1. Core by Clare Smyth — Notting Hill
Cuisine: Modern British / Fine dining
One of London’s most celebrated restaurants, consistently ranked among the city’s best and globally recognised for precision cooking and elegant tasting menus. Innovative and refined, it’s perfect for special occasions. (Time Out Worldwide)
2. The Ritz Restaurant — Piccadilly
Cuisine: Classic European fine dining
An iconic London institution within The Ritz hotel — known for traditional British and French cuisine in a timeless, grand setting. Great for luxury lunch or dinner. (Time Out Worldwide)
3. Row on 5 — Mayfair
Cuisine: Modern European
A hot new venue from celebrated chef Jason Atherton offering adventurous multi-course menus that marry contemporary technique with bold flavour. (Time Out Worldwide)
4. KOL — Marylebone
Cuisine: Modern Mexican
A standout according to SquareMeal and local critics, showcasing Mexican flavours with British ingredients and an excellent drinks programme. (SquareMeal)
5. Aulis London — Soho
Cuisine: British / Chef’s Table
Simon Rogan’s intimate chef’s table experience — exclusive, immersive, and highly seasonal, with only a handful of seats per service. (SquareMeal)
6. Humble Chicken — Soho
Cuisine: Modern British / Rotisserie
Listed in London’s top restaurant surveys for 2025, famed for its excellent chicken and relaxed yet refined vibe. (Time Out Worldwide)
7. Da Terra — Bethnal Green
Cuisine: Portuguese / Modern European
Beloved for its creative, flavour-rich cuisine and strong presence on local best-restaurant lists. (Time Out Worldwide)8. A. Wong — Pimlico
Cuisine: Chinese fine dining
A Michelin-acclaimed flagship that reinvented Chinese cuisine in London; creative, elegant, and deeply memorable. (Time Out Worldwide)
9. Hawksmoor Seven Dials — Covent Garden
Cuisine: Classic British steakhouse
One of London’s most popular steakhouses with impeccable beef and cocktails — perfect for meat lovers. (Reddit)10. Fatt Pundit — Covent Garden & Strand
Cuisine: Asian fusion
Highly rated by diners for its creative pan-Asian menu and lively ambience — a more informal but outstanding choice.
11. Toklas — Temple
Cuisine: Modern European
Stylish, season-forward, and locally loved for accessible yet elevated dishes with great service — ideal for lunch or dinner.12. Ekstedt at The Yard — Westminster
Cuisine: Scandinavian fine dining
Celebrated for its wood-fired techniques and Nordic flavours — a unique London choice blending tradition with innovation.
13. Bob Bob Ricard Soho — Soho
Cuisine: British / Russian fusion
A fun and theatrical dining experience with luxurious touches like the famous “Press for Champagne” button — great for dates or celebrations.
14. Paro – Covent Garden & Strand — Indian
Cuisine: Modern Indian
A top-rated contemporary Indian restaurant that’s both accessible and refined, with bold flavours and an excellent range of dishes.
15. Evelyn’s Table — Soho
Cuisine: Fine dining / European
Critically acclaimed tasting-menu destination with superb seasonal menus and attentive service — ideal for a memorable night out.
What Sets These Apart
Fine Dining Excellence
Core by Clare Smyth, The Ritz, Row on 5, A. Wong, and Aulis represent London’s best in haute cuisine — inventive menus, world-class service, and unforgettable experiences. (Time Out Worldwide)
Innovation Meets Tradition
Places like KOL and Da Terra are celebrated for combining tradition with creative flair — perfect for adventurous food lovers. (SquareMeal)
Local & Fun Picks
awksmoor, Fatt Pundit, and Paro offer brilliant food without the formality of tasting menus, making them ideal for both visitors and locals. (Reddit)
Tips Before You Go
Book Ahead – London’s best spots often sell out weeks in advance, especially weekend evenings.
