Cool London Restaurants For 2024

From the interiors to the Spanish menu, BiBo Shoreditch is just oozing cool and flair in all its aspects. Expect to chow down on everything from tapas to paella, brunches and £25 six-course express lunch menus which include glazed aubergine, patatas bravas and more. The cocktails here are pretty impressive too, including a fruity Sweet William or the mezcal-based Jimador.

The Libertine is a historic venue - not only is it set in The Royal Exchange but it was also the place where the very first Royal License for alcohol was granted. Enjoy everything from fresh oysters and blackened chicken to plant-based burgers and miso aubergine here, paired with a cocktail or glass of wine. They've even got a dedicated bloody Mary station, and you don't want to miss out on their famous Sunday roasts either.

After cool restaurants in London for lunch? With freshly sourced ingredients that are delivered daily from Cornwall, Sea Garden & Grill Tooting is up on our list of trendy eateries. This joint is home to innovative plates like smoked salmon arancini or pork belly with octopus, alongside classic dishes from oysters to cod, with plenty of lip-smackin' ocean-inspired concoctions to boot - garnished with the likes of edible bubbles and dry ice.

An imperial wonderland of charming Chinese eccentricities and ancient interior design describes Brixton's The Courtesan. Palate-teasing dishes of plump dim sum and other traditional East Asian delicacies like bao buns and sticky ribs will entice you in, while authentic flavours will keep you coming back for more. This place doubles as a late-night cocktail bar too, perfect if you want somewhere to relax all evening.

Don't want to pick just one cool London restaurant? At Market Place in Vauxhall, Peckham and Harrow, you can choose between a variety of street food traders from across the world in laidback interiors filled with plants and quirky neon signs. Think Sri Lankan, Mexican, kebabs, burgers, Italian food and more here, with regular live music and DJ sets to keep you entertained.

A cool, relaxed restaurant on the buzzing Paradise Row, Arepa & Co has an equally stylish menu of vibrant Venezuelan eats to match. Explore the flavours of South American as you graze on small pates of cachapas, rice bowls and of course arepas, surrounded by trendy decor. They offer a brilliant brunch menu too, available on weekends with options like avocado sunrise or smoked salmon and eggs.

Inamo in Covent Garden is a must try for those that want a little something extra out of their meal. Coming at you with some of the finest Asian fare, the restaurant's tables are also wholly interactive, meaning you can order, play and even watch the kitchen on them. As for the food at this futuristic spot, think tapas-style plates like yuzu pork belly or wagyu beef parcels as well as larger dishes such as Singapore noodles and sushi platters.

Modern European restaurant Bobo Social, found just 10 minutes from Ealing Broadway station on Filmworks Walk, is a cool place to grab delicious dishes like steak and chips in truffle butter or meals with an Asian twist. Think lobster and crab burgers with wasabi-fried onions or Thai curries. 

Topping it off? Mixologists making bespoke bloody marys from their cocktail trolley, at your tableside, for weekend brunches.

Be transported to Bali without leaving Chelsea over at Ollie's House. The relaxed restaurant showcases holiday vibes with natural tones, wicker chairs, verdant plants and warm lighting. Whether you fancy brunch, lunch or dinner, this joint has you covered with a range of fusion fare. Delve into bites like slow-cooked Korean short rib and Shanghai soy noodles, both of which come in at under £20, with indulgent delights such as an apple crumble bao for dessert. You can also nab all kinds of bargains here, like 50p gyozas on weekdays from 3pm to 6pm, as well as two-for-one cocktails every evening.

Drink, dine and relax at this imposing former power station eatery, found in the beautiful Belgravia. Founded by the team behind Tart London, the restaurant's stunning pared-back interiors are matched with innovative and sustainably-sourced dishes - think braised lamb ragu flatbreads, mussels cooked in miso butter or Jerusalem artichokes topped with burrata. You can also enjoy their feasting menu for £45 per person, which includes four courses and finishes with an indulgent chocolate and caramel cookie.

Hunting for the perfect place in London to eat? In London Bridge, you can check out former church venue Amazing Grace, a bustling music themed bar, which boasts stained glass windows, a huge stage and cool 3D lighting displays throughout. There's a cracking selection of cocktails and craft beer to sip on while watching a performance, as well as a pan-Asian menu of smoked lime Padron peppers, pulled beef brisket bao buns, Vietnamese fried tofu and much more.

