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Great London Restaurants Worth Visiting

  • Darron Cardosa
  • Sep 30, 2025
  • 4 min read

They ought to be on your culinary bucket list.


The Wolseley, Mayfair



The Wolseley has been prominently located on Piccadilly since 2003, however the structure itself originates from the early 1900s, initially constructed as an esteemed automobile showroom before functioning as a Barclays Bank for several years. Restaurateurs Chris Corbin and Jeremy King acquired the location in July 2003, and shortly thereafter, the restaurant commenced operations. The diverse past is evident in the interiors: lofty vaulted ceilings and Venetian columns coexist with red and gold Japanese panels, beside Oriental friezes on the walls—a remnant from its short period as a Chinese restaurant. The Wolseley exudes elegance, and it is common to encounter at least one celebrity there, with the Beckhams being frequent patrons and Kate Moss among its admirers. This location is especially favored for breakfast, attracting Londoners seeking Arnold Bennett omelettes and an assortment of exquisite pastries. A comprehensive all-day menu features a variety of options, including caviar, oysters, steaks, and seafood meals, as well as an assortment of ice cream coupes, notably a pistachio and hazelnut creation inspired by the late Lucian Freud.


Location: 160 Piccadilly, St. James's, London W1J 9EB



St. John, Smithfield



In terms of culinary influence, few London restaurants have exerted as significant an impact as St. John. The restaurant commenced operations in 1996 in a disused smokehouse in Smithfield, led by Fergus Henderson, Trevor Gulliver, and Jon Spiteri, and it was markedly distinct from anything previously encountered in the city. During that period, fine dining emphasized opulent ingredients, diminutive portions, and elaborate procedures; nevertheless, the trio opted for an alternative approach, concentrating on minimalist dishes with 'unfashionable' types of meat, such as pig's ear, jellied tripe, and lamb's heart. They were trailblazers of the entire animal butchery movement and emphasized the significance of origin long before it became fashionable. In addition to its environmental sustainability, the restaurant gained prominence due to its celebrity patrons, including Madonna, Damien Hirst, and Tracey Emin, who were among its initial admirers. After more than 30 years, St. John continues to be a beloved establishment in London, with numerous distinctive delicacies on its menu, such as bone marrow accompanied by grilled bread and parsley salad.


Location: 26 St John St, Barbican, London EC1M 4AY



Wiltons, St James’s



Wiltons, London’s second oldest restaurant—preceded only by Rules due to its earlier acquisition of a liquor license—exemplifies sophistication and traditional elegance. The Jermyn Street restaurant has historically been a preferred choice for politicians and celebrities seeking privacy; since 1742, it has become synonymous with discretion, exceptional service—your name will be recognized after a single visit—and, undoubtedly, exquisite cuisine. This sophisticated dining establishment is centered around tradition, with a daily carving trolley that offers roast leg of Romney Marsh lamb and Blythburgh hog, among other meats. If you want fish, or even if you do not, we encourage you to sample Wiltons' renowned Dover Sole; as one of the few establishments still providing table-side fork filleting, it is an experience unto itself, and its exquisite flavor accounts for 90 percent of main course orders at Wiltons. The restaurant has provided the royal household with their oysters since obtaining its initial Royal Warrant in 1836, ensuring that when you take a seat at the oyster bar, you will be enjoying the finest quality. The restaurant's private Jimmy Marks Room is ideal for exceptional occasions, ranging from client lunches to love proposals. Exquisitely refined, it can host up to 20 guests for a formal dining experience — we recommend procuring the carving trolley as well.


Location: 55 Jermyn Street, St James’s, London, SW1Y 6LX



The Ritz Restaurant, Mayfair



The Ritz is a renowned hotel situated in a prime location on London’s Piccadilly, facing the Royal Green Park. Established in 1906 by hotelier César Ritz, the hotel swiftly became a preferred residence for Hollywood celebrities and nobility. In 2002, it became the inaugural hotel to receive a Royal Warrant. Over a century since its inception, The Ritz continues to shine, being recognized as the UK's premier restaurant at the National Restaurant Awards, celebrated for its enduring elegance, impeccable service, and exceptional culinary offerings. At the prestigious Michelin-starred Ritz Restaurant, adorned with shimmering chandeliers and marble columns, Executive Chef John Williams MBE employs the highest quality seasonal ingredients in the dishes. His renowned signature recipes encompass Cornish turbot, beef Wellington, and langoustine à la nage. Subsequently, enjoy the evening while savoring beverages at the cozy Art Deco Rivoli Bar.



Location: 150 Piccadilly, St. James’s, London W1J 9BR



J Sheekey, Covent Garden



In 1893, stallholder Josef Sheekey received authorization from Lord Salisbury to sell fish and shellfish in St Martin’s Court, in exchange for providing meals for Salisbury’s post-theatre dinner gatherings. This marked the inception of Sheekey’s, which continues to embody its Victorian allure to this day. Situated in the heart of the West End, it has consistently served as a nexus for actors, accommodating a continuous influx of A-list celebrities over the years, including the Beckhams, Jude Law, and Bradley Cooper. The culinary focus is on premium seafood, including oysters, seafood platters, and lobster thermidor, in addition to its renowned fish pie. Visit for a pre- or post-theatre supper and be sure to experience the exceptional cocktail menu, which includes reinterpretations of 10 legendary drinks from the restaurant's 125-year history.


Location: 28-32 St Martin’s Court, London WC2N 4AL


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