Wondering where to find the best restaurants in London in 2025? With a culinary scene that’s constantly evolving, London has firmly established itself as one of the world’s most dynamic food capitals. But with thousands of dining options available, from Michelin-starred institutions to stylish new openings—choosing where to book your next unforgettable meal can be a challenge.
This guide showcases the top 10 best restaurants in London right now, based on critical acclaim, innovation, quality of ingredients, and overall dining experience. Whether you’re after a luxurious tasting menu, vibrant sharing plates, or bold international flavours, this curated list has something for every discerning palate.
From the timeless elegance of Restaurant Gordon Ramsay to the bold, immersive experience of Tattu London, each restaurant on this list represents the height of culinary excellence in the capital for 2025.
In a city as gastronomically diverse as London, being recognised as one of the best restaurants is no small feat. It’s not just about having a prime location or celebrity backing, though those help, it’s about consistently delivering an exceptional dining experience.
This experience includes the quality and originality of the food, the attentiveness of the service, the atmosphere, and increasingly in 2025, the restaurant’s sustainability practices and ethical sourcing.
Critical acclaim from organisations like the Michelin Guide and strong public sentiment across platforms like Google and OpenTable also play a significant role.
In short, London’s best restaurants manage to impress both connoisseurs and casual diners alike with innovation, personality, and mastery of their cuisine.
London has long been regarded as a hub for food lovers. As of 2025, it continues to maintain that title with its ever-evolving culinary scene. Unlike other global cities that may focus heavily on a particular cuisine or style, London’s diversity is its strength.
Restaurants reflect the cultural blend of its population, offering everything from authentic Sri Lankan curries and Ethiopian platters to avant-garde French and modern British cuisine. London is also a magnet for top international chefs, drawn by the city’s reputation and adventurous food-loving population.
Additionally, in 2025, the capital is experiencing a surge in:
The city is no longer just a destination for eating out; it’s an educational and cultural experience in itself.
Determining which restaurants qualify as the best involves multiple layers of evaluation. It starts with taste and consistency, but extends to originality, presentation, and ambience.
In 2025, an added emphasis is placed on:
Prestigious awards such as Michelin stars or entries in The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list remain influential. However, user-generated reviews are equally powerful today. An establishment that combines critical acclaim with strong customer loyalty is more likely to sustain its top-tier status.
London’s restaurants are responding rapidly to changing consumer behaviours. In 2025, several trends are dominating the city’s best dining experiences:
Table: Key Food Trends in London Restaurants – 2025
| Trend | Description | Popular Venues Embracing It |
| Plant-forward Menus | Focus on vegetables as centrepieces, even in fine dining | Core, Sketch, Manteca |
| Hyper-local Sourcing | Use of produce grown within London or nearby counties | The Ledbury, Brat |
| Ethical Butchery | Nose-to-tail practices with minimal waste | Manteca, Brat |
| Fusion Cuisine | Blending global flavours innovatively | Dishoom, Hoppers |
| Experience-based Dining | Dining as entertainment or narrative | Sketch, Bob Bob Ricard |
These trends show how London’s best restaurants are adapting not only to demand but also to a more conscious and experience-driven approach to dining.
Timing your reservation can significantly influence your overall experience. For high-end restaurants like Restaurant Gordon Ramsay or Core by Clare Smyth, booking at least three weeks in advance is often necessary, particularly for weekend evenings.
Lunch services can be an excellent opportunity to experience the same quality at a reduced price point. Several Michelin-starred establishments offer shorter tasting menus or prix fixe deals during lunch.
Seasonally, spring and autumn are ideal for dining out in London. Spring introduces fresh produce like asparagus and wild garlic, while autumn showcases mushrooms, game meats, and root vegetables. Avoiding the December rush can also enhance availability and ambiance.
Now that the context is set, here are ten standout restaurants in London that are capturing attention and acclaim in 2025. Each has its unique appeal, some rooted in tradition, others pushing boundaries, but all worthy of being called the best.
Tucked away in the elegant streets of Chelsea, Restaurant Gordon Ramsay is not only a cornerstone of London’s fine dining scene but a symbol of culinary prestige on a global scale.
