Best London Restaurant Bars

Whether you're looking for a glass of icy Champagne on a sun-trap terrace or after oysters in a swish restaurant, Madison will have what you're looking for. Join the spot for views over St Paul's and one of the most stylish rooftops around.

From plant-filled light and bright spaces through to laid-back Battersea hangouts, Humble Grape has got the London's restaurant bar scene nailed. Head to one of their bars across the city for an excellent choice of vino and top notch British bites, including a boozy brunch come the weekend.

Regularly topping up Balham's rumblin' tums, The Exhibit serves carefully curated drinks and a hearty menu of fresh British produce. Bag yourself a table and get ready for a festival of eating; there's everything from roasted pheasant to grilled royal beam and Galloway beef burgers with all the trimmings. There's an eclectic entertainment programme for dessert, too.

Pairing wine with the Puglian focus on delicious, simple food, yapix is one of our favourite restaurant bars in East London. Found in Canning Town, this gorgeous spot is the place for fresh pasta, Italian toasted sandwiches and Ancient Roman pinsa (a healthier version of traditional pizza).

Forge is a city escape that can be found moments from Bank and is open 'til late throughout the week, making it a great destination for those who like to party. Interiors-wise, it features stripped-back brickwork and lush leather booths, as well as a luminous bar where you can order the likes of pornstar martinis and old fashioneds from. And if you're hungry? The restaurant serves sizzling meats in the form of steaks and smokey bacon cheeseburgers.

Little Bird Battersea boasts plush interiors and a fantastic selection of cocktails, as well as an extensive menu of diverse international dishes. Tuck into chicken satay, truffle arancini and seafood like yellowfin tuna or blackened cod fillets at this cosy destination.

The Courtesan is reminiscent of a Chinese opium den, with its vintage furniture and dark lighting, but this hideaway in Brixton is one of the coolest and most unique restaurant bars in the area. Stop by for lunch or dinner and enjoy their selection of dim sum in steamer baskets or small plates, tapas style. The food perfectly complements the unique cocktails and teas on offer as well.

Fronting a mix of modern and vintage decor, stainless steel furnishings and an intimate dining space, Atelier Coupette has to be on your list of restaurant bars to visit in Soho. It oozes French elegance, all the way from its style to its food and drink lists. Here, you can look forward to devouring tapas plates of BBQ hispi cabbage, confit duck leg and king prawns in a bonito sauce, all washed down by bespoke tipples such as Smoked Artichoke Manhattans and Salted Caramel Martinis. 

This stylish Sloane Square restaurant bar is popular for its delicious seasonal British menu and unique drinks. Offering up a comfortable and sophisticated space for all your brunch, lunch and cocktails needs, whether you go for drinks or a meal The Botanist, Sloane Square will not disappoint.

New Street Grill is a buzzy spot, boasting exposed brick, warm light fixtures and an arch leading out to a romantic patio. It's famed for its Josper-grilled steaks, along with a large selection of other cuts to pair with sides like triple-cooked chips or chargrilled garlic field mushrooms. On the menu, there's also Sutton Hoo chicken Kiev and house-made potato gnocchi covered in pesto. 

A lovely escape from the 100mph nature of the streets outside, Balls Brothers Austin Friars is an impressive showcase of style and service right in the heart of the city. Industrial furnishings and an open kitchen add to the atmosphere, and there's a fine choice of bold cocktails, wine and beer on offer if you're just looking to drop in for a drink or two.

Inspired by the vibrant steakhouses of Argentina, Asador Bar & Grill is a sleek space found in the heart of Leicester Square, inside the Leicester House Hotel. The dark interiors are filled with elegant wooden furniture and marble-topped bars, where you can enjoy a range of delicious handcrafted cocktails.

Wondering what's on the menu? Choose from a selection of South American delights, including truffle beef carpaccio, sea bass ceviche and juicy steaks.

Alongside some of London's top restaurant staples is this retro-inspired restaurant, serving up modern twists on traditional meals. The upstairs bar has plenty of original cocktails gracing their menu, so many you may have to get comfortable to try them all. 

With over 60 different types of craft beer, a carefully curated menu of cocktails and serving full English breakfasts, condiment-filled burgers and seasoned cuts of grilled meat all day long, Smiths of Smithfield offers a stellar casual dining experience at any time of the day.

