London is one of the world’s foremost financial centers and is among the top destinations for business travelers. Although it is famous for its misty and rainy weather, with its museums, parks, and magnificent buildings, it is an extremely attractive city.
While British cuisine is not considered a global treasure, the city’s abundance of restaurants offers you the very best of any cuisine you might desire. London, with a population exceeding 10 million, is one of the world’s largest cities. With a history of nearly two thousand years, the city pulses with art, commerce, education, finance, and entertainment. Despite its rainy and gloomy climate, the famous River Thames, its parks, museums, and historic architecture make London an extraordinary place. Because it is one of the world’s greatest financial hubs, business inevitably brings one here.As for the cuisine, as you know, England doesn’t really have a remarkable culinary tradition. Its cooking is known for simple, filling dishes prepared with basic techniques like boiling, frying, or baking. Meals are mostly centered around meat and fish. Over the centuries, British food has absorbed influences from other cultures but has managed to preserve its own character. Although it cannot compare to world- renowned cuisines such as French, Italian, or Turkish, dishes like fish & chips, the English breakfast, and shepherd’s pie are famous and beloved. Since London is a cosmopolitan city that welcomes visitors from around the globe, it is home to a vast number of excellent restaurants. In fact, 347 of them are listed in the Michelin Guide. Among these, five restaurants hold three Michelin stars, while 12 have two stars and about 60 have one star. In London, you will never find yourself wondering, “Where can I eat a great meal?” because the options are endless. I constantly update my list, since some chefs move on, quality can slip, some restaurants close, and new ones emerge to surpass older favorites. Yet the amongst the London restaurants I describe here, there are several whose places on my list never change , a testament to their enduring excellence. As I always emphasize, this selection is entirely based on my own criteria. Presented alphabetically, these are restaurants I strongly recommend you try if you haven’t yet and if you find yourself in London.
DINNER BY HESTON
Dinner by Heston, located inside the Mandarin Oriental Hotel and run by Heston Blumenthal, has always been considered among the best and is in high demand. On one occasion, I wanted to take a very important guest there for lunch, but despite trying twice, I couldn’t secure a reservation on my preferred date. Finding myself in a difficult position, I sought help from Isa Bal, the former sommelier of Blumenthal’s first restaurant, The Fat Duck. Thanks to Isa, the doors opened, and I was finally able to go there with my guest.Unlike The Fat Duck, Dinner by Heston operates differently. At The Fat Duck, Blumenthal still serves a 17-course tasting menu, while here he has appointed his right- hand man, Ashley Palmer, as head chef. About 10–12 chefs work in a small glass-walled kitchen that resembles an aquarium. The chefs may feel like they’re in a fishbowl, but for diners it’s wonderful to watch meals being prepared. Another special feature is that every dish is based on recipes from medieval England, with historical notes and preparation details included on the menu. Compared to The Fat Duck, Dinner by Heston offers a simpler menu, but one of its advantages is that it is open seven a week, including Sundays. It also has a splendid view overlooking Hyde Park. With its food, service, and atmosphere, Dinner by Heston fully deserves its two Michelin stars and is a restaurant I highly recommend.
DORIAN
Located in the lively Notting Hill district, known for its cafés and restaurants, Dorian opened in 2022. Its owner, Chris D’Sylva, is clearly a visionary, as shown by the concept he created and the interest it has attracted. Chef Max Coen, who earned his experience in prestigious restaurants, leads the kitchen and presents modern British cuisine.The restaurant became such a success that within two years it had earned its first Michelin star. Dorian is particularly famous for dishes cooked over wood fire. If you’re dining as two or three people, I suggest sitting at the kitchen bar, where you can watch the team prepare meals, place them into the oven, sear giant steaks, and plate the dishes before serving.I had a wonderful wood-fired turbot there. They even use separate ovens for fish and for meat, so that flavors don’t mingle. Except for Mondays, it’s open every day until the evening. Considering how hard it is to find a good restaurant open on Sundays in London, this makes Dorian a great option.The space is a bit tight, and the tables don’t really meet my personal criteria, but sitting at the kitchen bar more than makes up for it. Watching the chefs at work, hearing their conversations, and following the cooking process is like enjoying a show. For me, Dorian has such high energy and a special atmosphere that I now make sure to include it in every London visit. The kitchen team cooks fish exactly right — I never once had to say, “Please don’t overcook the fish.”
FAT DUCK
The Fat Duck is at the top of London’s three Michelin-starred restaurants, founded, owned, and run by none other than Heston Blumenthal. In addition to being a master chef, Blumenthal is also known for his cookbooks.Located in a historic building in the village of Bray, about 45 minutes from London, The Fat Duck serves around 60 guests. If you go, you must try the tasting menu, which takes about four hours. For this reason, I recommend going at lunchtime, since it may feel a little heavy in the evening. Going during the day also gives you the chance to stroll through the charming village and admire its old buildings. Blumenthal is extraordinarily creative and designs his dishes to stimulate all five senses: you taste, hear the crunch, smell the aroma, see the presentation, and feel the textures. One of the techniques he often uses is sous vide — low-temperature cooking in vacuum-sealed bags immersed in hot water at 70–85°C.The Fat Duck’s wine list is practically the size of a phone book, and just reading through it whets the appetite.