After cheap and quirky restaurants in London but can't quite put your finger on what cuisine you're craving? Head to Vauxhall Food & Beer Garden and you can sample it all, from spicy burritos to juicy burgers or a Chinese feast. Lined with tasty street food stalls and two huge bars serving everything from draught beer to cocktails, this stunning outdoor venue is the perfect lunchtime spot, with gorgeous twinkling lights when night falls.

An eye-catching bar and restaurant, featuring vintage bar stools, tasseled lamp shades and huge windows paired with tropical plants, The Palm House is quite the beaut. Head to the Victoria dining destination to enjoy gorgeous bottomless brunches, with French toast and Benedict muffins, or hit them up for fun dinners while listening to live DJs. On the menu? Picanha steak slathered in chimichurri, as well as burgers and roasted cauliflower.

A cool Neapolitan pizzeria serving authentic dough proved for 72 hours, Happy Face King's Cross is a top choice for pizza-lovers after a fantastic time. Expect to chow down on flavours like smoked scamorza and wild mushrooms on a truffle white base, as well as 'nduja and burrata-topped slices.

But that's not all, as 70s Italy-inspired disco cocktail bar SUPERMAX is just downstairs.

Switch things up with a trip to the world's first vampire-themed pizzeria. Perfectly perched in Camden, Lost Souls Pizza are dishing out tasty slices on signature charcoal bases, all with off-the-wall toppings and a nostalgic 80s backdrop.

Looking for cool places to eat Spanish food? Head over to one of Iberica's swish venues in Victoria, Farringdon and beyond, where you'll be tucking into mouthwatering tapas plates in beautifully sleek surrounds. The decor is slightly different at every location, creating a unique dining experience at each, but you can expect stylish white walls and rustic wooden tables wherever you go. As for the menu, think croquetas, seafood, tortillas and other delish classics.

If you're looking for a cool place to eat in London, this hidden gem's the one for you. Tucked away from street level, temper Soho is an intimate restaurant that specialises in excellent steak and flame-grilled meats cooked over an in-house open fire pit. They also offer a cracking bottomless brunch here for £45 per person, featuring barbecue bites like dry-aged beef and chimichurri, as well as their popular roast dinners every Sunday.

Located in Elephant and Castle, Mercato Metropolitano is one of the original food halls in London. Enjoy a craft brew outside on their terrace, tuck into a freshly-made pizza on one of the communal tables in the main hall or sneak into the more secluded den and nibble on cured meat and melted raclette whilst sipping on wine. There are a number of private dining options here too, perfect for big celebrations with friends.

The self-professed 'House of Song'  has an incredible, electric atmosphere owed to by its live music request policy. Taking over an old Victorian basement space in Farringdon, The Piano Works will take you back to the days of old jazz lounges with sumptuous social dining and tunes all night. As for the menu? You'll find everything from dry-aged ribeye steaks to pan-roasted hake fillet or vegan lasagne here.

Whether you're on a date or just after a comforting brunch, Mare Street Market will hit the spot with dreamy decor, delicious dishes and a serious selection of craft beer. Their menu really has got everything too, from shakshuka and tofu poke bowls to peri peri chargrilled chicken or a whole lot of pizzas. The warehouse-style interiors and abundance of greenery make for a relaxing meal, and they're also home to a vintage vinyl shop that's well worth a visit.

There's a lot to love about Sticks'n'Sushi, which you can find in Kingston and Shoreditch. Blending Japanese minimalism with Scandinavian sophistication, it offers a suave setting to chow down on elegantly prepared East Asian bites. They've got everything from beef tataki and salmon tartare to scallop ceviche or Padron peppers on the menu here, with Roku gin cocktails or whisky to wash it all down. 

Of all the quirky places to eat in London, Hand of Glory not only makes one hell of a Sunday roast and whopping 18-inch pizzas, but it also has giant maypoles making up its interior. Rife with traditional folk style, this Hackney pub is a favourite for informal dining and relaxed pubbing ventures where you can fill up on lovely nosh, beer and cider from some of the UK's leading independent brewers.

Looking for fancy restaurants in London? Situated in the City, opposite St Paul's Cathedral, Lost Property Hotel and its Found Restaurant and Bar are absolute stunners. Get ready for Murano glass chandeliers, plush leather seating and unique artwork, not to mention an upmarket menu of French and British classics. You'll find everything from beef bourguignon to lobster here, with a mouthwatering cherry Bakewell cheesecake for dessert.

From after-work drinks to mid-week dinner and boozy brunch at the weekend, Greyhound Cafe has it all. Expect modern twists on authentic Thai food, with a menu coming all the way from East Asia following successful venues in Hong Kong, Singapore, China and more. Their venue has a laidback feel thanks to simple wooden furnishings and an open kitchen, while dishes range from prawn tempura to rib eye satay or spicy green curry.

