Michelin Star Restaurants In London

In 1900, brothers Andre and Edouard Michelin from Clermont-Ferrand created a guide to encourage motorists to take more trips (and buy more tyres from their business), including information to help them on their journeys, such as nearby restaurants to visit. The guide grew in popularity, and in 1920 started to include hotel listings and categorised restaurants, all before the notable Michelin star system was developed in 1936, awarding these coveted accolades to the world’s very best places to eat.

Covering 37 countries across the world, it points you to sustainable seafood plates, contemporary Indian flavours and elegant, classic French fare. It's no surprise that our city's fine dining spots are some of the best, so you'd better take full advantage with our lowdown on the top London Michelin star restaurants.

Last edited by Kiera Chapman

Last updated on 29th August 2024




Benares Restaurant & Bar

Among the best Michelin star restaurants London has to offer is Benares Restaurant & Bar, slinging out some of the most innovative Indian cuisine in an intimate and swish setting. Named after the spiritual capital of India, the eatery showcases a menu inspired by the country's diverse street food. There are four private dining rooms here, including The Chef's Table which allows up to eight guests to watch their meal being made adjacent to the kitchen, led by executive chef Sameer Taneja. Decor-wise, it oozes refinement as rooms are adorned with dainty tablecloths, contrasting the dark features on the walls. Get stuck into Malabar scallops to start, baked in the shell on a bed of coconut curry, followed by Scottish lobster tikka masala and pan-roasted Gressingham duck fillet, all while tipping back a glass of fine wine.

Gymkhana

Inspired by the gentlemen's clubs of colonial India, Gymkhana offers suave, vivid interiors and an intimate subterranean setting spread over two distinctive floors. Serving primarily Northern Indian-inspired food, the restaurant earned its second Michelin star in 2024 after its first in 2014. The tasting menu comes in at £115 a head, with an additional £95 should you favour a meticulous wine pairing. Fragrant plates include Amritsari pink shrimps and queenies served with dill raita, plus wild muntjac biryani, and saffron pistachio kulfi falooda to finish. It's not just the dishes that have it up there with the top Michelin star Indian restaurants in London; the sweet blend of spices and spirits in their cocktails also packs a punch, like the masala margarita (£18).

Trishna

In the heart of Marylebone is the stunning, contemporary restaurant Trishna, from the same people behind Gymkhana, Hoppers and more. The kitchen is led by Sajeev Nair who focuses on Indian southwest coastal cuisine, and as for drinks, the establishment offers a wine list packed with bottles from lesser-known producers. In 2012, it was awarded a Michelin star and has held on to it since. Laced with antique mirrors, marble table tops and opaque caged lighting, the space is refined and, thanks to its terrace doors, has a semi-alfresco feel while remaining cosy. It's an absolute must-visit for dishes such as nandu varuval (masala fried soft shell crab) and tandoori lamb chops. Desserts include exciting flavour combinations like the tangy passion fruit ginger malai, and the bespoke cocktails (think negronis with watermelon) are not to be missed either.

HIDE

A gorgeous, Scandi-oasis taking inspiration from the surrounding trees of Green Park for its decor, HIDE is a modern eatery focusing on local produce in the heart of London. Set over three floors, with the upper featuring oak, the ground centred around the trunk and the basement bar signifying the truck, it's truly a visually stunning restaurant, and we can't forget to give the sweeping staircase a shout-out. It's co-founded and overseen by critically acclaimed chef Ollie Dabbous who teamed up with Hedonism Wines to provide a fantastic drinks list (think Fabien Duveau, Samur Blanc from France and Finca Allende Rioja from Spain). The ingredient-first menu includes mouthwatering dishes like roast Orkney scallop with crushed peas and marigold, barbecued octopus with quinoa, pistachio and pomegranate, and so much more. 

