London is known for being one of the finest cities in the world for art, music, theatre and film, and it isn’t short of fabulous places to eat either. Take a trip through the capital to discover some of the best fancy restaurants in London, where the ambience is as decadent as the food.
A century-old historical building built in elegant Mayfair is home to a fabulous champagne brunch. A trendy East London hotspot brings next-level tapas and wine to Shoreditch. Perched atop The Shard, an iconic landmark boasts 360-degree views over the city and hosts live music nights. For a romantic date night to remember, a birthday, an anniversary or an important milestone, the best fancy restaurants in London host the most memorable celebrations.
Read on for the best fancy restaurants in London to an elegant meal to remember, and book your table on OpenTable now.
The 10 best fancy restaurants in London to book now – read on for a guide
For a champagne brunch – visit Isabel Mayfair in Mayfair
Isabel Mayfair is located in elegant Mayfair, and is known for being one of the most distinctive restaurants in London. Here you can find an imaginative menu and expertly crafted signature cocktails inspired by age-old traditions fused with Latin and Mediterranean influences. Constructed in 1905, the building’s architecture epitomises the Beaux-Arts style, a prevailing aesthetic of the era. Originally inhabited by Charles Mellier, a purveyor of antique English and French furniture, Isabel’s historic roots reflect a foundation steeped in style and refinement. Naturally, the menu echoes the story. Sample delights such as the delicate tuna tartare with ponzu, or burrata and heritage tomato salad to start, and mains like slow-cooked beef short rib with roasted Jerusalem artichoke, or plancha wild seabass with picada. Don’t miss Isabel’s famous champagne brunch each Sunday featuring a 3-course menu with champagne.
Discover more restaurants in London
For a MICHELIN-starred restaurant with a wine bar – don’t miss Trivet in London Bridge
Held by head chef Jonny Lake and master sommelier Isa Bal, Trivet brings a unique award-winning experience to the London Bridge area. Located between Bermondsey and Borough Market, this 2 MICHELIN-starred gem boasts a Modern European menu with a wine matching like no others. Expect international flavours presented in picture-perfect dishes such as grilled venison with Tokyo turnips and pepper sauce, sweetbread with smoked maitake mushroom and cumin, and a must-try saffron risotto with confit scallop and red beetroot. The restaurant’s own cellar boasts 350 wine labels from Georgia, Slovenia, Greece, Turkey and Armenia that completes the culinary journey around the globe. With an open kitchen, Scandi-style decor, and a large glass façade, the warm and welcoming vibe sets the tone for a fancy meal in a casual and relaxing atmosphere. On Monday nights, the in-house wine bar LaBombe offers a special tasting menu and a selection of outstanding wines by the glass.
Discover more restaurants in London
For one of the best high-end restaurants in London for fine Japanese cuisine – book a table at Sexy Fish in Mayfair
Located in fashionable Mayfair, on the corner of the famous Berkeley Square, Sexy Fish is one of London’s finest restaurants when it comes to Japanese cuisine. Feast on Japanese-inspired creations with a contemporary twist with sushi, sashimi, tempura and robata. The yellow tale sashimi, tuna belly and tuna tataki are some of the highlights of the menu. The allure and charm of Sexy Fish goes beyond the food, a delightfully creative cocktail menu perfectly balances flavour, aroma and texture to concoct one-off creations. With a drink in hand, immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere, where energetic staff, musicians and DJs come together to create an unforgettable experience.
Discover more restaurants in London
For a romantic Italian dinner with live music – book a table at Bardo St. James’s in St James’s
Located just around the corner from London’s popular Trafalgar Square, experience Italian fine dining at its best at Bardo St James’s. This gem is more than just a restaurant, with an impressive walk-in wine cellar stocked with an extensive selection of rare labels. There’s also a private dining room, an exclusive lounge and a beautiful marble bar that welcomes diners to enjoy a pre-dinner drink. When it comes to the menu, the antipasti platters conjure up Italian classics such as the Giudia burrata, roasted scallops, and thinly sliced beef. The main dishes, meanwhile, including lobster tagliatelle, ravioli with cacio pepe and black truffle tagliolini, are packed full of flavour. Bardo also hosts a different live band each evening, promising a lively and engaging night you won’t forget in a hurry.
Discover more restaurants in London
For a fancy dinner with spectacular views over the city – visit Aqua Shard in London Bridge
Perched atop Western Europe’s tallest building The Shard, Aqua Shard offers a dining experience like no other. The restaurant’s spectacular space boasts floor-to-ceiling glass windows, providing breathtaking 360-degree views of the iconic London skyline. Aqua Shard has a contemporary British menu, showcasing dishes crafted with the finest seasonal ingredients and innovative culinary techniques. Signature must-tries include Herefordshire steak tartare, herb crusted monkfish tail and braised haunch of venison leg. Diners can savour the ever-changing vistas of London, making this a fabulous spot for a romantic date. There’s also a lively bar to discover, where live DJ nights create an atmospheric backdrop for carefully crafted cocktails.