Lucy Wong is a slick, underground cocktail bar in Fitzrovia that pairs its innovative drinks list with a menu of authentic Cantonese fare. As for decor, you'll find contemporary Chinese influences throughout, providing you with a luxurious, speakeasy feel.

Not only does the Leicester Square Kitchen offer up a stunning selection off Mexican and Peruvian small plates designed for sharing, but they also deliver delicious South American cocktails too. Feast on Pisco-glazes smoked paprika ribs and lime before turning up the heat with a chilli and lime margarita or Aztec negroni.

Looking for swish restaurant bars? Boasting quirky artwork and a sleek ambience, NYX Eat, Drink & Play is the place to be. You can chow down on delicious charred squid and nacho platters while tipping back cracking cocktails - think mezcal drinks galore.

The ultimate space for drinking and dining in the City, Wagtail Rooftop Bar & Restaurant is the rooftop spot you need to discover. Whether you settle into the plush dining room or grab a perch on the rooftop terrace, you'll indulge in moreish cocktails and elevated British cuisine.

A stylish industrial-style bar that pays homage to the nearby denim and bus factories in the area, The Black Horse & Dodici Pizze near Walthamstow Wetlands is the perfect place for a spot of creative cocktails, quality wines, and locally crafted beers that will knock your socks off. With quirky concoctions like the Copacabana featuring coconut rum, passion fruit, almond orgeat and tiki bitters, as well as the bourbon and rye-infused Solaris, this delicious tipple house is the perfect spot for a romantic date with your boo.

Not only was Copper Ceylon voted Best Sri Lankan Restaurant in the 2022 London Curry Awards, they've also got a great selection of cocktails to pair with your meal. This luxurious Bromley spot dishes out everything from fried aubergine curry to creamy coconut dhal and chilli shrimp, using fresh ingredients and spices imported from Sri Lanka.

Combining mouthwatering food and drink in a wacky setting, Nobu Bar & Terrace at Nobu Hotel London Shoreditch is one of East's best hotspots. This venue offers a balance between quirky interiors (think street art adorned walls), alongside small plates and a selection of Japanese whisky.

Boasting a range of different spaces across three stunning floors, Bōkan is the ultimate place for delicious food, tip-top drinks and gorgeous decor. Head on over to wolf down a range of European eats, washed down with a glass from the ample selection of wine.

Located in Hackney, The London Fields is a cool all-day bar and restaurant that's found inside a restored Victorian building. expect rustic interiors, with long wooden tables and a traditional bar, paired with simple white walls.

Sip on gin-based cocktails or refreshing craft beer from the bar, paired with authentic Italian cuisine - think wood-fired pizzas and fresh pasta using only the best quality ingredients.

Tucked away just off the Covent Garden plaza, Balthazar is a theatre-land favourite for those looking after a dinner and drinks set up pre or post show. A London restaurant bar, Balthazar is a classy place to indulge in fine French cuisine and drink from their extensive collection of wine and cocktails. 

London's got a new hotspot, and it's none other than Albert's Schloss Soho. This joint, named after Prince Albert himself, is all about serving up Bavarian goodness and keeping the good times rolling. With a menu packed full of Alpine delights like currywurst and fondue, plus delicious cocktails like the Apple Strudel with spiced rum and cinnamon, it's a non-stop party for your tastebuds.

Based in Victoria, Greenwood's amazing food is certain to leave you grinning from ear to ear, with everything from hearty steaks to flavoursome pizzas and Thai broths. The venue's carefree approach, relaxed vibes and many seating areas also makes it perfect for a group dinner.

Promising a mix of modern European and British cuisine, The Botanist, Broadgate Circle takes our pick for its unique decor and forward-thinking menus. Come here for a weekend bottomless brunch, lunch or dinner before head down to The Soda Room cocktail lounge, filled with quirky taxidermy, wacky artwork and tasty tipples. 

With cocktails equally as delicious as the authentic Italian dishes, Mele E Pere is a great shout for a stunning meal accompanied by a few drinks. Think juicy steaks, handmade pasta dishes and 48-hour proved pizza at this basement bar in Soho.

Based away from the hype and buzz of the city, The Folly offers diners a massive menu of fresh and hearty meals as well as a great drinks selections, all within a beautiful botanical-themed bar and restaurant. You can enjoy a full meal, share a platter with friends or just have a few of their many special cocktails.

Combining industrial with quirky and colourful touches, Heist Bank in Paddington is a cool urban hangout. Spread across several rooms, the venue is all about stone baked pizza and craft beer as well as having a few sociable touches such as a pool table.