The Ritz London

The Ritz in London is not only a glamorous place to stay in the heart of the capital, but also a luxurious, Michelin-starred dining destination, showcasing sparkling chandeliers and towering marble columns. Here, executive chef John Williams MBE uses prime, seasonal British ingredients to create divine breakfast, lunch and dinner plates. Don your finest and visit in the morning, as light pours through the windows, to tuck into an indulgent helping of eggs Benedict, or come for the five-course experience (£182), an Epicurean Journey, where each dish is individually paired with glasses of wine.

Pied à Terre

Founded in 1991, Pied à Terre is the longest-standing Michelin star restaurant London has, still owned and run by its founder, David Moore, of Le Manoir Quat' Saisons acclaim. It offers a sophisticated, vibrant dining space in the heart of Fitzrovia, with rich, carpeted floors and floral imagery. Here, executive chef Asimakis Chaniotis shows off classic French cuisine with nods to his Greek heritage; his signature dish revolves around grilled quail, texture of celeriac and Piedmont hazelnuts, topped by a singular 63-degree confit egg yolk. The establishment also prides itself in having an award-winning vegan tasting menu, with four courses priced at £65.

Humble Chicken

Humble Chicken is a Michelin star Japanese restaurant in London, run and owned by chef Angelo Sato who moved to London when he was just seventeen years old to pursue his career. Under Clare Smyth at Restaurant Gordon Ramsey he showed off his talents and did time at Restaurant Story, among others, before opening a place of his own. He draws upon his heritage to create a sixteen-course tasting menu and lunch omakase that's served in a sleek, eighteen-seater space from a theatrical open kitchen. Each dish is prepared and explained in front of you, with the likes of glossy shokupan and a mussel stuffed with avocado and covered in kosho ponzu up for devouring, and there's the opportunity to pair your meal with sake, too. 

Restaurant Story

With two stars to its name, Restaurant Story is famous among the London culinary scene as well as across the world, with many Michelin star chefs having seen their career take them to work in its exciting kitchen. Based in London Bridge, the sophisticated eatery opened in 2013 with chef patron Tom Sellers at the helm, who's trained at the likes of Restaurant Tom Aikens, Noma and Per Se. He tells his own story through ever-evolving British dishes inspired by the seasons. Delight in a nine-course tasting menu for dinner (£250) or a five-course affair (£140) for lunch, and look forward to plates like English pea custard with N25 caviar and charred spring onion, Herdwick lamb alongside Wye Valley asparagus and wild garlic, and English strawberries to finish. 

St. JOHN

St. JOHN has been a pioneer in the nose-to-tail approach to cooking in London and has been around since 1994 when founder Fergus Henderson teamed up with his friend Trevor, who just so happened to be an expert in wine. The Smithfield's location was one of the first, as it's now expanded across London with a winery and bakery, while still maintaining its core ethos and traditional British cooking that won the heart of the late Anthony Bourdain. Head here if you're not one to shy away from striking dishes such as crispy pigs cheek or roast bone marrow, and look forward to plates of grilled lamb heart, then bread and butter pudding in a butterscotch sauce for dessert.

The Ledbury

A couple of minutes from Westbourne Park is The Ledbury, an iconic restaurant owned by Australian-born Brett Graham who seeks out some of the finest produce (as well as rears deer, Jersey cows and Iberian pigs himself) to create incredible dishes. In 2024, it was awarded 3 Michelin stars and has been going from strength to strength since. The dining room is complete with textured tiles and brown, leafy foliage dangling above crisp white tablecloths - it's here where you'll dine on internationally inspired plates like mushrooms (from its very own Fungarium) with wild garlic, Wild Berkshire Roe Buck and 70% Crayfish Bay chocolate as part of a £225 per person tasting menu. Wine pairings are also available, featuring bottles from Germany, Spain, the USA and beyond.