Dress Codes Vary – Fine dining venues often require smart attire; casual spots are more relaxed.
Budget Accordingly – Many top restaurants are high-end experiences; check menus and pricing before booking.
Here’s a deep editorial guide — with case studies and expert-style comments — on the 15 best restaurants in London to visit right now (2025–2026). It combines top foodie lists, diner surveys, and critic picks for a vivid picture of the city’s must-visit restaurants and what makes them special. (Time Out Worldwide)
The 15 Best Restaurants in London to Visit Right Now
Case Studies and Comments — What Makes Each Stand Out
1. The Ritz Restaurant — Classic Opulence With Michelin Recognition
The Ritz Restaurant Web Address: 150 Piccadilly, London, W1J 9BR, United Kingdom Phone: +442073002370
Type: Fine Dining • Why It’s Great: Long revered for its exquisite European cuisine and opulent dining room, The Ritz was crowned one of the UK’s best restaurants by the National Restaurant Awards in 2025 — a rare honour reflecting superb execution and timeless elegance. (Wikipedia)
Comment: A bucket-list destination for gastronomy purists and lovers of legendary service.
2. Evelyn’s Table — Intimate Seasonal Tasting Menus
Evelyn’s Table Web Address: 28 Rupert St, London, W1D 6DJ, United Kingdom
Type: Fine Dining • Why It’s Great: Celebrated for its refined, ingredient-led tasting menu and impeccable hospitality, this Soho favourite blends modern technique with classic European influences.
Comment: Perfect for celebratory dinners or milestone occasions — book well ahead.
3. Scully — Modern British Mastery
Scully Web Address: 4 St James’s Market, London, SW1Y 4AH, United Kingdom Phone: +447359519227
Type: Fine Dining • Why It’s Great: With a strong focus on creativity and contemporary flair, Scully delivers elegant tasting menus and standout seasonal dishes.
Comment: A food writer favourite for adventurous menus and design-forward dining.
4. Kitchen Table — Cutting-Edge European Experience
Kitchen Table Web Address: 70 Charlotte St., London, W1T 4QG, United Kingdom
Type: European • Why It’s Great: A critically acclaimed chef-driven restaurant that combines theatre with tasting-menu precision — one of London’s most talked-about gastronomic experiences.
Comment: This is intimate, culinary storytelling at its best.
5. Tattu London — Asian Fusion With Atmosphere
Tattu London Web Address: The Now Building Rooftop, Outernet, Denmark St, London WC2H 0LA, United Kingdom Phone: +442037781985
Type: Asian • Why It’s Great: Known for dramatic interiors and beautifully plated modern Asian dishes, Tattu is as much about the experience as the food.
Comment: Ideal for special nights out with a bit of theatre.
6. Hawksmoor Seven Dials — British Steakhouse Excellence
Hawksmoor Seven Dials Web Address: 11 Langley St, London, WC2H 9JG, United Kingdom Phone: +442074209390
Type: Steakhouse • Why It’s Great: Regularly cited in London critics’ restaurant picks for its outstanding beef and cocktails, Hawksmoor balances solidity with excitement. (Reddit)
Comment: A superb go-to for meat lovers and group dinners.
7. Fatt Pundit — Pan-Asian Fusion Crowd-Pleaser
Fatt Pundit Web Address: 6 Maiden Ln, London, WC2E 7NA, United Kingdom Phone: +442078368883
Type: Asian Fusion • Why It’s Great: One of London’s highest-reviewed spots for vibrant plates and dynamic flavour combinations. (Time Out Worldwide)
Comment: Perfect for relaxed yet exciting dining — brilliant with a group.
8. OMA — Modern Greek Celebration
OMA Web Address: 3 Bedale St, London, SE1 9AL, United Kingdom Phone: +442081296760
Type: Greek • Why It’s Great: Praised for its energy, communal vibe, and inventive Greek small plates, OMA channels authentic flavours with a lively London spirit. (SquareMeal)
Comment: A superb mid-range hit that’s both fun and flavourful.
