Best restaurants in Mayfair: where to eat and drink
Check out our favourite restaurants and bars in Mayfair, Central London's swankiest neighbourhood, from buzzy pubs to outstanding Indian hotspots
Here are our favourite Mayfair restaurants, from tapas in Heddon Street to afternoon tea just off Piccadilly and date night bistros in Shepherd Market. Check out our ideas for eating and drinking in Mayfair. Now discover new restaurants in London, the best restaurants in Clerkenwell, the best restaurants in Knightsbridge or the best private dining rooms in the UK. Best places to eat and drink in Mayfair Labombe by Trivet, Old Park Lane – for Michelin-starred à la carte dining Labombe sits in the corner of the COMO Metropolitan London with its own street entrance, so it feels like a standalone Mayfair wine bar rather than a hotel restaurant. The room is pared-back but plush – warm woods, soft lighting and an open kitchen that keeps the atmosphere lively – and the cooking is modern European with the occasional wink to nose-to-tail. It’s just earned a Michelin star. The menu is à la carte and built for grazing, snacks, starters, grills and a few generous mains. We started with the signature hot tongue bun – thinly sliced tongue stacked in toasted brioche with sharp pickles – essentially a very posh hot dog. Duck heart and cherry skewers were the bolder follow-up, the hearts wrapped in melting lardo and lifted by lightly pickled fruit. Hand-rolled pici pasta came glossed in a rich madeira and mushroom sauce, while seabass crudo was brightened with orange ponzu and a pleasing, fermented anchovy funk. Mains were more comforting, a plate-sized veal schnitzel and meaty chunks of monkfish with coco beans in glossy chicken sauce. We were too full for pudding but our neighbouring table’s rhubarb frangipane tart had us plotting a return. labombe.co.uk Chargal, Berkeley Street – for classic Turkish flavours Situated on Berkeley Street, just steps away from Green Park, Chargal is bringing an elevated Mediterranean-Turkish experience to the heart of London. This three-storey establishment offers a lively ground floor bar, fine dining and a late-night lounge experience under one roof. Whatever vibe you’re there for, expect exceptional service from the team. Open-fire cooking is the lifeblood of the menu. Pure-bred wagyu is a staple of the menu, as well as lamb dishes cooked with classic Turkish flavours. The menu is perfect for sharing, so start with some hot and cold meze dishes. We recommend the wagyu kofte piyaz, chargrilled halloumi with cherry, hot honey and sesame, and of course the mixed meze which includes cacık, muhammara and hummus with seasonal crudites. When it comes to larger plates, the mangal section of the menu has some fabulous options but don’t dismiss the fish market plates too quickly. The Greek wild seabass with smoked bay leaf, honey lemon dressing and samphire is excellent, packed with flavours that elevate the fish. On the drinks menu the signature cocktails are a great opportunity to try some new flavours and the mocktails give a nice refreshment to enjoy with dinner – we recommend the Passiflora mocktail, combining the flavours of passion fruit, ginger and honey. chargal.com Daka Daka, Heddon Street – for modern Georgian and natural wine Georgia is the world’s oldest wine-producing country, with 8,000 years of viticulture woven into its culture – and DakaDaka on Heddon Street puts that heritage front and centre. This modern Georgian restaurant and natural wine bar comes from Giorgi Mindiashvili and chef-patron Mitz Vora, with a list of more than 100 bottles curated by Honey Spencer, one of the UK’s most influential sommeliers and a leading voice in natural wine. We started, naturally, with an amber wine fermented on skins in the Georgian tradition: textured, savoury and a perfect match for the food. The kitchen, led by head chef Adrian Hernandez Farina, cooks over charcoal and a wood-fired hearth, and the menu leans into Georgia’s most defining dishes. We began with lobio – a kidney bean hummus slicked with ajika chilli crisp – earthy and smoky, made for scooping. Then came the khinkali, hand-folded soup dumplings served steaming hot. The iberico pork pluma and aged beef versions arrived with cracked black pepper and a burst of slurpable broth inside, the kind of dish that makes you slow down. From the grill, kababi skewers brought smoke and spice, while penovani (flaky, cheese-filled pastry) was rich and moreish. We moved on to shkmeruli, roast chicken in a confit garlic sauce, glossy and deeply savoury. Dessert kept things Georgian too. Napoleon, the regional mille-feuille, came layered with dulce de leche cream and caramel – delicately crisp and not overly sweet. Olive tip: ask the knowledgeable team to guide you through the amber wines by the glass alongside the khinkali: it’s the quickest way to understand what DakaDaka is really all about. instagram.com/dakadaka.london The Audley Public House, Mount Street – for a buzzy pub The dark polished wood and interior of The Audley scream traditional Victorian pub (and this one has been on the site since 1888) but look closer and you’ll see quirky artworks and pops of vibrant modern colour from the recent refurb, including a specially commissioned mosaic artwork from Phyllida Barlow which covers the ceiling in a riot of hot pink, orange and turquoise. It’s walk-in only here which gives the place a buzzy atmosphere, even in this quite fancy bit of Mayfair. The casual vibe extends to the ordering (no table service) – just order your food at the bar alongside drinks. All the usual pub favourites (fish and chips, sausage and mash, chicken pie) are present and correct but elevated with meat sourced from the owners’ farm in Somerset and Cornish day boat fish. There are also some fun surprises like the London Dip – a hearty sandwich of slow roasted, thinly sliced beef served with a pot of gravy for dipping – and bowls of cheesy chips with curry mayo sauce and jalapeños. The wide beer selection includes brewers like Deya, alongside more traditional cask offerings from Battersea brewer Sambrook’s. theaudleypublichouse.com Corrigan’s Mayfair Richard Corrigan's namesake restaurant is a prime example of classic, well-polished dining you can rely on time and again. It's Irish leaning, though produce comes from across the UK, with a focus on seafood and game. Arrive early for a martini, pear 75 or perfectly poured Guinness at Dickie's Bar before sweeping through a contemporary forest-like partition to the restaurant proper. Here, teal banquettes and chairs are arranged around tables topped with crisp white cloths and brass lamps, and staff stationed at the central bar swiftly attend to every need. A trio of bites kick things off – pig head croquettes, sea trout blinis and cheese gougères, while Lincolnshire poacher hand patted butter to slather on Bentleys soda bread is a real highlight. Sommeliers pair dishes with the likes of zippy alvarinho or floral, fruity Hunter Valley semillon, both with plenty of minerality to balance the seafood dishes. This might be a huge Orkney scallop, roe intact, topped with bacon jam, followed by grilled Cornish red mullet arranged alongside a huge langoustine and squiggles of torched squid in shellfish bisque. For dessert, the iconic shaved bergamot-topped chocolate fondant melts into earl grey ice cream, while a surprising highlight is passion fruit soufflé, a caramelised white chocolate poured inside with buttermilk and lemon sorbet balanced on top. There's a great value set menu, still with plenty of choice – think poached Chalk Stream trout with watercress emulsion, before Guinness braised oxtail with colcannon and plenty of jus, and chocolate pistachio marquise to finish. corrigansmayfair.co.uk TOKii, Great Cumberland Place – for authentic Japanese From its shabu-shabu hotpot, in which diners gently cook ingredients, to the yellowtail fish carpaccio, this modish Japanese restaurant at the Prince Akatoki hotel serves many beautiful, engaging dishes. For up-close insight into its chefs’ work, take a seat for the omakase menu (£100pp), an 11-course exploration of exquisite ingredients led by sushi chef Kazuyo Okuda. tokii.co.uk The Guinea Grill, Bruton Place – for quality cuts in historic pub Meaty mains beg to be experienced at this characterful pub-restaurant, so we plumped for beef, Guinness and oyster Pie (to share) to kick off proceedings (though the devilled kidneys on toast, and seared scallops on the table next to us, looked very appetising). Topped with a crispy oyster and melted cheese, it set the tone for the next grand entrance – a magnificent côte de boeuf, presented at the table before being flamed on the grill and served with brandy peppercorn sauce, crispy layered pancetta confit potatoes and parmesan-creamed sweetcorn. For pudding, the crème brûlée crackled satisfyingly under the spoon, while the bread and butter pudding was surprisingly light and fluffy. Olive tip: If you’re visiting in the evening, try to skip lunch to take full advantage of the meaty fare. As well as starters, salads and mains, add-ons include lamb cutlet, calf's liver, lamb kidneys, black pudding and haggis. theguinea.co.uk Silva, Bruton Place – for varied all-day dining Silva, the Latin word for forest, carries this theme in its interiors with woodland friezes and natural tones in the airy dining room and snug bar. A compact, seasonal menu takes inspiration from the Med and Japan with a raw section designed to wake up the palate – wild sea bass crudo, jalapeño, yuzu and ginger dressing has delicate tang. Classic steak tartare is made hearty by topping a chunky potato waffle and a signature dish of crispy egg with girolle and parmesan sauce is also a generous starter. Lighter mains like roasted cauliflower with butter beans and caponata or steamed halibut are balanced by the more robust Creedy Carver duck with coco beans and addictive rosemary and garlic roasties. Silva’s busy kitchen team, headed up by Slawomir Sawicki, can be seen through the street-facing windows below a pretty striped awning on the increasingly restaurant-focussed Bruton Place. Open all day from breakfast to dinner. silvarestaurant.co.uk Sparrow Italia, Avery Row – for luxe modern Italian Set in a townhouse in the heart of Mayfair, Sparrow Italia offers up classic Italian and Mediterranean dishes, and those with a more contemporary twist. Its main menu showcases a selection of hot and cold starters, and pasta designed for sharing – expect classic like cacio e pepe and puttanesca alongside an indulgent lobster acqua pazza – before moving on to fine cuts of steak and some exquisite seafood dishes. Seasonally inspired menus also provide a reason to go back. To celebrate autumn there is a truffle-inspired menu in addition to an à la carte section designed to showcase this luxury ingredient. You can even quench your thirst with a truffle martini. The ground floor’s centrepiece is the floor-to-ceiling bar, perfect for a few drinks before heading up to the main restaurant. On the third floor you’ll find an intimate lounge where guests can enjoy a curated selection of the world’s best cigars. sparrowitalia.com Vesper Bar at The Dorchester, Park Lane – for luxe cocktails Vesper Bar is a thirties-inspired golden, glimmering confection, with polished wood and shimmering surfaces, plump blue armchairs, racing green bar stools and a beautiful 1930s palladium leaf ceiling. It’s plush, luxe and comfortable, with seamless service. The new menu, Eterna, explores the golden ratio, a mathematical ratio seen throughout nature and art, and expressed in the menu through different flavour profiles – from savoury to herbaceous, floral and smoky. The Venus Observed, with coconut pisco, Seatrus gin, Italicus, tomato and caperberry, is a savoury delight, while Thunderball’s combination of Enemigo blanco tequila, pineapple and sage sauvignon blanc is a smoky, spicy winner. The Green Knight deploys diverse ingredients including vodka, mastiha, feta, gentian and watermelon in a balanced, gluggable drink, full of herbaceous character. It would be remiss to miss out on drinking an actual vesper, made with Stolichnaya vodka, the hotel’s own old tom gin, forbidden fruit liqueur and dry sherry. It’s icy, boozy perfection. dorchestercollection.com Farm Shop Wine Bar, South Audley Street – for a hidden wine bar True hidden gems are hard to come by in London but Farm Shop’s underground wine bar truly feels like one. By day it’s a fancy Mayfair deli on South Audley Street, supplied by the company farm in Bruton, among other artisan producers. There are piles of fresh fruit and veg, stacks of chutneys and jams, and loaves of sourdough and pastries laid out in the window. From the afternoon, the basement space comes into its own. There’s no signage from outside, so it’s just the arrows inside the deli that guide you downstairs to a warm, cosy room, speckled by candlelight with a relaxed, welcoming vibe where you can sit along the windows to people-watch. The menu includes classic treats like rotisserie chicken and cheese toasties, alongside sharing boards of charcuterie and cheese from Somerset, near the company farm, as well as a selection of Swiss offerings. Clearly experts in cheese, with temperature-controlled rooms to store it, this is a great place to try Yarlington, Montgomery cheddar and a creamy Bath Blue. Most importantly, the wine list is 150-strong with some varieties from the company’s vineyard. Prices for a glass of house of red start at just £4.50, so it’s a surprisingly reasonable option for such a high-end area. A particular highlight is the Maid of Bruton sparkling rosé, which is ideal for a celebratory drink. farmshop.co.uk/london/wine-bar/ Nipotina, South Audley Street – for welcoming Italian cooking Chef Somaia Hammad was brought up in Turin and brings Italian warmth to her unfussy, family-style cooking. The room is welcoming and cosy with banquette seating and a warm orangey glow. Start with a Nipotina claypot negroni, premixed and poured table-side from a large earthenware jug, with Amaro Santoni and earl grey bringing herbal notes. The menu is split classic style into cicchetti, antipasti, primi, secondi and pizza. A basket of rustly courgette fritti arrived with a tempura-style light crunch and a rich aïoli dip – deliciously moreish. From the antipasti, a tricolore tuna, sea bream and salmon carpaccio was spankingly fresh, and a fennel and aged pecorino salad came with a crunch from caramelised walnuts and a kick from Calabrian chillies. The pasta is house-made – try the mafalde, a rich creamy tomato, beef and veal ragu, or from the special seasonal truffle menu, tagliolini in a creamy parmesan sauce with a shaving of fresh Umbrian truffle added by the waiter. Standout puddings include a light and airy tiramisu enriched with gianduja (chocolate and hazelnut) and a rich almond-infused cheesecake with sour cherry, which had all the flavours of a bakewell tart and was quite ingenious. Wines are exclusively Italian and sourced from small regional independent producers. nipotinaristorante.com Encore, Mayfair - for a stylish listening bar and cocktails Downstairs from Lebanese rotisserie joint Toum, Encore successfully ticks off two cocktail bar buzzwords in one fell swoop: listening bar and speakeasy. Just steps away from Regent Street, this stylish subterranean bar unites a heady mix of Lebanese and French influences across the polished cocktail and snack menus. Twelve signature cocktails showcase inventive twists on classics – a sumac-spiced negroni with tequila is balanced by pomegranate, while the refined mezcal spritz brings in zingy and refreshing yuzu, lime and coconut water. Those sweet-inclined will enjoy the unique yet familiar taste of the tarte tatin: oak aged brandy, vanilla liqueur, coconut water and honey give a balanced sweetness that is never saccharine. The Encore batanga is a stand-out with added depth from sherry and spidery strands of red chilli scattered on top. Unctuous and warm comté madeleines were particularly irresistible from the elevated bar snack menu. Habibi funk and Arabic disco deep cuts can be heard spinning on vinyl, thanks to the sound-diffusing ceiling and speakers dotted around the intimate space. Rich red carpets, mid-century wood panelling and stylish contemporary artwork make the bar the perfect spot for a date night or cosy catch-up with a friend. toumrotisserie.com Cut at 45 Park Lane – for cuts from the world's finest steaks Cut at 45 Park Lane – culinary heavyweight Wolfgang Puck’s fine dining steakhouse – wants you to experience the best cuts from the world’s best steaks. To make the most of an experience in this polished dining room, pick The Taste of Cut: a trio of British grass-fed sirloin, Australian wagyu and Japanese A5 wagyu, each carefully cooked and clearly unique. The sirloin is bold and beefy; the Australian richly marbled; while the A5, almost white with silky fat, barely needs a knife. It’s an impressive way to understand what top-grade beef really tastes like. Small bites include miso cones of spicy tuna tartare, bite-sized, meltingly soft wagyu sliders, and sweet and fluffy crab and lobster rolls. If you have room for dessert, share a burnt Basque cheesecake with Hugh Lowe Farm strawberries, the freshness of the fruit a perfect foil for the delicately creamy pudding. dorchestercollection.com Nipperkin, Berkeley Street – for a hideaway cocktail bar Situated in the depths of NIJŪ Japanese grill and sushi bar, Nipperkin is inspired by 1950s Japanese listening bars. Step through ornate curtains into an intimate, mid-century space with plush seating and marvel as expert mixologists fan perfectly cuboid ice, behind them an impressive record collection and vinyl set-up. Centred around micro-seasonality, the drinks menu from award-winning mixologist Angelos Bafas is split into four harvest seasons. Hyper-seasonal British ingredients such as wild garlic, spring flowers and blackberries expertly coalesce with the classic Japanese such as yuzu, shiso and matcha. The highball pickled cucumber was seriously refreshing, as was the Granny Smith and yuzu with Exmoor raw wildflower honey. Macerated blackberries and sloes make a pleasantly herbaceous and bitter sip with Axia extra dry mastiha and Cambridge red bitters, while there’s umami savouriness on offer from the likes of Nipperkin’s aged mushroom spirit, Cambridge truffle gin and tomato liqueur. Don’t overlook the ‘dry’ season – the sour green gooseberries with a non-alcoholic citrus spirit and English wasabi tastes like a lemon meringue pie with a whisper of warmth. Dunk crunchy bar snacks from NIJŪ of seasonal vegetables and lotus chips into creamy tofu with shiso oil and buttery grilled aubergine – and you can even peep into NIJŪ’s kitchen when paying a visit to the adorned bathrooms. nijulondon.com Sabor, Heddon Street – for authentic tapas vibes With a friendly service style and nods to Andalucían tapas bars (colourful tiles, high tables), Nieves Barragán Mohacho and José Etura have nailed the authentic feel of bars found all over Spain. Wait in the lively brick-walled bar area and whet your appetite with mushroom croquetas and cured presa Iberica. Charismatic José will then seat you at a counter overlooking the open kitchen, where conversation with the Spanish chefs is encouraged. Sabor means ‘flavour’ in Spanish, and there’s plenty of that in the restaurant’s small plates – tiny deep-fried shrimp served with a crispy, paprika-dusted fried egg, golden croquetas and chubby mussels ‘a la Bilbaina’ slurped up a light sauce of tomatoes, sherry, sherry vinegar and herbs. Sobrasada, the soft paprika sausage from Menorca, come in a rusty rubble on top of lightly crushed new potatoes, bobbing in a garlic cream. Desserts tick every box – chocolatey bombas, sharp and creamy rhubarb and mascarpone tartlets, and an inspired goat’s cheese ice cream with a liquorice sauce rounded off a perfect meal. The all-Spanish wine list begins with txakoli, the lightly effervescent Basque wine that’s poured from a dramatic height. Or try fresh and zingy rosé with a touch of red fruit, along with a couple of saline fino sherries. There’s vermouth on tap, too! saborrestaurants.co.uk Goodman, Maddox Street – for a polished steakhouse The Mayfair dining room, opened in 2008 (the first of three), hums with a clubby but not stuffy confidence – all dark leather, low lighting and cosy corners. Along one wall, regulars' engraved steak knives sit in a glass-fronted cabinet like prized trophies. The highlight is a 75-day-aged Angus Pure Breed from the Lake District: deep, gamey and minerally, with intense beefiness. Diners get to choose not only the cut but the size of their steak – whether you’re in the mood for a modest 250g or a mighty kilo. Each one is cooked to your liking over red-hot 400C coals that leave a toffee-like crust and juicy centre. Starters feature crispy, fist-sized prawn tempura, and sweet and briny crab on warm brioche toast. From the side, truffled mac and cheese is luxurious, spinach sings with garlic, Josper-roasted onions are sticky and dark, and triple-cooked chips are made to dredge through the creamy béarnaise. Get to know the sommelier – they’ll match your palate and your steak, possibly with a lush American pinot noir or a more classic French Bordeaux. goodmanrestaurants.com Hide, 85 Piccadilly – for an extra special brunch Modern European Hide in Mayfair offers a decadent brunch perfect for special occasions. With a menu featuring the likes of truffle-smothered scrambled eggs, a scorched banana and pecan croissant, blueberry and crème crue French toast and an oozing croque Madame, find out what we thought below when we popped in for breakfast. hide.co.uk View Green Video on the source website Fonda, Heddon Street – for regional Mexican dishes Santiago Lastra, chef-owner of Mexican fine dining restaurant Kol, brings a more informal option to Heddon Street. A fonda is a Mexican family-run inn, to which there are nods in the décor (earthy tones, handwoven fabrics and Mexican