Devonshire Terrace is a stunning restaurant bar on Liverpool Street. With a beautiful interior made for smart dining or comfortable drinking and two great outdoor areas, is it the perfect relaxed setting to impress anyone. The kitchen serves up a delicious modern European menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner. This classy spot is perfect for impressing a client, date or just enjoying a nice meal out.

For a fun and relaxed evening out in Islington, Islington Blend offers the perfect mix of casual dining and exceptional cocktails.

Whether you're stopping by for a quick bite of pizza or pasta, or settling in for an evening of great drinks and conversation, this vibrant venue has something for everyone. The menu is filled with delicious options, and the cocktails are always on point (especially when they're £7 during happy hour). 

Whether you're after a crafted cocktail or a Mexican soft taco, May Fair Kitchen has got all you need for a casual night in Mayfair. The spot meshes Moroccan Medina style bar with fancy British restaurant, along with serving plates inspired by Italy, Spain, Mexico and Peru.

Inamo is the tech-savvy Londoners favourite hangout. Where else can you place your order via a sleek tablet, set your own digital tabletop or even track your dinner's progress via a chef cam? Head along to their Covent Garden base for a pioneering experience likely to feature delightful pan-Asian tapas dishes, then take it downstairs to the cocktail bar for Oriental-themed drinks and sleek, intimate vibes.

Serving up an impressive roster of cocktails alongside hearty meals and lighter bites, Core is one of our favourite restaurant bars in London. Enjoy a salt beef sandwich at lunch, and dig into a rib-eye steak or a burger as the evening sets in - all washed down with one of their expertly crafted cocktails. Delightful.

One of the best places to catch a casual drink and bite to eat in the heart of the City, head on down to Tank and Paddle where you'll not only be able to enjoy a roster of cold craft pints, there's a mighty selection of pizzas for you to enjoy.

Whether you fancy a casual drink or an intimate dinner, Nest is the Bishopsgate bar that's offering you the best of both worlds. Chow down on elevated pub favourites, including burgers and fish and chips, and wash it down with beautifully executed cocktails.

Quaglino's is the restaurant bar everyone's been talking about: luxurious, with a kitchen delivering some of the finest European food with a Middle Eastern twist, as well as an enviable live music schedule.

Nestled within a grand Grade II-listed building, Andrea Ludgate Hill is as beaut as can be. While surrounded by ornate ceilings, marble tables and brown leather, delve into internationally inspired dishes. Our favourite? The tempura prawns with Szechuan pepper chips and ponzu tartar.

Some of London's best bars and restaurants come together at One Tower Bridge, a Thameside eating and drinking destination. Grab a table in one of the various venues or outside and tuck into offerings from The Coal Shed, Gunpowder, Prosecco House or another of the many spots.

Pegged as "an island of calm in the heart of the city", The Drift offers food and drink in a relaxed setting - perfect for those seeking some peace and quiet. The food menu comprises of platters, nibbles and some excellent main meal fare, making it a great spot for after-work dining or catching up with a few friends at the weekend.

While La Bibliotheque is a delicious fine-dining restaurant with modern interiors, it's also an amazing cocktail bar whipping up some seriously innovative drinks using traditional Japanese spirits. 'The Journey' is a tipple menu that combines the classical with the creative, featuring mie sour, made with new white umeshuya infused with jalapenos.

One of the best restaurant bars in Farringdon, The Patio is a more than suitable shout for dinner. Enjoy getting stuck into 3-course menus for £61 per person and chow down on the likes of crispy lamb samosas and short rib croquettes. Yum.

Adventure Bar Clapham High Street will have the brand's first kitchen serving up great dishes aiming to be with customers quickly without any drop in quality. Expect some cracking snack platters and tasty main dishes.

Roof East is Stratford's multi-purpose hangout made for drinks, events and outdoor cinema with views looking out over the Olympic Park. Featuring its own play zone with games and activities and signature cars filled with plant pots of fresh lavender, soak in the unique ambience of this rooftop bar with a menu devised by a Hawksmoor chef.

Former Hawksmoor chef Gordon Ker is behind Blacklock; the elusive chops restaurant quickly becoming one of the hottest properties in London. A secluded basement spot made for communal dining, Blacklock serves only the finest chops cooked over charcoal and vintage irons. Pick between racks of Cornwall beef, pork, lamb and veal, handily washed down by £5 classic cocktails.