GORDON RAMSAY
One of the world’s most famous British chefs, Gordon Ramsay no longer cooks himself but owns restaurants worldwide. Known for his fiery temper and harsh treatment of staff, Ramsay is equally famous for his books and TV shows. Interestingly, before becoming a chef, he even claimed to have played football for Rangers in the Scottish Premier League — but ultimately found his true calling in the culinary world.I remember trying to book a table at Aubergine, the prestigious restaurant where Ramsay once worked as head chef. They were only taking reservations six months in advance and demanded prepayment.
When I finally secured a table, Ramsay had left to open his own place, Restaurant Gordon Ramsay, in Chelsea. So I cancelled Aubergine and booked at Ramsay’s new restaurant instead.It’s a small venue seating about 45 guests, located on a side street. Open for both lunch and dinner, it offers a slightly more affordable lunch menu, as is common in London. Holding three Michelin stars, the restaurant places great importance on presentation and design. Ramsay also sells his cookbooks on-site. During truffle season, the menu features a wide variety of truffle dishes. For those interested, you can even reserve a special session at 9:30 a.m. to join the chefs in the kitchen and help prepare dishes.
HÉLÈNE DARROZE AT THE CONNAUGHT
Inside the famous Connaught Hotel in Mayfair is French chef Hélène Darroze’s eponymous restaurant, which truly deserves its three Michelin stars. Here you’ll find modern French cuisine as well as fusion dishes inspired by international flavors. Guests can choose between the tasting menu and à la carte options.The restaurant opened in 2008, quickly earned its first star, soon after its second, and — strengthened after Covid with an enhanced menu — finally secured its third in 2021. Darroze sources ingredients seasonally and buys fresh fish daily. Although the Connaught is a historic hotel, the restaurant is strikingly modern. Designed by renowned interior designer Pierre Yovanovitch, the space reflects the elegance of Darroze’s cuisine with soft leather and velvet chairs, wooden tables, and delicate glass chandeliers. It has everything I personally love: high ceilings, white tablecloths, generous spacing between tables, comfortable seating, and excellent service. Like many three-star restaurants, they also offer a more economical lunch menu. While meat is central, there are excellent fish options as well. For anyone seeking comfort and refinement, Hélène Darroze at the Connaught is a culinary haven.
LA PETITE MAISON
With branches around the world, La Petite Maison’s London location is in Mayfair. This beautiful French-Mediterranean restaurant serves dishes family-style: each dish is brought to the table and shared, which makes it perfect for a convivial experience. Although the cuisine is rooted in French tradition, its founding chef, Raphael, is Nigerian. Interestingly, butter is almost absent here; instead, olive oil, salads, and fish dominate. Influences from Italy and the South of France are evident, and it would be more accurate to describe it as Mediterranean cuisine.On the menu, you’ll find dishes like socca from Côte d’Azur, pissaladière, Italian burrata and mozzarella, marinated raw fish, green lentils, and bulgur salad. One of its highlights is the seafood and cocktail bar located just behind the main dining room, offering a more intimate atmosphere.
NOBU
With around 30 branches worldwide, co-owned by Robert De Niro, Nobu is a global sensation. I’ve dined at ten of them, but my favorite remains the London location under the Metropolitan Hotel. It not only has a beautiful Hyde Park view, but also the most extensive menu.The head chef, originally from Japan, lived many years in Peru, and his cooking bears a distinctive Peruvian influence. He even invented unique sushi varieties, which turned him into a legend among sushi chefs. Signature dishes include black cod with miso, yellowtail sashimi with jalapeño, and shrimp with garlic sauce.
PORTLAND
Located on Great Portland Street, this restaurant takes its name from its address. Opened in 2015, it quickly earned a Michelin star. Though it may not rise to two stars, I would say it is more than worthy of its single star.Headed by chef Chris Bassett, Portland doesn’t cling to any one culinary tradition but instead stands out as an excellent modern British restaurant. While it doesn’t have soaring ceilings, in other respects it meets my criteria. Both tasting and à la carte menus are available. Lunch features a simpler two-course menu, while dinner offers three courses.Its wine list is impressive, with reasonable markups. Since the difference in lunch and dinner prices is not dramatic, I recommend going for dinner.
THE COUNTER
Not among the world’s best, but a restaurant I love is The Counter, owned by Kemal Demirasal, a chef I greatly admire. I’ve followed him since his Alacati Alancha days. After leaving Turkey, he settled in London with his wife and child, and post- pandemic opened The Counter — actually, two of them: one in Soho and one in Notting Hill. The Notting Hill branch is small, with some tables but best experienced at the counter itself. It’s essentially a modern kebab house, but with excellent mezze. Demirasal reinterprets the flavors of the Eastern Mediterranean with his own creative touches. You can easily have a satisfying meal just from the vegetarian mezze selection.His appetizers are also outstanding, which is why The Counter is one of my London go-to’s. I send my regards to Kemal Demirasal — I’m sure he’ll continue to create wonderful things in London.