crafts), regional Mexican menu and homely touches, including a trio of salsas – smoky salsa macha, lively gooseberry salsa verde and fiery salsa roja – brought to the table for customers to apply to dishes as they wish. Kick off with Yucatan ground pumpkin seed speciality sikil pak topped with vibrant green pine oil and deep-fried totopos. Specials include tuna belly crudo in soy, sesame and fermented gooseberry dressing; and quesadillas stuffed with Oaxacan-style cheese from Canterbury. The traditional clay comal is the kitchen’s focal point and the dedicated comal list includes Marmite beer-battered baja fish dressed with chipotle mayo, Hispi cabbage and pistachio guacamole. Costra is an elevated tribute to CDMX post-clubbing snacks – 30-day aged rib-eye topped with grilled spenwood and manchego infused with macha sauce.Moving on to sharing mains – black sesame, short rib stock and chocolate paste take centre stage in the rich, 60-ingredient short rib mole. Charred adobo-laced monkfish comes on soft Ratte potatoes doused in Arbol chilli infused butter. For dessert, Santi's American cheesecake topped with blackcurrant compote is a popular choice; steamed corn tamales are doused in butterscotch cream and silky chocolate sorbet laced with Oaxacan oak-smoked pasilla chilli oil is a surprising highlight. Santiago’s commitment to sourcing British ingredients continues through to cocktails – think fresh gooseberry juice and rhubarb liqueur to add zing to margaritas; and rhubarb palomas rimmed with gooseberry salt. Honcho the sloth guides guests down to the basement dining room and agave bar for a mezcal night cap. fondalondon.com The Colony Grill Room, Balderton Street – for classic grill With its vintage styling, large booths and striking murals, the Colony pays homage to classic New York grill restaurants. Dishes finished tableside are a big part of chef Ben Boeynaems’ menu, including dover sole meunière with miso butter, theatrically deboned before guests. The sharing wood-grilled tomahawk steak (bone-in ribeye) is a similarly dramatic presentation, carved as it’s served at the table. Deft knife skills maximise the cut’s juiciness. colonygrillroom.com The Cocochine, Bruton Place – art gallery and upscale restaurant combined The partnership of chef Larry Jayasekara and gallerist Tim Jefferies is surprisingly under the radar for cooking of this standard. Three courses only (with a regularly changing set lunch menu) are offered on the ground floor restaurant, starting with a presentation of seasonal veg grown on the restaurant’s Rowler Estate. Ingredients and dishes reflect chef Larry’s travels and connections with artisan suppliers including his native Sri Lanka, regional England and the shores of Scotland’s Inner Hebrides. Unusual combinations are both playful and seriously cheffy: roasted onion soup, truffle cheese toastie and agnolotti is a rich, umami broth poured at the table; chicken, sourced from chefs’ favourite Arnaud Tauzin in south-west France, is offered with Scottish langoustine and maitake mushroom; and a spoonful of gorgonzola adds extra punch to quince and vinegar tart. Around the counter on the first floor, watch the chefs at work in one of those rare working kitchens with natural light. Throughout the restaurant photography by Irving Penn and Richard Avedon add extra interest, and in the top-floor private dining space there are original prints by Andy Warhol. thecocochine.com Milos, Regent Street – for luxurious Mediterranean seafood Milos’s concept is gloriously unique. Entered by imposing wooden doors the formal room is dominated by Grecian urns and grand marble features, and is lively at lunchtimes with business execs from Mayfair and St James, and a glamorous international set at dinner. Each table is guided by a ‘Captain’ through its signature market display of colourful, just-caught fish from the Med and more local shores. While British turbot and sole might be familiar, varieties such as balada, fagri and barbouni are less so, and each one is described in term of texture, intensity of flavour and cooking technique. This includes a raw bar of oysters, carabinero shrimp and jumbo Madagascan prawns, and sashimi-grade tuna. You might start with a tartare of magiatiko with chilli, lime and micro herbs, and signature tower of courgette and aubergine served with kefalograviera cheese and tzatziki; move onto a mid-course of Greek salad before whole grilled snapper with steamed wild greens, lemon and olive oil. estiatoriomilos.com/location/london/ NIJŪ, Berkeley Sreet – Japanese steak and sushi with a contemporary edge Endo Kazutoshi, arguably London’s most esteemed sushi master, is behind this new Mayfair Japanese grill, with exec chef Chris Golding overseeing the menu day to day. Careful sourcing, luxe ingredients and well-honed kitchen skills create a unique menu inspired by ‘Katei Ryōri’: homecooked, seasonal dishes, some – like dover sole, asparagus and nori butter – served tableside. Wagyu, that most highly-prized beef, is sourced from Japan and England, cooked simply over Japanese charcoal and offered with fresh wasabi and yuzu salsa verde. Sashimi includes indulgent cuts like otoro (fatty tuna) served classic style or with a contemporary NIJŪ twist – ‘aburi’ (seared) with caviar. Vegetables are treated with equal care, from grilled aubergine with white sesame dressing to spicy spinach with sobacha (buckwheat tea). A sushi counter and glass panel revealing all the kitchen action add to the buzzy atmosphere. The basement Nipperkin bar uses British ingredients, some grown and distilled on site in its hyper-seasonal cocktail list. nijulondon.com The Guinea Grill, Bruton Place – pub classics and premium steaks Recently reopened after a revamp, this gorgeous restaurant and pub is tucked away down a quiet side road behind New Bond Street. This institution is every bit the great British pub with its tartan carpets and wood-panelled walls. Try the prawn and crayfish cocktail for a delicious retro starter. For your main, though it serves pub classics such as homemade pies, it is well known for its steaks. It has used the same premium butcher for 60 years, for tender, dry-aged steaks, and the knowledgeable staff will give you expert advice on how each cut should be cooked to ensure the optimal experience. We loved the pancetta confit potatoes and creamed spinach, served alongside the steak. The wine list to complement the meal is vast but let the wait staff guide you, or go the whole hog and ask for some wine pairings with your meal – we tried a gorgeous white from Austria. Round off a special meal with a decadent banana sticky toffee pudding, served with generous scoops of vanilla ice cream. If you’re not quite ready to leave the warm embrace, you can roll to the pub side and enjoy a perfectly poured Guinness, too. theguinea.co.uk UMU, Bruton Place – Michelin-starred Kyoto cuisine Opening in 2004 and thriving 20 years later is testament to UMU’s unique offering – inspired by Kyoto cuisine, using British ingredients such as fish sourced from Cornwall and Welsh lamb. Behind a discreet doorway in Mayfair’s Bruton Place, the dark wood-panelled room is lit to emphasise the sushi masters at work at the counter, carving, chopping and grating fresh wasabi. There is more theatre on the plate with premium ingredients like high-grade wagyu served à la minute, which arrives smoking at the table; the salty-sweet and glistening eel kabayaki, and a cute dessert: Charamisu Mayfair garden Japanese seasonal tiramisu, with a mini watering can to sprinkle over sake. Select a wine or sake pairing for the full experience. umurestaurant.com Akira Back, Hanover Square – for playful riffs on Japanese cuisine Akira Back, well known in the USA for his playful approach to Japanese cuisine, is influenced by both his travels and Korean heritage. Dishes are made to share and flavours are bold. Try the signature tuna sashimi pizza, rich with truffle oil; mini tacos filled with wagyu bulgogi; rock shrimp with creamy gochujang; black miso cod; and finish with sushi rolls like Hot Mess – sashimi poke, crab tempura and spicy ponzu aïoli. A lighter starter of yellowtail jalapeño with citrussy yuzu, is a highlight. On the inventive wine list try Smiley NV, a South African chenin blanc blend which pairs well with sushi. The triple-height room, with one wall dominated by spectacular artwork by Akira’s mother, and glass ceiling, makes it light-filled at lunch, twinkling at night. mandarinoriental.com/en/london/mayfair/dine/akira-back Murano, Queen Street – for elegant Italian After a short closure and 15th anniversary celebration redesign, Angela Hartnett’s Michelin-starred contemporary Italian restaurant has reopened. George Ormond has taken the reigns as head chef and worked with Angela to create a selection of new regional Italian dishes. Fold out the green and pink menus to build your own three-to-six course menu (or go at lunchtime for the great-value set lunch, £55 for three courses). Chef’s appetisers from the kitchen (gorgonzola and pickled walnut choux bun, spindly grissini, sun-dried tomato-studded focaccia) make an extra treat best enjoyed with a classic negroni. Menu highlights include agnolotti parcels filled with provolone and puréed smoked potato, chicken tortellini scooped up from a clear, nourishing broth and a unique play on the classic tonnata using fried monkfish slices on a fennel salad lifted with veal jus. For dessert, try the chocolate marquise’s elegant layers topped with a PX sherry reduction or the signature silky Amalfi lemon tart in a delicate puff pastry casing. Supreme Italian wine pairings, unpretentious yet informed service and a hushed living room atmosphere make this a truly elegant Italian dining experience. muranolondon.com Abajo, St George Street – for a Colombian fusion chef's table experience Colombian chef Miller Prada cooks over fire in his Japanese-Colombian fine dining restaurant, Humo (see review below). Downstairs at intimate chef’s table experience, Abajo, there’s space for ten diners, who chefs and sommeliers take on an evocative journey through the regions, communities and culinary tapestry of Colombia. The menu is split into five chapters, each spotlighting a hero ingredient. Corn, for example, is baked into a biscuit topped with grilled corn, its silk dried and fried to garnish trout mousse-stuffed morels and the husk fermented to make miso. Elsewhere, Mediterranean blue fin tuna tops a traditional plantain and coconut tamale, pressed East Sussex quail is charred in shallot ashes and Kagoshima beef brisket is slow-cooked in sugarcane honey reduction. To finish, Merinda tomato is presented in a fresh and delicate dessert medley of gels, ice cream, coal-torched meringue and choux buns. A delicate Japanese rice vodka cocktail kicks things off while wine pairings span south America, Spain, Italy and beyond. A velvet pouch of Colombian coffee beans to take away with the menu is a touching souvenir of a special evening. abajolondon.com Bossa, Vere Street – high-end Brazilian cuisine Chef Alberto Landgraf transports his vision of high-end authentic Brazilian cooking from Rio to Mayfair with punchy sharing plates such as seafood moqueca. However wine is equally the star here with one of South America’s best sommeliers, Laís Aoki, ready to guide diners through the perfect pairing. bossa.co.uk Humo, St George Street – cooking over coals with Colombian and Japanese influences Sit at the counter – effectively the pass – for prime interaction with Colombian chef Miller Prada, whose cooking combines his South American roots with the skills and passion he gained for Japanese techniques and ingredients working with mentor Endo Kazutoshi. Fire cooking and dry ageing of fish and meat are at the heart of the restaurant. The laid-back team will introduce you to new discoveries which might include eight-day-aged yellowtail with citrus sauce and the more surprising addition of a Castillo coffee sauce from Miller’s family farm; subtle smoky flavours in everything from the refreshing house salad of smoked Cornish Agria potatoes, wild rocket, Tokyo turnips, miso to Orkney scallop in 20-year-old oaked rum and 31-day-aged Cornish lamb in beetroot sauce. Thrillingly unique. humolondon.com The Connaught Patisserie by Nicolas Rouzaud, Carlos Place – for perfect patisserie French pastry chef Nicolas Rouzaud’s patisserie is a chic cocoon of blush pink, crystal and marble in the heart of Mayfair. Level up on your morning pain au chocolat with Camille Kenny-Ryder’s inventive trio au chocolat, a stunning striped pastry encasing three batons of dark, white and gianduja milk Swiss chocolate. Dip a warm lime madeleine into a coffee for elevenses or pair perfectly formed patisserie with a glass of Billecart-Salmon champagne come afternoon – we love the pistachio-studded éclair, bright apricot cheesecake and crisp, frilly hazelnut paris-brest. the-connaught.co.uk Caviar Kaspia, Chesterfield Street – for caviar decadence Unique in terms of vibe and menu, an international crowd flock to this former private club now open to everyone who can afford its luxe offering. Decadent in every way, the jewel box room with dramatic artwork hums with anticipation as champagne flows and diners browse the menu of caviar-topped dishes. Highlights include tagliolini in a champagne cream sauce and Instagram-friendly, completely indulgent – and delicious – baked potato, designed to savour and share. There’s tableside service in a smoked salmon and blini starter, two oversized blinis draped with salmon and sandwiched together with crème fraîche. Pudding features a cocoa sponge with ricotta, served in a caviar tin and topped with beads of coffee ‘caviar’. caviarkaspialondon.com Taku, Albemarle Street – for omakase dining The capital is currently enthralled by the intimacy and theatre of omakase dining; where, in sleekly designed counter-dining cocoons, highly skilled chefs prepare seasonal tasting menus for attentive diners. Chef Takuya Watanabe bagged a Michelin star within four months of opening this Mayfair 16-seater. Using mainly British produce, he is creating some of the city’s most elegant, flavourful hot seafood dishes and sushi. Tasting menu from £160pp; takumayfair.com Isabel, Albemarle Street – for impressing your date From its luxe grill dishes, including a Galician ex-dairy côte de boeuf or a sharing Cornish dover sole with creamed spinach, preserved lemon and brown butter, to its silk jacquard wall coverings, golden ceiling and bar, this glamorous Mayfair restaurant is guaranteed to wow any date. After dinner, the beats purr, as DJs take guests through until 3am, both in the restaurant and the Dragon Room bar, downstairs. Isabel’s innovative cocktail list includes the Rosetta, a take on the French 75, garnished with a rose petal and dehydrated lychee. isabelw1.london BiBi's Mayfair, North Audley Street – for contemporary Indian sharing plates Head chef Chet Sharma’s selection menu is the must-try at his intimate Mayfair restaurant, comprising a dozen sharing plates using produce from the UK and India created with sustainability at its core. Formerly development chef of the JKS group (Gymkhana, Trishna, Brigadiers, etc), Sharma’s BiBi – an affectionate term for a grandmother in parts of India – is the realisation of his dream to open his own restaurant. To snack on, tangy Wookey Hole cheese papads have a melting yet crunchy texture; creamy Carlingford oyster pachadi is a refreshing segue to sweet, spicy, salty and sour chaats, including nashpati bhel – grains topped with a crunchy frozen pear granita – and Raw Belted Galloway beef pepper fry, hot with lots of black pepper. From the counter, marvel at the theatre of chefs grilling on the sigree: aged Swaledale lamb chops, as soft as butter, with a subtle smokiness. And our star among many stars, Sharmaji’s Lahori chicken: gorgeously tender chicken breast with a delicate creamy sauce made with whey that has been reduced to the point of caramelisation and then mixed with ground cashews and spices. Then finish with choc-ice-on-a-stick-style kulfis. bibirestaurants.com Mount St. Restaurant, Mount Street — for London classics On the first floor of The Audley, the Mayfair landmark pub transformed by Artfarm, Mount St Restaurant has bold, timeless style in its light-flooded dining room. There’s art on every surface, from the floor to laden walls, including feature pieces such as Still Life with White Carbs by Keith Tyson. Chef Jamie Shears’s menu of London classics includes lobster pie, and lamb and beef are sourced from Durslade, its farm in Somerset. mountstrestaurant.com Pavyllon, Hamilton Place — for modern French cuisine No one does comfort like a five-star hotel, and French chef Yannick Alléno has settled into the Four Seasons in London with the full weight of his 15 Michelin stars. Pavyllon (an outpost of the Paris restaurant of the same name) is run by executive chef Benjamin Ferra Y Castell when Yannick is away. There’s a huge counter overlooking the open kitchen – sit here for the drama. Try the curry man’ouché; the warm potatoes glazed with lovage mayo, with kombu broth, seaweed and cucumber; and the lamb (recipe, right). Plus, Bar Antoine’s cocktail list by Michele Lombardi can be enjoyed with a bar menu. pavyllonlondon.com Apricity, Duke Street — for low-waste, seasonal cooking Unlike so many box-ready restaurants, chef-owner Chantelle Nicholson wanted Apricity to be “not just sustainable but restorative, a closed-loop of use and re-use”. It’s an aim that requires effort – foraging nettles and hazelnuts in urban London, designing low-waste cocktails, using up-cycled and repurposed furniture – and imaginative flexibility. Day to day, chef Eve Seemann executes dishes such as Cornish mackerel and Shetland mussels with sambal butter and pickled pear, or crispy sprouts with spent-beer vinegar and rosemary. Meanwhile, Chantelle, who first made her name at Tredwells, manages green energy issues, waste-minimal menu planning or gluts of hyper-seasonal produce from suppliers. Many of these hand-picked small producers practise “regenerative farming”, a buzz-term for traditional techniques that nurture diverse, natural landscapes and improve soil health. apricityrestaurant.com Bar des Pres, Albemarle Street — for high-class Asian-French hybrid Leading French chef Cyril Lignac has opened this sleek London outpost of his Parisian Bar des Prés in Mayfair, serving an all-day sharing menu from lunch till late. Key seats are around the counter where sushi chefs prepare Insta-friendly dishes which deliver on flavour, too, such as the signature crunchy crab and avocado galette Madras curry. Other highlights include crispy sushi salmon with chipotle mayo; satay beef fillet with lime and a silky mash potato with vanilla. Desserts, particularly the generous millefeuille with praline, are equally camera-friendly. A lemongrass-spiked margarita, made with mezcal and tequila rimmed with black salt, is the star of the cocktail list. More than two of you? Choose a booth or the high table nearer the entrance. bardespres.com Stork, Cork Street– for Pan-African dishes Situated in the centre of the artistic hub of London’s Mayfair, Stork proudly represents an authentic interpretation of Pan-African cuisine. Its post-pandemic reopening celebrates its reimagined concept, described as “a migration of flavour and culture”. The “flavour” is prepared by a team that boasts a world-class repertoire, led by highly regarded head chef Taalib Adanse and senior sous chef (and former MasterChef: The Professionals finalist) William Chilila. The menu takes you on a culinary journey, having been influenced by cuisines from across the African continent as well as its diaspora. The North African ras el hanout goat beignet, Ghanaian red red with plantain, Jamaican jerk spatchcock poussin and Nigerian puff puff sundae are examples of such influences. An extensive drinks menu supports the food with cocktails from £13 and a wine list featuring Gavi di Gavi at £12 a glass. storkrestaurant.com Madhu's of Mayfair, 21 Piccadilly – for Indian dishes with a Kenyan twist in a sumptuous setting ‘Special occasion’ are the first words that spring to mind when you walk into the ornate dining room of Madhu’s of Mayfair, complete with enormous chandeliers, rococo-style architecture and marble tables. But far from feeling formal, the vibe is fun and friendly, bustling with birthday parties, tourists and after-work businessfolk. The design is the vision of Madhu’s founder Sanjay Anand, who wanted to "create an experience which engages each of the senses – not just taste". The food comes from creative chef Poonam Ball – Sanjay’s sister. She oversees the menus of the Madhu group’s four restaurants. It’s Indian, but with a Kenyan twist, including recipes handed down through four generations from her Nairobi-born mother Krishna and her father Jagdish Kumar Anand (nicknamed Madhu). Choose the signature dishes: palak patta chaat, a pile of crunchy marsh samphire and crispy spinach with warming spices and tangy chutneys; nyamah choma, succulent prime cut lamb ribs marinated in chilli and lemon; and Madhu’s machi's – whole seabass in an onion and carom seed marinade – which is ‘special occasion’ luxurious. madhus.co.uk José Pizarro at Royal Academy of Arts, Burlington Gardens — for daytime tapas in central London gallery Chef José Pizarro’s beautiful new Mayfair outpost is a reflection of the chef’s lifelong love of art. With high ceilings and wood-panelling this light-filled room at Royal Academy of Arts is the ideal daytime spot to enjoy a quick glass of manzanilla and some acorn-fed cinco jotas jamón or a long, lazy lunch. Among José classics such as croquetas, pan con tomate, chorizo al vino and prawns with garlic and chilli are some new additions, including the must-order truffle and Ermenesada cheese toasted sandwich. On the ground floor he has also opened the walk-in Poster Bar, selling delicious bocadillos (sandwiches) and snacks. Both are open during the daytime only, closed on Monday. josepizarro.com Kitty Fisher's, Shepherd Market – for a bistro Red velvet curtains welcome diners into this intimate bistro. A handful of tables sit snugly beside a bar, behind which jars of home-made rhubarb gin, turmeric syrup and fig leaf vodka nestle in amongst trinkets. A creaky wooden staircase in the back corner takes you down past the kitchen into the intimate basement dining room, where dusty-pink banquettes line walls decorated with antique paintings. Start with a round of cocktails. A boozy hanky panky is a more delicate and floral twist on the negroni, while the restaurant's signature Bad Kitty has a subtle sparkle and a syrupy sloegin edge. Order all the bite-sized snacks. A smoky stack of Welsh rarebit is finished on the open grill to make Montgomery's cheddar cheese extra golden; crisp ham hock and jowl croquettes melt in the mouth; fresh, dill-flecked bream tartare is topped with apple slices and grassy green leaves, and a silky-smooth splodge of chicken liver parfait comes with pieces of quince on a seeded cracker. Mains are cooked on a wood-fired grill so take 20-25 minutes to arrive, but it's worth the wait. Pork presa is soft and pink with charred edges, accompanied by a pig-cheek sausage, candied heritage carrots and plums, while meaty monkfish comes on a rich bed of aubergines and tomatoes. Get involved with the sides, too – crunchy layers of deep-fried pressed potatoes or wood-fired Hispi cabbage lifted with mustard seeds, described correctly by the owner as “buttery wonderfulness”. For pudding, try the hazelnut and chocolate ganache with brown butter ice cream, covered in a dome of fluffy hazelnut mousse and dusted in cocoa powder. kittyfishers.com Kanishka, Maddox Street – for regional Indian Focussing on the Seven Sister States as well as nods to Nepal and Bangladesh Kanishka is a modern Indian restaurant it serving a series of tasting menus or, as we went, a la carte. Start with the Gantok momos (steamed Nepalese dumplings), proudly billed as made ‘in-house’ which was telling by the skins being light but still with some bite to them. We also had chef’s Chicken Tikka Pie which wasn’t accredited to a region but still an exemplary piece of proper pie making with well-cooked puff pastry encasing juicy chunks of long marinated chicken. For mains we went with the lightly spiced and coconut sauced Kanishka Seafood curry and underutilised goat cooked slowly until fork tender in a Roganjosh style. Once we added generous serving of puffy paratha, fresh kachumba and signature black dhal to our order we were too full for dessert but the Dark Chocolate Sphere with orange chocolate cream and spiced caramel sauce seemed to be impressing our neighbours with its table-side server theatrics. kanishkarestaurant.co.uk Scott’s, Mount Street – for seafood Celebrity haunt Scott’s has been a resident of Mount Street since 1967 but it actually dates back to 1851 when it was opened as an oyster warehouse, making it one of London’s five oldest restaurants. This Mayfair establishment has welcomed the great and the good for decades, and it’s where James Bond creator Ian Fleming is said to have discovered his ‘shaken not stirred’ dry martini. Since 2005, Scott’s has been owned by Richard Caring, who has retained the restaurant’s character, right down to the bowler-hatted doormen. Eat in either the oyster and champagne bar or the stylish dining room, where blackened miso salmon and goujons of Cornish sole and tartare sauce are among the signature dishes. scotts-restaurant.com Dickie’s Bar, Upper Grosvenor Street – for late-night Irish cocktails Head to Dickie's Bar for an elegant late-night cocktail bar within Corrigan’s Mayfair. Dickie’s Bar oozes Irish charm and, naturally, Irish whiskies feature heavily in cocktails – Jameson Black Barrel is combined with peach, bergamot, vanilla and lemon to create soft and smooth Stage Door Johnny; while dark and punchy Professional Stalker showcases Powers John’s Lane 12-year-old whiskey along with allspice and fig. Illustrations and anecdotes in the menu showcase ingredients picked and shipped over daily from Richard’s 100-acre Virginia Park Lodge in Ireland. Sit on burnt-orange leather stools at the wood-panelled, marble- topped bar and sniff at the various infusions that the team conjures up. corrigansmayfair.co.uk/dickies Sketch, Conduit Street – for contemporary afternoon tea Aside from the other-worldly surroundings, the highlight of afternoon tea at Sketch has to be the tea itself. Waitresses scoot golden tea trollies around the room, each one stacked with glass jars of aromatic loose leaf teas – there are at least 40 to pick from, including whole rosebud, matcha, white peony and Taiwan red jade. Feel free to sniff before you choose, and refills are complimentary. Sketch’s caviar afternoon tea begins, as expected, with a spoon of rich, creamy Oscietra caviar (from Russian sturgeon) – vegetarians get little pearls of cold cauliflower as a clever substitute. Even more enjoyable was the accompanying take on boiled egg and soldiers: a 63 degrees egg yolk nestled inside a deeply flavoursome ‘egg white’ made from comté cheese mornay. Utterly indulgent, and one of the most exciting, innovative ways to kick off an afternoon tea that we’ve ever seen. sketch.london For more afternoon teas in London click here Bentley’s Oyster Bar and Grill, Swallow Street – for oysters Richard Corrigan (see Dickie’s Bar) is chef-owner of Bentley’s Oyster Bar & Grill, open for more than a century. World-famous for its seafood and shellfish, Bentley’s is also revered for its exceptional service. The oyster bar at Bentley’s is one of the things Richard is most proud of, and during the native oyster season from September to April, his staff will shuck more than 1,000 oysters a day. “There’s always an element of fun,” says Richard. bentleys.org The Ritz, Piccadilly – for traditional afternoon tea The Ritz is as iconic as the Queen, and this institutional British hotel keeps up tradition by serving 350 afternoon teas every day. It’s only fitting that afternoon tea at The Ritz is a lavish affair; the formal dress code requires men to wear shirt and tie, doors are opened for you by folk in top hats, and the resident pianist, Ian Gomes, who flutters away most days during afternoon tea service, used to play with Frank Sinatra. Afternoon tea at The Ritz is taken in the Palm Court, an area raised up from the rest of the hotel’s lobby like a marble-floored stage. The Louis XVI-style set is beautifully ornate, with pristine white tablecloths laid out beneath intricate chandeliers, giant palms and gold-gilt mirrors. Choose from the 18-strong tea menu that has been curated and exclusively blended by The Ritz’s tea sommelier, Giandomenico Scanu. There are black tea blends, fermented Oolongs, herbal fruit teas and even The Ritz’s own Chai. We tried The Ritz Royal English, a classic black tea blend, combining aromatic Ceylon orange pekoe and rich Assam. theritzlondon.com For more afternoon teas in London, click here Cubé, Blenheim Street – for sushi and Japanese 'tapas' This sleek, intimate restaurant brings sushi and Japanese ‘tapas’ with a fine dining twist to Mayfair. Butter-soft scallops are a must if you’re a seafood obsessive; perfectly cooked, they came drizzled with an intense sea urchin butter so delicious we nearly drank it directly from the scallop shell it was served in. The soft, tender lamb with a bronzed, crisp ribbon of fat was another hit; the sour, refreshing oroshi a clever spin on a classic mint sauce. cubemayfair.com Ginza Onodera, Bury Street – for high-end Japanese The menu is extensive and detailed at this Mayfair institution, starting with kobachi (little snacks) followed by starters, sashimi and sushi, tempura, soups, robata and teppanyaki. Ginza Onodera’s prestigious Mayfair location is reflected in the liberal use of high-end, luxurious ingredients, from Kobe beef to Norwegian king crab. The best way to sample a little of everything is to try one of the sushi platters; from plump slices of butter-soft, fatty marbled tuna and luscious scoops of sea urchin to (predictably good) slices of Kobe beef and creamy seared yellowtail. ginza-stjames.com Check out more London restaurant guides here: Best restaurants in Chelsea Best restaurants in Marylebone Best restaurants in Kings Cross Best restaurants in Fitzrovia Best restaurants in Brixton Best restaurants in Notting Hill Best restaurants in Battersea Best restaurants in Shoreditch Best restaurants in Camden Best restaurants in Covent Garden Best restaurants in Soho Best restaurants in London Bridge Best restaurants in Hackney Best restaurants in Paddington
Best Knightsbridge restaurants: where to eat in the elegant London district
From contemporary Japanese to modern Indian flavours and stylish afternoon tea, check out our pick of some of the most lavish dining rooms in central London
Looking for Knightsbridge restaurants? Check out where to eat and drink in this elegant London district, then find more recommendations for where to eat and drink in Chelsea, our favourite restaurants in Soho and discover more of our London restaurant reviews. Our pick of the best restaurants in Knightsbridge Dinings SW3 – for contemporary Japanese izakaya and sushi A grade-II listed building tucked away on a quiet street in Knightsbridge is where tiny Marylebone restaurant Dinings opened its second home in 2017. Subtle touches include warm towels and edamame beans brought to the table shortly after being seated. Order a cocktail while you peruse the menu of sashimi, sushi and modern Japanese tapas that has evolved from traditional Japanese Izakaya cuisine. Yuzu and sansho pepper lift the refreshing paloma, while Roku gin and cherry infused vermouth add richness to a classic negroni. Or, try Dinings’ own-label sake from Konotomo, a family-run brewery in Japan. Start with the impressive sashimi platter; a heavy stone box filled with ice piled high with tiny, perfectly constructed mouthfuls, such as mosaic salmon wrapped in crunchy kohlrabi, sea bass carpaccio and hay-smoked toro (fatty tuna). The gentle smoky flavour is achieved with a Josper grill, using charcoals that reach 480C, which also help to create other robata-style dishes on the menu, such as tender chicken teriyaki skewers and scallops with punchy and refreshing wasabi salsa. Handmade udon noodles are elegantly presented in the restaurant's umami-rich susuru broth for a soothing warmer in the colder months. Expect to leave feeling somewhere between happily zen and really special from the attentive Japanese hospitality (and we recommend a jar of chef Masaki Sugisaki’s crunchy chilli oil in hand...). diningssw3.co.uk Vatavaran – for Indian flavours with a modern twist Inspired by the Indian Himalayas, the latest restaurant from Rohit Ghai, takes its name from the Sanskrit translation of atmosphere. Spread across four floors in the heart of Knightsbridge, each has its own vibe: Brook and Ridge are buzzy and casual, while Meadow and Shikhar (meaning peak) create more of a special occasion ambience. As with Rohit’s other venues, Manthan and Kutir, the food combines classic Indian flavours with a modern twist. Start with the indori poha chaat – plump dumplings with tamarind and pressed rice – a satisfying explosion of crunch, tang and spice; and ghati masala prawns, fried in crispy batter and dressed with peanuts and sesame. Come with a crowd for the mains – they’re spectacular. Lamb shank biriyani arrives with a pastry lid which is cracked open at the table, before the soft meat is shredded from the bone. Butter chicken is among the best we’ve ever tried (in a fiercely competitive field): succulent chicken thigh meat in a smoky-sweet, vine tomato sauce. Neelgiri lobster is exceptional, served in a fresh coriander sauce with the tail shell decorating the plate. To drink, try Nisha, a refreshing gin with cucumber and elderflower, then finish with Lava, a chocolate and cardamom kulfi with meringue. vatavaran.uk Sachi at The Pantechnicon This atmospheric Japanese restaurant lies on the lower ground floor of destination design, shopping and eating complex, The Pantechnicon. While just a few moments from busy Knightsbridge, its dim lighting, Japanese garden decor and hidden booths make it feel like another world. The menu features regional Japanese dishes using the best British ingredients, such as Scottish scallops and lobster and Cornish monkfish, many cooked over fire on the robata grill. Among favourites such as sashimi, nigiri and maki rolls, agedashi tofu, tempura and a magnificent nasu (miso aubergine), discover some unique dishes such as seabass with lava salt and seabuckthorn, butinako – a rich pork belly braised in barley miso – shortrib with fermented mushroom and black garlic, and luxurious wagyu with beetroot and miso. The sommelier will guide you through each course, explaining the source and complexities of each saki as you go. Finish your meal with a sakura cocktail (gin, vermouth and peach) in Sakaya, the tiny whisky bar. pantechnicon.com/sachi The Rosebery Lounge at Mandarin Oriental – for Asian-inspired afternoon tea Afternoon tea at the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park is taken in The Rosebery Lounge, a grand yet unstuffy dining room with high ceilings and a small, stylish bar offering a selection of wines and spirits, including Chêne Bleu Domaine De la Verrière rosé, Goose Island IPA and Hendrick’s gin. Speckled antique mirrors and contemporary abstract art line the walls, and individual metal coat stands (tree-like) are brought to intimate, low, dark-wood tables. Elegant chandeliers and large windows facing onto Knightsbridge high street make the lounge bright, and a rose and ginger scent infuses throughout the room. We were greeted by a friendly and informative waiter who explained the options available: beer afternoon tea, teamaster’s choice, sake afternoon tea, mini afternoon tea (for children under 12) or traditional champagne afternoon tea. We opted for the latter, which came with R de Ruinart rosé champagne and R de Ruinart white champagne, both smooth, chilled and crisp, the rosé leaving slight floral notes after each sip. mandarinoriental.com Tom Brown at The Capital – for elevated seafood dishes Tom Brown made a name for himself at his fish restaurant, Cornerstone, in Hackney Wick, where he quickly gained a Michelin star. The chef has since travelled west, bringing his seafood skills to The Capital Hotel’s ivy-clad red brick building in the heart of Knightsbridge. Pass through the reception for a punchy After Dark cocktail at the moon-themed bar – an elegant cocoon of deep blue. Continue to the main restaurant, elegantly embellished with white tablecloths, statement chandeliers and constellation-themed hand-painted ceiling reflected in mirrored cornicing. Dishes are intricately presented like artwork on the plate, most notably in a sea bream tartare, delicately layered with sliced radishes and finished with slow-cooked quail’s egg in a ponzu dressing laced with jalapeño oil. To kick off, crisp lobster toast is a must, topped with tail and claw tartare, lardo and shellfish ketchup. Next comes the bread course – light, fluffy, still-warm chocopan scattered with dehydrated scallop roe, and Guinness and seaweed soda bread to slather in crab oil and cultured butter. Showstopping fish cooking continues in the mains with the likes of pan-roasted monkfish with a varietal trio of pumpkin served confit, crushed and puréed, all coated in rich lobster sauce. To finish, rich pauper treacle cake is created using left-over bread, layered with pear membrillo and a slice of Cashel Blue cheese, with a crème brûlée style pear tuile balanced on top. tombrownatthecapital.com CLAP – for people watching This lively Knightsbridge restaurant is the place to be if you like entertainment in the form of DJs and people-watching with dinner. An international set, familiar with its branches in Beirut, Dubai and Riyadh, laps up the bustle of the open kitchen and sushi bar, which turns out modern Japanese dishes with luxurious touches, such as truffle edamame, a surprising shiitake and sesame salad, hamachi sashimi, otoro and wagyu nigiri, black cod miso and kimchi-spiked lamb rack. Desserts are big on drama, too – the natsu platter is stacked with exotic fruit, matcha cheesecake and mochi. A rooftop bar has views over the city and fascinating light fittings that are made for Instagram. claprestaurant.com Nanyang Blossom – for creative cooking from Southern China Taking inspiration from the Nanyang region (Southern China, Malaysia and Indonesia), chef Daren Liew’s creates dishes as pleasing to the eye as to the taste buds. Prawn toast is reimagined using edamame to add colour and almonds for extra crunch. Two premium signatures include luxe ingredients: Deluxe Hokkien ‘stir-fry’ of wild prawns, abalone (a lightly sweet and salty delicacy) in a prawn stock with bottarga powder and egg; and Miyazaki beef with small plates including a piquant pickled okra. Sea bass is grilled with turmeric and ginger flower with blue pea rice. With clever lighting and panelled walls, the small dining room shimmers. Attentive service (and high prices) reflect its Knightsbridge location. nanyangblossom.co.uk Osteria Romana – for authentic Roman cooking The structure of the menu at Osteria Romana is classically Italian, divided into antipasti, pasta and soups, and main courses, plus dessert. Order all four courses for a true Italian feast, though as portions are generous (particularly the pasta), just one would do if you’re after something lighter. Prices, while not low, are still reasonable for this expensive part of London. Dishes on offer maintain a strictly Roman focus – ingredients like salt cod, pecorino, artichokes and broad beans abound, and the menu is full of classics native to the Eternal City, from cacio e pepe and bucatini amatriciana to Roman-style tripe and oxtail stew. osteriaromana.co.uk abc Kitchens – for global sharing dishes Renowned New York chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten has curated the concept and all-day menu at this glamorous all-suite hotel. Featuring dishes from three of his NYC restaurants, influences range from Mexico to Japan to Italy, with British ingredients playing a starring role. English peas are added to guacamole; tacos are filled with south coast battered john dory; toasts are topped with Dorset crab and wildflowers. Everything is designed to share and there are plenty of crowd pleasers like burgers; three-cheese and truffle pizza; lemony chicken and rice with a side of homemade hot sauce with crisp crackling for added crunch. There are moments of genius, too, with a hero dish of Orkney scallop tartare, served in the shell and spooned onto shiso leaves and translucent slices of kohlrabi. Puddings include a deconstructed salted caramel, peanut and popcorn sundae. Views over Hyde Park and Knightsbridge, sumptuous banquettes and joyful bursts of colour in Damien Hirst’s The Secret Gardens artworks complete the upmarket vibe. the-emory.co.uk/restaurants-bars/abc-kitchens/ The Georgian at Harrods, Knightsbridge – for elevated pies in iconic luxury surroundings There’s a place for traditionally glamorous, formal dining and Harrods is just that. While its ground floor dining hall reflects the tastes of both global restaurant-curious Londoners and food-savvy international visitors, the fourth-floor The Georgian is a British affair. By day, afternoon tea is taken in the vast, regal, chandeliered space. At night, there are cocktails, a pianist and gloriously old-fashioned trolley service. Pies are the must-order here – chef, previously of the much-lauded The Pie Room at Rosewood London, Calum Franklin’s curation includes beef shin and squash; lobster; chicken and penny bun; plus the signature lamb – with ratatouille, anchovy tempura and sweetbread for two. Whipped potatoes with buttermilk make an indulgent side dish. Pie refuseniks can chose from mains of dover sole, cod or chicken. But first there is bread with Marmite butter, starters of crab tart or pâté en croûte. Crowd-pleasing puddings include sticky toffee, lemon tart and a trifle where layers of apple, calvados and vanilla cream are constructed tableside. harrods.com/en-gb/c/restaurants/the-georgian
Best restaurants in Chelsea: where to eat and drink
Check out our favourite restaurants and pubs in Chelsea, from top-quality Indian cooking to Michelin-starred fine dining