Discover more restaurants in London
For one of the best fancy restaurants in London for Japanese robata grill – don’t miss ROKA in Mayfair, Fitzrovia, Aldwych and Canary Wharf
ROKA offers a unique restaurant experience in London for robata grill fare, hugely popular in Japan. Luckily, there are a few locations dotted around London to experience it in Mayfair, Fitzrovia, Aldwych and Canary Wharf. This tradition originated from Japanese fisherman, who would cook their various catches on their boat using hot coals and share the grilled fish with one another on oars. Here, you can choose from robata-style meat and fish, sushi, and sashimi, as well as small snacks, salads, and tempuras. ROKA specials include tasty morsels such as butterfish tataki with white asparagus. For the main event – the robata – check out the mouthwatering beef fillet, seabass fillet and black cod marinated in yuzu miso.
📍 Mayfair — Check availability
📍 Fitzrovia — Check availability
📍 Aldwych — Check availability
📍 Canary Wharf — Check availability
Discover more restaurants in London
For one of the best restaurants in London for trendy vibes – book a table at BiBo by Dani Garcia in Shoreditch
BiBo by Dani Garcia is a vibrant and cosmopolitan spot, ideal for laid-back lunches and lively dinners. Loved by locals and visitors alike, this cool gem is known for unique Spanish dishes, with chef Dani García’s dynamic cuisine stealing the show. BiB’so menu is a testament to Andalusian cuisine, combining local products with international culinary techniques and ingredients. Iconic dishes such as pulled oxtail brioche, crispy jamon croquettes, and lobster paella are menu highlights. To complement the food, there’s an extensive wine list that showcases an incredible 120-label selection, representing the finest Spanish wines. As far as tapas goes, this trendy east London spot is a great place to share food amongst friends in a lively environment or, even better, the perfect venue for a fun date.
Discover more restaurants in London
For a celebratory special occasion – try Brasserie of Light in Oxford Circus
Situated within the world-famous department store of Selfridges on Oxford Street, Brasserie of Light is a contemporary gem in the heart of the West End. Enjoy the seasonal menus and thoughtfully crafted cocktails while being overseen by Pegasus, a 24ft-tall, crystal-encrusted Damien Hirst sculpture that soars above the dining room. The menu is a blend of British and international influences and includes incredible vegan and vegetarian options. Check out the rainbow beetroot salad, as well as the roasted duck breast and the miso black cod. Served in stunning Art Deco surroundings from sunrise to late evening, the inclusive and refined offerings span breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner, and weekend brunch, accompanied by an extensive selection of wine and cocktails.
Discover more restaurants in London
For one of the best birthday restaurants in London with a secret garden – reserve your table at Dalloway Terrace in Bloomsbury
Dalloway Terrace is a quintessentially English venue that radiates elegance and charm. This hidden gem transforms into a secluded secret garden during winter, while during spring and summer it becomes a refined al fresco space that’s just perfect for outdoor dining. It’s an ideal place to celebrate special occasions like birthdays and anniversaries, with all-day favourites available on its menu, including a popular afternoon tea, complemented by cocktails and wines. The Devon hand-picked crab and the venison carpaccio are both great ways to start your meal, while the mains offer equally attractive options such as roasted fillet of organic salmon and wild sea bass with burnt leeks. The restaurant creates an enchanting atmosphere and backdrop to your afternoon or evening, ensuring diners are captivated by the surroundings.
Discover more restaurants in London
For one of the best high-end restaurants in London for modern Japanese dishes – head down to KOYN in Mayfair
KOYN is a contemporary Japanese restaurant that draws inspiration from the nature-inspired roots of Mount Fuji. This Mayfair gem follows Japan’s ancient practice of balancing modernity with tradition, with a two-folded dining experience. KOYN’s two-story venue symbolises the complementary forces at work in Japan’s enigmatic volcano, where a lush alpine environment peacefully coexists with the fiery depths below. Executive chef Rhys Cattermoul leads the kitchen, presenting a menu inspired by this natural duality that showcases the wide spectrum of Japanese cuisine through rich umami flavours and locally-sourced ingredients. Best dishes include wagyu gyoza, rock shrimp and lobster tempura, while the robata grill features sublime Chilean sea bass, Hojica smoked lamb cutlets and tenderloin beef, crafted with artistic prowess.
Discover more restaurants in London
For one of the best fancy restaurants in London for Brazilian cuisine – check out Maroto in Marylebone
Step into the world of Maroto in Marylebone and go on a journey to Brazil under the guidance of head chef Nilson Chaves and his dedicated team. The blend of Brazilian culinary heritage and expert cooking techniques is clear in every aspect of the menu, which thoughtfully highlights some of the finest seasonal ingredients. Start with dishes such as the marinated pork neck and scallops and leeks, before moving onto mains that include rump of picanha or rump of lamb, and crackling pork belly. Aside from the food, award-winning sommelier Lais Aoki is on hand to guide you through her expertly crafted wine list, ensuring each moment at Maroto is an immersive experience.
Discover more restaurants in London
The capital can accommodate anything and everything when it comes to treating yourself and your loved ones with a special meal out. If you’re looking to impress a first date or a newfound love, the best fancy restaurants in London await. From sky-high meals with a view to first-rate sushi and fish dishes in Mayfair, there’s a whole plethora of lavish dining spots to choose from to mark your next special occasion.