Akoko

Delve into the world of West African cuisine made with fresh, British produce within the concrete walls of Akoko in Fitzrovia. Perched on Berners Street, this contemporary spot blends live fire cooking with umami to conjure up innovative plates intertwined with exotic spices, inspired by founder Aji Akokomi's heritage. In an intimate setting, you'll discover short lunch and full tasting menus encompassing oysters with tatase relish, goat cashew cream topped by Exmoor caviar and Herdwick lamb alongside aromatic jollof rice. 

Pavyllon London

Pavyllon London earned itself its first Michelin star within a year of opening and it's not hard to see why, considering it comes from Yannick Alléno, one of the world's greatest chefs. Nestled within the Four Seasons Hotel in Mayfair, it features gorgeous velvet seats lined up along a counter overlooking an open kitchen where you can watch dishes prepared in front of you. The menu features what Alléno is famous for, reinterpretations of French cuisine, and you can expect these to be served daily from midday 'til 2.30pm, then again for dinner from 6pm to 10.30pm. Expect the likes of whole over dole with a meuniere sauce, seared monkfish tail with black pepper oil and beef fillet served with crispy potato strings.

Umu Mayfair

At the helm of Umu Mayfair is chef Ryo Kamatsu who uses traditional preparation methods to create fresh, exciting Japanese dishes that you can watch take shape right in front of you from an open kitchen. The Michelin-starred spot is inspired by the traditions of Kyoto and its interiors feature dark, wooden furnishings, elegant curtains and intimate lighting to elevate a proper personal dining experience. On the menu, you can expect to tuck into fine plates of tuna tartare with nagaimo and wasabi (£44), Ginjo sake cured Scottish langoustine with coral shuto (£44) and Grade 11 hoba-yaki wagyu beef alongside a miso nut sauce (£98).

Core by Clare Smyth

Surpassing all 2 Michelin star restaurants in London, Core By Clare Smyth is the country's first and only female-led restaurant to be awarded all 3. The dining space feels like a living room, thanks to its white-panelled walls, back-lit bookshelves and rugs, presenting a relaxed atmosphere. Seasonal produce is key to all their dishes, thanks to close relationships with British farmers and fishermen, which creates understated yet flavourful cuisine. Along with specials, classic plates feature braised 'lamb carrot' with sheep's milk yoghurt and roasted cod, surrounded by Morecambe bay shrimps, Swiss chard and brown butter.

Aulis

For an intimate dining experience or a date night that's a little bit special, pick Aulis as your restaurant and delight in a fine dining feast where each course is prepared and explained in front of you. The main dining room of chef Simon Rogan's eatery seats 12, and is surrounded by dark wooden furnishings and cool, stone flooring giving it an elegant touch. It's here where you'll be feasting on food with a 'farm-to-fork' ethos created by chef Oli Marlo and head chef Charlie Taylor. Truffle pudding caramelised in birch? Don't mind if we do. There are also Orkney scallops cooked over embers and steamed West Coast cod with buttermilk from a frequently changing menu, plus three wine pairings to choose from.

Luca

As far as 1 Michelin star restaurants in London go, they don't come any finer than Luca in Clerkenwell, sister site to The Clove Club. It boasts a beautiful main dining room, laced with ruby red sofas and soft boxed lighting, as well as a picturesque terrace adorned with foliage. Sourcing premium British ingredients to make Italian delicacies, it's an establishment that bends the rules of traditional cooking to create delectable dishes. Tuck into monkfish crudo topped with pickled beetroots (£26), rigatoni with pork sausage ragù (£23) and Scottish halibut alongside Cornish mussels, topped off by whipped salt cod and brassicas (£44).

Alex Dilling At Hotel Café Royal

Alex Dilling began his journey under the wing of Alain Ducasse at New York's Adour before making his way, via a string of acclaimed restaurants like Caviar Russe, to London where he opened his eatery on the first floor of the famous Hotel Café Royal. The bright space is complete with natural light, bouncing off exposed walls and metal units, illuminating internationally inspired plates presented meticulously. At £165 for five courses, these dishes consist of Scottish blue lobster married with Basque chorizo, and Tainori chocolate, with notes of Ethiopian coffee, Mexican vanilla and buckwheat.