Looking for Chelsea restaurants? Here are our favourite restaurants in Chelsea, covering top spots along the King's Road, Sloane Square and more. From irresistible tandoori lamb at Kutir to burgers and hot dogs from Tom Kerridge at The Butcher's Grill, these are the spots worth knowing. For more restaurant guides, check out our picks of the best restaurants in Mayfair, best restaurants in Knightsbridge, where to eat in Marylebone and lots more. Best places to eat and drink in Chelsea Ixchel, King's Road Tucked away on an unassuming corner of the King’s Road, Ixchel feels designed for long lunches and fun, cocktail-fuelled dinners. The dining space blends earthy tones with hand-painted murals and soft, draped curtains that separate it from Chelsea’s bustle. There’s room for intimate dates in alcove tables, while larger groups can take over the downstairs private dining space. The mood is relaxed yet refined – effortlessly put together without trying too hard, perfect for post-shopping margaritas. If it’s on the menu, don’t miss the spicy mango margarita, a thick, tropical special laced with just enough Tajín to keep things interesting. Guacamole is generously portioned, best scooped up with crisp totopos (though they could do with an extra hit of salt). The sautéed prawn tacos deliver beautifully smoky char against fresh, crunchy cabbage, wrapped in some of the best tasting homemade tortillas. The Hereford ribeye – substituted for T-bone on this occasion – arrives with grilled chorizo and chiles toreados, all cooked to perfection, though a touch of freshness wouldn’t go amiss. Service is swift – perhaps even a little too swift – but the lively, well-designed space makes it easy to settle in. If you’re after something sweet, the Mexican mango with chamoy and lime sorbet is a simple pleasure, like a deconstructed margarita. A polished, fun Chelsea take on Mexican dining. ixchellondon.com Kora, King's Road On the bustling King’s Road you can find Kora, a contemporary Mediterranean restaurant at the bottom of Beaufort House. Stepping through the door into the welcoming dining room you will immediately be taken away to thoughts of elegant coastal dining on a warm evening in the Med. The menu is designed for sharing, perfect for a long lunch with friends or an evening date night. The menu features fresh, seasonal British produce for classic Mediterranean flavours with a Chelsea twist. The food is served as it’s ready, so start with a selection of dips and warm, perfectly salted pitta bread. The raw bluefin tuna served with radicchio and sweet currants was a standout of the evening, great for sharing alongside one of the salads. From the larger plates the lamb shoulder with labneh and corn-fed poussin chicken come highly recommended. Their bar, which is on full display as you walk in, serves up a lovely selection of signature cocktails, including non-alcoholic options, and the wine menu will leave you spoilt for choice. korachelsea.co.uk Kutir, Lincoln Street Walking into Kutir is akin to entering someone’s home – someone with an eye for interior design and a penchant for elegance. With its mint green and floral walls and dramatic chandeliers, the Georgian townhouse – in a smart side street off Chelsea’s King’s Road – oozes intimacy. Come here with a loved one or friend for a special occasion. But, most of all, come for Rohit Ghai’s cooking – an extensive exploration of India’s vast food heritage. Tasting menus are the way to go, with or without wine pairings. The signature Expedition menu (£75 per person) delivers six dishes, plus tadka dal, breads and rice. Plump, pink prawns are elevated with a dusting of coconut, sesame and peanuts. The richness of salmon tikka – so tender it’s spoonable – is off-set by pickled radish. Tandoori lamb chop – the star of the menu – is as fat as a cushion and just as luxurious, marinated with smoky black cumin. Then, choose between the nation’s favourite, chicken tikka masala, or spicy duck madras, with a hint of tamarind sourness. Finish with an unctuous date pecan pudding or refreshing pineapple and coconut. Kutir’s new garden is a sun-drenched terrace made for summer sipping. From 1-5pm, a three-course menu at £35 offers excellent value – expect familiar favourites like chicken tikka masala alongside standout plates such as truffle khichdi, a luxe twist on the classic lentil and rice kedgeree. kutir.co.uk Rabbit, King's Road This King’s Road farm-to-fork restaurant has had a glow-up, now with added robata grill and rotisserie to add an extra sense of theatre to this always-heaving dining room. Continuing to offer countryside classics, its original small plates concept has been replaced with more robust, bistro-style mains like chilli glazed pork with pickled red cabbage; spiced cauliflower and mixed wild mushrooms; and venison haunch with celeriac. Signature snacks remain – Marmite éclair with egg confit and cornichon is a one-bite wonder; as is a whipped cod’s roe rice cracker. Puddings – sticky toffee, chocolate mousse, vanilla set cream – are gloriously rich and unpretentious. Owned by the Gladwin brothers, of Sussex’s Nutbourne Vineyards, the wine list features their own sparklings. The Daily Loosener cocktail, which might be a sloe gin and Aperol with soda, reflects the team’s playful ethos, albeit underpinned by a more serious commitment to sustainably across all aspects of the restaurant. rabbit-restaurant.com Fantomas, King's Road Every inch of this beautifully designed and lit restaurant is intriguing, from its intimate cocktail bar, open kitchen and wine wall to the private dining space behind a prominent curtain. There’s fascination on the plate, too. Chris Denney’s menu shows influences from Europe, Asia and beyond. Snacks range from a robust focaccia with a sublime chicken liver pâté for the table to a dashi broth spiked with mustard oil. There are savoury, salty and tangy flavours in veal sweetbreads with bulgogi and sour cabbage; and a delicate wild seabass carpaccio with jalapeño and kalamansi; iberico pork chop with quince and lime is topped with black radish; celeriac is made into something special with hollandaise and shaved truffle. And more surprises on the wine list – smart pairings include a sparkling shiraz with chocolate log and jerusalem artichoke ice cream. fantomas.co.uk Three Little Darlings, Pavilion Road Jason and Irha Atherton’s ‘English bistro’ is named for their three daughters. Its all-day menu appeals equally to families, to groups of friends and for date nights, with seasonal variations and sensible pricing to encourage regular visits. Choose your spot on the covered terrace off Pavilion Road or take a seat in front of the pass and watch the chefs cooking on the Josper grill. Sharing small plates include woodfired fermented Orkney scallop with fermented miso; char siu Shorthorn short ribs; octopus with butter bean aïoli and Yukon Gold cooked in the embers with Lincolnshire Poacher – a posh twist on a cheesy baked potato. The quality of ingredients elevates the experience and surprising twists are designed to delight: monkfish tail is served with a wedge of vibrant Baches citrus; and skate wing schnitzel with katsu sauce and lime. Desserts range from comforting to luxe – bun and butter pudding or soft serve topped with caviar. The wine-curious may be rewarded with a trip to the secret cellar. threedarlingslondon.com The Butcher’s Tap and Grill, Tryon Street A meat chamber filled with labelled cuts is the first sign that this is no ordinary boozer. The London outpost of Tom Kerridge’s pub joins the Marlow original in offering superior steaks and sauces: prime bone in ribeye with jalapeño mayo and truffle fries enjoyed in a leather booth feels right in this smart neighbourhood just three minutes from Sloane Square and shopper’s paradise King’s Road. True to its pub roots there are chops, burgers, kebabs and hot dogs, real ales and beer on tap, and sport on the TV screens. Tom has a knack for making everyone welcome, from locals popping by to collect a Friday night takeaway to destination diners and football fans catching the match over a pint or two. thebutcherstapandgrill.co.uk/chelsea Bottarga, King's Road On a corner spot on the King’s Road, this Greek restaurant is a visual treat: cleverly lit, with playful modern art. Lovingly sourced ingredients in hero dishes ensure food is the focus, best enjoyed at a counter seat along the open kitchen. Silky taramasalata is topped with cod’s roe; anchovies served with sheep’s milk butter and slivers of crisp flatbread are a must-order; signature dish bottarga orzo is creamy and rich, perfectly paired with lamb and a superior Greek salad with caper leaf, barrel-aged feta and rusks. While chef Tzoulio Loulai sources ingredients from his homeland, the menu is not slavishly Greek: chocolate burnt cheesecake and salted caramel is a big hit on Instagram. A Greek house soundtrack ensures a buzzing atmosphere. bottarga.london The Pig’s Ear, Old Church Street The new incarnation of the pub that’s been around since 1870 focusses on all the good stuff: oysters, Sussex beer, wine from owners the Gladwin brothers’ Nutbourne vineyard and seasonal veg from their farm, pies, hearty Sunday roasts. Snacks to kick off are a little more refined: devilled quail’s eggs and signature mushroom Marmite eclairs borrowed from the Gladwins’ other restaurant menus, and alongside comfort puddings is the must-order bun filled with meadowsweet cream and salted caramel. The curated set menu pairs six seasonal dishes with Nutbourne, French and Italian wines. Eat in the chandeliered but informal and cosy bar or the more sedate upstairs dining room. pigsearpub.com The Campaner, Chelsea Barracks Hidden within the new Chelsea Barracks development and opposite the stunning Garrison Chapel, The Campaner offers an exciting Catalonian menu. When the sun’s out, there’s an ample terrace to people-watch and enjoy the dining experience alfresco. It’s rare in London to find somewhere so close the hustle and bustle of city life while remaining peaceful. The menu has a good selection of dishes with a grounding in Catalan cuisine. Particular favourites were the iberian ham croquetas which had the perfect balance between ham and cheese in the filling as well as the seafood salpicón salad and ajoblanco, which was like a chopped seafood salad full of fresh summer flavours. For meat lovers, the iberian pork rice with brava sauce is a great sharing dish with smoky, perfectly cooked pork and a handful of jalapeños on top to give you true Spanish flavours. To finish, the pa amb oli I xocolata is a lovely, rich chocolate ganache, or the strawberry mille-feuille is a fresh way to finish, especially during the summer months. Ask for a view of the church to give you Spanish village vibes, especially when the sun is shining. thecampaner.com Azzurra, Sloane Street With its plump, stripy banquettes, seafood bar and striking trawler net sculpture, this elegant restaurant evokes memories of sunnier climes. It is your portal to southern Italy on Chelsea’s Sloane Street. Exec chef Andrea Mura’s menu pairs impeccable British seafood with gourmet Italian ingredients, not least in a dish of lorighittas, a twisted, hooped pasta from Andrea’s native Sardinia: “One of the few in the world that cannot be made by machinery.” It is served with octopus cooked in a Calabrian chilli and Datterini tomato sauce, finished with parsley emulsion and Sardinian olive oil. azzurrarestaurant.co.uk Elystan Street, Elystan Street Elystan Street comes from restaurateur Rebecca Mascarenhas and chef Phil Howard, previously of The Square in Mayfair. Open all day, it serves “delicious, clean, ingredient-led dishes, full of natural vitality,” according to Phil, in an elegant space designed by Clare Nelson. It’s a 64-seat dining room with near floor-to-ceiling windows lining two walls, blue and soft salmon coloured chairs, and teal leather banquettes. The food is modern British, with dishes typically including smoked mackerel velouté with Porthilly oysters, leek hearts and eel toast; fillet of cod with lightly curried cauliflower purée, golden raisins, coriander and lime; and roasted figs with goat’s milk ice cream, lemon and thyme fritters and olive oil. There’s also a dedicated lunch menu and an elevated Sunday lunch menu – roast chicken thigh comes with chou farci, chanterelles, slow cooked leeks and truffled consommé. elystanstreet.com Wulf & Lamb, Pavilion Road It’s no surprise that Sloane Square vegan restaurant Wulf & Lamb has gained such a big following given head chef Franco Casolin used to work at the groundbreaking vegetarian restaurant Vanilla Black. Among Wulf & Lamb’s most popular dishes are the chilli ’non’ carne (made with kidney beans and mushrooms served on herb rice with cashew soured cream and lime) and the Wulf burger, a ‘meaty’ patty made with marinated seitan and cashew aïoli. “We believe that food should be delicious, guilt-free and make you feel good,” says owner Rosanna von Zweigbergk. “With the growing interest in the benefits of a plant-based diet, more and more people are discovering that vegan food isn’t restrictive or boring but very tasty, indulgent and diverse.” wulfandlamb.com The Fuji Grill at Beaverbrook Town House, Sloane Street Take a counter seat to see sushi master Goemon Ishikawa at work as he prepares an exquisite omakase (chef's choice) menu at this plush new Chelsea hotel. Around 20 bite-sized dishes are prepared with skill, precision and imagination and offered with short introductions and suggested wine pairings. From the first dish of red bream with pickled kohlrabi through to a dinky dessert of matcha cake with poached pear, there are intriguing combinations of Japanese and British ingredients. Highlights are hamachi with smoked aubergine purée and caviar; texturally interesting squid and cauliflower; home-smoked salmon and British finger lime; and six-day dry-aged akami zuke, chu toro and o toro (tuna). The meal closes with a 'cheese' course of ankimo (monkish liver) with chutney and fennel cracker and a bowl of delicate clear broth. While the entrance to the restaurant is through the lively hotel bar, the restaurant itself is quieter and soothingly art deco in style with walls featuring pictures of Mount Fuji. There are two sittings, 6pm and 8.30pm, with counter space for just six guests. beaverbrooktownhouse.co.uk Check out more London restaurant guides here: Best restaurants in Marylebone Best restaurants in Mayfair Best restaurants in Fitzrovia Best restaurants near Oxford Street Best restaurants in Brixton Best restaurants in Notting Hill Best restaurants in Shoreditch Best restaurants in Camden Best restaurants in Covent Garden Best restaurants in Soho Best restaurants in London Bridge Best restaurants in Hackney Best restaurants in Paddington
15 best Michelin star restaurants in London
Looking for a memorable meal? Our expert reviewer shares some of the best restaurants in London with one Michelin star
London's one Michelin-starred restaurants have never been more diverse and are all the thrilling for it. Awards are given, says Michelin, ‘to restaurants offering outstanding cooking'. Michelin take into account five criteria to make their judgements: 'the quality of the ingredients, the harmony of flavours, the mastery of techniques, the personality of the chef as expressed through their cuisine and, just as importantly, consistency both across the entire menu and over time.’ The 15 restaurants here have earned a place on our list because they deliver beautifully cooked and presented dishes with integrity and imagination, teamed with engaging service. Restaurants with one Michelin star (as opposed to those with two or three) tend towards a more relaxed vibe where interaction with the kitchen and front of house team make the experience a lot of fun. For more restaurant inspiration, check out our picks of 10 UK and European hotels with Michelin-starred restaurants and the UK's best fine-dining restaurants. Best one Michelin-starred restaurants in London St Barts, Smithfield Modern British tasting menus rooted in sustainability Tucked beside the historic St Bartholomew the Great church, St Barts offers a deeply original fine dining experience with sustainability at its core. The team behind Nest and Nest Farmhouse, including chef Johnnie Crowe, have created a restaurant focused exclusively on British produce, much of it sourced from its own regenerative farm in Norfolk. The experience begins in a lounge with snacks and drinks before you’re guided into a minimalist dining room facing ancient cloisters. The menu is set (10 courses for dinner; five- or eight-course options at lunch), with dishes like aged Welsh wagyu beef with Scottish shrimp and turbot, house miso and yuzu, or unusual specials like British octopus. There’s no unnecessary luxury – every element has purpose, from the produce to the plating (and Michelin has recognised this by giving St Barts a Green Star ‘as a role model for sustainable gastronomy’ as well as one star). The wine list leans low-intervention and European, while the inventive non-alcoholic pairings use shrubs, infusions and seasonal produce. Service is precise and warm, often with chefs presenting the dishes themselves. restaurant-stbarts.co.uk AngloThai, Marylebone Thai fire cooking with British produce Winning a star in 2025 just three months after it opened, chef and co-founder John Chantarasak’s Marylebone dining room is built around charcoal cooking, fermented chilli heat and hyper-seasonal British ingredients. Dishes like Carlingford Oyster, sea buckthorn and fermented chilli; Blythburgh pork, scallop roe and smoked chilli relish, and a curry of Ryall Farm hogget, Câr-y-Môr cockles and herbs are unique, as is the signature Brixham crab, Exmoor caviar and coconut ash cracker for which many people are happy to pay a supplement on the tasting menu offered at lunch. The wine list highlights bottles made with innovative methods with a particular focus on Austria, expertly curated by co-founder Desiree Chantarasak. The room is understated, wood-lined, bustling and informal and the colour-themed loos offer an extra surprise. anglothai.co.uk Pavyllon London, Park Lane Precise French dining with flair The London outpost of celebrated French chef Yannick Alléno is helmed by Benjamin Ferra y Castell, who channels classic technique through a modern lens. Diners sit at a wraparound counter, engaging directly with the kitchen and front-of-house teams. The à la carte menu offers structure and freedom, but the four- and six-course tasting menus are where the team’s creativity shines. Dishes balance elegance – like steamed scallops with celeriac essence – and indulgence in the showy “badaboum” egg with caviar. Mains range from light poached fish to crispy, schnitzel-style Lake District pork with smoked pike and trout roe. Desserts continue the theme with reinventions like cardamom-spiked tiramisu. And as its part of the Four Seasons hotel, breakfast is an event, too, with the smart money being on steak and eggs or the Frenglish platter of pommes Anna, sausage, bacon, black pudding, roasted tomatoes, mushroom, baked beans and eggs. pavyllonlondon.com Akoko, Fitzrovia West African fire cooking Akoko brings the layered, spice-rich cuisines of West Africa to Fitzrovia, delivering fine dining that’s bold, refined and deeply rooted in culture. Executive chef Mutaro Balde crafts two tasting menus — a five- or eight-course format — built around fire-cooked proteins, fermentation and heat. Signature dishes include moi moi (a black-eyed bean pudding with mackerel), goat with cashew cream and caviar, and jollof rice with Lake District beef and shito XO. The progression of dishes builds like a story, climaxing with bright, sweet notes such as zobo granita with hibiscus and chin chin (fried dough) with caramelised white chocolate. Seats, at the counter or around the warm dining room with terracotta tones and traditional ceramics, face towards the open kitchen. Its open fire grill links the cooking to its roots and cocktails draw on regional ingredients like kola nut and scotch bonnet. akoko.co.uk Lita, Marylebone Bold Southern European fire-led dishes Lita is all about fire, flavour and fun. Opened by chef Luke Ahearne (ex-Corrigan’s, Clove Club, Luca), it’s a Southern European-influenced spot that earned its star in under a year. The à la carte format is relaxed, dishes are punchy and designed to share like strozzapreti with duck ragù; raw tuna with tomato and fennel, or whole grilled turbot. The room is stylish and low-lit, with rich textures and an open kitchen. A chef’s counter offers the best seats in the house, close to the action, flames and banter, but there’s no bad table here. Lita’s strength lies in the perfect combination of kitchen skills and a youthful, informal and slick front of house team – creating an energy in the room that’s unique. litamarylebone.com Behind, Hackney Immersive, imaginative counter dining Named as in what happens ‘behind the scenes' in a professional kitchen. Awarded a star just 20 days after opening in October 2020, this is chef Andy Beynon’s intimate, immersive restaurant on the edge of London Fields. With just 18 counter seats facing an open kitchen, guests are served each course of the seasonal, fish-forward tasting menu directly by the chefs – one sitting per service, and all diners are served in unison. Imaginative dishes showcase British seafood; highlights have included Cornish blue lobster on a toasted English muffin with yuzu, native oyster tacos with gentleman’s relish, and smoked pike mousse topped with trout roe. Crab and ajo blanco with melon is cool and clean; scallop with vin jaune and hazelnuts brings richness and depth. A prawn consommé paired with a soft prawn bun is a standout, as is roasted hake with smoked kipper beurre blanc and crisp croquettes. The six- or 10-course menus evolve with the seasons, celebrating precision and produce over fads. A lovely final touch: guests receive a laminated 'Behind bun' to take home for breakfast. behindrestaurant.co.uk Amaya, Belgravia Indian grill with dramatic flair Amaya has been a pioneer of Indian fine dining over fire, focussing on clean, vibrant flavours cooked over charcoal since opening in 2004 – and has held a star for 20 years. The dramatic grill-led kitchen serves beautifully executed dishes inspired by India’s tandoor, sigri and tawa techniques. The tasting menu hits all the notes: lamb chops marinated in mustard and chilli, buttery tandoori scallops, and crisp, gem-like chaats and vegetarian dishes equally dazzle. Cocktails and wine are thoughtfully matched and the room – all marble, dark wood and flames – is celebratory without being stuffy. amaya.biz Oma, Borough Market Greek inspiration Chef-turned-restaurateur David Carter has the midas touch and nowhere more so than at Oma, an ode to Greek hospitality, delivering fire-led dishes that are full of flavour and imagination. Regular research trips continue to develop the menu but there’s always consistency in pillowy breads, bagel-like açma and punchy dips; delicate crudo plates in citrus and sea herbs; whole turbot; lamb in green sauce and the must-order oxtail and bone marrow giouvetsi – a gutsy orzo-based dish. The indoor space glows with dark wood, textured walls and a wall of wine featuring over 400 bottles inspired by the sea, while the terrace gives a great view of Borough’s action. oma.london Sushi Kanesaka, Mayfair Luxurious 20-course omakase Its discreet location in the exclusive 45 Park Lane hotel, part of the Dorchester Group, signals the world-class standard of this sushi offering. Exquisite ingredients, preparation and cooking are matched by a front of house team who are on hand to explain the