1. The Ledbury
Located in Notting Hill, The Ledbury is a two-Michelin-starred restaurant renowned for its innovative Australian-French cuisine. Executive Chef Brett Graham has created a menu that showcases the best of British produce, with a focus on seasonal ingredients and bold flavors. Dishes include roast quail with walnut and black garlic, and grouse with smoked chestnut and blackberry.
2. Core by Clare Smyth
Core is a three-Michelin-starred restaurant in Notting Hill, led by acclaimed chef Clare Smyth. The menu is heavily influenced by Smyth’s Northern Irish upbringing, with a focus on comforting dishes that British ingredients. The restaurant is particularly famous for its core classics menu, which features some of Smyth’s signature dishes, such as her famous potato and roe.
3. Sketch
Located in Mayfair, Sketch is a multi-faceted dining destination that includes several restaurants and bars. The most famous of these is The Lecture Room & Library, a two-Michelin-starred restaurant that offers an extravagant dining experience. The decor is opulent and eccentric, with plush velvet chairs and whimsical art adorning the walls. The menu features dishes such as turbo with Jerusalem artichoke and roasted bone marrow.
4. Hide
Hide is a Michelin-starred restaurant in Mayfair, led by renowned chef Ollie Dabbous. The restaurant is spread across three floors, with each floor offering a different dining experience. The ground floor is a casual bar and restaurant, while the basement is a cozy wine cellar. The top floor is the main dining room, which boasts stunning views of Mayfair and a menu that showcases the best of British produce. Dishes include Orkney scallop with cucumber and dill, and venison with salsify and juniper.
5. The Clove Club
The Clove Club is a Michelin-starred restaurant in Shoreditch that offers a relaxed, neighborhood vibe. The menu is inspired by British cuisine and showcases the best of local produce. Dishes are simple and seasonal, with a focus on bold flavors and innovative techniques. The restaurant is also famous for its wine list, which features a diverse range of natural and biodynamic wines.
6. Lyle’s
Lyle’s is a Michelin-starred restaurant in Shoreditch that celebrates British ingredients and cooking techniques. The menu changes daily and is heavily influenced by the seasons, with a focus on sustainability and provenance. Dishes are simple yet elegant, with a focus on highlighting the natural flavors of the ingredients. The restaurant is also famous for its extensive natural wine list, which features a range of biodynamic and organic wines.
7. Padella
Padella is a trendy pasta restaurant in Borough Market that offers some of the best Italian food in London. The menu is made up of traditional pasta dishes, such as cacio e pepe and carbonara, as well as more innovative options like pappardelle with beef shin ragù. The restaurant is small and popular, so be prepared to wait in line for a table.
8. Dishoom
Dishoom is a Bombay-inspired cafe that has become a London institution. The menu is inspired by the Irani cafes of Mumbai and includes dishes such as chicken tikka, lamb biryani, and their famous bacon naan roll. The decor is stylish and nostalgic, with vintage Bollywood posters and copper accents adorning the walls. The restaurant has several locations throughout London and is always busy, so be sure to book ahead.
London is truly a foodie paradise, with something for every taste and budget. Whether you’re looking for a lavish fine dining experience or a casual spot for a quick bite, these restaurants are sure to impress.