Hakkasan

If you're looking to add extra glamour to your fine dining, Hakkasan certainly hits the spot with its sultry tones and glittering gold accents. Their original Michelin star eatery at Hanway Place serves as an inspiration for its many overseas venues, putting them at the forefront of contemporary Cantonese cooking and exceptional service across the globe. Founded in 2001 and designed by Christian Liaigre, the interiors give a dramatic, modern boudoir feel to mirror the intensity of flavour in its dishes, such as whole lobster with braised dragon beard noodles and charcoal-grilled Japanese wagyu beef fillet.

Mountain

You'll find Mountain in Soho, spread over multiple floors and boasting a counter bar made from English elm. From the intimate, buzzing ground-floor dining space to the soft, pendant lighting, everything about it promises a cool dinner spot and one that's earned itself a Michelin star. It comes from chef Tomas Parry and the group that brought you Brat, with a similar approach of offering dishes cooked over charcoal grills, except this time they're inspired by Tomas's time travelling across Spain. Enjoy wines supplied by Noble Rot's Keeling and Andrew, and tuck into smoky plates of mackerel with grilled peas, spider crab, Dover sole and more, followed by an indulgent pecan choux bun for dessert. 

Muse

Famed chef Tom Aikens describes Muse as a 'gastronomic autobiography', serving up sophisticated tasting menus that draw on moments in his personal life and career in a converted Georgian townhouse. The Belgravia space has an air of romance about its interiors, thanks to the rich decor and jewel-toned marble. Dinner features locally sourced ingredients making up a ten-course seasonal tasting menu (£170), boasting dishes like 'the rule of three' (where an unknown trio of bites are presented), lobster with tomato and gooseberry, plus a personal favourite of his: 'pick 'n' eat', featuring strawberry, sticky rice and Thai basil. And if you're stopping by for lunch? There's an incredibly appetising three-course deal that'll only set you back £50. 

KOL

Kol on Seymour Street is a celebration of all things Mexican, via British ingredients that are often seen as 'low-end' (like cabbage, its namesake in Spanish). At its core is chef and co-owner Santiago Lastra who takes inspiration from his homeland to create state-of-the-art plates. After hosting a residency at the iconic Carousel, this urban eatery was born, adorned with stone walls, clay pots and leafy greens, surrounding an open kitchen. Expect the flavours of Yucatán, Baja California and Oaxaca found in dishes like tacos topped with langoustines and smoked chilli, scallop ceviche with notes of pear and, drinks-wise, plenty of mezcal from its specialist bar, plus agave from independent, native producers. 

The Ninth

Fusing classic French techniques with a focus on Mediterranean flavours, The Ninth in Fitzrovia offers thoughtful yet unfussy Michelin-starred food, thanks to founder Jun Tanaka, whose repertoire includes positions at Le Gavroche and The Restaurant Marco Pierre White. After opening The Ninth in 2015, it was awarded a Michelin star in 2017 and has continued to excel ever since. Upon entry, it feels as though you're in the kitchen itself, with copper pots and pans strung to exposed brick walls, making for a unique, cellar-type dining experience. Food is designed to be shared and includes their signature salt beef cheek and wild duck agnolotti with Jerusalem artichokes and chestnuts, plus small wine producers also come to the fore in a carefully selected drinks list.

Sollip

Sollip is only a short walk from London Bridge, fronting incredibly minimal decor that reflects the modern presentation of its Korean plates. The name comes from the Korean word for pine needle, an ingredient that's often used in East Asian cuisine, and here it's all about just that, combined with European influences. The restaurant is owned by husband and wife duo Woongchul Park and Bomee Ki, who have both studied at the renowned Le Cordon Bleu London. Plates here are served in the form of four or seven-course tasting menus for lunch or dinner, featuring the likes of baby artichoke with lobster, and their signature Daikon tarte tatin.