traditions and micro-seasonality of each of the 20 courses. During both two-hour sittings each evening, diners can see the knife skills of head chef Hirotaka Wada up close, as they prepare a series of sushi plates, including yariika (squid) with beluga caviar, otoro (fatty tuna) and botan ebi (prawn). Rice is the perfect temperature and texture to highlight the individual flavours of the fish. Other highlights include kobe beef with wasabi (freshly grated) and tempura of Scottish lobster with a rich Japanese tartare sauce. A sake pairing is also offered. The room is sleek and minimalist, with just nine seats along the counter and an adjacent four-person counter within a private dining room. dorchestercollection.com/london/45-park-lane/dining/sushi-kanesaka KOL, Marylebone Modern Mexican cuisine reimagined through British ingredients Opened in 2020, KOL is the Michelin-starred restaurant from chef Santiago Lastra, known for redefining Mexican cuisine through the lens of British ingredients. Drawing on his heritage and research-led approach, Lastra crafts bold, complex dishes using sustainable, often foraged UK produce. At its heart is nixtamalised corn, made from rare heritage varieties grown in collaboration with British farmers. Signature dishes include langoustine in fermented chilli broth, tamales from British heirloom corn, and tacos with Kentish pork and sea buckthorn salsa. Plant-based menus showcase similar depth, with coal-roasted beetroot ceviche and smoked mushroom tacos. A dessert and drinks space within the mezcaleria now forms the final act of the meal, echoing the bar culture of Oaxaca. Guests are invited downstairs for sweets by head of pastry Laura Petersén and mezcals, cocktails and infusions served via a custom trolley. The interiors remain warm and tactile — terracotta walls, carved oak, handmade ceramics. kolrestaurant.com Sollip, London Bridge Precise Korean-European fusion Meaning “pine needle” in Korean, Sollip draws inspiration from the traditional use of pine to gently infuse dishes with smoke and care. Husband-and-wife chefs Woongchul Park and Bomee Ki trained in French cuisine and their food reflects this, combined with Korean traditions. Seasonal tasting menus at lunch and dinner feature dishes like monkfish with red cabbage and elderberry, pork with white asparagus and wild garlic, and pain perdu infused with mugwort. Other standouts include gamtae-wrapped beef tartare, courgette flower with brown crab, and a delicate tarte tatin made with daikon. Ingredients like nurungji (crispy rice), gamtae (Korean seaweed), and kimchi are woven into dishes that feel both European and Korean in spirit. The wine list focuses on small European producers, while non-alcoholic pairings are equally elegant and nuanced. Every element, from ceramics to pacing echoes the restaurant’s thoughtful, precise approach. sollip.co.uk Elystan Street Smart neighbourhood gem This Chelsea restaurant from acclaimed chef Philip Howard delivers confident British cooking. Head chef Michael Olive brings vitality to the menu, updating it regularly with seasonal, ingredient-led dishes. Dishes might include Orkney scallop ravioli in a frothy bisque; double baked soufflé with cave-aged cheddar and truffle; while the ‘Six of the Best’ tasting menu offers seasonal stars, all reflecting Howard’s signature gimmick-free style. The three-course set lunch and early supper menu is a local favourite and there are family tables for all ages, while Sunday lunch draws a loyal following from Chelsea and beyond. The light-filled dining room between South Kensington and King’s Road has a busy, buzzy vibe. elystanstreet.com Chishuru Modern West African Chishuru, awarded its Michelin star in 2024, is a trailblazer in London’s vibrant dining scene, presenting authentic West African cuisine with contemporary finesse. Founded and led by chef and owner Adejoké Bakare, Chishuru brings deeply personal and celebratory dishes to the capital, drawing on rich Nigerian and broader west African culinary traditions. The restaurant offers set menus only at lunch and dinner, allowing diners to explore bold, nuanced flavours that showcase seasonal British produce alongside traditional west African ingredients. Signature dishes include guinea fowl with wild egusi sauce; monkfish tail with Cameroonian-Nigerian sauce mbongo tchobi and hogget leg with richly spiced ayamase stew. Chishuru’s wine list is carefully curated to complement the complex spices and layers of the food, featuring exclusively French wines supplied by small producers. The intimate dining room, laid out over ground floor and basement, with warm lighting and elegantly muted colour tones and soft fabrics, combined with attentive and knowledgeable service, creates a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere. chishuru.com Sabor Journey through regional Spain Awarded a Michelin star in 2018, Sabor (meaning “flavour” in Spanish) is a regional exploration of Spanish cuisine by Nieves Barragán Mohacho and José Etura. The informal restaurant’s ground-floor counter allows guests to sit elbow-to-elbow, choosing from a daily menu focused on Galician seafood and Basque and Catalan specialities. Highlights include crisp pig’s ears with quince aioli, monkfish tempura with chilli jam, and pulpo a feira — octopus served simply with paprika and olive oil. Upstairs at El Asador, a traditional wood-fired Castilian oven takes centre stage. Here, whole joints are cooked low and slow: the Segovian suckling pig is a house signature, alongside milk-fed lamb shoulder and the Rubia Gallega — a 48-day aged, 850g Galician rib-eye. La Mesa seats up to 10 and serves dishes from both the Counter and El Asador. Walk-ins are welcomed downstairs, while El Asador takes bookings, including a generous Feast Menu for groups. saborrestaurants.co.uk Frog by Adam Handling, Covent Garden Theatrical British dining Chef Adam Handling, born in Dundee, draws on his Scottish heritage and classical training to create dishes rooted in British produce and sustainability. His food is bold, and deeply personal, blending tradition with innovation. The space is modern and eclectic, filled with quirky artwork, a buzzing open kitchen and warm, low-lit interiors that invite guests to relax while enjoying the show. Every seat offers a view of the chefs in action, who also present dishes tableside. The tasting menus change regularly but have featured highlights like “Earth” (a hay-smoked beetroot dish), cod with fennel and green chilli, lamb with cauliflower and tandoori spice, and British trifle with meadowsweet and long pepper. A signature bread course is served with chicken butter made from roasted carcasses, while foraged ingredients and by-products are repurposed into cocktails. frogbyadamhandling.com Check out more London restaurant guides here: Best restaurants in Chelsea Best restaurants in Marylebone Best restaurants in Mayfair Best restaurants in Fitzrovia Best restaurants near Oxford Street Best restaurants in Brixton Best restaurants in Notting Hill Best restaurants in Shoreditch Best restaurants in Camden Best restaurants in Covent Garden Best restaurants in Soho Best restaurants in London Bridge Best restaurants in Hackney Best restaurants in Paddington
Best restaurants on the Isle of Wight: where to eat and drink
From country pub gardens to South African barbecue, beachside brunches and Spanish tapas, discover the best restaurants on the Isle of Wight
The Isle of Wight is fast becoming one of the UK’s most exciting food destinations, thanks to a new influx of hospitality heroes who are championing local suppliers and working with fellow chefs and producers, helping to put it firmly on the national food map. Christine Hayes interviewed Tom Fahey of The Terrace Rooms & Wine for his recommendations of his favourite places to eat and drink on the island. For more UK travel guides, check out our picks of the best UK islands for food lovers to visit, the UK's best pubs with rooms and the best seaside staycations. Best restaurants on the Isle of Wight The Terrace Rooms & Wine – for a unique communal dinner At The Terrace Rooms & Wine, the six-bedroom bolthole overlooking Ventnor Bay that I own and run with my partner Ashley, Friday nights are something special. Guests and locals gather in the intimate wine room for a themed tasting and communal dinner made up of 95 per cent island-sourced ingredients. We serve our seasonal menus – which might feature roast venison or rack of flounder – with wines from small, sustainable producers. A set four-course breakfast is served under the pergola. Bedrooms are stylish and relaxed, with sea views and vintage charm. It’s a unique bolthole for food and wine lovers looking to soak up the flavours and character of the Isle of Wight. theterraceventnor.co.uk Basque Kitchen – for Spanish cuisine A new, family-run neighbourhood bistro bringing the bold, smoky flavours of northern Spain to the island. It’s the only place on the IOW where you can get your txuleton fix: a hefty, dry-aged rib-eye steak for two. Small plates, like clams in fino sherry with garlic and parsley or grilled padrón peppers with flaky salt, are perfect with a glass of albariño. thebasquekitchen.com Stripped Brasserie – for Mediterranean food The hub of the community, this husband-and-wife-run Mediterranean brasserie is warm, consistent and affordable. It's a total asset to Ventnor – just ask early guest Tom Kerridge! Crowd-pleasing dishes include charred octopus with chickpeas and harissa, and lamb koftas with flatbread and tzatziki. Friendly service, bold flavours and a welcoming buzz make it an easy favourite for both locals and holidaymakers alike. stripped-brasserie.co.uk Cantina – for brunch This breezy, beachside café serves benchmark brunches and exceptional coffee. Huevos rancheros with Isle of Wight eggs, cinnamon French toast with seasonal compote and the house shakshuka are all local favourites. It’s a true labour of love by owner Dita, who champions sustainable food and has built a loyal following thanks to her flavour-packed dishes and unwavering community focus. cantinaventnor.co.uk The Terrace Yarmouth – for a great-value set lunch Sister restaurant to The Terrace in Ventnor (and right on Yarmouth harbour), this airy, sea-facing dining room is helmed by Michelin-starred chef Matthew Tomkinson, formerly of The Montagu Arms and The Goose. The menu showcases his refined but relaxed style, with standout dishes like cured Chalk Stream trout with buttermilk, cucumber and horseradish, and poached Isle of Wight gurnard with potato rosti, pea fritter and warm tartar sauce. Don’t miss the great-value set lunch, which is popular with both locals and day-trippers. theterraceiow.co.uk Smoking Lobster – for Pan-Asian cooking This is nationally relevant Pan-Asian cooking with incredible cocktails. Smoking Lobster has done wonders for the island’s food reputation, and even has its own fishing boat. Wok-fried lobster with chilli tamarind sauce and Korean fried chicken bao are must-try dishes. It's great for date nights, group dinners or cocktail hour with sea views. smoking-lobster.co.uk Prickly Pear Kitchen – for authentic Mexican An authentic Mexican spot, with not a whiff of Tex-Mex about it, husband-and-wife team Marco and Camila are passionate about real Mexican food and culture. Cochinita pibil tacos and chile relleno with rice and beans are slow-cooked, spice-laced and deeply satisfying. It’s colourful, casual and unforgettable. pricklypearkitchen.co.uk The Piano Café – for a go-to local spot Run by former Terrace restaurant manager Tom Butler and his wife Hannah, this charming café is a local hub with excellent coffee, live music nights and a small but perfectly formed menu. Brunch standouts include shakshuka with sourdough, and crushed avocado toast with dukkah and poached egg. A laidback, creative space with heart. thepianocafe.co.uk The Red Lion – for a country pub Visit this proper country pub to try chef Sean Jeffers's top-notch food – he mixes classic comfort with modern flair in dishes like slow-roast lamb shoulder with salsa verde, or beetroot and goat’s cheese tart. Add a pint of local ale and a roaring fire in winter, and you’ve got the perfect pit stop after a coastal walk. redlion-freshwater.co.uk The New Inn Shalfleet – for a great pub garden Local legend chef Dan Maskell heads up the kitchen here, and delivers unfussy, high-quality dishes in a 17th-century inn setting. Crab linguine with chilli and lemon and the Isle of Wight beef burger with house pickles are two favourites. It also has a charming garden, open fires and excellent service, making it a go-to year-round. thenewinnshalfleet.co.uk Braai at Nunwell Farm – for BBQ A totally unique, once-a-week South African BBQ night held at the regenerative Nunwell Farm, home to Belted Galloway cattle and Saddleback x Berkshire pigs. Expect a full island showcase, with beers from Wight Knuckle Brewery, Wight Whisky tastings and meat cooked over fire. Look out for boerewors with chakalaka and braaied pork ribs with pap. Book ahead – it’s special. braai-iow.co.uk Getting to the Isle of Wight: take the ferry from Portsmouth or Lymington – find out more at <a href="https://emea01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wightlink.co.uk%2F&data=05%7C02%7C%7C1e541e0aa62c40aff91408dd840f7647%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C638811924113343657%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=P5oZSiAZ5jScsNav1G%2F3I15kuHXaibncuEC%2B23VWZqc%3D&reserved=0">wightlink.co.uk Interviewed by Christine Hayes More UK restaurant guides Best restaurants in Pembrokeshire Best restaurants in Deal Best restaurants in Birmingham Best restaurants in St Albans Best restaurants in Bristol Best restaurants in Edinburgh Best restaurants in York Best restaurants in Whitstable Best restaurants in Oxford Best restaurants in Cambridge Best restaurants in Margate Best restaurants in Manchester Best restaurants in the Lake District
5 questions to consider when you're booking a 5-star hotel
If you're planning a luxury holiday, these are the key factors to consider and questions to ask when booking a 5-star hotel
For those of us not living the White Lotus lifestyle, staying at a five-star hotel is a once or twice-in-a-lifetime experience – perhaps for a honeymoon, milestone birthday or anniversary. So naturally, we want everything to be perfect, from the scent of the lobby to the bartender knowing your favourite cocktail and the sea view from your bed. As an editor writing about hotels and travel for over 30 years, I know that the difference between a five-star stay and anything else is profound. It’s not about the facilities or sense of formality - it’s about feeling genuinely cared for as a precious guest. Whether you’re in a barefoot beach paradise or a grand city palace, five-star hotels should offer more than just luxury. They should help create moments you’ll always treasure. Before checking in, I like to know if there will be a chance to meet the chef and other team members who bring the place to life. I’m also keen to hear if children are welcome everywhere or if there are quiet zones, about the liveliest local markets, and to see if the places I plan to eat at get the hotel’s seal of approval. To go further, I asked general managers, owners and chefs of five-star hotels around the world what upfront knowledge they consider important, and why. To help you make the most of a luxury escape, here are the top themes that emerged - and the smart questions to ask. For more expert travel inspiration and guides, check out our pick of the best European hidden gem hotels, hotels with Michelin-starred restaurants and the 10 trickiest places to get a table in London - with tips on how to get in! What to ask when booking a 5-star hotel Insider and priority access What to ask: “What experiences or spots do your regulars never miss?” Stuart Procter, The Beaumont, Mayfair "Can the concierge secure reservations at hard-to-get-into restaurants?" Ludo de Jong, Anantara The Marker Dublin "Can your concierge help secure access to exclusive local experiences? Do in-house guests receive priority access to the hotel’s bar and fine dining?" Tiziana Laterza, Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria, Italy A great concierge can transform your trip, by getting you a last-minute table at a hot new restaurant or securing hard-to-get gallery tickets - offering insider access that, typically, travellers can’t obtain on their own. Look for hotels that emphasise relationships, not just logistics. Ludo de Jong advises you to ‘ask about the concierge’s connections and success rate and if they are a member of Les Clefs d’Or’ [a professional association driven to setting new standards for guest service perfection]'. 'A well-connected concierge should also point you to the kind of places that haven’t been over-exposed on Instagram. You want a hotel that helps you discover the destination, not just skim it’, says Stuart Procter. In sought-after spots, hotels often have restaurants and bars with reputations of their own; ask if being a guest gets you early booking rights or VIP seating. Local flavour What to ask: "Can the hotel arrange local food experiences such as cooking classes or market tours?" Christian Spalvieri, Palazzo Ripetta, Rome "Where do you go to eat on your day off?" Caitlin Owens, Fowlescombe, Devon Once you're at the hotel, asking the right questions can make your experience even more memorable and help you get the most out of your stay. Some of the best travel memories happen over a chopping board, market stall or at the table of a little-known cafe. Ask if you can meet the chef or visit the kitchen (just be realistic – if it’s a big-name chef this will be unlikely), forage for ingredients, or cook with artisans who supply the hotel. Sometimes the best meal of your trip is at the in-house restaurant, sometimes it’s at a humble local spot loved by the team. ‘By asking staff for their preferences you’ll get off the tourist track and be onto a winner’ says Caitlin Owens. They’re passionate about their part of the world and enjoy supporting their community by sharing their knowledge. Responsible, sustainable luxury What to ask: “What is the hotel’s approach to sustainable luxury?" Tiziana Laterza, Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria "What sustainability practices and local partnerships are you cultivating?" Mounia Ezzaher, Villa Maroc and Les Jardins de Villa Maroc This is not just about using your towels for an extra day or two. ‘Today’s guests - especially younger, affluent travellers - want to know their indulgence doesn’t come at the planet’s expense. Sustainability is increasingly synonymous with high-end hospitality’ says Tiziana Laterza. If a hotel supports its community and environment, it’s investing in its future and yours. From growing its own food and sourcing local, organic produce to using electric vehicles, using natural water filtration systems and solar-powered energy to reducing food waste, a hotel that takes pride in its sustainability programme will happily show you their credentials. One-of-a-kind experiences What to ask: "What one-of-a-kind experiences can I expect that I won’t find elsewhere?" Tiziana Laterza, Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria "What unique experiences do you offer beyond the hotel stay?" Mounia Ezzaher, Villa Maroc and Les Jardins de Villa Maroc There is a difference between a stay and a story: a candlelit dinner on your terrace, a private arrival by helicopter, or a boat trip to a secret cove will be what you’ll remember more than crisp bedlinen and an awesome lobby (though those are important, too!). Don’t be shy to ask about unique ways to enhance your stay. From lively souk tours to playing pétanque under olive trees, memories are often found in the smallest details. Mounia Ezzaher says ‘Travel is immersive, and a hotel should reflect the character, rhythm, and beauty of its setting’. The personal touch What to ask: "How does the hotel personalise my stay before I even arrive?" Tiziana Laterza, Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria “Does the hotel offer any personalised tours or experiences to explore the area?’ Simon Hall, The Welbeck Hotel, Marylebone ‘Pre-arrival calls to ask about your room scent, pillow preferences, dietary requirements and interests reflects attention to detail and the level of bespoke service you can expect’ says Tiziana Laterza. Simon Hall adds ‘Personalised tours (especially with insider access to hidden gems in the city) give depth to a luxury stay ensuring a memorable experience.’ Ask if private tours can be tailored to your specific interests. These gestures signal a hotel that genuinely wants to know you, not just host you. Finally, what NOT to ask Frame any concerns you have positively: “What’s included in the room rate?” or “Are there any events or maintenance to be aware of during my dates?” These questions show the hotel that you care about your stay and set the tone for the thoughtful, tailored service you’re likely to receive in return. The Beaumont’s Stuart Proctor says “There’s nothing wrong with hoping for an upgrade, but there’s an art to asking. Rather than going straight in with a demand, focus on letting the hotel know why your stay is special (a celebration, a long-awaited trip). The hospitality world is full of people who want to surprise and delight and when there’s space to do so, they often will.” More travel guides 10 unique walking holidays for food lovers Best health and wellness retreats for foodies Best country house hotels in the UK Best health and wellness retreats Best hotels in London Best UK boutique hotels Best hotels in the Cotswolds Best Cornwall hotels Best hotels in the Lake District Best London hotel bars to visit Best romantic hotels in the UK European hidden gems: hotels off the beaten track Best Paris hotels Best Spanish hotels Best Italian hotels Best restaurants with rooms in the UK Best Amsterdam hotels
10 trickiest places to get a table in London (and how to get in!)