Established in 1998, it marked the celebrated chef’s first wholly owned venture and swiftly became a beacon of modern French cuisine in the UK. Earning three Michelin stars by 2001, a title it continues to hold in 2025, the restaurant exemplifies unwavering consistency and excellence.
The restaurant is now led by Chef de Cuisine Kim Ratcharoen, whose steady hand has maintained the venue’s exceptional standards while introducing subtle innovations to honour seasonal British produce.
The current menus celebrate spring with a series of refined tasting courses that highlight freshness, texture, and flavour depth. Guests can choose from several options, including the classic à la carte, a seasonal Prestige menu, the Carte Blanche tasting experience, vegetarian courses, and exquisite desserts.
The restaurant’s “Inspiration Table” offers a more intimate and dynamic experience, where diners interact with chefs and witness culinary artistry unfold in real time. Each dish presented is both a tribute to classic French technique and a nod to contemporary flavour pairings.
The wine programme is equally exceptional. The curated wine list includes both old-world vintages and modern selections, with pairings thoughtfully recommended for each menu course. The sommelier team ensures that the wine enhances the meal without overwhelming the delicate nature of the cuisine.
With its understated elegance, discreet service, and world-class food, Restaurant Gordon Ramsay remains one of the finest destinations for a memorable gastronomic journey in London.
Located in the heart of Notting Hill, Core by Clare Smyth is a fine-dining destination rooted in sustainability, seasonality, and emotional connection. Clare Smyth, the first and only British female chef to hold three Michelin stars, has shaped Core into a restaurant that celebrates British produce while telling a story through each dish.
Smyth’s philosophy blends technique with sentimentality, creating a cuisine that is both intellectually stimulating and deeply comforting. She describes her culinary style as one that “evokes nostalgia,” crafting dishes that resonate with memory while showcasing modern artistry.
Each menu is an exploration of the UK’s finest ingredients. Isle of Harris scallops, Merrifield Farm duck, Porthilly oysters, and Herdwick lamb are just a few of the standout elements featured on the plate.
The main dining experience is driven by two tasting menus, the seasonal offering and a classic Core menu, along with à la carte options for those seeking more flexibility. Dishes such as the signature ‘Potato and Roe’ represent Smyth’s unique approach, elevating humble ingredients into iconic creations.
Complementing the food is an extensive wine list curated by Master Sommelier Gareth Ferreira, the first South African to earn the title. His collection ranges from timeless vintages to innovative labels, thoughtfully selected to complement the restaurant’s ever-changing menus.
The in-house cocktail bar also deserves attention, with a drinks menu inspired by the Core ethos and featuring rare whiskies from across the UK.
Core offers not just a meal, but a story told through food, service, and environment. Every visit is a celebration of craftsmanship, locality, and a personal connection to the plate.
Dishoom is far more than a restaurant; it’s a vibrant narrative of Bombay’s rich cultural heritage served on a plate. Each of its London locations is carefully designed to pay tribute to a specific facet of the city once known as Bombay, from its Irani cafés and street stalls to its cosmopolitan middle-class households.
The concept is inspired by the deep sense of community and history found in the Irani cafés of Bombay, many of which date back to the early 20th century. Dishoom recreates that warmth and nostalgia with every detail from the vintage portraits on the walls to the carefully crafted menu.
Its all-day dining menu spans a wide range of traditional and reimagined Indian dishes. Breakfast favourites include the celebrated Bacon Naan Roll, soft buns filled with spiced akuri, and Date & Banana Porridge.
Lunch and dinner shift into more indulgent offerings such as smoky grills, rich curries, and street-food classics. Standouts include the House Black Daal, Chicken Ruby, Biryani, and the Goan Monkfish Curry, a delicate yet robust seafood dish.
As Dishoom expands its reach, it continues to introduce new dishes while maintaining beloved staples, keeping the experience fresh for returning guests. The chai is ever-flowing, served in vintage cups, creating a sense of unhurried relaxation amid London’s fast-paced rhythm.
Dishoom isn’t just about the food; it’s about the storytelling. With layers of design, menu, and atmosphere, the restaurant brings a piece of Bombay to the heart of London and creates a cultural bridge through cuisine.
Carlotta, located in Marylebone, channels the spirit of Italian families who once crossed the Atlantic and blended their heritage with American dynamism. This ristorante is part homage, part celebration a stylish, soulful space where tradition meets flair, and every detail evokes old-school glamour.