The iconic Bavarian restaurant and bar has set up camp in Central London, welcoming hungry revellers who are looking for non-stop entertainment with a side of schnitzel. Albert's Schloss is named after Prince Albert and inspired by his heritage and love for the arts and crafts - it sees an Alpine menu serve up the likes of currywurst and fondue and signature cocktails such as the Apple Strudel, made with spiced rum and cinnamon, reign supreme.

One of the coolest restaurants in London for dinner, The Seashell of Lisson Grove is an excellent choice for seafood lovers, having been whipping up these dishes for over 60 years. Choose between having your organic fish freshly grilled or fried - we're talking eats such as popcorn cod, haddock and much more. As for the interiors, their eye-catching central bar is adorned with a golden octopus, while the back wall contains a spacious aquarium.

Covered head to toe in lush foliage and vibrant furnishings, this Square Mile eatery fronts a gorgeous selection of plates for you to get stuck into - we're talking pesto gnocchi, tomahawk sharing steaks and sea bream with Shetland mussels. From their scrumptious meals to their indoor trees and colourful furniture, 14 Hills is easily one of the coolest London restaurants with a view.

Though any Hackney Wick restaurant is instantly cool - Barge East is quite the unique visit. Bobbing away on the River Lee, this old school Dutch barge-turned-floating restaurant is led by head chef Stefano Camplone, who ensures sustainability is at the core of the menu. Everything is made with produce either picked from their own on-site garden or sourced from local suppliers, which you can enjoy in the rustic but undoubtedly trendy dining area. Feast on everything from delica pumpkin with miso dukka to smoked haddock rillette, swilled down by signature cocktails like the Fool's Bloom (made with pomegranate, white rum, amaro, lemon and ginger ale).

One of the best restaurants in East London, Coin Laundry's coming at you with a hardy roster of 70s-inspired eats and damn cool interiors. Hunker down for some of their delicious grub like chicken and leek pie or a hearty cheeseburger, before venturing down to the basement to check out their pinball machines, scrabble boards and other retro games. The Sunday roasts here are pretty special too.

You'll have no doubt heard of Sketch, one of London's trendiest, most Instagram-famous restaurants. Situated in Soho, the grand venue, opened by Pierre Gagnair (who gained three Michelin stars for his eponymous restaurant in Paris) and Momo Mazouz in 2002, is a real treat for the eyes. Not only will you find a two Michelin star restaurant here at The Lecture Room, but also a space themed after a magical forest at The Glade and the ever-quirky Parlour, to name just a few of this place's unique areas. Oh - and you of course have to visit the futuristic egg-shaped loos.

From Big Mamma, the group behind some of the city's hottest restaurants (like Circolo Popolare, Ave Mario and more), Gloria is an authentic Italian trattoria with a trendy Shoreditch edge. Make your way into the Great Eastern Street hotspot and uncover a 70s Capri-style dining destination complete with vintage carpets, draped curtains, relaxed seating and that famous mirrored ceiling. You'll be able to see the chefs at work in the open kitchen, whipping up huge lasagnes and gigantic meringue pies, not to mention their iconic cheese wheels filled with carbonara.

One of the most famous restaurants in London, Bob Bob Ricard's City outpost in the Cheesegrater building is perhaps best known for its 'press for Champagne' buttons. Decked out in bespoke chandeliers, floor-to-ceiling mirrors and stylish blue and white furnishings, this is certainly one gorgeous place for dinner. The menu here features Jersey rock oysters, lobster macaroni thermidor and chateaubriand, with an equally impressive cocktail list to match.

It's not hard to see why Circolo Popolare gained such a name for itself. Following in the footsteps of its stylish sister Carlotta, the restaurant oozes cool with gorgeous interiors, picture-worthy dishes and an entire ceiling dedicated to a breathtaking floral installation. Their menu changes on a monthly basis, but expect the likes of San Marzano tomato pizzas, homemade cheesy tortelloni and sirloin steaks. Basically, if you're looking to impress, you've found the place.

Shrub and Shutter aren't just mixing up superb sips, they're also offering up a selection of delectable and eco-friendly bites. The uber-cool Brixton cocktail bar regularly hosts residencies from a changing roster of sustainable kitchens and chefs, teaming up to create an incredible menu of unusual dishes. And if you can't decide what to order? You can try out their entire menu for just £100 on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.