In recent years, particularly during covid, TikTok has risen to prominence as the most used social media among Gen Z, with around 1 billion total active users worldwide. In keeping with the changing times, we are now witnessing an interesting conversation of whether Instagram, the hitherto dominant champion of food blogging content, will become secondary to the vibrant format TikTok has brought to the foodie game.
From recipes to reviews, the food content on the platform has become an integral feature, with the hashtag ‘food TikTok’ amassing a whopping 174.2 billion views and ‘London restaurants’ boasting 500 million views. So how does the configuration of TikTok differ from other platforms and why has it become so popular within the culinary scene? At face value, the short-form video content is not a unique idea, however, what it allows is an insight into the full dining experience. It is less about snapping the perfectly curated (and often unobtainable) shot of a meal, and more about capturing the essence of an evening at a particular restaurant - whether that be a cheap restaurant in Soho or a fine-dining restaurant in Mayfair.
A typical video will encapsulate the interior and vibe of a place, show what drinks the person is enjoying and feature short clips of the food, maybe twirling pasta, slicing a steak or scooping into dessert. This attention-grabbing, addictive layout remains casual, realistic and fun whilst also sometimes amassing millions of views. Crucially, once an audience cottons on to a ‘hot’ new restaurant in town, it can expect to see a huge influx of customers. In fact, 36% of TikTok users have visited a particular eatery just after seeing it on the social media platform.
So, if you’re interested in what has been making the rounds of the London restaurant TikTok scene, or you’d like to visit and make your own hit video, here is our summary of the top, hot TikTok restaurants in London.
Tattu, Soho
What: With candyfloss desserts, dry ice cocktails and luxurious contemporary interiors, it’s little wonder that Tattu has been doing the rounds on TikTok. While there are sites across the UK, the London one is suitably stylish, and delivers a menu of modern Chinese food that is as eye-catching as the dining room’s design.
Where: Denmark Street, WC2H 0LA
Book now: Tattu London
Sketch Lecture Room & Library, Soho
What: Featured on almost every ‘aesthetic London restaurants’ article, Sketch is notoriously and consistently a hot spot. The luxuriously modern French food served in the gleefully colourful Lecture Room & Library has earned the restaurant an impressive three Michelin stars. Unusually, despite this culinary success, Sketch is arguably most recognised by the white pod loos complete with a disco lit ceiling, so be sure to get a video of these as well as the immaculate meal.
Where: 9 Conduit Street, W1S 2XG
Book now: Sketch Lecture Room & Library
Straker's, Notting Hill
What: Thomas Straker made his name on TikTok during the pandemic years with his exciting yet accessible home cooking style. In particular his 'all-things-butter' series, where he created unusually flavoured butters ranging from tequila or chicken skin through to biscoff. Straker’s opened in Notting Hill in late 2022 and serves up elevated home cooking dishes such as slow cooked lamb shoulder with broad beans and salsa verde; potato gnocchi with burnt butter; and clams with nduja and basil.
Where: 91 Golborne Road, W10 5NL
Book now: Straker's
Jacuzzi, Kensington
What: Jacuzzi is the fourth opening from the Big Mamma Group which saw their London restaurants Circolo Popolare and Ave Mario undeniably dominate TikTok restaurant recommendations in recent years. It is therefore no surprise that this new branch in Kensington was trending immediately after opening. Expect the classic Big Mamma experience of quintessential Italian elegance with red fabric booths, candlelit tables draped in white tablecloths, glitzy chandeliers and lush greenery strewn across the walls.
Where: 94 Kensington High Street, W8 4SJ
Book now: Jacuzzi
Dishoom, Covent Garden
What: Emulating an authentic Bombay cafe complete with an aroma of sandalwood incense and steaming chai, Dishoom has become a beloved favourite of London #foodtok, serving up modern adaptations of classic Indian flavours. Open all day, enjoy a bacon naan roll for breakfast, a roomali chicken tikka roll for lunch and treat yourself to the dinnertime feast menu.