The restaurant greets guests with heavy velvet curtains and interiors lined with Rosso Levanto marble. Carlotta’s setting is a carefully curated throwback to the golden age of Italian-American culture. There’s an inviting terrace for daytime meals, and the bar becomes a lively corner for cocktails by night.
Chef Davide and his team have crafted a menu that honours Italian culinary foundations while boldly embracing American influence. The dishes, while rooted in nostalgia, surprise with twists, like the Tartare di Vitello Tonnato made with veal sourced from Cheshire or the rich Fettuccine Alfredo al Tartufo served for two.
The pasta is the heart of the experience. Whether it’s a spicy nduja-topped spaghetti and meatballs or a creamy truffle-based classic, every bite reflects the kitchen’s attention to technique and bold flavour.
Dessert is another highlight. Carlotta’s Wedding Cake is both a visual and culinary celebration, commanding attention with its towering presence and indulgent layers.
The restaurant is ideal for all types of occasions. Private dining options and large group reservations make it suitable for birthdays, family reunions, or corporate events.
New lunch set menu is also available during the week, offering guests an accessible way to explore the kitchen’s creativity in a shorter format.
Carlotta is not just about food, but atmosphere, storytelling, and the joy of communal dining. It’s a place where glamour and generosity converge in every detail.
Bob Bob Ricard has earned its reputation as one of London’s most iconic dining experiences, offering classic British and French cuisine served in a uniquely glamorous environment.
Located a short walk from Bank and Liverpool Street stations, the City branch stands out for its luxurious all-booth seating and signature “Press for Champagne” button at every table.
Designed by Shayne Brady, the interior is an exercise in modern nautical chic, inspired by the Royal Yacht Britannia and modern super yachts. Every booth feels like a private cabin, offering a sense of exclusivity and intimacy.
The menu brings sophistication to comfort food. Caviar, Duck Confit, and a meticulously prepared Beef Wellington form the backbone of the à la carte selection.
The express set menu, available during weekday lunch and early evening hours, is a practical yet refined option for those on a tighter schedule, particularly popular with City professionals.
Bob Bob Ricard is also renowned for its drinks programme. The wine list broke ground by capping fine wine mark-ups at £75 per bottle, a policy still in place today. This ensures that even high-end champagne and rare vintages are more accessible here than in most luxury establishments.
The cocktail list is another highlight, featuring creations like the Oyster Martini and Sloane Square Sling, combining traditional elements with bold twists.
Private dining is also central to the restaurant’s appeal. Modelled after the royal dining salons of classic British ships, the three private rooms accommodate up to 20 guests each, making them ideal for business events and special occasions.
Bob Bob Ricard is where theatrical elegance meets reliable, refined cooking. It offers a memorable dining experience that is both timeless and distinctively modern.
Circolo Popolare in Fitzrovia is far from your average Italian trattoria. A part of the Big Mamma group, this exuberant venue delivers not just hearty Sicilian food but also a feast for the eyes. Vibrant, playful, and unapologetically bold, Circolo Popolare embodies the joy and richness of Southern Italian culture, both in décor and cuisine.
From the moment guests walk in, they’re greeted by towering walls lined with 20,000 liquor bottles and tables bustling with enormous sharing plates. But this maximalist approach is underpinned by genuine attention to detail and ingredient integrity.
Every dish on the menu stems from authentic sourcing across Italy, showcasing some of the finest regional products available today.
Highlights include the famous carbonara served straight from a giant wheel of aged pecorino, fresh Neapolitan-style pizzas made with Molino Vigevano flour, and traditional pasta crafted with semolina from Casillo. A signature mafaldine with truffle is one of the most luxurious yet rustic offerings on the menu.
Their sourcing story extends to dairy too, Stracciatella and burrata from Puglia, Gorgonzola from Lombardia, and Parmigiano Reggiano aged 24 months from Emilia-Romagna all find a home here.
Dessert is not an afterthought. Their tiramisu is legendary, made with award-winning mascarpone from Latteria Perenzin, adding a final note of decadence to the meal.
