Locals often recommend these favorite spots

1. Mimi Mei Fair – chinese

Immerse yourself in a subtle dining ambiance that reflects the charm of China, featuring an elegant and intimate arrangement of rooms that tastefully celebrates its diverse cultural influences.

• Perfect for a special occasion
• Their Pecking Duck is superb, but it is a matter of availability, so the restaurant advices to place a note on your booking in case you wish to have the duck.
• Location: Mayfair
• Fine Dinning
• Note: No kids allowed after 6PM
• Address : Mimi Mei Fair

2. Gymkhana – indian

Gymkhana has held a Michelin star since 2014 for its classic and contemporary Indian cuisine.

Gymkhana draws inspiration from the prestigious clubs of India, mirroring the tradition where the affluent socialize, indulge in delectable dining, enjoy beverages, and partake in sports.

• Top dish : Kid Goat Methi Keema ( A flavorful dish featuring minced kid goat meat cooked with fenugreek, and a variety of aromatic spices. )
• The restaurant is known for its upscale and sophisticated ambiance which makes it a good choice for a special occasion.
• Fine Dinning
• Note: It’s advisable to make reservations in advance
• Location: Mayfair
• Dress code: smart casual
•  Address: Gymkhana London

3. Berenjak Soho – persian

Berenjak offers a modern and vibrant setting with a focus on traditional Iranian flavors. The restaurant is known for its kebabs, mezze-style dishes, and a menu inspired by the culinary heritage of Iran.

• Most popular dish : Jujeh Kebab- Grilled marinated chicken kebabs, often served with rice and grilled tomatoes.

• Note: book far in advance
• Ambiance: Berenjak offers a modern and vibrant ambiance, complemented by unique decor. Enjoy the atmosphere and the experience of dining in a restaurant inspired by Persian culture.
• Tip: Berenjak has a number of walk-in counter seats on a first-come, first-serve basis.
• Note: waitlist can take up to 3 hours during peak times.
• Note: that Berenjak are unable to accommodate children under 10 after 7 pm.
• Motherhood note: baby chairs are not available
• Address : Berenjak Soho

4. Dishoom – indian

Dishoom is recognized not only for its flavorful and well-executed dishes but also for its vibrant atmosphere and attention to detail in design. With several locations across London, Dishoom has become a go-to destination for those seeking a taste of Bombay’s culinary heritage in the heart of the city.

• Budget friendly
• Top dish: Chicken Ruby
• Note: do not take reservations after 5PM
• Note: due to non reservation policy after 5PM, the waiting time for dinner may vary between 40 min to couple of hours.
• Multiple locations across London
• Highly Recomended
• Perfect for lunch & dinner

5. Temper Soho – steakhouse

Temper is a restaurant known for its focus on meat, particularly barbecue and open-fire cooking.

While preferences can vary, one of the signature and popular dishes at Temper is the “Whole Roast Hog.” This dish typically involves a whole hog slow-roasted over an open fire, resulting in flavorful and succulent meat.emper is known for its unique open-fire cooking style, particularly with a focus on meat. If you enjoy dishes prepared using this method, you’re in for a treat. Explore the menu to see the variety of meats and preparations offered.

• Popular dish – Whole roasted hog
• Multiple Locations
• Menu: Shared plates concept
• Bar: craft cocktails
• Highlight: single farmer – Charles Ashbridge in North Yorkshire – and Temper butchers and ages the meat in house. 

6. Lurra – basque

Lurra is known for its focus on Basque cuisine, particularly highlighting dishes inspired by the culinary traditions of the Basque Country in northern Spain. The restaurant is acclaimed for its quality steaks and seafood, often cooked over a charcoal grill.

• Must try: basque cheesecake
• The restaurant is acclaimed for its cooking style, often using a charcoal grill to prepare dishes. If you enjoy the smoky flavors associated with grilling, you’re likely to appreciate the culinary approach at Lurra.
• Book in advance as it gets busy
• Dress code: smart-casual
• Their octopus leg & steak – must try
• Outdoor space available
• Address : Lurra Restaurant
• Area : Marlybone

7. Dinings SW3 – japanese with european twist

Step into the embrace of Japanese hospitality, celebrated as ‘Omotenashi.’ At Dinings SW3, the cherished philosophy championed by Chef/Owner Masaki Sugisaki forms the essence of our values.

• Sake Tasting Events (check website)
• Daily Specials
• Must try dish : waguy steak & handrools
• Address: Dinings Sw3 Restaurant
• Area: Chelsea

8. Madera at Treehouse – mexican

Indulge in a reinterpretation of Mexican cuisine where vibrant flavors meet organic ingredients. Madera at Treehouse London based on 15th floor welcomes for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch.

• Has a beautiful vie of central London
• Must try : stone grilled octopus
• Dj sets in the evening
• Popular for sunday bruch
• Area: Marlybone
• Address: Madera at Treehouse London

9. Blacklock – steakhouse

Blacklock Restaurant boasts multiple locations, with their most prominent one situated in Soho. It resides in a building with a storied past, once housing a Soho brothel and the infamous “Le Reims” lap dancing club. Great Windmill Street, like much of 1950s Soho, was renowned for its nocturnal activities, including the iconic Nosh Bar, a salt beef institution adored by celebrities, Soho showgirls, and even the late A.A Gill for four decades.

• Walk in available after 6 PM
• Advance reservation adviced
• Sunday roast served every sunday
• Multiple Location
• Prominent building – Soho branch

10. Berners Tavern – contemporary British

Berners Tavern, led by chef Jason Atherton, offers a contemporary British menu with a focus on seasonal ingredients. The restaurant has gained acclaim for its upscale and inviting atmosphere, making it a popular choice for both hotel guests and Londoners seeking a sophisticated dining experience.

• Perfect for special occasion
• Stylish and opulent decor
• Area: Fitzrovia
• Located in London Edition Hotel
• Offers Sunday Roast
• Berners Tavern is a popular restaurant, and it’s advisable to make reservations
• Address: Berners Taver Restaurant

Thank you for exploring our curated list of the top 10 restaurants in London. We trust you find our selection delightful and that you thoroughly enjoy the culinary experiences they offer.