24 of London's fanciest restaurants to add to your bucket-list

A list of the best fancy restaurants in London can be a complicated task to complete thanks to the capital playing host to so much incredible culinary talent. In fact, we think it’s a list that could never possibly be completed, thanks to the consistent emergence of new chefs and concepts that keep us both challenged and excited in equal measure. Plus, the very definition of 'fancy' is a hard one to get your head around. Do you want starched white tablecloths and buckets of Champagne or do you want incredible food in pared-back, slick surrounds. 

The beauty of eating out in London is that you can find something for every occasion, from fine dining to trendy eateries. With reems of Michelin-starred eateries sitting snugly alongside high-end street food specialists, there are as many fancy spots for Monday meals as there are all-out birthday celebrations. Some of our fondest memories of eating out in London include all the bells and whistles. Yes, perhaps fine dining isn’t trendy but there’s something wonderful about being treated like royalty for a night. We’re talking world-class service, expertly paired wines and intricately planned menus in showstopping surrounds. There’s something completely captivating about being transported to another world for an evening of pure indulgence.

Obvious choices for blow-out meals are the collection of Michelin starred restaurants in London, which have earned themselves the converted award – usually – thanks to precision cookery. Other top shouts however include the more laidback neighbourhood eateries which do a solid line on comfort food cooking and are just the thing for lively group dining and get togethers but that still manage to retain an air of being a little bit special.

While we know the idea of what's fancy is subjective, but we also have the pleasure of eating out at incredible places nearly every night of the week so feel well-placed to throw our hat in the ring. We’ve taken into account the different elements that make somewhere great and highlighted them below, so whether it’s a top-class plate of pasta you’re after or a world-leading Indian meal, these fancy London restaurants are where to head to get your foodie fix.

Galvin La Chapelle, Spitalfields

What: If you’re looking for Michelin star food with a setting to match, Galvin La Chapelle should be at the top of your list. Set in a former school in the heart of Shoreditch, a meal at Galvin is a treat for all the senses. Sip on a glass of bubbles delivered to you by the Champagne trolley before sampling their French inspired menu. A meal here does not come cheap, though the top-quality service and stunning surroundings are sure to prevent you from feeling short-changed.  
Best for: Elegant date nights
Where: 35 Spital Square, E1 6DY
Book now: Galvin La Chapelle

Gouqi, St James's

Why: With seven Michelin stars under his belt, it’s no surprise that Chef Chee Hwee Tong’s first solo venture is an astounding success. Every detail at Gouqi has been thoroughly considered and thoughtfully delivered, from the floral arrangements to the several tasting menus on offer. Peking duck is carved table side, topped with Oscietra caviar and must be ordered 24 hours in advance. For a truly unique experience, opt for their dragon afternoon tea, where Chinese dishes are served according to English tradition. 
Best for: Group dinners
Where: 25-34 Cockspur Street, SW1Y 5BN
Book now: Gouqi

The Cocochine, Mayfair

Why: Hailing from Sri Lanka, and having worked and travelled across the globe, the menu at The Cocochine reflects the breadth of head chef Larry Jayasekara’s culinary experiences. Dishes embrace umami-rich ingredients, highlighting how little intervention is needed when you rely on quality ingredients. Fatty, Japanese Otoro is served simply with soy sauce and topped with Oscietra caviar. Other dishes are more labour intensive, like the cauliflower which is marinated for a week in a mixture of miso, soy sauce and rice vinegar, before getting deep fried.  
Best for: Special occasions 
Where: 27 Bruton Place, W1J 6NQ
Book now: The Cocochine

The Ritz, Green Park

What: If you’re talking fancy, you need to be mentioning The Ritz. This London institution has long been synonymous with all that is classy, luxurious and opulent, and this has not faltered over the years. Sat in what just may be one of the most beautiful dining rooms in the world, you will be served a selection of classically prepared French dishes, all elevated to the highest degree. The famed beef wellington is served tableside and flavoured with truffle. For the full theatrical dining experience, opt for the arts de la table menu which includes the wellington, alongside the rest of their most popular items.  
Best for: Celebration meals
Where: 150 Piccadilly, W1J 9BR
Book now: The Ritz