THE IVY
With over 100 years of history, The Ivy is a classic English restaurant. Founded by Abel Giandolini originally as a café, it evolved over time into an upscale restaurant. Located near the theaters, it became a favorite haunt of actors and theatergoers alike. Stars like Laurence Olivier, Vivien Leigh, and Marlene Dietrich were regulars, and many people came just hoping to spot them.In 2005, businessman Richard Caring bought it and expanded The Ivy into a chain across the UK and Ireland. Yet the original location remains known as The Original Ivy. Decorated in Art Deco style, it feels almost like a museum.For fans of traditional English food, The Ivy is essential. Its signature dish is shepherd’s pie — minced meat and mashed potato baked into a comforting pie. Another highlight is Dover sole, a fish native to the Dover coast and larger than its counterparts elsewhere. In 2008, an exclusive members-only club was also added upstairs. For me, there are two quintessential places for classic English cuisine in London: The Ivy and Dinner by Heston.
THE KITCHEN
Tucked away on South Street in the heart of Kensington, The Kitchen is one of London’s most beloved neighbourhood fine- dining restaurants, an elegant yet unpretentious one, Michelin- star gem that has quietly built a following.Opened in 2009 by acclaimed restaurateur Rebecca Mascarenhas and legendary chef Phil Howard, The Kitchen is helmed by Head Chef Mark Kempson, whose cooking marries classical French technique with a modern British sensibility. Kempson’s cuisine is firmly ingredient-led: seasonal, flavour-driven, and deeply respectful of Britain’s best small producers. He is known for weaving game,
hedgerow fruits, and subtle wild elements into refined, harmonious plates that evolve with the seasons.The restaurant earned its Michelin star in 2011 and has retained it every year since, a testament to its consistency and quality. Despite its pedigree, The Kitchen remains remarkably approachable. Its set lunch menu is widely regarded as one of the best-value Michelin experiences in London, offering superbly crafted dishes at an accessible price.The room itself exudes understated sophistication — crisp white linen throughout, fresh, contemporary décor, and an atmosphere that balances intimacy with polish. Service is attentive and warm, striking the perfect note between formality and friendliness. The wine list is another highlight, with an excellent selection both by the bottle and by the glass, often featuring premium bottles poured from magnums.A minor quirk: there are no armchairs, only traditional chairs — a detail that hardly detracts from the overall experience.In addition to its Michelin star, The Kitchen is frequently recommended by other guides for its balance of sophistication, value, and neighbourhood charm. It remains a satisfying fine-dining addresses , a restaurant where exceptional cooking, genuine hospitality, and refined comfort come together seamlessly.One issue with the Kitchen , you are forced to pay a "discretionary" 15% tip.
ST. JOHN
Located near London’s financial district, St. John is a Michelin one-star restaurant beloved for its wide variety of dishes. Fergus Henderson, originally an architect, abandoned his career to follow his culinary passion, and in 1994 he opened St. John in a former smokehouse. The restaurant’s motto is “nose- to-tail eating” — meaning every part of the animal is used, from liver to bone marrow. Open daily for lunch and dinner, St. John offers three different experiences: a white-tablecloth dining room
with full service, communal wooden tables with a limited bar menu, or simply sitting at the bar with drinks and snacks.It’s reasonably priced by Michelin standards and always busy. I went for lunch, and it was packed. For dinner, reservations are a must. The menu features game meats, offal, seasonal vegetables, and herbs. Last time, I had a simple but excellent green salad, John Dory, and dessert. With it, I drank Guinness, followed by espresso, fresh-made madeleines, and strawberry ice cream. I left very satisfied. Next time, I plan to try their famous lobster soup.
TRIVET
Trivet was opened in 2019 in south London by our world- famous sommelier Isa Bal together with Jonny Lake, both formerly of The Fat Duck (Isa as head sommelier, Jonny as head chef).It’s a small, modern restaurant seating 30–40, with wooden tables instead of tablecloths. In summer, a terrace expands the space. The food, directed by Jonny Lake, reflects the expertise he gained in world-renowned kitchens, and within three years Trivet earned its first Michelin star, followed by a second last year.Their signature dishes include playfully named plates like “Drunken Lobster.” The cooking style is influenced by The Fat Duck but is less experimental and more approachable. Both tasting menus and à la carte options are available, and I recommend the à la carte.Open Wednesday–Saturday for lunch and dinner (closed Sundays, with limited hours on Mon/Tue), Trivet also boasts an outstanding wine list curated by Isa Bal. It even features several Turkish wines. They also run a wine club with special events for members.Isa Bal, one of only about 300 Master Sommeliers in the world — and among the most senior — is an authority in wine. With his vast knowledge and extensive cellar, Trivet is truly a paradise for wine lovers. I suggest telling him your preferences and letting him surprise you — that’s what I did, and I was amazed.