The 10 Best Restaurants in London
Words: Violet
With so many new restaurants opening in London each week, it is hard to keep track of which ones will transcend the hype and will be worth a visit. Here we have whittled our metropolis’ top cuisine down to 10 of the best. How many have you already visited?
DINNER BY HESTON BLUMENTHAL
Number 5 on ‘The World’s 50 Best Restaurants’ list, with Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, the famed chef stays to true to his reputation, taking traditional ideas about food and completely reinventing them. Whether you go for the 1500s Meat Fruit (mandarin, chicken liver & foie gras parfait), the 1700s Salamugundy (chicken, oysters, salsify, marrow bone & horseradish cream) or the 1800s Cod in Cider (chard, onions & smoked artichokes), the food is all top quality so you will be sure to find something you like. Even if you don’t think you will when you order it!
For more information, visit Mandarin Oriental
THE GILBERT SCOTT
First opened in 1873, St Pancras station has seen incredible transformations over the years and, today, it is not just a place to journey to other destinations but is actually the destination itself. The Gilbert Scott, housed in the St Pancras Renaissance Hotel and headed up by Chef Marcus Wareing, serves delicious and classic British dishes in a setting that is warm and historic.
For more information, visit The Gilbert Scott
DABBOUS
If you can get a table at Dabbous, we salute you! Ever since its opening in 2012, hungry Londoners have been flocking to Fitzrovia for their slice of Chef Ollie Dabbous’ creations. Fancy a post-work drink? Oskar’s Bar downstairs makes the perfect setting.
For more information, visit Dabbous
HAKKASAN
Looking for some delicious dim-sum? Hakkasan is for you. It is not the cheapest restaurant in London (not by a long shot), but is ideal for a special occasion out with a large group of friends.
For more information, visit Hakkasan
BOCCA DI LUPO
Chef Jacob Kenedy has ensured that Italian eatery Bocca di Lupo has excelled in two areas: wine and descriptive menus! Each dish comes with an annotation of its origin so you will be well versed when you come to tucking in.
For more information, visit Bocca di Lupo
CEVICHE
This Peruvian restaurant is one of the gems of Soho. Their expertise is perfectly exempified in both their meat and fish dishes and, truthfully, whatever you go for you will not be disappointed. There’s a great atmosphere as well, so is ideal for a group gathering or casual date.
For more information, visit Ceviche
LITTLE SOCIAL
After the success of Pollen Street Social, Jason Atherton had to do something slightly different without diminishing the quality. This little Parisian restaurant in the heart of Mayfair does just that. Go for the braised ox-cheek for a real treat.
For more information, visit Little Social
THE LEDBURY
The other London restaurant to make it onto ‘The World’s 50 Best Restaurants’ list, and at number 10 no less. Though strictly defined as modern French cuisine, chef-patron Brett Graham incorporates elements of British and Pacific Rim cooking, sourcing the best ingredients the UK has to offer. If you are a lover of game, The Ledbury is especially for you.
For more information, visit The Ledbury
GALVIN AT WINDOWS
Last year Galvin at Windows received its first Michelin star, an accolade that The Gentleman’s Journal can concur is well deserved. Not only do you get the views from the 28th floor of the Hilton Hotel on Park lane, but those views are matched by the delicious, modern French cuisine served in the restaurant. Read our full review here.
For more information, visit Galvin at Windows
TEXTURE
If you are looking for premium Icelandic cuisine in the heart of London, Michelin-starred Texture is the only place to go. Fresh fish and herbs form the basis of this splendid restaurant. Well worth a visit.
For more information, visit Texture
By Victoria Gardiner Twitter @vicky_gardiner
Become a Gentleman’s Journal Member?
Like the Gentleman’s Journal? Why not join the Clubhouse, a special kind of private club where members receive offers and experiences from hand-picked, premium brands. You will also receive invites to exclusive events, the quarterly print magazine delivered directly to your door and your own membership card.
