43 London Restaurants To Book Now If You're After A Culinary Tour Around The World

Named after the street it resides on, The Dover is one of a few American Italian restaurants that have been popping up over London in recent years. You may have spotted their Instagram-worthy interiors and playful dishes on your social media feeds in recent months, but it doesn't take long after walking through the heavy red curtain at the front door to realise that The Dover lives up to the hype.

They’re all about the martinis, so start by ordering the ‘Hot & Dirty’ for a spicy kick, or opt for the ‘Rosa’ if you fancy something a bit fruitier. The standout dishes include the crispy potato cakes topped with caviar, the mini hot dog with pulled pork and pickles, and the showstopping prawn cocktail. But you can’t leave without trying the more traditional options, like the moorish spaghetti meatballs and crispy chicken cordon bleu. Too full after all that to try their chocolate & hazelnut praline or baked cheesecake brûlée? Don’t worry, they also offer a list of dessert cocktails that provide a lighter end to the meal.

If you’re searching for a warm, intimate space with a romantic and cosy vibe for a special date night or even a celebration with friends, then The Dover might just be the perfect spot for you.

Location: 33 Dover Street, London, W1S 4NF

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Tucked away down a quiet mews in Mayfair, there’s a unique French restaurant called La Petite Maison or LPM for short. Stepping inside the triangular-shaped dining room, the light colour palette, white table linens, and marble finishings create a pared-down yet buzzy atmosphere, reminiscent of the French Riviera. To start, we recommend ordering the crispy squid with paprika and green chilli, the corn and pomegranate salad, and the yellowtail carpaccio with guacamole and citrus dressing. For mains, the standout dishes are the ginormous marinated tiger prawns and the moreish gnocchi with cherry tomatoes. Wash it all down with one of their playful yet delicious cocktails or a glass of LPM's own rosé made by a family-run winery in Provence. And don’t leave without trying the warm chocolate mousse with malt ice cream; it’s like heaven on a plate.

As every seat in the house is full with guests (even on weeknights), don’t forget to make a reservation before you go to La Petite Maison.

Location: 53-54 Brook's Mews, London, W1K 4EG

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If you step inside the red lift at The Standard hotel in King's Cross and head to the 10th floor, you’ll find a Spanish-Mexican restaurant called Decimo. There are floor-to-ceiling windows offering views across London's skyline, but you’ll forget the hustle and bustle of the city as you enter a space with dimmed lighting and red furniture, along with beaded curtains and lots of cacti.

To start, order the Spanish tortilla filled with gooey caramelised onions, pressed carabinero prawns in arbol oil and the sweet & smoky marinated red pepper tartare. We also went for their take on a Caesar salad, which came with tableside service using salted Cantabrian anchovies and Mexican lime. The standout dishes are the half lobster with limo chile butter, the simply grilled gambas rojas and the Ibérico pork fillet finished with arbequina olive oil. Wash it all down with a cocktail from their drinks menu; we’d recommend trying the Decimo 75, made with cava, vanilla and grapefruit or, for something with a more smoky flavour, go for the Rum Agua De Tamarindo.

If you’re looking for bold flavours, uniquely crafted drinks and a buzzy atmosphere, then Decimo is the restaurant for you.

Location: 10th Floor, 10 Argyle St, London WC1H 8EG

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When Italian lovers are in need of a celebration meal, for years now the Big Mamma restaurants (like Gloria and Circolo Popolare) have been a reliable choice for great food and a great time. Now, the group's major expansion continues with a post in Canary Wharf. Barbarella with all its audacious 70s decor is a welcome addition to the cool tones of The Wharf. Step inside and be enveloped in fun and joy instantly. Slide into a booth and enjoy the maximalist vibes - we were obsessed with the tortoise shell glass table that we were placed at. The extensive food and cocktail menu echoes choices from the other restaurants with some added twists. The burrata is never a miss to start (and definitely enough to share), and the mains continued the over-exuberance, with a platter of tortellini and a fillet steak drowned in peppercorn sauce landing on our table accompanied by a generous portion of crispy potatoes. You'll never leave her empty-stomached. The desserts are irresistible though nevermind what you've enjoyed before them. Yes the lemon meringue pie has plagued social media, but the taste matches the hype. We also sampled the Pistacchio Profiterole Napoletana, which was incredible and swam in pure chocolate that was poured at the table. An assault on the senses and your stomach - but one you'll be thrilled to enjoy.