Ikoyi

Its innovative tasting menus (from £200 to £320), previously serving the likes of ike jime trout, caramelised plantain and smoked jollof rice, have earned Ikoyi bragging rights as one of the top Michelin star restaurants London has. Located at 180 The Strand, this contemporary hideaway, co-owned by Ire Hassan-Odukale and Jeremy Chan, is dedicated to presenting produce in its optimal state, in addition to creating sub-Saharan West African flavours using micro-seasonal ingredients, organic meats and British fish. As one of the most exciting places to eat in the capital, it's no wonder that in 2023, it was named one of the world's 50 best restaurants, making it an incredibly sought-after dining destination.

Leroy

Despite championing an intimate dining experience in a relaxed atmosphere, it's not just fun and games for vinyl-playing, Parisian-inspired bistro Leroy. Founded by sommelier Ed Thaw and with head chef Simon Shand at the helm, you can expect to devour plates that exude depth and simplicity. Revel in dishes like smoked eel Caesar salad topped with chicken skin (£18), or lamb sweetbread nestled in wild garlic risotto (£24), all swilled down with a glass from the 350-bin wine cellar. If you're keen to dine at cheap Michelin star restaurants in London, this haunt ticks the box.

Sketch

Making the grade as one of the few 3 Michelin star restaurants London has, The Lecture Room and Libary at Sketch delivers on its promise of an exceptional dining experience. With lavish avante-garde interiors, vivid colours and ideas courtesy of master chef Pierre Gagnaire and restaurateur Momo Mazouz, you won't forget this meal in a hurry. Sink into a welcoming armchair and devour meticulously crafted plates by head chef Daniel Stucki, who brings visions of poached French foie gras and confit kumquat with marmalade of red cabbage to life, wrapped up in a three-course set price of £140 per person. 

Endo At The Rotunda

Take in the sky-high views of White City at the famous chef Kazutoshi Endo's restaurant, Endo At The Rotunda. The third-generation sushi master has created a thought-provoking dining experience in a minimalist setting on the top floor of the former Television Centre. Presenting a 200-year-old Hinoki wood counter and a floating cloud light feature, the space is stunning and tranquil. The omakase menu, meaning 'I leave it up to you', invites guests to dive into an ever-changing, expertly curated selection of dishes. Dinner is served over 20 courses from £250 each, and 15 at £195 for lunch, and the journey begins as soon as you're guided up the private elevator.

Brat

Brat is inspired by the wood-fired feasts of Basque Country and renowned for its fish delicacies, yet it's one of the most affordable Michelin star restaurants in London. The Spanish eatery is named after the Old English word for their house speciality: a sharing turbot grilled whole in a handmade basket over charcoal, washed down with perfectly matched wine. Its Redchurch Street setting features minimalist decor, an open kitchen and scatterings of luminous orbs lighting up tables filled with grilled bread and anchovies - a starter that has amassed a cult following thanks to Paul Mescal's high praise. 

Quilon

Quilon brings South West coastal Indian cuisine to the streets of London via the crafty hands of chef Sriram Aylur. After opening in 1999, the Victoria-based restaurant has been serving a mix of authentic and innovative dishes with a focus on seafood. It offers a swish dining space complete with dark wooden cabinets profiling a selection of wines, alongside dark countertops decorated with individual flowers. If you're on the hunt for Michelin restaurants in London serving halal meats, you'll find the chicken and lamb here suitable. Feast on the likes of mini masala dosas to start, followed by baked black cod or tender Malabar lamb biryani.

