The 50 best restaurants in London

Our capital city is home to some of the most established eateries and exciting new chefs around, so finding the best restaurants in London is no easy task. As we reach the depth of winter, we’re hunting for the cosiest dinner spots in London. We’re talking roaring fires, the best Sunday roasts, candlelit corners and refined French brasseries with robust red wines. And capital city isn’t short of these intimate spots, whatever your budget. London is home to some of the most established eateries and exciting new chefs around, so finding the best restaurants in London is no easy task, so we’ve done the work for you.

If you’re anything like us, these long cold days will have you craving cosy fare. For some, that. might look like one of the modern Mediterranean spots, with guaranteed great service, a reliable schnitzel and a mega martini, like Arlington or Brasserie Zedel. Or maybe you’ll find yourself enjoying a big, bold red wine and a hearty beef stew at one of London’s epic nose-to-tail focused establishments, like St. John, Bouchon Racine or Quality Chophouse. This has not always been the case, but London’s Italian food scene is certainly on the rise. The classics like Bocca di Lupo, River Café and Riva are always fantastic but will burn a significant hole in your pocket. For something a little more relaxed, why not try your luck at Notting Hill’s Canteen (they don’t take reservations), or the rustic Florentine spot, Brutto? The River Cafe also now has an actual ‘cafe’, so you can see what all the fuss is about without suffering the price tag.

Noticing that Angel, Islington, Hampstead and Newington Green are superior culinary spots, we’ve started our best restaurants in North London roundup, which we’re looking forward to expanding in months to come. Chef James Cochran is back in Islington, opening The Brave where you’ll find concoctions like jerk spiced chicken Scotch egg and Scottish razor clam ceviche. In Mayfair, we’ll be looking out for Toum, a Lebanese rotisserie restaurant. In Shoreditch, chef Isaac McHale from Michelin-stalwart The Clove Club opens the more casual Bar Valette on Kingsland Road.

If you’re anything like us, you may wind up feeling spoilt for choice and a little overwhelmed. So, to help narrow down the choices, we’ve whittled them down to a list of the 50 best restaurants in London, compiled by House & Garden’s food editor Blanche Vaughan and the digital team. All the restaurants have been tried and tested by our most discerning food fans. So, whether you’re looking for an extended tasting menu, a quick bite or sharing plates, these are the restaurants not to miss in the capital, in no particular order. Scroll on for the 50 best restaurants in London right now.

Looking for something different? Try one of the best afternoon teas in the city, or consult our list of best brunches in London if you’re looking to indulge in a long and languorous breakfast. When the weather allows and you fancy some terrace dining, consult our list of outdoor restaurants and book a lovely meal in well-curated surroundings.

The 50 best restaurants in London