Best Fine Dining Restaurants in London

Looking for somewhere unequivocally fancy to eat? With 80 Michelin star restaurants, venues known for amazing tasting menus and locations boasting interiors equally as gorgeous as the delicious food, the UK's capital city won't disappoint.

Thanks to both the diverse range of cuisine and Britain's seasonal, local produce leading the way in these restaurants, there's an argument that London is the fine dining capital of the world. We'd most definitely agree. Attesting to that is our curated list of restaurants with the best fine dining London has to offer, spanning all-female chef teams, themed menus, and cuisines ranging from French to Indian and Nordic-Asian fusion.

Last edited by Scarlett Welch

Last updated on 12th November 2024




The Pem

For a contemporary fine dining restaurant in Central London, The Pem is pretty unmissable - and not just for those stunning pink and red interiors. Sally Abé heads up a female-led team of chefs, a rarity in a male-dominated industry. The restaurant itself is inspired by Emily Wilding Davison, known as 'Pem' to her close family, a famous suffragette who championed the rights of women.

Promising homegrown produce and the best seasonal flavours, dishes here have an element of nostalgia and lean into new takes on British favourites. Set lunch menus set you back only £35 for two courses, while there's also a la carte options like Dorset crab crumpet and Saddleback pork chop or the five-course tasting menu.

The Fuji Grill At Beaverbrook Town House

Secure a spot at The Fuji Grill At Beaverbrook Town House and you'll soon see why it's one of the most delicious Japanese restaurants in the city. A counterpart to the famous Surrey estate, its interiors are designed by Nicola Harding and Sir Frank Lowe too - meaning light green walls with Mount Fuji artwork fixed to them are a distinct highlight.

Dine from either the a la carte menu or go for the omakase set affair, which includes nine courses featuring the likes of Japanese yellowtail and black cod tempura.

Mistress Of Mayfair

early bird set menu £32 2 courses/£39 3 courses

Located on St James' Street, Mistress of Mayfair is an elegant French-Mediterranean restaurant that provides all the luxury you'd expect from this neighbourhood. Step into a gorgeous dining room that flaunts crystal chandeliers and deep red furnishings, before indulging in a high-end feast.

Munch on the likes of Chilean seabass with green asparagus, linguine with caviar or truffle risotto, paired with fine wines or handcrafted cocktails.

Bardo St James's

Oozing romantic vibes is Bardo St James's, a high-end Italian restaurant with polished marble countertops, furniture sourced from Italy, and a stunning central stage featuring a grand piano and other instruments. They're elevating your fine dining experience with live music at every meal.

The menu includes an unmissable £90 tasting menu that changes with the seasons, alongside dishes like lavender-spiced, aged balsamic-glazed duck breast, classic Bistecca alla Fiorentina (Tuscan T-bone steak), and lobster tagliatelle. That's a slew of sophisticated, Italian dishes courtesy of executive chef Graziano Bonacina.

Quaglino's

Quaglino's has had some famous clientele over the years from the likes of Evelyn Waugh to the late Queen and it's no wonder, as the stylish restaurant is an absolute stunner. You'll find Art Deco-inspired interiors, theatrical red curtains and dark reds with gold detailing giving off a luxurious feel alongside a menu curated by head chef Jack Smith.

European classics are the focus here, from pan-fried halibut supreme with brown shrimp grenobloise, to red wine braised oxtail and potato tarts, washed down with a Mediterranean cocktail. 

Jeru

For a sophisticated Mediterranean-inspired menu in stunning surrounds, look no further than Jeru in Mayfair - an elegant destination decked out in greenery, ornate chandeliers and shelves filled with fine wine. You'll find dry-aged wagyu steaks, chargrilled aubergine and beetroot pastrami here, as well as their signature halloumi doughnuts.

For some after-dinner fun? Head downstairs to secret bar Layla, which promises tasty small plates, bespoke cocktails and great tunes.

Cigalon

Lined with leafy plants and sporting neutral tones in a former auction house, Cigalon is a superb French restaurant for all your fine dining lunch and dinner needs. In the heart of Chancery Lane, you'll find authentic Provençal dishes consisting of mussels, cherry tomatoes and fennel pasta, roasted pork belly with celeriac and plums, and baked apple terrine topped with pear sorbet and caramelised seeds - all thanks to chef Julien Carlon. 