These are the hottest restaurants in London right now – find out how to get in, and where to go next if you can't
London’s restaurant scene is fickle. Everyone wants to try the ‘hot ticket’ and as a result, reservations become bloated, fuelling the idea that they’re the place to be. The truth is, many are overhyped and disappointing. The ones recommended here are built on something more enduring: deep-rooted hospitality, attention to detail, and top teams of owners, chefs and front-of-house who are regularly in the kitchen or working the floor. Because they’re consistently good, they’re hard to get into – and absolutely worth the effort. Check out these insider tips to help you snag a table (and solid alternatives in case you can’t). For more restaurant inspiration, check out our best new London restaurants to visit and the UK's best showstopping restaurants to impress. 10 trickiest restaurants to get into in London One Club Row, Shoreditch Bringing a louche New York vibe to London, Shoreditch’s new One Club Row is already a worthy hit. The vision of owners James Dye and Benjy Leibowitz, with chef Patrick Powell leading the kitchen, it’s a moody, glamorous spot with a dedicated martini menu, pianist, and one of the most Instagrammed doors in London. Powell’s menu is a delight – think jalapeño gougères and perfectly seasoned steak tartare. Ten bar seats are reserved for walk-ins, though competition is fierce. oneclubrow.com Alternative: Head downstairs to The Knave of Clubs pub for Irish oysters, rotisserie chicken and Guinness – all first-come, first-served at dinner, or make a booking for lunchtime. theknaveofclubs.co.uk The Devonshire, Soho The magic behind Soho pub The Devonshire comes from chef Ashley Palmer-Watts, publican Oisín Rogers, and Flat Iron founder Charlie Carroll, serving British classics with a generous helping of Irish charm. The upstairs dining room is the hot ticket, but the ground floor pub and terrace are always open for pints – you’ll see the Guinness The Dev’s become famous for, lined up for lightning-fast service. Food highlights include prawn and langoustine cocktail, a hearty lamb hotpot, beef cheek and Guinness suet pudding and sticky toffee pudding. The weekday set lunch at £25/29 for two/three courses is excellent value. Extra tip: the whole of the roof terrace is ‘reserved’ for walk-ins. thedevonshirelondon.com Alternative: Go for pints and pies at The Blue Stoops in Kensington, buzzing with happy drinkers and diners. thebluestoops.com Mountain, Soho From Tomos Parry (of Brat fame), Mountain brings Welsh and Spanish fire to Soho, literally – many of the dishes are cooked over open flames. The grilled whole turbot, a nod to Parry’s signature dish at Brat, is a must-order, as is the smoky wood-fired lamb and burnt cheesecake. Walk-ins can try their luck at the counter and reservations are taken as late as 10.30pm for the truly dedicated. mountainbeakstreet.com Alternative: For a fully Spanish meal, head to Nieves Barragán Mohacho’s excellent Sabor, with asador (grill) on nearby Heddon Street. saborrestaurants.co.uk Plates, Old Street Kirk Haworth oversees the kitchen, alongside his General Manager sister Keeley. Plates is the UK’s first plant-based restaurant to earn a Michelin star. His inventive vegan cooking is hyper-seasonal and beautifully plated – favourites include the intricate Feast of Farah, slow-cooked leeks with frozen verjus, and cacao gateau. It books out months in advance. Seats at the dining bar give the best view of the action and solo diners are encouraged; it is often a little easier to find a spot here. Check @plates_london on Instagram for updates, as cancellations are posted here. plates-london.com Alternative: Gauthier Soho offers a refined, fully plant-based tasting menu in a classic townhouse setting. (Alexis Gautier’s sister vegan restaurants 123V and Studio Gaultier are more laidback.) gauthiersoho.co.uk Nina, Marylebone Mod-Italian Nina is quite the scene – Brand Director, Yaroslava Malkova and Managing Director & Artist, Lunara Bramley-Fenton have the midas touch when it comes to making spaces that feel intimate and laidback, with imaginative contemporary art and gorgeous lighting. Must-tries include anchovy bruschetta, beef carpaccio tonnato, bottarga linguine and dark chocolate sorbet. As with Bottarga, its sister site in Chelsea, evening bookings vanish super-fast. nina-london.com Alternative: Carlotta, part of the excellent Big Mamma group, is fun, vibey and just around the corner. (It’s also consistently busy but a 6pm dinner isn’t beyond the realms of possibility.) bigmammagroup.com/italian-restaurants/carlotta Oma, Borough Market This Greek-inspired sensation has both an enviable position overlooking Borough Market and a menu of dreams; breads, spreads, crudo, and grills that sing, thanks to founder David Carter and team, who regularly travel to Athens and the islands for inspiration. Oma has a 30-day booking window and prime times are mostly unavailable unless you plan ahead, so move quickly once reservations open. Some space is saved for walks-in and reservations manager Alice Pezzali says: “Timing is everything – aim for low-peak hours, immediately when the restaurant opens or later in the evening. Check in with the host; they can provide insights on wait times and take your contact info to notify you if a table opens up due to a no-show or last-minute cancellation." oma.london Alternative: Head downstairs to the souvla bar and sister restaurant Agora. It’s 70% walk-in with limited bookings. For the shortest wait, aim before 5.30pm or after 9pm. Founder David Carter says: "Admittedly, the queue can be quite long – but with crisps and a frozen margarita in hand, it could be a lot worse." agora.london Bouchon Racine, Farringdon Chef Henry Harris and self-described ‘co-owner and floor monkey’ David Strauss bring all the good things to their French bistro above a Farringdon pub. By which I mean snails, rabbit with mustard sauce and bacon, cod with saffron and mussels, crème caramel – and a French-led wine list, served with grace and humour. The best way to bag a table is to call – yes, on the actual phone – between 9-11am – after that, they’re head down, facing service. You might get lucky and it’s 100% worth it. The pub downstairs is a lovely place to hang out. bouchonracine.com Alternative: The French House has a tiny dining room above a pub with a reputation as the best known pub in the world's naughtiest square mile. It’s not a cinch to get in here either but email if online reservations are full and they’ll squeeze you in if they can. frenchhousesoho.com Goodbye Horses, De Beauvoir The work of Alex Young and George De Vos, with ex-Papi and Planque chef Jack Coggins in the kitchen and wine director Nathalie Nelles curating an ultra-natural list. Weekly changing sharing plates – cheese toasties, oxtail ragout, clams – are served alongside a vinyl soundtrack. The building has been lovingly restored with local crafts and materials, creating a space that feels both raw and refined. A handful of bar seats are saved for walk-ins – but arrive by 5pm. Or try lunch on weekends (from 2pm) when it’s slightly quieter. Head to The Dreamery (its sister ice cream and wine bar across the road) at 4pm for a pre-drink and you’ll be first in the queue for a table when Goodbye’s doors open. goodbyehorses.london Alternative: Soho’s Bar Crispin majors on seasonal, sustainable small plates and mainly European organic and biodynamic wines. crispinlondon.com/bar-crispin AngloThai, Marylebone AngloThai, from husband and wife team John and Desiree Chantarasak, brings their unique vision for contemporary Thai-British cuisine to Marylebone, blending the bold flavours of Thailand with modern presentation and innovative techniques, while still respecting traditional cooking styles. Must-tries include crab cracker with caviar and Blythburgh pork chop, paired with a wine list that champions thoughtful producers and superior craftsmanship. When it won a Michelin star it became tricky to secure a table for its unique tasting menu at dinner, but early mid-week lunch reservations can be easier. anglothai.co.uk Alternative: Named for its wood-fired oven and knocking out grilled meat and claypot noodles, Kiln doesn’t take reservations and recommends you ‘just drop in and we'll get you seated as soon as a space is available. You're welcome to have a drink while you wait if there's room, or we can always take your number and send you a message when your table is ready’. kilnsoho.com Fonda, Mayfair Santiago Lastra, of acclaimed Mexican restaurant Kol, opened the more casual Fonda in 2024. It’s quickly become a hot London hangout, welcoming the likes of Dua Lipa, Keira Knightley and other celebrity clientele. Much of its appeal is Lastra’s warm hospitality, critically acclaimed cocktails and modern interpretations of regional Mexican cuisines; cured bluefin tuna belly; aged ribeye on a wheat tortilla topped with grilled cheese; monkfish tail in adobo madre. It’s at full capacity most nights of the week, but refreshingly, Fonda keeps back a number of tables each service to welcome walk-in diners, in an attempt to create a more relaxed restaurant culture. fondalondon.com Alternative: Thayer Street’s Santo Remedio Casona & Cantina is an always-welcoming, great-value, laidback Mexican with vibrant interiors and must-try baja style fish tacos and sashimi-grade tuna tostadas. santoremedio.co.uk/marylebone More London restaurant guides Best restaurants in Marylebone Best restaurants in Mayfair Best restaurants in Fitzrovia Best restaurants near Oxford Street Best restaurants in Brixton Best restaurants in Notting Hill Best restaurants in Battersea Best restaurants in Shoreditch Best restaurants in Camden Best restaurants in Kings Cross Best restaurants in Soho Best restaurants in London Bridge Best restaurants in Hackney Best restaurants in Paddington
10 UK and European hotels with Michelin-starred restaurants
For the ultimate gourmet getaway, discover special hotels with Michelin-starred restaurants
For the ultimate memorable gourmet getaway, visit luxurious hotels with their own Michelin-starred restaurants. From wine estates in France to historic Irish castles, these are the ultimate destination dining experiences. For more travel inspiration, check out our guide to the best UK country house hotels or the most romantic UK hotels. For a hidden gem holiday, browse our 8 lesser-known Italian islands worth visiting. Castiglion del Bosco, A Rosewood Hotel Set deep in the Val d’Orcia, amid rolling vineyards and spectacular hillside scenery, Castiglion del Bosco is Tuscany at its most cinematic. Wake early to watch the landscape change as the mist rises above the hills. This vast 5,000-acre estate, anchored by a beautifully restored medieval borgo, feels less like a hotel and more like a private Tuscan village, steeped in rich history and preserved with the utmost attention to detail. Rooms and suites are housed in honey-coloured stone buildings, their interiors balancing rustic elegance with Rosewood polish: terracotta floors, exposed beams and antiques, softened by generous terraces and far-reaching vineyard views. Villas with private pools up the ante for longer stays and are perfect for families seeking privacy. The culinary heart of the estate is Ristorante Campo del Drago, where Michelin-starred cooking champions refined, modern Tuscan flavours rooted firmly in the surrounding land. Ingredients come from the estate and neighbouring producers, with Brunello di Montalcino—grown on site—taking centre stage in the glass. The tasting menu is a work of art in its own right: expect dishes such as turbot on the bone with leeks and olive, foie gras with pear and quince, or vegetable ravioli with pear, citrus and saffron. The hospitality is knowledgeable and warm, and the staff are charming and attentive across the whole hotel. Enthusiastic foodies can participate in elaborate Tuscan cooking classes, wine tastings, or take a tour of the hotel’s impressive vegetable gardens. For something more relaxed, Osteria La Canonica delivers soulful Italian classics done to perfection—think lobster ravioli, wood-fired pizzas and pappardelle with wild boar ragù. Remote but richly rewarding, this is a destination for travellers who value exceptional food, a strong sense of place and the luxury of unhurried time. Come for the Michelin star, stay for the scenery, sunsets and a feeling of total relaxation. Junior suites from €1450 per night, check availability at rosewoodhotels.com Village Castigno, Assignan, France A unique wine estate and luxury retreat in the Languedoc, where sustainability and gastronomy take centre stage. Rooms are spread across charming stone houses painted in deep hues, reflecting the estate’s renowned organic wines. Guests can immerse themselves in vineyard life with wine tastings, tours and grape harvesting during the season. At La Table, its Michelin-starred restaurant, menus celebrate the Provençal terroir, along with Asian influences seen in the skilful use of dashi, turmeric and coriander. Courtyard tables are sheltered under colourful canopies, adding to its bohemian feel. The village also offers excellent casual dining options and an on-site spa. <a href="https://emea01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fvillagecastigno.com%2F&data=05%7C02%7C%7C87e410f436cc4dbe58a308dd4f747403%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C638754083756152082%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=IejvTyH4caAkKktAEEEqde81W1gsqKHVlBFX%2BEcJQ1o%3D&reserved=0">villagecastigno.com From €146 per night, check availability at booking.com La Réserve Geneva, Switzerland This five-star escape on Lake Geneva is home to Le Tsé Fung, Switzerland’s only Michelin-starred Chinese restaurant. Led by Chef Frank Xu, the restaurant specialises in elevated Cantonese cuisine, from delicate dim sum to Peking duck. The plush red velvet and lacquered wood interiors evoke 1930s Shanghai, adding to the indulgent experience. The hotel blends African lodge influences with contemporary luxury, complete with a private boat shuttle to Geneva’s city centre. lareserve-geneve.com From 560CHF (room only), check availability at booking.com or mrandmrssmith.com L’Albereta, Franciacorta, Italy In Lombardy’s sparkling wine country – Franciacorta is Italy’s Champagne equivalent – L’Albereta is a discreet and calm haven surrounded by vineyards. Its Michelin-starred restaurant, Leone Felice, showcases contemporary Italian cuisine crafted by Chef Fabio Cordella, with highlights like risotto with Franciacorta wine and truffle, and delicate seafood crudo. The ivy-clad villa exudes old-world charm, making it a dreamy getaway for wine and food lovers alike; be sure to visit the nearby Bellavista for a wine tasting and be converted to drinking Franciacorta forever. albereta.it Rooms from approx. €360 per night. Check availability at booking.com or mrandmrssmith.com Botanic Sanctuary, Antwerp This 13th-century monastery transformed into a five-star retreat seamlessly blends history with contemporary luxury to create a haven for tranquillity and world-class food. Hertog Jan, a two-Michelin-starred restaurant led by Chef Gert De Mangeleer offers an immersive three-hour omakase-style experience, featuring ingredients harvested from the hotel’s own greenhouse and gardens. Quiet interiors allow the focus to fall on the precision and craftsmanship in every dish. The hotel is also home to Fine Fleur and Het Gebaar, each holding a Michelin star. Fine Fleur presents an innovative approach to fine dining, while Het Gebaar, under the direction of Roger van Damme, serves traditional afternoon pancakes. The Unprecedented, an exclusive whisky investment club, is tucked away in the hotel’s historic vaulted cellar. botanicantwerp.be From £375, check availability at booking.com or mrandmrssmith.com Gleneagles, Scotland Scotland’s legendary Gleneagles is a world-class luxury resort set in the Perthshire countryside with three championship golf courses, a world-renowned spa and a range of country pursuits; falconry, horse riding and fishing. Rooms reflect the grandeur of the Scottish Highlands. The eponymous late chef established Restaurant Andrew Fairlie as one of the UK’s most prestigious fine dining destinations and Stephen McLaughlin continues his legacy today. The menu blends classic French techniques with Scottish ingredients, featuring signature dishes like smoked lobster infused over whisky barrel chips, hand-dived scallops and Highland venison. gleneagles.com From £525 per night, check availability at booking.com Royal Hideaway Corales Resort, Tenerife, Spain A sleek adults-only retreat, this oceanfront resort boasts three Michelin-starred restaurants, including El Rincón de Juan Carlos (two stars), where the Padrón brothers present refined Canarian cuisine, and San Ho (one star), specializing in Japanese-Peruvian fusion. The newest addition, Il Bocconcino, secured its first Michelin star in 2024, further cementing the hotel’s reputation as a fine-dining haven in the Canary Islands. Family-friendly Royal Hideaway Corales Suites is also part of the Corales resort, sharing the same restaurants. barcelo.com Rooms from approx. £266 at Beach and £376 at Suites. Check availability at booking.com, mrandmrssmith.com or tui.co.uk Hotel Café Royal, London An iconic luxury hotel where rooms combine modern luxe with Art Deco influences, destination-in-itself Akasha spa and exciting places to take cocktails or afternoon tea like the Grill Room, a decadent gilded space that celebrates the building’s rich heritage. On the hotlist of food tourists and clued-up Londoners is two-Michelin-starred restaurant Alex Dilling. Here, the chef’s commitment to presentation, precision and bold flavours is evident in each dish such as Brittany pigeon pithivier and the decadent Landes chicken. Imaginative drinks pairings may start with the chef’s own 5 Puffins gin. The restaurant’s sleek, minimalist setting, with well-spaced tables, ensures an exclusive, grown-up and personalised dining experience. hotelcaferoyal.com From £600 per night, check availability at booking.com Iniala Harbour House, Malta Super-luxe Iniala Harbour House in the Maltese capital comprises four meticulously restored 17th-century townhouses. Many of its rooms and suites feature private plunge pools and terraces overlooking Valletta’s Grand Harbour. On the rooftop sits two-Michelin-starred ION Harbour by Simon Rogan, renowned for its farm-to-table philosophy, as at the British chef’s Lake District restaurant, L’Enclume. Ingredients are sourced from small-scale Maltese and Gozitan producers, local spear fishermen and sustainable foragers to create dishes that reflect the island’s unique terroir. Sustainability is key with an organic growing initiative inspired by Rogan’s UK farm, zero-waste practices, and house-made specialties like marmalade-infused beer and goat’s milk jam. inialamalta.com From £341 per night, check availability at booking.com or mrandmrssmith.com Adare Manor, County Limerick, Ireland Within a spectacular 5-star resort, The Oak Room at Adare Manor is Limerick’s first Michelin-starred restaurant. Chef Mike Tweedie’s menu celebrates Ireland’s finest ingredients such as aged beef from heritage butcher Higgins to local vegetables like Ballynetty beetroot with wild leek. The manor is a breathtaking neo-Gothic masterpiece, offering a stunning spa, a boutique and extensive grounds, including a new artisan chocolatier hidden in a restored cottage. While this is one of Ireland’s finest hotels, the warmth and friendliness of the team puts guests instantly at ease. adaremanor.com From €625, check availability at adaremanor.com Gidleigh Park, Devon, England A grand Edwardian manor on the edge of Dartmoor, the hotel offers 24 individually designed rooms overlooking meticulously maintained gardens and riverside trails. Opportunities abound for walking, fishing, horse riding, rock climbing and mountain biking. Guests are welcomed with genuine warmth, surrounded by antiques and art by owners, the Brownsword family. The restaurant retains its Michelin star under chef Ian Webber whose menu is a testament to seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. Dishes reflect the freshest produce available and presented with skill – from the precise Heirloom tomato, torched mackerel, sea purslane, gazpacho sorbet and Exmoor caviar to the playfully-named Clotted Cream “Thunder and Lightning” tart, saffron jelly and ginger beer. The renowned wine cellar holds 13,000 bottles from around the world. gidleigh.co.uk From £350, check availability at booking.com More hotel guides Best Scottish hotels Best spa hotels in the UK Best health and wellness retreats Best hotels in London Best UK boutique hotels Best hotels in the Cotswolds Best Cornwall hotels Best hotels in the Lake District Best London hotel bars to visit Best romantic hotels in the UK European hidden gems: hotels off the beaten track Best Paris hotels Best Spanish hotels Best Italian hotels Best restaurants with rooms in the UK Best Amsterdam hotels
