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50 of London's best restaurants
Our round-up of some of the most beautiful places to eat in the capital
London’s food scene is packed with great places to eat, but these days, it takes more than good food to stand out.
Many of us are looking for the full experience - beautifully presented dishes, standout interiors and spaces that feel just as special as what’s on the plate.
Across the city, restaurants are leaning into this shift, creating immersive settings with bold design, atmospheric lighting and carefully styled details. It’s no longer just about the meal, but the mood, the setting and the moments worth capturing.
The result? A new wave of restaurants where flavour and aesthetics work hand in hand.
Craving standout food paired with stunning décor or looking for the perfect spot for a big moment? Here’s our edit of some of the most Instagram-worthy restaurants in London right now.
Aqua Kyoto
Where?: 30 Argyll Street
Perfectly positioned in the heart of Soho with a stylish rooftop terrace and vibrant atmosphere, Aqua Kyoto is perfect for a night out with friends or a special occasion.
From the first bite, the food impresses with both flavour and presentation. We started with spinach in a toasted sesame goma dressing, coated in a deliciously nutty sauce, followed by black cod gyoza with mizuna miso – succulent, flavoursome and the ideal opener.
The sashimi platter arrived dramatically with dry ice and tasted just as impressive as it looked. Highlights from the mains included the Saikyo miso black cod with yuzu curd and Champagne yuzu miso, which was delicate and moreish, and yuzu and shiso marinated lamb cutlets that were juicy and perfectly cooked.
For dessert, we had the Sakura Blossom Tree, which was enchanting and delicious. Cocktails were equally memorable, from Grey Goose serves to refined low- and no-alcohol options. With a DJ and even a table-side magician (whose tricks were incredible!), Aqua Kyoto offers an unforgettable dining experience. I'll be back!
The Lavery
Where?: 4 Cromwell Place, South Kensington, SW7 2JE
Just a stone's throw away from the V&A and Natural History Museum is this seriously chic, Edwardian-style restaurant that offers both style and incredible food.
Set inside a beautifully restored townhouse complete with high-ceilings and classy interiors, The Lavery serves up seasonal, Mediterranean style dishes that are perfect for post-museum lunch or classy dinner. Their pasta and fish options were absolute standouts, alongside their tasty mocktails and not-too-sweet desserts.
Shanghai Me London
Where?: Hilton on 22 Park Lane
If you're celebrating a milestone birthday, anniversary, or special occasion and want to do so over dinner, well, Shanghai Me London is thee place.
Located on the 28th floor of the London Hilton Hotel on 22 Park Lane and overlooking the city, it offers a stunning setting with even more impressive food.
Shanghai Me merges the nostalgic charm of 1930s Shanghai with a playful modern twist, offering elevated Pan-Asian cuisine that is both authentic and inventive. Rooted in simplicity, quality ingredients, and the richness of cultural diversity, every dish tells a story - and every bite feels like a celebration.
Highlights for me included the Kowloon Shrimp Tempura - light, crisp, and absolutely divine - and the Kunafa Shrimp Maki, a creative and textural standout. The Braised Beef Short Rib was rich and melt-in-your-mouth tender, while the Japanese Cheesecake ended things on a high note.
The cocktail menu is equally well thought-out, offering unique pairings and playful twists on classics. They also serve a non-alcoholic sparkling wine exclusive to Shanghai Me, which (unlike many others) actually tastes good!
The Brush East London Grand Cafe
Where?: Located in art'hotel London Hoxton (84-86 Great Eastern St, London EC2A 3JL)
With a chilled, welcoming vibe that makes you want to stay awhile, The Brush is the kind of place you instantly relax in. And the food really delivers too - the deep-fried calamari was crisp and delicious, the grilled rib eye succulent with beautifully paired braised shallots, and the mac & cheese was a standout: ultra cheesy, flavoursome and easily one of the best I’ve had. Cocktails were just as thoughtful, from a gorgeous strawberry non-alcoholic mojito to a mezcal paloma favourite. Perfect timing too, as The Brush is hosting a Valentine’s and Galentine’s dinner-and-movie experience on 13 and 14 February - ideal for a cosy, indulgent night out with your loved one(s).
