Xi’an hand-pulled noodles
Noodle Inn
The slow-braised beef short rib over wide hand-pulled noodles is the order—rich, chilli-laced and carved dramatically at the table.
United Kingdom · THE ELISTED EDIT
Restaurant recommendations in London
A personal collection of places I visited, enjoyed and would happily return to. Explore where to eat and what to try in London, with authentic photographs, honest notes and direct map links.
FROM MY NOTEBOOK
Places worth going back for
Taiwanese bao & grill
BAO Borough
Go with a tableful—the pillowy bao, charcoal-grilled plates and playful small dishes are made to mix, match and share.
Modern European café
Le Café NAC
The chicken schnitzel and radiatori alla vodka make a brilliant table to share—but do not leave without the crushed chocolate cookies and Rice Krispies soft serve.
Modern British & Mediterranean
The Twenty Two
An elegant Grosvenor Square night for polished plates and excellent cocktails—the steak tartare, delicate pasta and warm chocolate cookie are the orders I would go back for.
American & Mediterranean
RH London
A spectacular Mayfair setting where the glowing chandeliers are as memorable as the food—go for the delicate carpaccio, grilled octopus and the generous prawn and avocado salad.
Lebanese
Em Sherif
A generous Lebanese table at Harrods—come for the falafel, warm flatbread, colourful mezze and fattoush, and save room for the beautiful desserts.
Japanese soufflé pancakes
Fuwa Fuwa
Cloud-soft Japanese soufflé pancakes served warm—the pistachio and rose version with vanilla ice cream is the beautifully fragrant order to try.
Italian-inspired Mediterranean
The Garden at Corinthia London
One of London’s prettiest courtyard dining rooms, with orange lamps, climbing flowers and beautiful blue-and-white plates that make lunch feel especially transportive.
Italian-American
The Dover
A candlelit Mayfair dining room with old-school glamour—start with the seafood tower, order the fish, and leave room for the deeply indulgent chocolate desserts.
Chinese
The Good Earth
A long-standing London favourite for polished Chinese cooking and warm, attentive service—the kind of place made for a generous table of shared dishes.
Cantonese steamed buns
Bun House
A lively Chinatown stop for fluffy, freshly steamed buns with playful fillings—best ordered as a mixed basket for the table.
Persian
Berenjak
A brilliant Persian feast of smoky kebabs, charred corn, rice and mezze. They use Bulgarian white cheese, which makes it feel even more special.
Michelin-starred modern cuisine
Restaurant Gordon Ramsay High
A spectacular 12-seat Chef’s Table on the 60th floor of 22 Bishopsgate—the surprise tasting menu is precise and beautifully paced, while the panoramic views across London make the experience feel completely unforgettable.
Traditional Italian
Scalini
An old-school Chelsea favourite with generous plates and a lively, celebratory feel. Save room for dessert.
New York-style pizza
Crisp Pizza at The Marlborough
A thin, crisp base with deeply blistered edges and plenty of character. Exactly the pizza to order for the table.
NYC-style pizza
Alley Cats Pizza
Big, generous pizzas, red-checked tables and a lively room that makes sharing one feel like an occasion.
Functional smoothies
ELEVATE at Selfridges
A polished little reset in the middle of Selfridges—bright, layered smoothies that feel as good as they look.
Modern Italian
NINA
A celebratory Marylebone table made for sharing—bright crudo, generous Italian plates, excellent cocktails and a room that feels effortlessly special.
Greek Mediterranean
GAIA
A glamorous Mayfair table with an incredible seafood display, beautifully simple Greek flavours and desserts worth saving room for.
Chinese bubble tea
Auntea Jenny
A fun Soho stop for bubble tea, with chewy pearls, generous toppings and plenty of fresh milk and fruit tea combinations.
Artisanal Italian gelato
Badiani
My pick for the best ice cream in London—properly creamy Italian gelato, especially Buontalenti, with flavours that make choosing one scoop nearly impossible.
Modern British & brunch
ROE
A stylish Wood Wharf table for a leisurely breakfast or brunch, with coffee, golden toast triangles and generous sandwiches served on striking veined marble.
EXPLORE BY MOOD
More London restaurant guides
Mayfair restaurantsPersonal picks for memorable meals in Mayfair, from polished dining rooms to pizza and gelato.Italian restaurants and pizzaItalian tables, Roman-inspired plates, crisp pizza and proper gelato in London.Asian restaurants and teaTaiwanese bao, Xi’an noodles, Chinese tea and more personal favourites across London.Special-occasion restaurantsBeautiful London rooms and memorable menus for celebrations, date nights and long lunches.Best brunch and cafésLondon cafés, pancakes, smoothies and relaxed daytime stops worth adding to a weekend plan.Date-night restaurantsAtmospheric London restaurants for an intimate dinner, a beautiful room and a memorable evening.Desserts, bakeries and gelatoSweet London favourites for soufflé pancakes, gelato, tea and an afternoon treat.Best casual eatsBao, noodles, pizza and other relaxed London places for an easy but excellent meal.
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