Lady’s 11 Best Restaurants in London

London has no shortage of hot new restaurants. There are so many that I have trouble keeping up. But if I’m honest, I often prefer the understated side of London’s food scene. And since people always ask me what are the best restaurants in London, I thought I would take this opportunity to share my favorites.

Best Restaurants in London

My top picks for eating out in London aren’t confined to one cuisine or price point. From low-key neighborhood cafes to restaurants dripping with Michelin stars, my favorite places cover a broad spectrum.

Whatever my mood, London’s culinary scene has something to suit. I hope you find the same is true for you.

1. Olivo

Olivo in Belgravia is on my list of the best restaurants in London for its classic Sardinian cuisine and great house red.

I love the pasta dishes, especially the crab linguine. And that’s to say nothing of the bitter honey frozen yogurt, which is my favorite dessert in London.

I’ve eaten here a million times, and I always love how warm and welcoming the staff is. The interior is also unique with its textured walls bearing Sardinian symbols.

2. Zack’s

I work from home, so I’m always on the lookout for cafes that are good for meetings. My favorite is Zack’s on Gloucester Road in South Kensington.

It has a cozy atmosphere, a great tea and cake selection, and good salads for lunch. But who wants lunch when there’s so much cake?

3. Jin Kichi

Up in Hampstead, Jin Kichi is the darling of the neighborhood. Famous for its Japanese grills, it’s the only restaurant in the area where booking well in advance is essential.

And for good reason. Everything from the mushroom skewers to the sushi is worth the trip north. This is one of the best restaurants in London for a local meal in a beautiful neighborhood.

4. Dinner by Heston

But if there’s one dish I’ll travel for, it’s the Meat Fruit at Dinner by Heston Blumenthal in Knightsbridge. This plump mandarin morsel is not only beautiful to look at, but also a treat to taste.

Never before has chicken liver parfait been presented in so appealing a casing. If you want to know how it’s made, head over to Eater (I did the photos for them).

5. Kitchen W8

Kitchen W8 may have a Michelin star, but it still manages to feel like a neighborhood restaurant (and that’s probably why I consider it one of the best restaurants in London).

Tucked away on a side street in Kensington, it fires on all cylinders when it comes to food, service, and ambiance.

6. Franco’s

Over in St James’s, Franco’s is my go-to for classic Italian food (and a good loo…you may remember it from my London loos post).

I love the way the intimate dining room feels like a cocoon, and the homemade pastas win my heart (and stomach) every time. I particularly like eating here in autumn, when the white truffle pastas are heaven on a plate.

7. Chutney Mary

Not far from Franco’s, Chutney Mary is one of the best restaurants in London for Indian food. I can’t get enough of their vegetable samosas, and all things monkfish are divine.

They always seem to have a table at the bar when I forget to make reservations, which is fine since the whole restaurant has good ambiance.

8. Marcus

Over in Knightsbridge, Marcus at The Berkeley is one of the best restaurants in London for a special occasion.

From top to bottom the menu is a treat, and the service is always warm and welcoming. Sometimes I’m tempted to fabricate celebratory occasions just to eat here.

9. Comptoir Libanais

Comptoir Libanais restaurants are popping up all over London. This colorful Lebanese chain is my choice for casual meals with friends, not least because I love the chicken and green olive tagine.

For some reason the service is often a let down, but I suppose no restaurant can be perfect.

10. The Clove Club

Next on my list of the best restaurants in London is The Clove Club. Set in the Shoreditch Town Hall, this fine-dining restaurant manages to have a low-key ambiance despite the high standard of food and wine it serves.

The 5-course tasting menu is full of innovative British dishes featuring often-overlooked ingredients. The wine list is extensive, and the staff is both knowledgeable and friendly.

11. Tayyabs

Tayyabs is another of the best restaurants in London. This no-frills Punjabi place in Whitechapel is an East End favorite for good reason. The curries are excellent, the service efficient, and the atmosphere buzzing all night.

More of the Best Restaurants in London

I hope you enjoy eating your way through these restaurants in London. If you’re looking for more, head over to my weekday breakfasts in London post or my coffee shops in London post. Happy eating!

How about you? What do you think are the best restaurants in London?

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