10 UK beach hotels for a rejuvenating break
Escape to the seaside for a gourmet getaway with our picks of the best beach hotels in the UK
Escape to the seaside for a gourmet getaway with our picks of the best beach hotels in the UK. Soak up stunning views of the sea alongside added extras such as hydrotherapy spas, renowned golf courses and even an atmospheric wine cave... From the Isle of Wight to Scotland, there's a beach hotel for everyone. For more like this, check out our round-up of 10 breathtaking hotels around the world. Best beach hotels in the UK The Terrace Rooms & Wine, Isle of Wight On Ventnor's golden shingle beach, The Terrace offers an indulgent getaway focused on wine and design; the property features a wine boutique and guests can book Wine Immersion courses, led by co-owner, sommelier and former restaurant inspector Tom Fahey. The atmospheric wine cave, with deep green walls holds 900 bottles. On Fridays, the wine room becomes an intimate restaurant where Tom cooks for 14 guests using only Isle of Wight produce. Originally the 1840s St Augustine Villa, rooms feature dusty rose hues, marble detailing, and views of Ventnor harbour and bay. The annex room is ideal for families or guests with pets. From £200 per night, check availability at theterraceventnor.com The Seaside Boarding House, Dorset The wonderfully retro name says it all. On the clifftops overlooking Lyme Bay, it’s a cosy, unpretentious retreat which prides itself on sourcing from ‘the sea at our toes’ and ‘the countryside at our backs.’ After a bracing coastal walk tuck into double fried egg on goose hash, hand-dived scallops seared in seaweed butter, or grilled Portland crab served with a tangy fennel salad. Afternoon tea features local delights such as Dorset apple cake and a glass of Bella Rose Dorset sparkling. Take Happy Hour cocktails on the terrace for uninterrupted views of Chesil Beach. Timeless rooms combine vintage with contemporary – high ceilings, freestanding baths, and crisp linens – and no TV to distract from the sight and sound of the sea. From £235 per night, check availability at theseasideboardinghouse.com Ballygally Castle, Northern Ireland For a unique coastal experience brave a refreshing, reviving early morning dip in the waters of the Antrim coast, followed by a beachfront sauna session at this 17th century castle hotel. Then enjoy a full Irish breakfast of soda bread, sausages, and locally sourced black pudding. The perfect place to retreat after a day sightseeing or spent on the golden sands of Ballygally Bay, many rooms have original beamed ceilings, while others boast stunning views of the Irish sea and mountains. At dinner, explore Northern Ireland’s larder with dishes such as Glenarm salmon with herb-crusted potatoes or slow-cooked Irish beef paired with a rich Guinness jus, and finish with a fireside Irish coffee. From £225 per night, check availability at booking.com or ballygallycastlehotel.com Cary Arms, Devon Overlooking the dramatic cliffs of Babbacombe Bay, Cary Arms is a quintessential Devon retreat with unique touches. Guests are invited to make the most of the incredible local produce available on its doorstep by catching your own lunch from its pier. Sitting on an unspoilt arc of shingle beach, the hotel has direct access to Babbacombe Pier from its restaurant. Enjoy locally brewed ales and ciders in the conservatory, which offers panoramic sea views. Rooms and cottages feature nautical-inspired décor with plush furnishings and coastal hues. After a day of exploring the South West Coast Path, unwind in the spa with treatments inspired by the ocean, or take a dip in the hydrotherapy pool. From £350 per night, check availability at booking.com or caryarms.co.uk Saltmoore, North Yorkshire Between the moors and the coast, Saltmoore is an expansive estate offering both rejuvenation and dining excellence. Overseen by Tommy Banks, menus feature farm-to-table dishes such as Yorkshire lamb with wild garlic and wood-fired mackerel with coastal herbs; choose the casual Brasserie or fine-dining Calluna, set to open in May 2025. Activities include cycling, cold-water swimming, and nature walks through the estate’s 85 acres. The on-site spa offers cryotherapy, hot stone treatments, and a Wellness Café serving seasonal broths and smoothies. Rooms blend luxury with natural textures, providing a serene retreat. From £350 per night, check availability at booking.com or saltmoore.co.uk The Gallivant, Camber Sands A foodie haven opposite the vast sands of Camber beach. The Gallivant’s seasonal menu showcases dishes such as Dungeness crab linguine, Rye Bay scallops, and roasted lamb with local herbs and an extensive wine list celebrates English producers, including Gusbourne Estate. Wellness programming includes yoga sessions, guided sea swims, and community beach cleans. Rooms are bright and airy, featuring handmade beds and eco-friendly toiletries. With its focus on sustainability and indulgence, The Gallivant is a stylish base for exploring Rye and the perfect place to relax after a hard day on the sand dunes. From £165 per night, check availability at booking.com, mrandmrssmith.com or thegallivant.co.uk The Pig at Harlyn Bay, Cornwall Reconnect with nature at this coastal outpost of THE PIG hotel group near Padstow, renowned for its laidback luxury and farm to fork ethos. In February, March and April you can take a three-day Ground & Grow Retreat filled with restorative activities; yoga with live classical music, walks through Bodmin Moor’s ancient rainforest, wild swimming, private beachside saunas and spa treatments. Food is central to this revitalising escape; centred around the kitchen garden, foragers, gardeners and chefs work together to craft menus driven by the season, and its commitment to 25-mile menu ensures nearly everything is homegrown or sourced locally. Savour freshly caught seafood, local cheeses, and traditional Cornish specialties, all paired with garden-to-glass cocktails within the Pig’s effortlessly stylish indoor-outdoor spaces and on the under-canvas Lobster Shed terrace. Rooms from £170; retreats from £1750, check availability at thepighotel.com or mrandmrssmith.com Rusacks St Andrews, Fife, Scotland Set beside the iconic Old Course, Rusacks St Andrews offers a blend of historic charm and modern luxury. The rooftop restaurant, 18, specialises in open-flame cooking, with standout dishes like venison tartare and wood-roasted shellfish. Casual dining is available at The Bridge, while One Under Bar serves comforting pub classics. Rooms are inspired by the coastal surroundings, with rich textures and colours reflecting the natural beauty of Fife. Perfect for golf enthusiasts and food lovers alike. From £219 per night, check availability at booking.com, mrandmrssmith.com or marineandlawn.com/rusacksstandrews St Brides Spa Hotel, Pembrokeshire Overlooking stunning Carmarthen Bay, St Brides is the place to soak up serene views and enjoy the best Welsh produce. With panoramic views of the quaint harbour and sandy beach below, the Cliff restaurant offers buffet breakfast, afternoon tea, local specialties such as slow cooked shoulder of lamb hot pot, fillet of Welsh beef, whole lemon sole with mussels, shaved fennel, sea vegetables, and well-crafted cocktails in the bar and on the outdoor terrace overlooking the bay. The highlight of St Brides is its spa, with thermal suite with salt-infusion and aroma steam rooms and herbal rock sauna. When the tide is in the infinity-edge hydrotherapy pool creates an illusion of blending into the sea. A refurb is underway to refresh rooms and restaurant interiors and further revitalise the spa’s relaxation areas by spring. (During the renovation St Brides’ self-catering hotel and village apartments are open.) From £210 per night, check availability at booking.com or stbridesspahotel.com Marine Troon, Ayrshire, Scotland On Scotland’s west coast, Marine Troon has breathtaking views of the Firth of Clyde and Isle of Arran. The 89-room hotel offers a spa featuring an indoor heated pool, jacuzzi, and wellness treatments inspired by Scotland’s natural beauty. Tides Restaurant offers a modern menu with dishes like pan-seared scallops with black pudding crumble and wild venison loin with haggis croquettes and whisky jus; take lighter bites like smoked salmon platters and freshly baked scones in The Harbour Bar which also showcases Scotland’s finest single malts. For activities, explore Gailes Marsh Wildlife Reserve, and windsurfing and kitesurfing on the beach at Clyde. From £179 per night, check availability at booking.com or marineandlawn.com/marinetroon More hotel guides Best UK country house hotels Best Scottish hotels Best spa hotels in the UK Best hotels in London Best UK boutique hotels Best hotels in the Cotswolds Best Cornwall hotels Best hotels in the Lake District Best London hotel bars to visit Best romantic hotels in the UK European hidden gems: hotels off the beaten track Best Paris hotels Best Spanish hotels Best Italian hotels Best restaurants with rooms in the UK Best Amsterdam hotels
Top 10 breathtaking hotels around the world
Celebrating a special birthday or anniversary - and money no object? We can dream with these super-luxe escapes
From a palace in India to romantic Scottish turrets, a Parisian escape or the beaches of Mexico, these super-luxe escapes are some of the most breathtaking hotels in the world. Read on to be inspired... For more like this, check out our round-up of the best romantic hotels, train journeys around the world or health and wellness retreats for foodies. 10 most breathtaking hotels from around the world The Leela Palace Udaipur, India A ‘palace within a palace’, Arq at Pichola comprises three ultra-private, luxury villas in the gardens of The Leela Palace Udaipur on Lake Pichola. Arrive on a private electric boat with a detailed tour of the lake’s breathtaking surroundings courtesy of your own personal butler. After a soothing foot ritual, choose your activities, including floating breakfasts in your villa’s pool, high tea and yoga. Each Arq villa has a dedicated chef to tailor menus to your exact liking and skilled mixologists are on hand to craft your favourite cocktails. The villas are lavishly decorated with brass inlaid wooden floors, traditional Thikri artwork and rare lapis stones, with private plunge pools offering lake views. From £2,000. Check rates and availability at theleela.com, booking.com or expedia.co.uk La Mamounia, Marrakech La Mamounia can rightly claim to have invented luxury tourism in Morocco. In its 101-year history, this storied hotel has welcomed the great and the glam. Set in 16 acres of fragrant gardens, guests enjoy a huge outdoor pool, tennis courts, spa and hammam and a quirky games room. Dining is world class; feast on traditional Moroccan dishes at Le Marocain; choose between Asian and Italian restaurants overseen by culinary luminary Jean-Georges Vongerichten; the buffet breakfast served poolside is the stuff of legend; Bar Majorelle is the place to see and be seen in Marrakech, while the Le Churchill is an intimate, chic space designed in the style of a Pullman carriage. Bedrooms and suites are richly ornate, with colourful but calming Moroccan interiors and marble clad bathrooms. Out in the gardens are three-bedroom private riads for exclusivity and the services of a private butler. From £442 per night. Check rates and availability at mamounia.com, mrandmrssmith.com or expedia.co.uk Atzaró Agroturismo Hotel, Ibiza White-washed buildings, manicured gardens and glistening swimming pools surrounded by huge, pristine day beds all create a gorgeous first impression. Discrete, secret VIP deluxe suites attract celebrities determined to holiday with complete privacy. So far, so luxe. But a stroll through the orange groves to the hotel’s vast vegetable plot reveals how sustainable and farm-to-fork this family-owned estate is. Herbs and botanicals are used in rejuvenating spa treatments. Figs, tomatoes, cucumbers and pomegranates are picked that day and served just minutes and metres aways in the hotel’s sunny, vine-covered veranda. Solar panels and an on-site well supply power and water to the gardens, pools, spa and rooms. Design at Atzaró Agroturismo Hotel references Ibiza’s natural beauty with a profusion of plants, natural wicker and wood, bright whites, with bursts of colour provided by vibrant-pink bougainvillea and swimming pool azure. From €245. Check rates and availability at atzaro.com or booking.com Hotel Lutetia, Paris Oozing Parisian style, this is an impossibly handsome Art Nouveau meets Art Deco building on the corner of St Germain’s Boulevard Raspail and Rue de Sèvres. Luxurious in-room touches – monogrammed pillowcases, lavish fruit plates, chocolate sculptures – speak to its reputation as one of the city’s finest addresses. Its food and wine credentials owe much to its connection with long-time previous owner champagne house Taittinger. The partnership lives on in its own Cuvée Lutetia, enjoyed in the frescoed Bar Josephine, or with an indulgent brunch of truffled scrambled eggs under the stained glass in salon Le Saint Germain. During Fashion Week Lutetia is home to the great, the good and the famous, its serene Akesha Spa being a major pull. Year round, Brasserie Lutetia provides unequalled people-watching opportunities on its perfectly placed outdoor terrace serving caviar, smoked oysters and lobster with black truffle. From €1445. Check rates and availability at hotellutetia.com or booking.com Heckfield Place, Hampshire The lines between inside and out are beautifully blurred at this contemporary Hampshire estate, where guests can rejuvenate in natural surroundings while enjoying food from the hotel’s biodynamic, organic farm and orchards. Two restaurants, overseen by culinary director Skye Gyngell, serve seasonal produce, much of which is grown on the estate. In summer, meals are served on the Italian terrace overlooking the gardens and woodlands, with fire pits and sheepskins to keep you cosy on chillier nights. Hearth, open for dinner and lunch on Saturday, focusses on fire cooking with lobster, sirloin and grilled farm veg. In line with Heckfield’s biodynamic ethos, cocktails in the Moon Bar are influenced by the lunar phases and made with unique tinctures and bitters. Interiors focus on muted shades and natural materials along with dramatic flower displays and modern art. The mobile-free Bothy offers spa treatments by exclusive Wildsmith skincare. From £550. Check rates and availability at heckfieldplace.com or mrandmrssmith.com One&Only Palmilla, Mexico Established as a luxury hideaway in the 1950s, this exquisitely-designed resort, with ocean-facing views and a classic-meets-minimalist Mexican feel, has more than maintained its reputation as a coveted place of rejuvenation and natural wonder. The rugged coastline of the Baja Peninsula allows for fishing, snorkelling, diving and whale watching. Deep relaxation is encouraged on the beach, among the palm-fringed gardens, azure pools and a world-class spa and wellness centre, honouring Majan rituals. A range of top-end dining options, from the freshest sashimi and sushi to seasonal Baja-inspired cuisine, completes the wow factor. From £1.3k. Check rates and availability at oneandonlyresorts.com, booking.com or mrandmrssmith.com Cameron House Resort, Loch Lomond This couldn’t-be-more-Scottish resort on a prized spot on the banks of Loch Lomond is a wild, romantic tangle of towers and turrets. Guests have included Winston Churchill and Barack Obama, but Cameron House is delightfully unpretentious, built for comfort and relaxation. Rooms feature high beds, velvet headboards, plump pillows embroidered with thistle motifs and tartan blankets. There are plenty of pursuits to enjoy including champagne cruises, falconry, fishing, golf, country walks, spa treatments and the rooftop infinity pool. Take afternoon tea in the gloriously golden lobby bar, or head to the Cameron Grill for locally sourced Scottish produce – West Coast lobster and Orkney scallops – with stunning views over the Loch. One to four-bed self-catering lodges accommodate celebrations big and small. Rooms from £350 in the hotel, from £229 per night at Cameron Lodges. Check rates and availability at cameronhouse.co.uk, booking.com or expedia.co.uk REVIVO Wellness Resort, Bali A luxurious forest garden resort is the magical setting for Revivo’s holistic wellness retreats. 22 Balinese-style luxury suites and villas, ranging from one to four bedrooms, include a private garden, courtyard, or pool, immersed in lush greenery and surrounded by 40 hectares of protected teak forest. Alongside grass-reared beef and local fish such as Balinese mahi-mahi, food offers many plant-based options, all using fresh, organic ingredients. All cooking methods used in the kitchen are designed to invigorate and nourish. The ultra-luxury four-bedroom Private Pool Villa comes with a private chef and butler to ensure every customised request is met. The Remissio Spa is inspired by Balinese healing traditions and combines state-of-the-art therapies with ancient treatments. From £507. Check rates and availability at revivoresorts.com or booking.com Palm Heights, Grand Cayman Situated on iconic Seven Mile Beach, Palm Heights, a celebration of regional cuisine, culture, wellness, thinking and design, has 52 luxury suites. At the heart of the resort is restaurant Tilles, where head chef Jake Brodsky showcases Caribbean delicacies sourced directly from local farms and fisherman. Dishes such as whole red snapper stuffed with crab cooked over coals, conch fritters, jerk chicken and cassava crisps with seaweed dust show imagination and respect for local cooking traditions. Jake also oversees kitsch Italian trattoria Palm Heights’ Paradise Pizza, where cacio e pepe pasta is served in a giant wheel of parmesan along with Neapolitan style pizzas, shawarma flatbreads and natural wines. From £650. Check rates and availability at palmheights.com, mrandmrssmith.com or booking.com Ballynahinch Castle, Connemara The west of Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way is one of Europe’s most spectacular coastal landscapes, taking in sandy, deserted beaches, dramatic cliffs and mirror-like fishing loughs. Explore this rugged beauty at Ballynahinch Castle, set within 700-acres of native woodlands, lakes and rivers with spectacular views of the Twelve Bens and Maumturks mountains. Cycling, flyfishing and hiking are popular pastimes, and a new riverside sauna experience allows for forest bathing. Chef Danni Barry makes the most of the produce from its walled gardens and the freshest local seafood and game. Rooms and riverside suits have views of the mountains and grounds, and two luxurious lodges have five and six bedrooms to host bigger family celebrations. From €315. Check rates and availability at ballynahinch-castle.com or booking.com More hotel guides Best UK country house hotels Best Scottish hotels Best spa hotels in the UK Best hotels in London Best UK boutique hotels Best hotels in the Cotswolds Best Cornwall hotels Best hotels in the Lake District Best London hotel bars to visit Best romantic hotels in the UK European hidden gems: hotels off the beaten track Best Paris hotels Best Spanish hotels Best Italian hotels Best restaurants with rooms in the UK Best Amsterdam hotels
Some dining experiences are truly unforgettable, and what better way to treat yourself and loved ones than a meal at one of the UK’s finest restaurants?