Circolo’s energy, quality, and hospitality make it not only a celebration of Italian cuisine but a celebration of life itself. Walk-ins are welcome, but booking in advance is highly recommended, especially for groups.
At the heart of Soho, Scarlett Green combines Antipodean vibrancy with all-day dining sophistication. Known globally for its brunch menu—earning the top spot on TripAdvisor’s list of brunch destinations Scarlett Green is more than a breakfast venue. It’s a flexible, energetic space that caters to everything from business lunches to weekend parties.
The menu takes inspiration from Australian café culture, showcasing a mix of healthy plates and indulgent favourites. Diners can expect everything from protein-rich bowls to halloumi and sweetcorn fritters topped with avocado. But the evening transformation is what makes Scarlett Green a chameleon in the dining world.
Evenings at Scarlett Green take on a sultry, festive vibe. The restaurant introduces its ‘Scarlett Nights’ menu featuring sharing boards, including BBQ meat platters and vegan options, paired with pornstar martini fountains and curated cocktails.
Live music on Fridays enhances the atmosphere, while intimate booths and a downstairs dining area offer privacy for date nights and quieter gatherings.
The venue is also one of the most requested for private hire in Central London, capable of accommodating up to 200 guests. This flexibility and appeal across time slots and audiences make Scarlett Green a rare breed, unpretentious but elevated, playful but polished.
Tattu London reimagines Chinese cuisine through an artistic and modern lens. Inspired by traditional Chinese courtyard houses, the restaurant blends ancient architectural symbolism with contemporary flair, delivering a dining experience that is as visually captivating as it is gastronomically memorable.
The venue’s design is opulent, characterised by intricate woodwork, ambient lighting, and curated artwork that evokes serenity and mystique. However, the food is what ultimately captivates patrons. Dishes combine heritage ingredients with innovative culinary techniques, offering a refined take on classic Chinese staples.
Signature offerings include contemporary adaptations of dim sum, slow-cooked short rib with hoisin glaze, and the show-stopping caramel soy beef fillet. Each dish is constructed with visual artistry and bold flavour combinations, served with precision and flair.
Tattu’s bar programme is equally elevated, offering cocktails that fuse Asian botanicals with Western mixology. Their private dining spaces are designed for exclusive events, adding a layer of luxury for guests looking to celebrate or entertain in privacy.
Located in Central London, Tattu is ideal for anyone seeking a modern and immersive take on fine Chinese dining. It offers a sensory journey that goes beyond flavour to include design, atmosphere, and story.
Hoppers has become one of London’s most distinctive dining experiences, bringing the flavours of Sri Lanka and Southern India to the mainstream with authenticity and flair. Inspired by the island’s toddy shops and roadside eateries, Hoppers delivers bold, spice-laden food in an unpretentious yet carefully curated setting.
Founded by Karan Gokani, a former lawyer turned culinary ambassador, the concept reflects extensive travel and deep cultural immersion. The restaurant serves dishes like kothu roti, dosas, and the namesake hopper, a bowl-shaped pancake made from fermented rice batter and coconut milk, often topped with a runny egg and sambol.
The menu is designed for sharing and combines robust street food with comfort classics. Their Goan prawn curry, bone marrow varuval, and tamarind ribs are all crowd favourites. Equally noteworthy is the drinks list, with cocktails made using Genever and Arrack spirits that speak to Sri Lanka’s colonial and tropical history.
Over time, Hoppers has expanded into multiple locations, each paying homage to a unique Sri Lankan architectural or cultural influence. The original Soho branch remains the most intimate, while newer outlets in Marylebone and King’s Cross offer broader menus and event spaces.
What started as a tribute to a faraway island has grown into one of London’s most respected and recognisable modern restaurants, earning awards and a loyal following along the way.
Manteca in Shoreditch is redefining the Italian dining experience through sustainability, craft, and nose-to-tail philosophy. At its heart is an in-house salumeria that produces artisan cured meats, alongside daily-made hand-rolled pasta and bread cooked over open flames.
Led by a team passionate about ethical sourcing and traditional techniques, Manteca focuses on whole-animal butchery and responsible food preparation.
Cuts that are often overlooked become centrepieces here, ox heart, pork neck, and tripe find their way into dishes that surprise and satisfy. The pasta, made from premium semolina, offers rich, rustic flavours with seasonal pairings like duck ragu or crab and chilli linguine.