Murano

Murano is a brilliant Italian eatery and, out of all the restaurants in London, Michelin or otherwise, rightfully claims its space at the top with its elegant dishes. It comes from chef Angela Hartnett whose CV includes Cafe Murano, Merchants Tavern and Hartnett Holder & Co. With this sparkling, bright space tucked away in Mayfair, she nods to her heritage by pairing humble Italian cooking with quality British ingredients. Impressive plates include pappa al pomodoro agnolotti with stracciatella, red mullet linguini, and monkish with Dorset crab, Tropea onion and a delicate bisque. You can enjoy three courses for £95 all the way up to six for £145 from the a la carte menu, and the lunch list offers an affordable three for £55 too.

The Clove Club

Located within the Grade II-listed Shoreditch Town Hall is The Clove Club, a restaurant led by head chef Isaac McHale, who takes inspiration from his culinary memories and travels, focusing on the British Isles. At their core, dishes are created using elegant and modern cooking techniques, stripping plates back to their essential elements. The interior of the space mirrors the natural ethos, with white walls paired with dark blue tiles offering a tranquillity reminiscent of an ocean breeze. From £155 to £195 a head, tasting menus include sardine sashimi, and crispy pork jowl, served with a blood pancake, coco bean and berberé spice.

City Social

Not many restaurants combine stylish interiors and Michelin-approved dishes quite like City Social, whipping up generous portions of braised short rib and roast scallops in mysterious, Art Deco surroundings. Nab yourself a coveted window seat for stunning views across the City, because this swanky spot is perched on the 24th floor of Old Broad Street's Tower 42. On the menu, you'll discover a variety of moreish starters, including king prawn and lobster ravioli with smoked hay butter (£20), followed by plates from the Josper Grill. Think Cumbrian beef fillet alongside triple-cooked chips (£49) and more. 

Evelyn's Table

Evelyn's Table in Soho has a unique concept: twelve seats, five courses and five chefs which altogether create an incredibly intimate, thoughtful dining experience that's won them a Michelin star. You'll find the dimly-lit den in the basement of The Blue Posts pub on Rupert Street, where head chef Seamus Sam (previously of Restaurant Story, The Clove Club and Muse by Tom Aikens) runs the kitchen and creates decadent dishes using ingredients sourced from the British Isles, like Lake District beef. To match your meal, you can choose from five different types of wine pairings, like Path Less Trodden (£80) which includes unfamiliar picks like a 2021 U Giancu, Albarolla, Possa, Cinque Terre from Italy.

Jamavar

Only a short walk from Hyde Park you'll find this dazzling space embellished with mirrors, opulent patterned walls and a back-lit white stone bar offering Indian cuisine in a fine dining setting. Created by the founding family of The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts in India, Jamavar's London outpost was the first international branch to launch in 2016. Culinary director and executive chef Surender Mohan leans into authentic cooking techniques to create small plates like lobster idli sambhar (£21) and scallop moilee (£19), as well as sweet tikkas from the tandoor and biryanis. The signature cocktail list is not to be missed either, with offerings like the Devil's Passion (£18), featuring homemade spiced passion fruit marmalade and lime juice.

Sabor

Head to Soho to eat your way across Spain, with tapas and huge sharing plates from Basque Country, Catalonia, Galicia and Castile on offer at Michelin-starred Sabor, which means flavour in Spanish. Founded by Nieves Barragan and José Etura, the restaurant flaunts four different areas over two floors, decorated with rustic brickwork and pretty blue tiles. Their must-try dishes are the Segovian suckling pig to share served at El Asador upstairs and succulent octopus via La Mesa on the ground; you'll be licking your chops for hours afterwards.

Trivet

Trivet is a dining concept born from the meeting of minds: Fat Duck alumni head chef Jonny Lake and sommelier Isa Bal deliver flavour and texture combinations inspired by a diverse range of regions from around the world. The restaurant's name comes from the historic cooking utensil and implies a warmth that this joint oozes. The menu adapts to the seasons and features thoughtful small plates made with the freshest ingredients. Visit for a light lunch and devour the likes of a hot tongue bun (£14), filled with anchovy mayo and pickles, crispy chicken wings alongside honey mayo, plus a selection of homemade gelatos and sorbets for dessert.