Where: 12 Upper St. Martin’s Lane, WC2H 9FB
Book now: Dishoom
Luca, Clerkenwell
What: Stepping onto Luca’s gorgeous terrace you’d be forgiven for thinking you stumbled into an eatery in Italy. The stunning outdoor space is adorned with ivy, flooded with natural light and features a huge stone fireplace, which is lit up in winter. The short seasonal menu serves indulgent favourites such as cappelletti cacio e pepe as well as meaty mains like Hereford beef fillet with braised short rib, roasted onions, cavolo nero and smoked potato. Luca is often featured on TikTok under the caption ‘hidden gems’ and is perfect for a chic date night.
Where: 88 St John Street, EC1M 4EH
Book now: Luca
Bob Bob Ricard, Soho
What: Famed for its ‘press for Champagne’ button on every table, this luxurious restaurant has (probably) poured more Champagne than any other restaurant in Britain. Aside from this whimsical feature, expect an opulent meal, with the menu offering three different types of caviar, steak tartare and the special beef Wellington for two served with a truffle jus. Dessert is where the truly TikTok-able content is so make sure you’ve pressed record to get an action shot of the creme brulee flambeed at the table or the signature chocolate glory with hot chocolate sauce poured over a thin shell of chocolate revealing a delectable dessert inside.
Where: 1 Upper James Street, W1F 9DF
Book now: Bob Bob Ricard
Le Relais de Venise, Marylebone
What: With just one item on the menu and at a set price of £24, this French establishment has taken TikTok by storm. An unfussy event, this is fast food French bistro style, perfect for a quick fix of delicious food. Start the evening off with a simple walnut salad tossed in a mustard vinaigrette served with crusty baguette, then receive two servings of steak-frites with the highly revered secret house sauce. Due to the rave reviews and internet popularity do expect a hefty queue if you go at peak times and decide for yourself if it's worth the hype.
Where: 120 Marylebone Lane, W1U 2QG
Book now: Le Relais de Venise
SUSHISAMBA, City of London
What: Ingeniously combining Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian cuisine, SUSHISAMBA is a favourite of London restaurant TikTok, in particular the Heron Tower branch. The exquisite interior features an abundance of tropical plants and bright orange booths, but the real star of the show is the stunning panoramic views over London. Be sure to arrive early and enjoy a delicious cocktail at the highest outdoor dining terrace in Europe before feasting on a fusion meal of ceviche, taquitos and robata grilled wagyu.
Where: Heron Tower, EC2N 4AY
Book now: SUSHISAMBA
Bacchanalia, Mayfair
What: Upon entering the breath-taking dining room at Bacchanalia, prepare to be greeted by four spectacular Damien Hirst roman-inspired statues set against the backdrop of hand painted ceiling murals. An evening here is a truly hedonistic one, from the indulgent Greek food and the lavish cocktails to the marble floored bathrooms. If the main dining room isn't to your liking there is also al fresco seating with views over Berkeley Square, where there is weekly live music and DJs. Needless to say, there is endless potential for a stunning TikTok at Bacchanalia.
Where: 1-3 Mount Street, W1K 3NA
Book now: Bacchanalia
Clos Maggiore, Covent Garden
What: Beloved for its stunning terrace and often labelled as London’s most romantic restaurant, this is almost always featured on the ‘date night in London’ TikTok series. The moody Tuscan interior is perfect for an intimate vibe or opt to dine in the conservatory area, known as ‘the pretty room’, where cherry blossoms cover the retractable ceiling, the perfect spot for a summery lunch. In winter the huge stone fireplace comes to life for a warming dinner of contemporary European cuisine.
Where: 33 King Street, WC2E 8JD
Book now: Clos Maggiore
Amazonico, Mayfair
What: Amazonico is famed for its dazzling jungle interior, with tropical plants as far as the eye can see, gleaming green tiled walls and velvet bar stools and booths. The menu promises an exciting fusion of Japanese and Peruvian, serving up delicate sharing plates of sashimi and sushi, hearty servings of robata grilled succulent meat all washed down with elegant cocktails. Head to the underground submarine themed bar after your meal where there are live DJ's every weekend. Amongst all this extravagance, no wonder this is a hot spot for celeb spotting.
Where: 10 Berkeley Square, W1J 6BR
Book now: Amazonico
If you're looking for more places to film your next dinner out, check out our list of cool and trendy restaurants in London.