9. Colonel Saab High Holborn — Elevated Indian Flavours
Colonel Saab High Holborn Web Address: 193-197 High Holborn, London, WC1V 7BD, United Kingdom Phone: +442080166800
Type: Indian • Why It’s Great: Consistently rated among London’s best Indian restaurants, Colonel Saab blends modern creativity with bold Indian spices and impeccable service.
Comment: One of the capital’s top addresses for contemporary Indian cuisine.
10. Sabor — Spanish Fine Dining Vibe
Sabor Web Address: 35-37 Heddon St, London, W1B 4BR, United Kingdom Phone: +442033198130
Type: Spanish • Why It’s Great: Combining classic Spanish dishes with modern touches, Sabor delivers a punchy yet refined experience loved by locals and visitors alike.
Comment: Excellent for sharing plates and wine-forward nights.
11. Toklas — Modern European Comfort
Toklas Web Address: 1 Surrey St, Temple, London, WC2R 2ND, United Kingdom Phone: +442039308592
Type: European • Why It’s Great: A top Casual-fine choice in Temple, Toklas is praised for stylish ambience and beautifully executed contemporary cooking.
Comment: Great for date nights or relaxed fine dining without fuss.
12. Fallow — Modern British Standout
Fallow Web Address: 52 Haymarket, London, SW1Y 4RP, United Kingdom Phone: +442080171788
Type: British • Why It’s Great: Frequently recommended by locals and critics alike as one of London’s most dependable modern British restaurants, with seasonal dishes and polished service. (Restaurant Guru)
Comment: A solid choice for any day or evening — elegant yet unpretentious.
13. Bantof — Highly Rated Contemporary Spot
Bantof Web Address: 31 Great Windmill St, London, W1D 7LW, United Kingdom Phone: +447548373755
Type: Contemporary • Why It’s Great: Boutique restaurant receiving strong praise for creative menus and an inviting atmosphere.
Comment: A hidden gem that often impresses discerning diners.
14. AGORA (Greek household favourite) — Case Study in Accessibility
Type: Greek / Casual Upmarket
A breakout hit on London’s restaurant scene in 2025, AGORA became known for delivering bold Greek cooking at relatively affordable prices, attracting long queues and widespread acclaim for its convivial energy and authentic flavours. (SquareMeal)
Comment: A rare example of a restaurant that dominates both critics’ lists and word-of-mouth buzz.
15. Chishuru – Michelin-Star West African Dining — Cultural Impact
Type: West African
A Michelin-starred restaurant that elevated West African cuisine in London, earning praise for its evocative dishes and cultural significance — and for the way it expanded the city’s fine-dining diversity. (Wikipedia)
Comment: A milestone in UK culinary representation — vibrant, soulful, and deeply rewarding.
Trends From London’s Top Tables
Fine Dining Still Thrives
Critically acclaimed tasting menus and Michelin-level cuisine continue to define London’s high end, with traditional icons and new contenders alike earning plaudits. (Time Out Worldwide)
Diversity and Innovation
Global flavours from West African to Greek and Indian reinterpretations are shaping menus citywide — exemplified by breakout restaurants that blend cultural depth with modern techniques. (SquareMeal)
Balance of Luxury and Approachability
London’s best list mixes formal fine dining with accessible, vibrant neighbourhood favourites — meaning there’s something exceptional to explore whether you’re seeking haute cuisine or memorable casual eats. (Time Out Worldwide)
Quick Tips for Visiting
Reserve Early: Top London restaurants often book out weeks in advance.
Check Menus & Dress Code: Fine-dining venues may require smart attire.
Budget Wisely: London dining spans affordable gems to luxury tasting menus.
Explore Beyond the List: Smaller local spots recognized by guides like The Good Food Guide offer hidden delights. (thegoodfoodguide.co.uk)