The Goring Dining Room, Belgravia

What: This historic Belgravia hotel returned after a facelift in 2024. While the surroundings have been updated, the same old-school, high-quality, silver service remains unchanged. Start your meal with caviar and lemon blinis, washed down with a crisp glass of Champagne, before moving on to one of their delicious mains, perhaps the lobster omelette, or beef Wellington will take your fancy. The Goring Dining Room specialises in modern twists on classic dishes, made using the best of British produce, making for mouthwatering dishes you will want to have again and again.
Best for: Family dinners
Where: 15 Beeston Place, SW1W 0JW
Book now: The Goring Dining Room

The Lanesborough Grill, Belgravia

What: Sat beneath a domed glass roof and the twinkling chandeliers in this Regency-era dining room, you will feel like royalty before the food has even arrived at your table. And no doubt, once you’re handed a glass of champagne from the constantly moving trolley or served your main meal tableside with all the theatrics of a West End show, that feeling will only intensify. The Lanesborough is not all for show though, with Michelin star chef Shay Cooper at the helm of the kitchen, every dish is a perfectly executed interpretation of a classic British meal.
Best for: Special occasions
Where: Hyde Park Corner, SW1X 7TA
Book now: The Lanesborough Grill

Alex Dilling at Hotel Cafe Royal, Piccadilly

What: With space for only 34 guests, this is the ultimate exclusive dining experience. With a view over Regent Street, and a cozy bespoke booth to call home for the next few hours, this is an experience that blends utmost luxury with serene comfort. Put your trust in two Michelin-starred chef, Alex Dilling, and indulge in the seven-course tasting menu. Each dish will look like a work of art on a plate and will taste just as beautiful. Dilling’s menu is inspired by classic French techniques, but his interpretations are always entirely modern and unique.
Best for: Date nights 
Where: 68 Regent Street, W1B 4DY
Book now: Alex Dilling at Hotel Cafe Royal

The English Grill at The Rubens at the Palace, Victoria

What: Located in a hotel that was once part of Buckingham Palace’s grounds, it is no surprise that The English Grill offers their customers the royal treatment. Several dishes are served tableside, for an immersive journey into theatrical dining, and bubbles are served from a dedicated champagne trolley. Chef Ben Kelliher builds his menu around classic British dishes, expertly grilled meats and seasonal produce, to create a cuisine that is straight-forwardly delicious. You can even book a lesson with the chef to learn how he makes his famous beef wellington.
Best for: Living out your royal fantasy
Where: 39 Buckingham Palace Road, SW1W 0PS
Book now: The English Grill at The Rubens at the Palace

Jamavar, Mayfair

What: After finding huge culinary success across India, Jamavar opened their first UK location on Mayfair’s exclusive Mount Street. This Michelin star restaurant offers a fine dining approach to Indian food, taking inspiration from regional cuisines across the country. Begin with a selection of their small dishes, like the lobster idli sambhar or narangi prawns, before making your way through their selection of tandoor grilled meats. Make sure to leave space for their delicious curries though, you won’t want to leave without sampling the malvani prawn curry.
Best for: Group celebrations
Where: 8 Mount Street, W1K 3NF
Book now: Jamavar

HIDE, Green Park

What: If the city’s largest wine list can’t tempt you, how about a plum address overlooking Green Park and the most incredible example of tonal interiors? At the helm here is Ollie Dabbous, a darling of the foodie world, whose penchant for imaginative and playful presentation has helped him keep HIDE on plenty of people's to-dine lists. This isn’t a cheap experience, but the service is exemplary and there’s no turn-over time on your table (meaning you can stay all evening), which frankly we think you can’t put a price on. Whether you’re dining via the a la carte or the tasting don’t skip the signature Nest Egg, which is made up of coddled eggs, smoked butter and mushrooms and looks exactly like a just-hatched egg in a nest. Clever, pretty and delicious.
Best for: Super special date nights
Where: 85 Piccadilly, W1J 7NB
Book now: HIDE

Restaurant Gordon Ramsay, Chelsea

What: Once-in-a-lifetime stuff, this three Michelin starred restaurant from Gordon Ramsay is an obvious choice for special occasion dining when you’re after some serious wow factor. The widely spaced tables in their elegant surrounds are in such high demand that you’ll have to secure your spot months in advance (yes, even for a mid-week lunch). Your perseverance will pay off when you’re tucking into the refined French cookery that has made this restaurant a classic. Expect lavish ingredients like lobster, langoustine, scallops, truffle and caviar to pepper the menu (although also expect to pay the price of such things, dinner here doesn’t come cheap).
Best for: Celebratory special occasions
Where: 68 Royal Hospital Road, SW3 4HP
Book now: Restaurant Gordon Ramsay

