Indagare’s Essential London Restaurant List

Indagare is always scouting for the newest best restaurants, classic spots and neighborhood gems that feel like a special find. Though the restaurant scene changes often, here is our current list of top tables in London, for any occasion.

Chef Stevie Parle, known for Dock Kitchen and Pastaio, has a knack for playful, ingredient-led cooking, and TOWN is his boldest stage yet. The room riffs on 1970s Italian retro-glamour with chrome accents, back-lit ceilings, lava-stone counters and cantilever chairs. It’s a dramatic setting for a dramatic menu. Snacks like caviar-topped crisps and honey-glazed sage leaves lead into hearty mains—steaks, lobster with XO sauce—and a matcha ice cream finale. 26-29 Drury Ln.

This Roman-style trattoria, co-owned by actor Theo James with chef Naz Hassan, leans into classics done with care. It’s a local hangout with star power behind it, and regulars already treat it as their neighborhood spot. 73 Highbury Park

The younger, more centrally-located sibling to Islington darling The Tamil Prince, Tamila Kings Cross is a great spot for a quick taste of some of London’s best Indian. 78 Caledonian Rd.

Inside the just-opened Chancery Rosewood, Carbone London—Europe’s first outpost of the iconic New York hot spot—serves its signature Italian-American classics in a fabulously theatrical setting. 30 Grosvenor Sq.

This celebratory Pan-Asian restaurant dazzles with Hyde Park views and a luxe, Art Deco aesthetic that channels 1930s Shanghai glamour. But there’s definitive substance to match the style: The menu incorporates Chinese, Japanese and Mongolian flavors. 22 Park Ln.

One Club Row is a retro-tinged restaurant above a Shoreditch pub, hidden behind a neon-sign door, velvet curtains and a graffiti-lined wall. Its wooden bar takes center stage—bartenders seem to constantly be making martinis here. 1 Club Row

Singburi, once a beloved family-run Thai café in Leytonstone, built a cult following around Sirichai Kularbwong’s fiery blackboard specials. Its new Shoreditch outpost brings the same punchy cooking, now with sleek surroundings, cocktails and a sharp wine list, all at refreshingly approachable prices. 185‑186 Shoreditch High St.

Just off Carnaby Street in Soho, Marjorie's is a French wine bar and bistro that is equal parts polished and cheeky. Highlights change with the season, but can include fun shareables like chicken liver with a cherry center (described as a “savory Ferrero Rocher”) in a relaxed, all-French atmosphere. 26 Foubert’s Pl.

At this ultra-chic, fine-dining hot spot, menus use British ingredients for Japanese-inspired dishes, and deftly balance restraint and punch: crab temaki with apple sweet vinegars; duck dumplings twinned with Tokyo turnips. Service is seamless, and there’s usually a sophisticated crowd of stylish foodies ready for a celebratory meal. 84 Wardour St.

Dig into picture-perfect classics with a twist, like the Nutzilla French Toast, made with Milk’s own brioche and wild Madagascan sugar Chantilly, and house made granola with creative toppings such as macerated blood orange, oolong and yuzu syrup and sesame brittle. 20 Bedford Hill

Daylesford’s aesthetically pleasing organic farm shop-cum-cafés offer delicious and nutritious breakfast menus filled with ingredients fresh from the farm, plus house-made artisan bread, preserves and freshly pressed juices. Multiple Locations

Foreign Exchange News is a charming café/currency exchange hybrid on Leinster Terrace, with the whimsical feel of a Wes Anderson set. 22 Leinster Terrace

Conveniently located just off Broadway Market, this popular East London neighborhood restaurant has a laid back modern bistro feel and serves a bountiful breakfast overlooking the canal. Don’t miss the toasted Guinness bread served with gooey boiled eggs or the salty kippers with parsley and capers. 32 Andrews Rd.

Popular amongst London’s well-heeled crowd, this glamorous Mayfair spot dishes up a mix of classic brunch options with a few Italian twists. 5A Burlington Gardens

The Wolseley is one of London’s most iconic restaurants—a place to see and be seen at breakfast; grab a newspaper, order an elegant silver pot of English breakfast tea, some fresh pastries and the renowned Arnold Bennett omelet. 160 Piccadilly

At Ollie Dabbous’ Michelin-starred restaurant, Hide, the breakfast menu hits all the right notes, from innovative dishes like caviar, oysters and black truffled scrambled eggs to classics like homemade granola and freshly-baked viennoiseries. 85 Piccadilly

Known for its innovative food, carefully sourced ingredients and playful style, the breakfast menu at London hotspot, Fallow, is hard to beat. 52 Haymarket

This upmarket French restaurant in St James’s pays homage to the high-ceiling grand brasseries of Paris, making it a great spot for le petit dejeuner. The pastries are sublime, as are the scrambled eggs served with caviar, bien sûr. 34 Duke Street St James’s

Simple, cozy and well located around central and south east London, Bancone offers sleek, modern interiors and award-winning pasta at exceptional value. Multiple Locations

Blacklock champions the chophouse and all its traditions. It now has five bouncy and unpretentious sites across the capital, all dishing up various cuts of meat cooked over fire. Multiple Locations

Few restaurants in the capital have reached the same iconic status as The River Café. Known for serving some of the very best ingredient-led Italian dishes in London since its opening back in 1987, nothing beats a long, leisurely lunch on its beautiful terrace overlooking the Thames. Thames Wharf, Rainville Rd.