Whether you’re looking to book a table for a special occasion or want to plan ahead for something to look forward to later in the year, the following restaurants offer the last word in food thrills and luxury. These are meals you’ll remember for years. For more inspiration, check out London's latest restaurant openings, new UK restaurants and the best restaurants with rooms in the UK. Discover the best of the UK's farm-to-fork restaurants. UMU, Mayfair Opening in 2004 and thriving 20 years later is testament to UMU’s unique offering – inspired by Kyoto cuisine, using British ingredients such as fish sourced from Cornwall and Welsh lamb. Behind a discreet doorway in Mayfair’s Bruton Place, the dark wood-panelled room is lit to emphasise the sushi masters at work at the counter, carving, chopping and grating fresh wasabi. There is more theatre on the plate with premium ingredients like high-grade wagyu served à la minute, which arrives smoking at the table; the salty-sweet and glistening eel kabayaki, and a cute dessert: Charamisu Mayfair garden Japanese seasonal tiramisu, with a mini watering can to sprinkle over sake. Select a wine or sake pairing for the full experience. umurestaurant.com Restaurant Pine, Northumberland Housed in a handsome barn by Hadrian’s Wall in an area where chef-owner Cal Byerley’s family has farmed for generations, Pine is firmly rooted in rural Northumberland. Foraged and local ingredients complement those grown in Pine’s no-dig, organically managed kitchen garden and orchard, feeding into exceptional dishes of garum-cured beef or plaice, smoked scallop roe, horseradish and magnolia. Cal creates Pine’s tasting menu with fellow head chef Ian Waller, while their respective partners, Siân Buchan and sommelier Vanessa Stoltz, handle front of house. “We’ve all got different skills and it just gels,” says Cal of this collaboration. Sustainability is key and is visible in Pine’s preservation of abundant ingredients and whole-animal butchery. “Trim is used for charcuterie, animal bones to make stocks,” says Cal. “Someone’s taken time to produce the ingredient, why waste any?” restaurantpine.co.uk Hide and Fox, Kent Chef Allister Barsby (Gidleigh Park) and wine expert Alice Bussi (Bath Priory) held top jobs at incredible restaurants before moving to coastal Saltwood to create this one-Michelin-starred restaurant. Allister loves autumn and winter, as he works his way through mallard, partridge, pheasant and venison: “Game, root vegetables and autumn fruits go together in almost any combination imaginable. I pair venison with pear poached in mulled wine spices, and this year I’ll add sweet parsnip and the herby, almost medicinal aroma of pine.” A seasonal dessert of black figs will feature, too, in a set custard with fig compote and fig leaf-infused ice cream. hideandfox.co.uk The Lanesborough Grill, London Previously at The Bingham and The Goring, chef Shay Cooper knows how to blend the modish and traditional to breathe new life into London’s grandest dining rooms. Last spring, he landed at The Lanesborough where (of course!) dover sole is a mainstay, and key dishes, such as the beef wellington, are plated tableside from guéridon trolleys. But Shay’s buttermilk-fried quail, ricotta gnocchi or brioche pudding with burnt orange purée and milk ice cream very much look beyond Hyde Park to wider London restaurant trends. From the Grill’s domed glass ceiling and contemporary art collection, to its use of fine seasonal ingredients, Shay wants the experience to deliver a “sense of high glamour”. oetkercollection.com Moor Hall, Lancashire The key draw of this two-Michelin-starred destination remains Mark Birchall’s astonishing food. With its stylish use of natural materials, the modish dining room visually represents Mark’s aesthetic: seasonally driven, high-quality and technically accomplished. Over winter, he plans to pair turbot with a curried organic squash purée, sea vegetables and, as the sauce, his take on a Catalan suquet fish stew. Sika deer will appear, too, possibly with beetroot and elderberry. “I love the deep flavour,” says Mark, “and the little bit of intramuscular fat you get running through the meat.” moorhall.com Meadowsweet, Norfolk Rebecca Williams and Greg Anderson’s small, Grade II-listed restaurant with rooms in Holt has been a big addition to North Norfolk’s vibrant food scene, gaining a Michelin star in its first year. Greg applies the sharp, classical technique he honed as head chef at Morston Hall to contemporary, produce-driven dishes. He is a chef happily at the mercy of the seasons: “In winter, there’ll be roe deer served with ceps, celeriac and a black truffle sauce, maybe a steamed roe deer ragout bun on the side. My good friend Henry will fish for lobster, crabs and sea bass until mother nature tells him to stop. I love making lobster ravioli, and deep-fried Brancaster oysters with jalapeño and citrus are never far from the menu. Every new season is exciting.” meadowsweetholt.com Outlaw's New Road, Cornwall In September, Nathan Outlaw’s Port Isaac flagship reset as a single-sitting tasting menu experience for up to 30 people. “This will allow us to include a wider range of luxurious ingredients and more time to embrace a variety of techniques,” says Nathan. “I’m eager to present dishes we can confidently say contain the best seafood you’ll ever try.” The dining room has been spruced up with new furnishings and warm, wintry décor. Dishes include plancha-cooked gurnard with a sauce made daily from tiny Porthilly crabs (“no batch is the same”), and lemon sole in an oyster and cucumber sauce. “This dish epitomises our cooking,” says Nathan. It requires immaculate raw product and expert timing to ensure “it hits the table in peak condition. We apply the scrutiny required to do this fish and the fishermen who caught it justice”. outlaws.co.uk Alex Dilling at Hotel Café Royal, London While some Michelin-starred restaurants go all out to create a relaxed vibe (see Humo, below) Alex Dilling, as befitting its home in the five-star Hotel Café Royal, is unashamedly formal, both on the plate and in its level of service. Tasting menus only, crisply starched tablecloths, cream leather booths, its wall of wine glasses punctuated by Michelin guides acting as a clear reminder of its two-star status. Many dishes look like tiny works of art. In recognition of returning guests who have followed the chef’s career from leading restaurants in New York and London, Alex has created a menu of his defining dishes, including clam chowder, a nod to growing up in San Francisco – with Dorset clams and caviar in a light clam velouté, and hunter’s chicken – Les Landes chicken in albufera sauce. Across the five- to eight-course menus offered, lighter dishes including red mullet (or mackerel when in season) with burrata and peas; and brown crab with shiso and smoked cream topped with aged Kaluga caviar. Start with a martini made with the chef’s own 5 Puffins gin. alexdilling.com Humo Sit at the counter – effectively the pass – for prime interaction with Colombian chef Miller Prada, whose cooking combines his South American roots with the skills and passion he gained for Japanese techniques and ingredients working with mentor Endo Kazutoshi. Fire cooking and dry ageing of fish and meat are at the heart of the restaurant. The laid-back team will introduce you to new discoveries which might include eight-day-aged yellowtail with citrus sauce and the more surprising addition of a Castillo coffee sauce from Miller’s family farm; subtle smoky flavours in everything from the refreshing house salad of smoked Cornish Agria potatoes, wild rocket, Tokyo turnips, miso to Orkney scallop in 20-year-old oaked rum and 31-day-aged Cornish lamb in beetroot sauce. Thrillingly unique. humolondon.com Dream drop-ins & casual classics Good food and wine needn’t always be a big commitment – here are five hangouts you can rely on for a last-minute lift The Jane Eyre, Manchester A self-styled “neighbourhood bar” serving serious small plates. Don’t miss the (substantial) pork chop with spiced apple and truffled mash. thejaneeyre.co.uk Smith & Gertrude, Edinburgh An expertly assembled choice of cheeses, charcuterie and exciting wines. Awesome grilled cheese sandwiches, too. smithandgertrude.com Eat Your Greens, Leeds Natural wine, seasonal cocktails and clever plates of corn ribs or salt-baked beetroot pastrami, dill aïoli and ginger-apple sauerkraut. eatyourgreensleeds.co.uk Noble Rot, London Head to the bar at the Lamb’s Conduit Street venue for comté beignets, Colchester oysters, morteau sausage with lentils and great wines. noblerot.co.uk Long Friday, Newcastle A Jesmond area joint known for interesting wines, great cocktails and plates of sweet ’n’ sour chicken hearts or beetroot-cured trout with citrus kosho. longfriday.co.uk
Best restaurants in Istanbul, Turkey: where locals eat and drink
This Turkish city’s dazzling food scene spans worth-the-queue kebap shops to high-glam hotel restaurants. Discover our pick of local hotspots, chef favourites and where to stay
Looking for the best Istanbul restaurants? Want to know where to get the best Turkish breakfast in the city? Check out the Turkish capital's best budget and blowout places to eat ahead of your next foodie getaway, then read our travel guides to Athens, Valletta and Fez. Not got a trip to Istanbul planned yet? You can create your own Turkish recipes at home for now. Istanbul's best restaurants İskender Kuruluş – for iskender kebap This rich dish of sliced doner kebap with hot tomato sauce, pide, cold yogurt and foaming, melted butter is a good lunch. Invented in Bursa by İskender Efendi, eat it at İskender Kuruluş in Beşiktaş, run by the same family (who still run the restaurant in Bursa). Sit outside with a purple şira (tart grape juice). Dessert, kemalpaşa peynir tatlısı, is a small doughnut drenched in syrup. Yeni Lokanta – for wood-fired Turkish Try seasonal dishes from the wood-fired oven at modern Turkish restaurant Yeni Lokanta. This pretty tiled space is where chef Civan Er serves pan-fried goat’s cheese drizzled with chilli honey, oven-roast lamb shanks with samphire, and sumac steak tartare. Fish of the day is all caught wild – try monkfish “en papillotte” with raki and ezin cheese, or mersin prawns on artichoke purée, pistachios and zaatar. yenilokanta.com Şehzade Cağ Kebap – for cağ kebaps You can spot a good kebap shop in Istanbul by the queue. Some venues are standing only but Şehzade Cağ Kebap has seating clustered around a covered alleyway, Hocapaşa Sokak, in Sirkeci. Order the lamb, cut from a horizontal (this is what makes it cağ rather than doner, which is vertical) rotating spit. Bico (skewers) are inserted into the meat, then a knife is slid under to create thin slices. Each serving comes with two thin lavaş breads. Add salad, sumac onions and ezme – a finely chopped condiment with tomato, red pepper, onion and hot red pepper. Seraf – for elegant regional Turkish dining Regional Turkish cuisine is spotlighted at this Michelin recommended restaurant, connecting with local farmers and growers across the country’s seven diverse regions. Think Aegean olive oil and vegetables, hand-chopped spiced kofte, wood-oven rye flour lahmacun, slow-cooked lamb leg with sun-dried apricots and slow-cooked semolina butter pudding, traditionally made in Muslim households when a loved one passes away. Pair with almost exclusively local wines, many disappearing from the industry. Sweeping palms, marble tables, dusty pink banquettes, intricate murals and contemporary wooden columns curving into the ceiling help to create an elegant atmosphere. seraf.com Nicole – for Michelin-starred hospitality You can see why this sophisticated Michelin-starred restaurant won the Service Award at Turkey’s 2025 Michelin ceremony. Sommeliers meticulously pick out small batch wines from regions including Lake Van, Avşa Island and Cappadocia to pair with chef Serkan Aksoy’s delicate dishes. Intricate mouthfuls are made using carefully-sourced ingredients – walnut and pomegranate tartlets, earthy Divle Obrut cheese aged in limestone caves, Gallipoli olive oil and raki-marinated bonito with cherry pickle juice, radish and fava beans. Highly prized Traykya lamb chops come with rice-filled quince dolma and fried lamb ribs, while tiny beetroot manti are stuffed with minced lamb. Add views of the city’s old town and a retractable roof to dine under the stars to make for an ideal special occasion spot. nicole.com Haçapuri – for pide Pide, often boat-shaped and cradling fillings, are found all over the city. Haçapuri in Kadıköy is a bright and breezy spot with excellent versions. Kapali are enclosed pide, and açik are open – there are ground or cubed beef, spinach and cheese versions, or round (yuvarlak) peynirli yumurtalı pide, with cheese and egg. As with many places in Istanbul, only soft drinks are available to drink. <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/2/2023/07/GettyImages1194349652-62cf4c8.jpg" width="8660" height="5773" alt="Traditional Turkish cuisine; round cheese with karadeniz pita (Karadeniz Pidesi) bread, butter and eggs on it. Restaurant concept on rustic wooden table." title="Traditional Turkish cuisine; round cheese with karadeniz pita (Karadeniz Pidesi) bread, butter and eggs on it." /> Pandeli – for traditional dishes You’ll find the resolutely traditional Pandeli restaurant up a steep, blue-tiled staircase above the Grand Bazaar – take a sharp left once inside the entrance facing the Galata Bridge. The restaurant is airy, with interconnecting rooms, windows over the river, more blue tiles, white napery, chandeliers and dark wood furniture, all serviced by waistcoated waiters. The menu includes favourites such as tarama, cheese and herb börek, doner kebap and pilaf, hünkâr beğendi (lamb stew with roasted aubergine) and köfte. All dishes are simply presented and well made. Lunch is a stretchy time concept in Istanbul, so Pandeli is open from 12-6.30pm but not for dinner. Çiya Sofrasi – for regional Turkish Chef Musa Dağdeviren opened Çiya Sofrasi to showcase Turkey’s regional cuisine, including that of Gaziantep, where he grew up. Despite featuring on Netflix’s Chef ’s Table, this is a low-key, café-like spot. The daily changing menu includes meze, mains and soups – food can be ordered from two counters (one cold, one hot) and is paid for by weight (meze) or individual dishes. Salads are packed with local greens, including caper leaves and sevketi bostan (thistle). There’s also perde pilaf – chicken pilaf wrapped in dough – and candied fruit, veg and nuts for dessert. Aheste – for date night Duck into atmospheric neighbourhood restaurant Aheste, where white tablecloths contrast with bare-brick walls. The £20 meze tasting menu includes dishes such as caramelised roast aubergine, leek patties with smoked yogurt, and fishcakes topped with sage and crisp vine leaves. Or order à la carte and follow your meze with grilled umbra fish with zesty orange salad and chicken confit on olive-studded pilaf. ahesterestaurant.com Yigit Sofram – for Turkish breakfast Stop off at café Yigit Sofram, where knick-knacks clutter lace-trimmed shelves, and tables are laid with green gingham cloths. Order halloumi cooked in butter, with little dishes of salad, honey, Turkish cream and warm pockets of bazlama bread. Or go for cheesy gözleme pancakes stuffed with spinach, mushrooms and minced meat. facebook.com/yigitsofram Shang Palace – for upscale Cantonese banquets Lo Hei salmon is Shang Palace’s signature dish: sashimi surrounded by finely julienned radish, carrots and cucumber, with peanut and tahini dressing. It’s a light, appetising dish that prepares you for the carb-forward menu, which includes dim sum (try the steamed shrimp har gow topped with gold leaf ). The barbecued duck is a refined affair, with the skin served with pancakes, shredded spring onion, cucumber and hoi sin, along with finely diced duck meat in lettuce cups. Dry braised, hand-pulled noodles with seafood or vegetables is another highlight on this Cantonese menu, which ends on a playful note: the Mango-Mango dessert is comprised of tiny, swan-shaped choux pastry filled with cream and fresh mango. The tranquil restaurant with curved banquets, gold screens and low lighting provides the ideal backdrop for a theatrical tea pouring by a Kung Fu tea master. Olea – for Italian food Take a break from local cuisine and enjoy a long lunch among the local and international jet set at Olea. Its mission is to bring the Aegean to Istanbul, amid olive trees and the best view of the Bosphorus. The five-star Mandarin Oriental in the Kuruçeşme district is a beacon for the glamorous, with many guests arriving by yacht (you can also catch a ferry – Arnavutköy Ferry Terminal is a short stroll away). You could grab a quick pizza and glass of sangiovese, but the exceptionally kind and efficient front of house team and impressive surroundings mean you’ll want to linger over ricotta-stuffed courgette flowers, saffron risotto with porcini or tiramisu. Istanbul’s most comprehensive selection of Italian wines is here, too, and it spans all regions. Kempinski's – for Sunday brunch The first of your many choices at Kempinski’s Çırağan Palace is whether to sit inside (to be nearer to the food) or out (with views of the pool and Bosphorus). Unlike the eggs-centric brunch of many hotels, Kempinski’s is vast and varied. Start with sashimi, blini, seafood, cold meats, steak tartare and meze. Pasta is plated up by toqued chefs, as are noodles and roast meats. Help yourself to cheeses and bread drizzled with honeycomb. The dessert selection has its own room – a grand, wood-panelled space – and includes tarts, pastries, cakes, fruit, baklava and turkish delight. Other places to eat and drink in Istanbul Karaköy Güllüoğlu – for baklava Visit Karaköy Güllüoğlu near Galataport for a wide range of baklava, kadayif, turkish delight and pastries. You can also eat there if you need a break – baklava and Turkish coffee are an excellent pick-me-up. Day Day Patanesi – for simit These savoury biscuit snacks from Day Day Patanesi near the Grand Bazaar can be bought in a mixed box of sesame, sunflower seed and nigella seed – fantastic with drinks. Ernest’s – for unique cocktails This mansion-turned-cocktail bar and restaurant had a previous life as an American government building, which Ernest Hemingway visited as a war observer to write about the Greek refugee crisis. Bartenders shake and stir four categories of high-end cocktails – ‘Hemingway’s Favourites’ include mojito, daiquiri (the Hemingway version swaps sugar for grapefruit juice and maraschino liqueur as he was diabetic) and 160 varieties of negroni. Raki cocktails are made with this unique anis-flavoured distillate, all designed by bar master Fatih Akerdem. Ernest is also a Thai restaurant, so there’s a cocktail section to compliment – think dates, ginger and passion fruit with pear vodka and a tom yum twist on a bloody mary. cokcokpera.com Cuma – for café vibes Settle into Cuma café with a linden ginger tea and a plate of pistachio-trimmed profiteroles. Stay for lunch to try yogurt-coated Georgian dumplings stuffed with porcini, grilled octopus with olive paste or little grilled meatballs on silky hummus. cuma.cc Misir Çarsisi – for spice shopping Buy a pot of syrupy lokma donuts and haggle your way around the Misir Çarsisi spice bazaar. Prepare to barter if you want to get the best price for everything from pepper, sumac and fenugreek to dried figs, pistachios and jewel-like lokum. Rüstem Pasa Galata Simitçisi – for bagels Queue up for still-warm bakes at Galata Simitçisi. This tiny takeaway, open for 30 years, is a bastion of tradition in trendy Karaköy, serving sesame-covered bagels from a brick oven. Try blackcurrant bakes and tahini rolls, or keep it simple with a twisted bagel and tea. 47a Mumhane Caddesi Karaköy Balik Pazari – for fish sandwiches Bypass the touristy restaurants beneath Galata Bridge and head to the renovated fish market, Karaköy Balik Pazari. Once a clandestine collection of fishmongers, this renovated wet fish market is a slick corner where vendors display glistening fish. Stroll past stalls then pick up freshly barbecued mackerel in a warm wrap and eat it as you walk along the Golden Horn. 35 Fermeneciler Caddesi Where to stay in Istanbul The Bank Hotel This charming former bank has plenty going for it, including its central location near the Galata Bridge and ferry hub. Its relaxing interiors and quiet, comfortable rooms in neutral tones make it the perfect retreat in this lively city. A generous breakfast buffet heaves with simit, yogurt, fruit, honey, olives and cheese, or order a cooked dish, such menemen – eggs scrambled with tomato sauce and peppers. The Bank rooftop bar is prized for its view of the Bosphorus and city, which can be enjoyed with a cocktail or raki, making it a hotspot for locals. There are similar views in the serene Serica restaurant, where the menu has been informed by food historian Özge Samancı to reflect the flavours of the Silk Road. Try the manti (tiny dumplings), pumpkin pide and rice with saffron, bergamot and coriander, and Turkey’s traditional chicken breast pudding – a thick milk dessert (the shredded chicken is indetectable) served with burnt milk ice cream. Doubles from €250, including breakfast, check availability at booking.com. Photographs by Jeff Heger/Getty, Alex Crossley