Core by Clare Smyth, Notting Hill

What: Long regarded as one of the UK’s best chefs, Clare Smyth‘s CV includes time heading up Restaurant Gordon Ramsay. Northern Irish Smyth opened her first solo venture in 2017 and has since been awarded three Michelin stars (an accolade she first received while running Ramsay’s kitchen, the first female British chef to have achieved three star status). This surprisingly laidback restaurant is celebrated for its all-round output. Seasonal British ingredients are celebrated on every plate, while the team are incredibly caring with a focus on ensuring every guest has a brilliant experience.
Best for: Laidback fine dining
Where: 92 Kensington Park Road, W11 2PN
Book now: Core by Clare Smyth

The Clove Club, Shoreditch

What: Known for its cutting-edge cuisine, The Clove Club’s signature style treads that fine line between being exciting and challenging all at once. Found within the cosy confines of the Shoreditch Town Hall, here you’ll have the choice of a full or shorter tasting menu (available during the week only) featuring dishes like smoked anchovy jelly with fresh almonds and crushed tomato seeds; white asparagus Royale with duck ham, ginger, and wine sauce; and a dessert of loquat mousse, sorbet, popcorn and amaranth.
Best for: Date nights
Where: Shoreditch Town Hall, 380 Old Street, EC1V 9LT
Book now: The Clove Club

MiMi Mei Fair, Mayfair

What: For gorgeous interiors coupled with theatrical dining, you can’t get much better than MiMi Mei Fair. Opened in 2021 Samyukta Nair (the brains behind Bombay Bustle and Jamavar) MiMi is in fact her mythical empress and the restaurant acts as her imaginary character’s palace. Palatial is the word for rooms bedecked in hand painted silk wallpaper and fringed lamps, while the menu of please-all Chinese dishes is sure to be enjoyed by mixed groups. Start with colourful baskets full of steamed dumplings and the signature house special – the apple wood fire roasted duck. This centrepiece is carved tableside and delivered with all kinds of sides and sauces that far outdo your typical duck pancake spread.
Best for: Group gatherings
Where: 55 Curzon Street, W1J 8PG
Book now: MiMi Mei Fair

Bentley's Oyster Bar & Grill, Mayfair

What: A classic jewel in London’s culinary crown, Bentley’s appeal has transcended the ages. Having first opened over a hundred years ago its timeless appeal lies in its clean-cut classic seafood serves. Our favourite spot is a seat at one of the marble topped bars and our order – if you’re asking – is half a dozen oysters followed by the team’s inimitable fish pie with haddock, prawns and salmon. For traditional seafood dishes, you simply cannot beat Bentley’s. Don’t skip the cocktails, the bar staff are just as talented as the kitchen team.
Best for: After work drinks that turn into dinner
Where: 1-15 Swallow Street, W1B 4DG
Book now: Bentley's Oyster Bar & Grill

sketch: Lecture Room & Library, Mayfair

What: You don’t unintentionally pick up three Michelin stars, and internationally acclaimed Pierre Gagnaire has the intent needed to collect this trio of glittering prizes. His restaurants across the world hold a clutch of these celestial badges, and his London outpost serves his signature experimental French food. He’s a godfather of fusion cuisine and his tasting menus take diners on a surprising journey through dishes such as buckwheat ravioli with caramelised onion, Parmesan shavings, toasted buckwheat seeds and Hoegaarden foam; and grilled Isle of Skye scallop corolla glazed in carrot, honey and argan oil reduction in a swiss chard velouté, with sea herbs, buckwheat seeds and blanched celery.
Best for: Impressing clients
Where: 9 Conduit Street, W1S 2XG
Book now: sketch: Lecture Room & Library

The Pem, Westminster

What: Sally Abe’s flagship restaurant opened at The Conrad St James in 2021 as a conscious celebration of femininity. Her team are mostly female, and the luxuriously fitted dining room is a clash of reds and pinks. The menu is creative with well-loved ingredients, taking hero British produce like trout, scallops and wood pigeon and giving them Abe’s signature delicate touch which results in harmonious plates. Mains include classic combinations like venison with roast red cabbage, blackberries and figs as well as Cornish cod with melted leeks, cockles and a seaweed crumb.
Best for: Groups of friends
Where: 22-28 Broadway, SW1H 0BH
Book now: The Pem