Azzurra
Where?: Sloane Street
If you love seafood and Italian cuisine, this is one spot you’ll want firmly on your radar. Located on Sloane Street in Chelsea, Azzurra is a refined Italian seafood restaurant that feels effortlessly special. It offers a relaxed yet elevated dining experience that works just as well for a casual meal as it does for a celebration.
And the food more than lives up to expectations. We started with creamy burrata and a perfectly crisp fritto misto, before moving on to spaghetti crab and a fresh rocket salad - both full of flavour and beautifully executed. The drinks menu is equally impressive, with a strong selection of mocktails. My favourite was the Bongo Cha-Cha-Cha, made with Lyre’s Amaretti, coconut, lime, and pineapple - delicious.
For dessert, we finished with the classic tiramisu, prepared tableside in front of us - a theatrical and indulgent way to end the meal.
Heard.
Where?: Soho and Borough
This Michelin star joint delivers pure comfort with attitude. We kicked things off with perfectly mixed cocktails before diving into the signature Heard Burger - juicy, molten with cheese, and stacked with all the right fixes - paired with golden, addictive fries that disappeared far too quickly.
To finish, we went full indulgence with an ice-cream sandwich and a thick, deliciously salty milk shake. It’s the kind of spot that nails the classics, leans into fun, and leaves you plotting your next visit before you’ve even left the table. Perfect for a messy but satisfying date night.
Roti Chai
Where?: 3 Portman Mews S, London W1H 6AS
This Indian restaurant tucked moments away from Bond Street offers tapas-style small plates that seriously pack a punch in terms of flavour. From mouth-watering pani puri and samosa chaat to moreish curries and rice, I left satisfied yet craving more with every bite. The cool, modern decor with odes to India gave Dishoom a run for their money, and we’re still thinking about their mocktails and desserts.
Elephant
Where?: Hackney
To sum it up, Elephant Hackney feels like Italy crashed a Victorian pub – in the best way possible. The southern Italian menu, dreamed up by an ex-Manteca chef, serves up Neapolitan pizzas that flirt with perfection and ragù-soaked pasta that hits nostalgia straight in the soul. Seasonal small plates balance bold flavours (ox cheek croquettes, squid skewers) with playful twists, and cocktails are dangerously good value for London. And while I’m not normally a dessert person, the fried doughnut ball was the star of the show. (Aka, if you love cream-filled warm doughnuts you get on seaside piers, it is a must-try!)
The vibe is cosy yet lively, perfect for date night or a celebratory meal with mates, and even the wine list punches above its weight. Come hungry, leave happily stuffed and be ready to return.
Nipotina
Where?: Mayfair
Nipotina is the kind of neighbourhood Italian that makes you briefly consider cancelling all future dinner plans elsewhere. The food is reassuringly traditional but never boring: silky fresh pasta, deeply savoury sauces and vegetables treated with the respect they deserve. A personal favourite and one that I highly recommend? The Lobster ravioli… *chef’s kiss*. Everything tastes like someone’s nonna is quietly judging from the kitchen – a good thing. It’s undeniably a bit boujee, and the prices reflect that, but this is special-occasion dining done right. Think anniversaries and birthdays – unless, of course, your Wednesday night dinner date is the special occasion. Save room for dessert: the cheesecake is not one to miss, and neither is the tiramisu – Topjaw even recently crowned it one of the best in London, a claim I wholeheartedly agree with.
Add a polished (and extensive) wine list and warm service, and you’ve got a place that feels worth the splurge.
Belly
Where? Kentish Town
Opened in May 2025, Belly is a swanky new fusion restaurant serving delicious dishes by candlelight. The menu blends modern Filipino and European flavours but with interesting twists – aka, it’s perfect for those looking to experiment with their food! Think steak tartar with nori chips and coriander aioli, wagyu picanha, frozen custard profiterole with fish sauce caramel and my personal favourite, ubé matcha tiramisu. And the drinks list isn’t to be missed, either! Coconut Espresso Martini? Yeah, I’ll have 10!
Note: There are new dishes every few weeks, so there’s every excuse to keep going back…
Kokum
Where?: East Dulwich
Located in East Dulwich, Kokumis a gorgeous spot serving up authentic Indian cuisine that truly hits the mark.
I started with the Amritsari Fish - delicious, with just the right kick of spice - and the sticky pork ribs, which were packed with flavour. The mains didn’t disappoint either: the buttery richness of the butter chicken, the bold Kasundi prawns, fragrant pulao rice, and perfectly soft garlic naan all combined for a meal that felt both comforting and vibrant.