Location: Unit 3 YY, London E14 5HX

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With just 16 seats, two services a night, one Michelin star and a menu starting at £300 per person, Taku is undoubtedly one of the most exclusive restaurants in London. Unlike some of its ultra-glam, ultra-glitzy Mayfair counterparts, however, here it's more for authenticity and quality than it is simply for show.

Spots and sittings are limited because, per the traditional omakase style of dining, each of the 20 courses (!) is explained, prepared and assembled right in front of you, and served over the oak counter the second it's ready. Individual pieces of sushi are even placed directly into diners' palms to ensure they're enjoyed at optimal temperature... Talk about getting up-close and personal with the chefs. It's precisely this level of detail that secured the restaurant a Michelin star within four months of opening.

As for the menu, it changes almost daily and is strongly guided by the seasons, weather and produce available, but it always features the freshest seafood (much of which is British), finest Japanese rice, heapfuls of caviar and a whole lot of surprising flavour explosions to boot. The signature menu is treat enough, but if you're looking for next-level luxury (plus extra lobster and wagyu courses), book in for the Prestige experience, add in a rare sake pairing for good measure and savour every second.

Location: 36 Albemarle St, London W1S 4JE

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In the UK there are pubs, and then there are pubs. The latter being those that are dimly lit by candles and open fires, have traditional cosy interiors and most importantly, have an excellent menu of delicious comfort food - the type where you want order every single thing on the menu. These pubs are few and far between but we’re here to tell you we’ve found one that needs adding to your must-visit list.

A short walk from Holland Park is The Mitre, an iconic West London gem. Set in a residential area, the historic spot is just as loved by locals as it is visitors and is the perfect place to spend a Sunday afternoon or a mid week evening. The menu ranges from much-loved pub classics such as fish and chips and venison burger, to robata, ‘fireside cooking’ in Japanese cuisine. And, of course, it wouldn’t be a true English pub if it didn’t offer roasts on Sundays. We recommend trying the grilled king scallops and braised rabbit & truffle pappardelle.

Location: 40 Holland Park Ave, London W11 3QY

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A short walk from Hampstead Station you’ll find INÉ, a new jewel in Japanese dining from the creators of Mayfair's Michelin star-awarded TAKU. You can choose to order from their à la carte menu, which features items such as grilled Iberico pork, octopus karaage, and sushi. Alternatively, you can experience their 17-course omakase—literally translating to 'I’ll leave it up to the chef'—where they serve you a variety of small plates curated by Chef Patron Takuya Watanabe based on what seasonal ingredients are available on the day.

We opted for the omakase and were seated at a counter where the chef prepared and presented each course in front of us. Although there were a few warm dishes, the meal consisted mostly of delicious sashimi, sushi, and hand rolls served at room temperature. Highlights included the luxurious otoro with caviar, the crispy tempura lobster, and the delicate scallop nigiri. Also, don’t forget to check out their impressive sake list.

INÉ gives you a memorable and authentic experience while also keeping a more casual and neighbourhood atmosphere, making it the perfect option for a date night or relaxed meal with friends.

Location: 16 Hampstead High Street, London, NW3 1PX

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At the end of 2023 a new restaurant launched in the heart of Soho that got the locals talking. Sat on the corner of Broadwick Street, inside the Broadwick Hotel, Italian Dear Jackie opened its doors and quickly became a must-visit to both Londoners and visitors - and not just because of it’s menu. Its red silk walls, seductive lighting, and private booths are the perfect environment for a big occasion (or just a Tuesday treat). And its food is just as impressive as the interiors. A celebration of modern Italian gastronomy, the menu features re-imagined classics such as Seared Yellowfin Tuna, and Prawn Baby Squid and Sicilian Lemon Risotto. We highly recommend having a drink in the hotel’s bar, 'The Nook’ before dinner. And if you’re not too full, head to the rooftop bar ‘The Flute’ for a night cap.

Location: 20 Broadwick St, London W1F 9NE

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Down a quiet cobblestone street in Mayfair, you'll find Sparrow, a modern Italian restaurant that brings a Mediterranean twist to classic dishes. As you step inside, dimmed lighting, indoor trees, and modern decor create a chic and buzzy atmosphere.

To begin, we recommend ordering the yuzu hamachi (add caviar if you're feeling fancy) and the braised meatballs with whipped ricotta. For main courses, the signature dishes include lobster linguine and chicken Milanese al pomodoro. Round off your meal with a tiramisu, which ranks among the best we've had in London. Don't miss the chance to try a cocktail from the adventurous drinks menu, opt for the Molise with chili-infused tequila if you like a spicy kick, or the Basilicata with strawberry Aperol for something sweeter.