A.Wong, Pimlico

What: Regularly cited as one of the UK’s best Chinese chefs, Andrew Wong’s eponymous restaurant was born as the reinvention of his family’s business Kym’s which was first opened in 1985 by his parents. Having earned two Michelin stars (the first Chinese restaurant in the UK to do so), Wong’s detail-driven approach has resulted in an opulent dining room, accomplished service and a line-up of wonderfully intricate dumplings and dishes. We’d recommend the full tasting menu for a true reflection of the team’s talents.
Best for: Birthdays
Where: 70 Wilton Road, SW1V 1DE
Book now: A.Wong

Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester, Park Lane

What: With three Michelin stars and a spot in one of London’s most desirable hotels, this is the sort of bucket list destination many have been dying to dine at for years. If you can get a table, you’ll find yourself amongst the magic of a glamorous dining room and the most refined French food to be enjoyed anywhere in London. There’s only one menu option here and it’s the tasting menu – an opportunity to fully relax in the safe hands of a chefs brigade who have expertly paired dishes to seamlessly flow into one another throughout the evening.
Best for: Date nights
Where: 53 Park Lane, W1K 1QA
Book now: Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester

Scott’s, Mayfair

What: Old school glamour is still alive and well at Scott’s, Mayfair’s premiere seafood restaurant. Inside you’ll find a sweeping, polished bar (the perfect place for a couple of glasses of pre-prandial Champagne and some caviar) and a dining room full of guests there for a good time. The cheese souffle with truffle shaved tableside is the stuff of legends, and it would be rude not to indulge in the impressive seafood platter that comes piled high with lobster et al, plus a healthy portion of garlic butter to pour over everything.
Best for: Upbeat work meetings
Where: 20 Mount Street, W1K 2HE
Book now: Scott’s

Gymkhana, Mayfair

What: Bright, bold Indian food is Gymkhana’s draw and the two-storey restaurant houses a small upper floor bar with a scattering of banquette seating as well as a larger cosy basement space. The menu doesn’t come cheap, but the little extras make it all worthwhile. This isn’t sensitively spiced either, it’s robustly flavoured, and much of it comes with a good whack of chilli heat. The pre-theatre offering represents incredible value for money and must be one of the most fairly priced Michelin menus in the capital.
Best for: Group gatherings
Where: 42 Albemarle Street, W1S 4JH
Book now: Gymkhana

The Delaunay, Covent Garden

Why: Part of the Corbin and King portfolio (which includes other favourites like The Wolseley and Brasserie Zedel), The Delaunay has a romantic old-world feel to it. Modelled on the grand cafes of Mittel-Europe, both the décor and the menu are classic down to a T. If lobster-filled rolls or chicken schnitzels don’t do it for you, how about plates of confit duck or bowls full or moules? Earlier in the day you’ll have your pick of brunch favourites like breakfast baps, eggs Benedict or pancakes.
Best for: Breakfast
Where: 55 Aldwych, WC2B 4BB
Book now: The Delaunay

Dinner by Heston Blumenthal at Mandarin Oriental, Knightsbridge

Why: Blessed with two Michelin stars, Heston’s sole London restaurant focuses on dishes that hold historical importance in Britain’s past. The most famous of these is the Meat Fruit (cited as being inspired by the food of the 1500s) which looks exactly like a mandarin and is in fact a sphere of chicken liver parfait wrapped in citrus jelly. The storytelling and playfulness continue through the menu, and the staff are highly knowledgeable making the whole experience an exciting one.
Best for: Celebrations
Where: 66 Knightsbridge, SW1X 7LA
Book now: Dinner by Heston Blumenthal

KOYN, Mayfair

What: Spread across two floors on Mayfair’s Grosvenor Street, KOYN offers two different dining experiences from across the continent. On the ground floor you will find KOYN Japanese, a serene and elegant space led by ex-Nobu chef Rhys Cattermoul. Here you can indulge in high quality fish and refined flavours, make sure to order the spicy tuna crispy rice. One floor down is KOYN Thai, an exciting exploration of the cuisines of Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket. Both restaurants offer an elevated take on the cuisine in beautiful settings.
Best for: Large groups
Where: 38 Grosvenor Street, W1K 4AG 
Book now: KOYN

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