The service was amazing, too. One of the managers was there greeting everyone, which gave the place a really welcoming and friendly vibe. The cocktail menu was an unexpected highlight too, especially the Strawberry Blush - a refreshing mix of tamarind spicy vodka, strawberry syrup, lemon, pomegranate, and basil tonic. Honestly, one of the best cocktails I’ve tasted in a while. If you’re after great food, thoughtful drinks, and warm hospitality, Kokum is a must-visit.
SUSHISAMBA
Where?: Heron Tower and Covent Garden
If you love sushi and gorgeous settings, then SUSHISAMBA is the next place you'll want to visit . The Covent Garden restaurant is perfect for your next aesthetic post with its lush greenery, a chic indoor-outdoor vibe and striking glass roof that floods the space with light.
Let's not forget the delicious menu. From the Vivo set menu, offering guests a three-course journey to the restaurant's signature blend of Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian cuisine, and the all-day menu providing an exquisite list of sushi, you'll never go hungry. The teriyaki salmon main was our fave, as were the warm and freshly-made doughnuts. We're still thinking about that caramel sauce.
STK, Strand
Where?: Strand and Stratford
We love us some steak with a side of sparkle - and STK Strand is seriously delivering with their new Prime Night. Every Friday from 8pm, the place transforms from slick steakhouse to full-blown party.
Think: dinner, DJs, dancers, drummers, and even a sax player weaving through the tables.
There’s also a whole cocktail menu in partnership with Patrón and the food line-up hits just right - we’re talking Wagyu skewers, truffle-topped oysters, and a loaded Wagyu Jackpot burger that lives up to the name.
If your idea of a great night out includes incredible food, glam vibes, and dancing at your table by dessert in a beautiful venue well then you need to get this one in the diary.
Ivy Asia
Where?: St Paul's and Chelsea
The buzzy Ivy Asia restaurants are always bubbling with customers, and for good reason. The theatrical interiors include the restaurant’s signature glowing green floor made out of semi-precious stones - a shot that will instantly alert your Instagram followers to where you’re dining - while the St Paul’s location boasts unrivalled views of the stunning cathedral.
But, let’s not forget about the delicious food which includes an extensive menu featuring sushi, sashimi and larger dishes like smoking BBQ lamb cutlets and black cod. Good food and good vibes all around!
Inko Nito, Soho
Where?: Soho
If you’re in the mood for Japanese cuisine and want casual yet cool surroundings, Inko Nito in Soho is the dream spot. From the brains behind Zuma and Roka, the restaurant is a much more relaxed, pop-in-after-work affair. With an open robata grill and counter table seating set amidst a backdrop of high ceilings and exposed brick work, the atmosphere is bright and bubbly.
Meanwhile, the menu is a creative, delicious mix of sashimi and maki rolls, dumplings and robata meat, fish and vegetables, including beef short rib, chicken yakitori, bone marrow with smoked soy and aubergine with garlic and miso.
Langan's Brasserie
Where?: Mayfair
This chic Anglo-French dining spot is a London institution, in one of the city's most luxurious neighbourhoods. It's packed to the rafters with eye-catching artwork (ranging from Picasso's 'Studio La Californie IIC' to David Hockney's 'Self Portrait II', which makes sense given the latter actually helped to design the restaurant's aesthetic when it opened back in 1976).
Not only is Langan's Brasserie winning on the visuals front, it also boasts an utterly delicious food menu – admittedly in the upper price bracket – and a carefully curated cocktail menu (trying saying that three times after one of their Queen's Garden (£16) gin mixes, inspired by Kew Gardens).
The fried courgette flowers were hands down a winner for us (£19), along with the amuse bouche of a truffle croque monsieur (£7) and the fruity-creamy soufflé for pudding (£15). A thoroughly enjoyable spot all round.
LIMA London
Where?: Fitzrovia
For some of the freshest, most delicious Peruvian food in London, head along to LIMA. The charming two-floor Fitzrovia location is inspired by geometry and the earth’s natural elements, with bursts of colour coming in the form of the dramatic light fixtures and ceiling decorations.