If you're in search of tasty Italian cooking at its finest, then Sparrow is the perfect restaurant for you.

Location: 1-3 Avery Row, London, W1K 4AJ

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Situated on the rooftop of The Londoner Hotel, escaping the hustle and bustle of Leicester Square, you’ll find 8 at The Londoner. It’s an izakaya lounge serving modern Japanese cuisine alongside innovative cocktails and spirits. Ever since it opened in September 2021, 8 at The Londoner has become the place to enjoy some of the best Japanese inspired small plates in the capital. You can choose to dine on the inner terrace, which offers stunning views of London's skyline, or outside in the Shima Garden, where thoughtfully-placed heaters ensure comfort during the colder months.

To start, we suggest ordering the lychee rosé or sakura royale from the cocktail menu, although if you’re a fan of whisky, the barrel-aged Old Fashioned is a must. As for the food, they have a small sharing style menu which has options for vegetarians, pescatarians and meat lovers, alike. Despite being an unusual dish to be served in a Japanese restaurant, the standout plate is the sea bass carpaccio with Fuji apple, citrus and black sea salt (we could easily be tempted to order seconds or thirds), closely followed by the the king crab with butter, pepper and garlic. As desserts are not on the menu, we recommend finishing your meal with another cocktail (or two).

8 at The Londoner stays open until 1am Thursday to Saturday, making it an experience perfect for a date night or relaxed late-evening meet up with friends.

Location: 38 Leicester Square, London, WC2H 7DX

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For those looking for an evening getaway to Paris but don't have the time, or the funds, we have found the next best thing. Nestled above the Rugby Tavern pub, a short walk from King Cross in the neighbourhood of Bloomsbury, Bistro Bleu is equal parts cosy as it is chic thanks to its understated art deco interiors. The French bistro offers comfort food as its finest, from duck and chicken liver parfait to braised leg of rabbit. The tenderstem and cauliflowers tempura and the bavette steak are a must.

Location: The Rugby Tavern, 19 Great James Street, London, WC1N 3ES

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If, like us, you regularly struggle to find a restaurant in Soho – let alone London – that ticks all the boxes, then we’re here to solve all your problems. Or, better yet, Paradise Soho is.

Located in the heart of the capital, the restaurant is the perfect blend of rich Sri Lankan cuisine and cool London interiors. Inspired by the cuisine and energy of Colombo, as well as the coastal delights of Galle, the restaurant tantalises guests with modern takes on curries, hoppers, and dahls, with a focus on original produce and classic cocktail infusions through a 21st century lens.

Beloved by veggies and meat eaters alike, the menu is a journey east, but since its reopening as Paradise Soho 2.0 in the spring of 2024, the restaurant now operates on a set menu-only basis (Land + Sea or Veg + Plant). On the former, the best dishes include a Kimbula Banis (green chilli custard, kithul glaze, date and limte chutney and Neals Yard Corra Linn), Kiri Hodi (Cornish pollock, langoustine and mustard kiri-hodi), and the Spring Lamb which sits on a black garlic curry, served with a hand-stretched buttermilk roti, fried long aubergine and jaggery moju, and a turmeric and saffron dahl.

Meanwhile, over on the Veg + Plant menu, dishes like Wattalappam (served with a palm heart and jambola, and an activated charcoal cracker) and hay smoked celeriac with black garlic are ready to delight.

Finish your tastebud journey to Sri Lanka off with the restaurant’s take on a mini Magnum (it’s made of white chocolate and alphonso mango and mee-kiri caramel), and a ghee and cinnamon leaf breudeur. You’ll officially have found your new favourite dining spot in Soho.

The whole menu costs £59 per guest and £39 for the wine pairing (depending on the week).

Location: 61 Rupert Street, London, W1D 7PW

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Set behind the hustle and bustle of Oxford Circus sits the zen concrete swerves and curves of London’s newest addition to the Brazilian food scene, Bossa. Understated but no less luxe, the latest restaurant from multi-award-winning, globally-renowned chef, Alberto Landgraf, of two Michelin-starred, Oteque, in Rio de Janeiro, is as delicious as it is chic.

Discover previously unknown traditional Brazilian ingredients blended harmoniously with classic French recipes in dishes such as Roasted Scallops, Leeks, Buckwheat & Tucupi' and 'Yellowtail, Bottarga, Dried Berries, and Kombu. Or try our particular favourite, the ‘Rump of Lamb with Aubergine and Creamy Borlotti Beans’. Everything tastes almost like a comforting, soul-warming meal you’ve eaten before but with an exciting new twist.

