London is a paradise for foodies, with hundreds of fantastic restaurants covering all bases and appetites. In this post, we’re going to explore some of the most beautiful restaurants in the capital city, considering both the beauty of the settings and of the food itself. Let’s tuck in!
Our Selection Criteria
Our list of the ten most beautiful restaurants in London is the product of analysing multiple different factors. Before we leap straight into which restaurants made our list, let’s first ensure we’re on the same page regarding what actually constitutes a beautiful restaurant. Here are the main things we considered when making our selections:
- Setting. Visiting a restaurant is a multisensory experience, and a great meal should be accompanied by a feast for the eyes. Some are elegant and refined, whereas others are more retro in their aesthetics, but all of the restaurants on our list are beautiful to look at;
- Food. Obviously, the quality of the food is important, but that doesn’t mean it all has to be pretentious, Michelin-star-worthy fine dining. Many of the places on our list are relatively low-key and much more casual in their approach to preparing food than the aforementioned ‘refined’ establishments. They all, however, have their own personal culinary style, which they execute beautifully;
- Service. Service is important. The most perfectfilet mignon is no good if the staff throw it at you! This category also includes ease of booking. The selected restaurants have simple, online, easy-to-use booking systems and staff who are pleasant and knowledgeable;
- Reviews. We’ve allowed our selection to be informed by reviews so that we can gather data, combine numerous opinions, and produce the most well-rounded list possible. Some of the reviews which have informed our decisions are by food critics, whereas others are from regular diners;
- Location. London is a big place, and we’ve tried to select a range of restaurants to represent this. They are all situated in reasonably central areas and are all accessible by foot or by car. Some may be tucked down little alleyways, but many of the best gems are hidden ones!
Our Top 10 Most Beautiful Restaurants in London
Without further ado, here’s our pick of the top 10 most beautiful restaurants in London!
| Restaurant | Location | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Seabird | Southwark | This rooftop restaurant has a high terrace with views of the Thames, in addition to inside tables. Weather permitting, we recommend checking out the terrace!Seabird boasts the longest oyster menu in London, with 10 different varieties to choose from!In the case that a member of your party isn’t an oyster fan, the main menu has loads of great alternatives to seafood. |
| Clos Maggiore | Covent Garden | Perfect for taking a date, this classical and romantic restaurant is in the easily-accessible Covent Garden.Has an excellent selection of wines in addition to their set and tasting menus.The menu features adventurous options, offering modern foods inspired by French and Tuscan dishes. |
| Brasserie of Light | Oxford Street | The striking Art Deco style will be the first thing you notice at Brasserie of Light.You can sit beneath a gigantic statue of a Pegasus created by the legendary Damian Hirst.This may well be the best option on our list for breakfast. |
| Berners Tavern | Fitzrovia | This is a highly refined and incredibly glamorous location, which is guaranteed to wow your guests.Has received an impressive array of awards and is located in the prestigious Fitzrovia region. |
| Dalloway Terrace | Bloomsbury | Dalloway Terrace has not only one of the most beautiful terraces in London but also one of the most beautiful afternoon teas!This is a great choice for veggies and vegans too, with full, dedicated menus to cater to their ways. |
| Coal Office | King’s Cross | If you like a bit of theatre with your dinner, consider the Coal Office, where the staff and chefs aim to create an immersive dining experience using Mediterranean cooking methods.This is rustic and unpretentious, so if you feel that the more pompous locations aren’t for you, then this one still might be! |
| Dirty Bones | Shoreditch | Located in a Grade II-listed building, Dirty Bones somehow manages to make meat on the bone elegant.The cocktails here are fantastic too, so be sure to sample one (or three) before or after (or both) your dinner.Dirty Bones has much more of a party atmosphere than most places on our list, so if you want a casual restaurant to bring a group then consider this one. |
| Isabel | Mayfair | The height of trendiness, Isabel in Mayfair is a classy spot for a few glasses of champagne, but the food is excellent too.The grill menu is particularly impressive, boasting some of the world’s finest steaks.The glitz and glamour of Isabel is entirely appropriate in the affluent Mayfair area, where you might even rub shoulders with the rich and famous! |
| The Coach | Clerkenwell | A French-inflected pub-style eatery, The Coach is rustic, warm and traditional.The Coach has received many glowing reviews, some of which hail it as the best gastro pub in London. |
| The Ivy Garden | Chelsea | If you love to eat al fresco, then The Ivy Garden is the place for you, with some of the most visually appealing food we’ve ever seen, in one of the nicest gardens.The Ivy Garden offers some of the best modern British cuisine, in stunning surroundings and with great service. |
And if You Fancy After-Dinner Drinks
Now that we’ve taken a look at some of the best places to eat in the city, let’s explore your options for after-dinner drinks. Here’s a quick roundup of some of the top bars and pubs in London:
- Disrepute, Soho. If cocktails are your thing, then you’re sure to love Disrepute, with its wide range of cocktails – both classic and experimental – in an elegant setting. The bar staff are experts in their craft, so you can expect great service too;
- Oriole, Farringdon. This is an uber-stylish spot frequented by those in the know. It has a speakeasy aesthetic and a great menu with cocktails and much more. The jazzy atmosphere is a great place to relax after visiting one of our recommended restaurants;
- 12th Knot, South Bank. This rooftop locale offers more than just a fantastic range of drinks – you get to enjoy them whilst looking over the iconic London skyline;
- The Cellar, King’s Cross. Perfect for wine quaffers and cocktail chuggers alike, The Cellar is effortlessly stylish and boasts an impressive array of wines from around the world. Whether you like an old-world rougeor prefer a fashionable South African tipple, there’s something here for you;
- Soda & Friends, London City Island. This one is a more relaxed spot, with a casual atmosphere and an unpretentious selection of wines and spirits on offer, making it perfect for parties and groups.
Conclusion
London isn’t short of beautiful places to eat. Whether you’re looking for an Instagrammable excursion or a fine dining experience, there’s bound to be something for you on our list. Be sure to book ahead, as these places can be very popular once people know about them! Enjoy exploring the city and all the eating it has to offer. Bon appetit!