Whitcomb’s At The Londoner

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Bringing a slice of Mediterranean France to our capital city is Whitcomb's At The Londoner, one of the best restaurants for fine dining in Central London. Here you can experience modern takes on classic dishes from the French and Italian rivieras without having to leave the West End.

As well as express lunch and vegan menus, you'll find an extensive a la carte offering including escargot, chef's signature filet mignon with chanterelle and aged Parmesan crème, and tuna tartar with confit egg yolk and Oscietra caviar.

Benares Restaurant & Bar

Halal fine dining in London with a Michelin star to boot? Located in Mayfair, Benares Restaurant & Bar ticks every box. This Indian restaurant pulls out all the stops from its Berkeley Square, Mayfair location, combining British ingredients with modern, pan-Indian food. 

There's a luxurious feel here across hand-crafted India-inspired furniture and a pond decorated with fresh flowers, which is reflected in the menu. Expect tasting menus spanning their famous scallops baked in their shells and Fallow Deer tikka, alongside al carte options like traditional curry - all reaching executive chef Sameer Taneja's exacting standards.

Theo Randall at The InterContinental

When it comes to the best fine dining in London, you can't go wrong with Mayfair's Theo Randall at The InterContinental. The celebrated chef, who's a regular on national TV, can be found in the kitchen for the majority of services at his flagship restaurant, so head here for a meal cooked by the man himself.

Robust Italian flavours with a contemporary leaning make up the meals, with seasonality at the heart of each dish too; think roasted guinea fowl stuffed with prosciutto di Parma,
lemon zest, thyme and mascarpone or a regional tasting menu that includes Lake District lamb rump.

Searcys at the Gherkin

For those extra special occasions, there's nowhere quite like Searcys at The Gherkin, located atop one of London's most iconic buildings. Sitting on the 39th floor, Searcys Helix Restaurant has sweeping views of the City of London, pairing high-end design with contemporary, seasonal cooking and - of course - Champagne.

Two courses are £49 and three will set you back £57, with menus boasting dishes like Norfolk coast seabass in a shellfish bisque with shaved fennel and blood orange or pulled lamb shoulder bon bons on a smoked aubergine puree.

Cabotte

In the shadow of St Paul's sits, Cabotte; a haven of French cuisine paired expertly with wine from across France - natural, given the restaurant is run by leading sommeliers Xavier Rousset and Gearoid Devaney. Both the executive and head chef here (Edward Boarland and Elliot Miller, respectively) have extensive experience in Michelin star kitchens, so you know you're in good hands.

Traditional French classics and modern twists are a main feature across menus here, alongside game and the finest seasonal ingredients. The result? Dishes like pink bream tartare with smoked eel emulsion and trout roe, guinea fowl breast and pork stuffed leg with girolles and pickled gooseberries, and an unbeatable apple tarte tatin.

Frog by Adam Handling

Located in the heart of Covent Garden is Frog by Adam Handling, the Scottish-born chef whose flagship restaurant focuses on sustainable, British luxury in the form of theatrical dishes. Get comfy in the intimate, 90-set space as you peer into the open kitchen and watch in wonder as the work behind each plate is explained to you at your table.

On the £195 tasting menu? Cod, beans and horseradish, Scottish waters, smoked chilli and citrus, and malt, meadowsweet and wild strawberries as a pre-dessert.

Core by Clare Smyth

The debut restaurant from the famous chef, Core By Clare Smyth is a female-led, three Michelin-starred eatery that champions sustainable producers in the heart of Notting Hill. Enter a delicate, natural dining room complete with neutral tones, soft furnishings and homely bookcases and devour seasonal plates from the award-winning chef.

You find the likes of Isle of Harris scallop tartare, lobster and spelt with caviar, and roasted cod with Morecambe Bay shrimps and Swiss chard in brown butter on the menu. 

Pavyllon

Pavyllon is for those who love exceptional French fare. It's the brainchild of Yannick Alléno, who happens to be one of the world's greatest chefs, and can be found nestled within the Four Seasons Hotel. Inside, you'll find luscious, rich teal velvet chairs lining the open kitchen where you can sit and watch dishes come together right before your very eyes.

Look forward to the likes of poached obsiblue prawn, steamed comte cheese souffle and so much more as part of this intimate dining experience.

Trivet

Tucked away in Bermondsey is the casual yet elegant Trivet offering a delightful culinary experience. Its name stems from the old cooking utensil (an iron tripod that, over fire, supports cooking pots and kettles) and was chosen by founders Fat Duck alumni head chef Johnny Lake and sommelier Isa Bal to imply warmth and balance - exactly what this spot is all about.