Lean into the theme with an ice cold Caipirinha or call on Bossa’s in-house sommelier who can suggest South American wines that meet the sweet spot of totally moreish and something a little different.

Our top tip? Nab a seat at the chef’s table bar to get a peak behind the scenes and hear the team singing along to Aerosmith while they plate perfectly cooked langoustines and the most delicate display of foi gras we’ve ever seen.

Location: 4 Vere St, London W1G 0DH

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Cavita might be one of the most exciting London restaurant openings of 2022, and here’s why. Chef and owner Adriana Cavita was always intent on creating a traditional Mexican restaurant inspired by dishes from across Mexico, from Oaxaca to the Yucatan. Now, with an open fire kitchen in the Marylebone Village-based site, the restaurant is a true celebration of Cavita’s Mexican heritage with a menu consisting of a ‘raw bar’ (think Mooli and Pomegranate Ceviche and Aguachile Rojo), tantalising appetizers like heart-warming Bonemarrow Esquites, ‘from the street’ dishes (our favourites, thank you for asking) like Smoked Beef Shin Quesabirria and Baja Fish Tacos, as well as sharing plates like Pulpo a las Brasas (charred grilled octopus) and Mole Verde. If you’re got room for dessert (of course you have), we suggest ordering a bowl of Ensalada de Manzana (apple salad, sour cream, pecan nuts) and cocktails like the house Cavita Margarita and the Green Lagoon if you’re a mescal fan.

Location: 60 Wigmore Street, Marylebone Village, London, W1U 2RZ

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Al Mare might be a relatively new addition to London’s Italian food scene, but it already feels like a classic. From the Knightsbridge garden square location to the chic furnishings, smooth service, elegant crowd and lively open kitchen, every aspect of Al Mare oozes signature Italian style – and the glorious food is just the cherry on top.

Specialising in the finest and freshest seafood available this side of the Amalfi Coast, the menu is brimming with classics including calamari fritti, lobster linguine and Cacciucco (rich fisherman’s stew) alongside more modern creations such as oysters with green apple, chilli and ponzu and an unmissable seared tuna with truffle.

All are executed impeccably, making the most of seasonal ingredients and home-made pasta as well as decades of chef know-how. Leave room for the most flavoursome saffron risotto you’ll ever sample, and keep an eye on the weather too – as soon as it starts to get warm, the restaurant spills out onto the street and becomes one of the buzziest al fresco spots around.

Location: 1 Cadogan Place, Carlton Tower Jumeirah, SW1X 9PY

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If there’s one place we can rely on for modern European cuisine in a chilled environment with some of the most relaxing interiors in dining, then it’s Riding House. So you can imagine our excitement when we learnt that the restaurant chain had opened up another site in Bloomsbury in 2022.

A hop, skip and a jump away from Russell Square, diners will be treated to Riding House favourites, starting with the sourdough rolls, served with white miso or black tahini butter, before tucking into the ultimate indulgence – the salt cod fritters with citrus mayonnaise. For the main course, we suggest either choosing a light bite with the restaurant’s signature bowls (our favourite is the spinach, wild rice, quinoa and asparagus mix, served with an octopus, ‘nduja and lime yoghurt skewer on top), or jumping straight to the Herons Farm chicken, (served with arracacha purée and confit savoy cabbage) and lobster lasagne, crab claw, garlic sourdough and a mixed leaf salad. Oh, and did we mention the cavolo nero, anchovies, bacon and parmesan side might be one of the best small dishes we’ve tasted this year? Finish the meal with a serving of hot brioche doughnuts with milk jam or the dulce de leche banana cheesecake, and roll rather than Uber home.

Location: 1 Brunswick Centre, Bloomsbury
London WC1N 1AF

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For those interested in discovering the wonders of modern Japanese cuisine beyond the usual sushi, there’s no better place to start than Fitzrovia’s hottest new restaurant, RAI. With charismatic and highly acclaimed chef Padam Raj Rai at the helm, guests are taken on a multi-sensory journey through the finest seasonal ingredients that Japan and Britain have to offer, from fresh wasabi and high-grade Kobe beef to English truffle.

The concept is a multi-course omakase tasting menu, which literally translates as ‘I leave it up to you’ and puts the chef in charge of what to showcase on any given day–be that just-caught Orkney scallops or the freshest hand-picked Maldon oysters, all of which are sustainably sourced. The ingredients are, rightfully, the stars of the show, elevated further by unexpected flavour combinations, technical skill and oodles of chef Rai’s signature showman’s panache. Any further detail is best left a surprise.

Location: 3 Windmill St, London, W1T 2HY

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