Expect the same bursts of colour in the restaurant’s delicious dishes, including the succulent ceviche mixto and the quinoto del mar, which is a divine combo of fresh clams, octopus and king prawns. Other highlights include the croquetas and the pancetta - and of course don’t forget to throw in a pisco sour… or two.
Hutong
Where?: London Bridge
If you want to enjoy some of the most intoxicating views of the London skyline, Hutong on the 33th floor at The Shard should be top of your London restaurant bucket list. The restaurant recently launched a delicious new limited-edition Northern Chinese Dim Sum menu consisting of eight dishes designed in-house by the chefs across Hutong’s global portfolio.
The expertly presented dishes include a tasty Poached Chicken and Black Garlic Spicy Wonton, Wagyu Beef and Black Truffle Siu Mai, and more. Pair the menu with a Chinese Lantern cocktail, a Hutong Sour or the non-alcoholic Floral & Not cocktail.
Mistress of Mayfair
Where?: Mayfair
Don't be fooled by the name, this boujee restaurant may have very sexy interiors but it is not a place to take secret lovers (unless, of course, that's your vibe.) We just think it's not a place you'll want to be hidden and instead is very much somewhere you want to see and be seen, with an impeccably dressed crowd and soft, sexy lighting.
Food is sharing plates (though there's not much for vegetarians so watch out) and there's very attentive waiters always on hand to keep the champagne flowing, couple this with a very hot DJ and it's pure girls' night out party vibes. And while the restaurant floor is Instagrammable at every single spot, you don't want to miss the toilets which have some of the most flattering lighting, for mirror selfies, we've ever encountered.
CLAP London
Where?: Knightsbridge
The fine-dining Japanese restaurant has quickly become a prime celebrity hotspot thanks to its elegant interiors, Instagrammable cocktail menu and exceptional selection of food.
It’s spread across two floors, with the sixth floor featuring an open-kitchen and the seventh being home to the DJ, while both boast incredible views of Knightsbridge. Whether you’re planning to visit for a date night or are due a fancy meal out with friends, you won’t be disappointed.
Zoe Shenton is the Site Director at Cosmopolitan UK. As well as looking after the day-to-day running of the website, she oversees video, e-commerce and social for the brand. Starting out in teen magazines (RIP, Bliss), Zoe has worked in the media industry for almost 15 years and has a background in entertainment journalism, having interviewed the likes of Harry Styles and Taylor Swift. She also spent three and a half years living in Los Angeles where she covered red carpets and discovered all the best spots serving bottomless mimosas. Find her on LinkedIn.
Jennifer Savin is Cosmopolitan UK's multiple award-winning Features Editor, who was crowned Digital Journalist of the Year for her work tackling the issues most important to young women. She regularly covers breaking news, cultural trends, health, the royals and more, using her esteemed connections to access the best experts along the way. She's grilled everyone from high-profile politicians to A-list celebrities, and has sensitively interviewed hundreds of people about their real life stories. In addition to this, Jennifer is widely known for her own undercover investigations and campaign work, which includes successfully petitioning the government for change around topics like abortion rights and image-based sexual abuse. Jennifer is also a published author, documentary consultant (helping to create BBC’s Deepfake Porn: Could You Be Next?) and a patron for Y.E.S. (a youth services charity). Alongside Cosmopolitan, Jennifer has written for The Times, Women’s Health, ELLE and numerous other publications, appeared on podcasts, and spoken on (and hosted) panels for the Women of the World Festival, the University of Manchester and more. In her spare time, Jennifer is a big fan of lipstick, leopard print and over-ordering at dinner. Follow Jennifer on Instagram, X or LinkedIn.
Grace Henry is Cosmopolitan UK’s Acting Entertainment and Lifestyle Director. She oversees the Entertainment and Lifestyle strategy across print, digital and video. Grace joined Cosmo in March 2025, after working as the Online Entertainment and Factual Editor at Radio Times. As a journalist for almost a decade, Grace has interviewed the likes of Caitlyn Jenner, Eva Longoria, Morgan Freeman, Sylvester Stallone and more. Grace loves all things reality TV, and when she’s not interviewing a big celeb you can find her binging old episodes of The Real Housewives, with Atlanta and Potomac being her top two faves from the franchise. She also loves a female-led drama series – think OITNB and Sex and The City – and is a sucker for a true crime doc!
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