Here you can get your chops around two Michelin star-worthy food like hot tongue buns filled with anchovy mayonnaise and pickles, Cornish wild sea bass crudos and fig and almond tart with olive oil gelato.

Six By Nico

With venues on Charlotte Street in Fitzrovia and in Canary Wharf, Six By Nico has a few locations that you can try out for affordable fine dining in London. The concept involves six-course tasting menus that change every six weeks, with past themes spanning everything from Hanoi to Hollywood movies and Alice in Wonderland, for £50 per person. 

Add on matching wine for £38 each for the full experience, which have each been chosen to perfectly complement a select dish and the menu's overall theme. While the brand originated in Glasgow, these guys are known up and down the country for their pocket-friendly take on the tasting menu, so these restaurants are a top pick for something a little different.

Pied à Terre

Pied à Terre was established in 1991 under the guidance of David Moore and is still an impeccable Michelin star restaurant found in Fitzrovia to this day. Executive chef Phil Kearsey oversees the kitchen whipping up British plates with French roots, while the wine list is award-winning in itself.

On the menu, you'll find lunch and dinner tasting menus starting from £75 per person for four courses, up to £150 for ten, featuring the likes of glazed lamb sweetbreads, Cornish John Dory, and lavender macarons. 

Muse By Tom Aikens

Whether you're after fine dining in London for lunch or dinner, Muse By Tom Aikens has you covered. From the purple stone-topped bar to the peanut-shaped drinks cabinet, there are no doubts that this restaurant is a looker too - perfect for setting the scene for a Michelin star meal.

The lunch menu is a reasonable £50 for three courses with some longer tasting menu options too, while dinner is an ever-changing 10-course seasonal tasting menus where each dish has its own origin story in a personal touch from the chef himself. 

Studio Frantzén

Located in Knightsbridge, Studio Frantzén is pulling out all the stops. From the stunning rooftop terrace and Scandinavian design to their scrumptious Nordic cuisine with Japanese influences, this fine dining restaurant in London is ideal for date nights and dinner with a view. 

It sits on the top floor of Harrods and is our outpost for Swedish Michelin starred chef, Björn Frantzén. The menu includes tartar of tuna and red deer with vendace roe, wasabi cream, fermented plum and warm ginger butter alongside bone-in ribeye steak and smoked bone marrow with pine.

The Goring Dining Room

The Goring is a luxury hotel in the heart of Belgravia that's home to a Michelin-starred dining room designed by Russell Sage Studio. Executive chef Graham Squire and his team head the kitchen creating seasonal British dishes to be enjoyed in an opulent dining space complete with floral walls and elegant light fixtures.

Adhere to the smart-casual dress code and look forward to trying spiced duck liver with Oak Church strawberries, roast Orkney scallops, and stuffed Devon white chicken with sweetcorn, smoked bacon and confit egg. 

The Ritz Restaurant

The iconic London hotel The Ritz is more than just a glamourous place to stay - past grand columns and sparkling chandeliers, you'll find the Michelin-starred restaurant that looks like a dining room out of a movie scene thanks to its opulent interiors. 

Executive chef John Williams MBE is at the forefront of creating seasonal British dishes that span breakfast, lunch and dinner. Beef is sourced from the Cornish moors and lamb from the Lake District so everything is sustainable and fresh; from the ballotine of duck liver with sour cherry and pistachio to the roast quail with verjus and hazelnut.  

Sketch

The Lecture Room and Library at Sketch is a kaleidoscope of colours, rich furnishings and a dazzling ruby-red light fixture crowning it all. The three Michelin star restaurant shines bright among the London dining scene with exceptional plates whipped up by head chef Daniel Stucki.

Visit for lunch or dinner to dig into decadent plates of Scottish langoustine roasted in liquorice butter, Cornish turbot and Bresse chicken (finished with a Champagne sauce, no less), and Colchester lobster with its tail cooked in fresh mint-infused beurre noisette.

Hakkasan

Hakkasan is a Michelin star restaurant that can be found in the heart of Soho dishing up quality Oriental fashion plates courtesy of head chef Tong Chee Hwee. It has a worldwide reputation, with outposts in New York, Shanghai and Dubai to name a few.

Its London-based eatery boasts glamourous, moody interiors in the form of wooden screens and latticing, plush leather booths and black and gold panelling. Look forward to delving into plates of spicy prawns with lily bulb and almond, mock roast duck and more.