London’s Most Stylish Eateries
Sometimes London is calling and you just have to go! We are not sure if it is the incredible sense of history, the opulence, the pomp and circumstance, the fashion or all of the above but with London Fashion week in full swing, we can’t help but book a trip to London and declare “We’re going to London, Baby!” A la Joey Tribbiani style (which also happens to be the best 2 episode arch in Friends).
So, you booked your ticket and are scrolling Google and Instagram to find the best spots in town to enjoy an afternoon tea, an over the top dinner or just a chic brunch but with a city as vast as London the options can be overwhelming, which is definitely better than having no options at all but we narrowed down our favorite spots and wanted to share them with you. London, being a melting pot and international hub for business, features the best cuisine from all corners of the world and now that we are out of lockdown and sick of the dishes we have been cooking the past 18 months, it is time to awaken your taste buds.
Most places will take reservations, so book them now as they fill up fast and between you and I, the street food in London doesn’t exactly hit the same way as it does in NYC. Unfortunately, you won’t find dollar slice of pizza at 2am, believe me, I’ve been scouring for one after a late evening, but you will find and have the pleasure of enjoying some of the best food in the world here if you can plan ahead.
In alphabetical order, because we wouldn’t dare to try and list them in order, here is our guide to the most lush restaurants in London.
Amazonico London
Taking inspiration from the cultural diversity and gastronomic heritage of the Amazon region, Amazonico London is a rainforest fairytale, perfect for a late lunch or dinner. The food is Latin American inspired with a twist of Asian flare; think fresh sushi and delectable steaks paired with inspired cocktails. Your tastebuds will definitely be doing a happy dance from all of the exciting flavors.
Unfortunately the second place on our list is one of the most exclusive members clubs in the world but if you have a friend that is a member, you are in luck and it might be time to ask for a favor. A celebrity hot spot, Annabel’s opened up their new location in 2018 and is unquestionably the most elegant 26,000 square foot entertaining space you can find. It also has a nightclub on premise and several restaurants and bars where Ray Charles, Tina Turner, Lady Gaga, and many more have graced the members with performances.
Ave Mario is a premiere Italian restaurant in London serving up the best pizza and pasta dishes in town, in a truly incredible atmosphere. Order the giant carbonara ravioli and finish your meal off with their gelato tower, you can thank us later. They also have a great brunch menu so if you are looking for a fun weekend meal, this should definitely make your to-do list!
London is truly a hub for the best Indian cuisine, and you cannot go wrong with Bombay Bustle. The menu boasts family recipes from Founder Samyukta Nair and Executive Chef Surender Mohan, and you will instantly feel like you have been transported to Mumbai. They have a signature gin and tonic cocktail that you must order; it is made with Nagpur Orange Bitter and Gin distilled in 100 years copper pot.
If you are coming from out of town and want to bump into your favorite celeb or Love Island contestant, stay and eat at Chiltern Firehouse. You guessed it, it is a firehouse that was converted into a hotel and restaurant and is always buzzing. Looking to see and be seen, this is your spot. While they do offer brunch, we recommend booking a late night dinner here but you MUST book ahead, and by ahead we mean months ahead unless you want to eat with the early birds and miss all the good stuff. While the menu isn’t very adventurous, every bite is delicious!
How could we have a list of the best spots in London and not have a pub on it?! If you only get to go to one pub while in London, you should definitely make time to grab a pint at Churchill Arms. It was built in 1750 and surprisingly has some of the most delicious Thai food you can find; we recommend the pad thai with shrimp. They are also known for their incredible floral decor, and during the holiday season they kick it up a whole other notch!
Looking for the perfect romantic date night? Clos Maggiore is your spot. With a menu filled with the finest french food and a wine list to make any wine connoisseur gleeful with delight, you are sure to have an amazing time. It also doesn’t hurt that the lush ambiance looks like it was taken right out of a fairytale. If you come during the holiday season, the decor kicks up a whole other notch and will have you believing Ol’ Saint Nicholas just might come down their beautiful fireplace.
Oh Dirty Bones, how we love and loathe you. With three locations in the UK, Shoreditch is probably our favorite and is the perfect spot for a boozy brunch or dancing the night away on a Friday or Saturday with a live DJ. Serving comfort food inspired by NYC and perfect for nursing a hangover the Mac Daddy burger is infamous; double brisket & dry aged steak burger topped with pulled beef short rib, mac & cheese and espresso-spiked BBQ sauce on seeded brioche… yup… come hungry, leave happy.
Perched on the 10th floor of the Royal Garden Hotel, Kensington, Min Jiang is hands down the best Chinese food you can find in the UK. You can enjoy extraordinary views over Kensington Gardens while eating the freshest peking duck while bumping elbows with some of the biggest business tycoons in the world. This restaurant is fine dining so even if you visit for lunch, dress to impress.
Yes, you have most definitely seen your favorite influencer posting from Sketch London enjoying afternoon tea because it is not only beyond Instagrammable but the food is actually tasty! If pink isn’t your color, don’t worry. Sketch has a total of 5 dining rooms, each with very different ambiances so if you are leaning more towards a jungle vibe or a posh library, this establishment has it all. Odd tip, but before you leave make sure to visit the bathrooms… you will understand why later.
Soho House is an international members club and hotel with several locations in London, but don’t worry if you are not a member. You can usually bypass the velvet rope by being a guest at their hotels! With multiple restaurants and bars in each location and several houses featuring rooftop pools, this is where debauchery comes to thrive. Maybe don’t come with your parents… or do if they want to dance the night away under the moon while a DJ plays live sets and you sip on a picante.
The Ivy Collection has 14 locations just within London and just might be the chicest chain restaurant ever. Each location has distinct and opulent decor sure to make your friends back home in America jealous when you post about it on Instagram! If you are ever in a pinch or don’t know where to eat, just type in ‘The Ivy’ into your maps app and b-line there for a delicious breakfast or afternoon tea. There most certainly is a location just a stone’s throw away.
