle duck. Its wine list was ruthlessly selected to harmonise with the food, each wine tasted against at least four dishes to make sure everything pairs perfectly. Hakkasan Mayfair, 17 Bruton Street, London W1J 6QB; +44 20 7907 1888 ## The Delaunay ![](/storage/image/prev/july-article-image-16-17-2024.jpg) Restaurateurs Chris Corbin and Jeremy King opened The Delaunay after the huge success of The Wolseley in Piccadilly, and it proved to be another big hit for the dynamic duo. The dining room, modelled on the grand cafes of Vienna and Budapest, is undeniably stunning, with Old World charm in abundance. Impressive chandeliers and leather banquettes add to its grandeur. The menu is divided into numerous sections, from soups, starters and Viennese sausages to crustaceans, caviar, cakes and coupes, with plenty in between. The dishes are simple but well executed, and while the food isn't fine dining, the sense of occasion that comes from being in this brass and dark-wood establishment more than makes up for it. We especially recommend the Wiener schnitzel and the beef tartare, along with the crab cocktail to start. The Delaunay, 55 Aldwych, London WC2B 4BB; +44 20 7499 8558 ## Duck & Waffle ![](/storage/image/prev/july-article-image-16-18-2024.jpg) Taking round-the-clock dining to new heights, Duck & Waffle sits on the 40th floor of the Heron Tower in the heart of London. Its spectacular views and a fun, playful take on traditional British comfort food make for a winning combination. Inside, it's industrial chic, from the graffiti in the bar to the wooden-plank ceiling, plain bare tables, rustic white wooden chairs and large U-shaped leather banquettes. The restaurant's small bar is also a fascinating spot in its own right, thanks to its stellar views. As for the menu, the namesake duck and waffle (perfectly crispy duck confit, a fried duck egg and a waffle, served with mustard maple syrup) is one of the restaurant's most popular dishes. Most dishes here are perfect for sharing, which we strongly recommend. Duck & Waffle, Heron Tower, 110 Bishopsgate, London EC2N 4AY; +44 20 3640 7310 ## Coya ![](/storage/image/prev/july-article-image-16-19-2024.jpg) This modern Peruvian restaurant serves fresh, contemporary cuisine from one of its three kitchens: the ceviche bar, the charcoal grill and the central kitchen. Its extensive menu calls for a good long study before ordering, but the fun and lively atmosphere helps keep things easygoing. Starters are divided into four categories: anticuchos (skewers), ceviche, tiraditos and small plates, while the mains are organised by type of animal and cooking style. Standout dishes include the sea bass ceviche, the crab and avocado taco, the quinoa salad, the arroz Nikkei (Chilean sea bass and rice, lime and chilli in a miniature iron pot) and the Chuleton (28-day aged beef rib). We especially love the family-style sharing dishes. Coya, 118 Piccadilly, Mayfair, London, W1J 7NW; +44 20 7042 7118 ## Elystan Street ![](/storage/image/prev/july-article-image-16-20-2024.jpg) After his stellar run at The Square in Mayfair, two-Michelin-starred chef Phil Howard is back on the scene alongside his business partner Rebecca Mascarenhas and chef Toby Burrowes, with this thoroughly charming Chelsea restaurant. The interior is stylish, with soft lighting and chic concrete tables. While the menu isn't as elaborate as it was at The Square, it's still very innovative, adventurous and fun. Recent additions include a langoustine tartare and a duck salad with caramelised vegetables and red onion. And although Elystan Street has no bar, the cocktails are inventive, and there's a great beer list too. Elystan Street, 43 Elystan Street, Chelsea, London SW3 3NT; +44 20 7628 5005 ## Our verdict London's restaurants are thriving with a newfound, eclectic global energy. Chiltern Firehouse and The Ivy draw the celebrities, while Sexy Fish is super-glamorous. Benares is our top pick for modern Indian cuisine, and for Italian it has to be Locanda Locatelli. Zuma continues to reign as the top-tier Japanese restaurant for the quality of its food and its lively atmosphere, while a host of fun, casual spots (Barrafina, Duck & Waffle, Coya) breathe fresh life into an already flourishing dining scene. Our top pick for steak, meanwhile, is Smith & Wollensky, and for reliable all-day dining, we're partial to The Ivy and The Delaunay. Park Chinois is real class, for the food, the atmosphere and the late-night entertainment. And for something completely different: StreetXO is full of theatrical dishes from the fiery Spanish chef David Munoz. There's never been a better time to eat out in London, just be sure to book well in advance.