The space itself is warm yet industrial, with an open kitchen that encourages interaction and transparency. Manteca’s approach is communal at its core.
Their feasting menus, available for groups of eight or more, offer a family-style experience where dishes are served to share, reflecting the Italian tradition of communal eating.
The beverage programme is equally thoughtful. The wine list features a mix of low-intervention and classic European wines, with a strong Italian backbone. Cocktails centre around amari, Italian herbal liqueurs, which align with the bold flavours of the food.
Whether you’re looking for an unconventional Italian meal or a deeper engagement with sustainability in fine dining, Manteca stands out as a leader in both categories. It’s not just a place to eat, it’s a restaurant with a mission.
| Restaurant | Cuisine | Dining Style | Signature Features | Private / Group Booking |
| Restaurant Gordon Ramsay | Modern French Fine Dining | Prestige, à la carte, tasting menus | Three Michelin stars, Inspiration Table, seasonal elegance | Yes (small group, private table) |
| Core by Clare Smyth | Modern British Fine Dining | Seasonal and classic tasting menus | Three Michelin stars, sustainability focus, iconic British produce | Yes (Chef’s Table, private bookings) |
| Dishoom | Bombay-inspired Indian cuisine | Casual all-day dining | Irani café decor, House Black Daal, Bacon Naan, Goan Curry | Yes (group reservations available) |
| Carlotta | Italo-American | Traditional à la carte | Velvet interiors, pasta made in-house, Wedding Cake dessert | Yes (group bookings, private hire) |
| Bob Bob Ricard | British & French Classics | À la carte, express set menu | Press for Champagne button, all-booth seating, luxury yacht interior | Yes (private dining rooms up to 20 guests) |
| Circolo Popolare | Southern Italian / Sicilian | Generous sharing portions | Carbonara in cheese wheel, Neapolitan pizzas, vibrant interior | Yes (group reservations up to 8, walk-ins) |
| Scarlett Green | Antipodean Fusion / Brunch | Brunch, lunch, dinner | #1 Brunch on TripAdvisor, live music, pornstar martini fountains | Yes (large group, private hire up to 200) |
| Tattu London | Contemporary Chinese | Elevated tasting and à la carte | Artful decor, caramel soy beef, signature cocktails | Yes (exclusive private hire available) |
| Hoppers | Sri Lankan & South Indian | Casual, spice-driven sharing plates | Hoppers, dosas, Arrack-based cocktails, Michelin Bib Gourmand | Yes (private events up to 32 guests) |
| Manteca | Nose-to-tail Italian | Seasonal, family-style feasting | Whole animal butchery, handmade pasta, and low-intervention wines | Yes (group feasting menus, private dining for up to 70) |
Dining out in London in 2025 is not just about food, it’s about storytelling, innovation, heritage, and craftsmanship. From the luxurious tasting menus of Restaurant Gordon Ramsay to the street-inspired spice of Hoppers, the capital’s restaurant scene offers a rich palette of experiences.
Whether you’re looking for elegance, cultural immersion, or bold new interpretations of classics, these ten restaurants represent the best of what London has to offer.
Each of these venues excels in more than one area, be it sustainability, design, authenticity, or sheer creativity. Together, they define the city’s dining future while honouring its past.
Whether you’re a local food lover or an international visitor, exploring these establishments is an essential part of experiencing London in its most delicious form.
Restaurant Gordon Ramsay remains a standout, holding three Michelin stars and delivering a world-class French dining experience.
Scarlett Green and Carlotta are ideal for large groups, offering set menus and private hire options in lively, social environments.
Yes, Dishoom, Hoppers, and Circolo Popolare offer more relaxed, informal dining without compromising on quality.
Most on the list do, but Core, Circolo Popolare, and Scarlett Green are especially known for excellent vegetarian options.
Yes, for most venues, especially Restaurant Gordon Ramsay, Core, and Tattu, advance booking is essential to secure a table.
Yes, Core, Restaurant Gordon Ramsay, and Tattu all provide curated tasting menus that showcase seasonal and signature dishes.
Bob Bob Ricard offers a luxurious and intimate setting, perfect for special occasions and romantic evenings.
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