Both outposts of this brilliant, laid back bar serve “Italian-ish” food, cocktails and natural wines, and have generous terraces with fabulous city views, well-suited for dreamy alfresco occasions. Multiple Locations

Zédel’s Art Deco interiors by David Collins make this popular all-day brasserie a must-visit, serving exceedingly good value traditional French fare. 20 Sherwood St.

At this “it” spot, sit at the oval-shaped oyster bar, the see-and-be-seen focal point of this chic seafood eatery, and people watch over a glass of bubbly and some delicious Dover sole or freshly-shucked oysters. 20 Mount Street

Located on Golden Square, where Soho meets Mayfair, the extremely glamorous décor at Bébé Bob is inspired by the Golden Age, while the playful menu is a mouth-watering medley of rotisserie chicken, caviar, fine wine and champagne. 37 Golden Square

Chef Tomos Parry’s latest venture is a wood grill and upbeat wine bar inspired by his time spent traveling across Spain. Expect smoky, flavorsome food cooked over charcoal, classic cocktails and the kind of lively atmosphere that Soho is known for. 16-18 Beak St.

The epitome of shabby-chic, this split level space is a captivating combination of distressed peeling paint, exposed plaster, vast windows, leafy plants and colorful artworks and sculptures. Chef Abigail Hill's modern European menu may be short but it’s pleasingly unfussy and filled with flavor. 4th Floor, Farringdon, 24 Clerkenwell Grn.

Core by Clare Smyth, London's only restaurant helmed by a British woman with three Michelin stars, is set in an elegant Notting Hill townhouse above Portobello Market. Arrive early to enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail at the Whiskey & Seaweed bar. 92 Kensington Park Rd

Sheekey’s, as it is informally known, has been a British institution since 1896, and it is the place to eat pre- or post-theater. Staff are smartly dressed, nostalgic black and white photos line the walls and the fresh oysters and decadent seafood platters are some of the best in town. 28-32 St Martin's Ct

Part of the wildly popular Big Mamma group that has recently swept across London (Gloria, Circolo Popolare, Ave Mario), this lavish four-story spot on High Street Kensington offers wonderfully over-the-top interiors, efficient service and a plethora of generously sized Italian dishes. 94 Kensington High St.

Inspired by Indian elite social and sports clubs, Gymkhana is a two-Michelin star restaurant that focuses on contemporary Indian food (expect delicious curries and tikka, along with game and vegetarian menus). 42 Albemarle St

Goodbye Marylebone, hello Mexico—crossing the threshold of this beautifully designed modern Mexican restaurant is like stepping into an oasis filled with warmth, flavor and stripped-back style. Allow time for a trip to the Mezcaleria downstairs for delicious cocktails and Mexican spirits. 9 Seymour St.

The hallowed walls of this iconic restaurant, once frequented by the likes of Diana, Princess of Wales, Mick Jagger and Elizabeth Taylor, remain much the same in terms of its timeless look and feel, while the simple menu is full of old favorites such as bang bang chicken and salmon fishcakes. 20 Arlington St.

More theatrical hedonism can be found at Bacchanalia in Mayfair: after being greeted by toga-baring hosts, take a seat in a dining room embellished with vast hand-painted murals, and enjoy the indulgent Greek and Italian menu. 1-3 Mount St.

Combining beautifully designed modern interiors, exceptional hospitality and hugely experienced chef Chet Sharma’s inventive Indian menu, this is one of London’s top spots for sophisticated spice. 42 N Audley St

Thanks to a jaw dropping art collection curated by Hauser & Wirth, this striking restaurant is adorned with over 200 world-class pieces of art, while the menu is a modern celebration of British classics. First Floor, 41-43 Mount St.

A design-forward seafood bistro, Noisy Oyster is all chrome surfaces, industrial piping and neon-green accents. Come for the Maldon rock oysters and frozen martinis. 2, Nicholls Clarke Yard

Relaxed neighborhood restaurant and bakery Jolene dishes up a daily changing blackboard menu of delicious small plates designed to be shared—think fresh pasta, crisp salads, cod’s roe and crudités, etc, all carefully crafted from sustainably sourced ingredients. 21 Newington Grn.

Julie's, a Holland Park icon since 1969, once drew celebrities for Champagne-soaked nights. After closing in 2022, it’s back in 2024 as a modern French brasserie, blending old-school charm with fresh buzz. 135 Portland Rd.

Offering both style and substance in abundance, this seriously hip 45-cover restaurant showcases the best of British produce and French wine in the heart of Shoreditch. 74 Luke St.

This vibrant nose-to-tail Italian-inspired restaurant has laid its roots in East London with a focus on hearty dishes in the shape of whole-animal butchery, hand-rolled pastas and wood-fired breads. 49-51 Curtain Rd.

Exclusively limited to just twelve guests, Aulis offers a fascinating, interactive farm-to-fork dining experience where a series of intricate dishes are cooked in front of guests and explained at every stage. 16 St Anne's Ct.

This small, busy, modern Filipino restaurant is recreating the sweet and sour flavors of the Philippines using top quality British produce in the heart of central London. 2.14, Top Floor, Kingly Ct, Carnaby St.

This small restaurant is a firm Soho favorite and has a consistently buzzy atmosphere. Thai BBQ grills, woks and baked clay pots filled with fiery curries are the order of the day here. 58 Brewer St.

At Adam Handling’s first stand-alone bar, experimental drinks are crafted with serious skill and boundless creativity. The bar itself is dark, glamorous and has a slightly edgy feel thanks to the eye-catching artwork and glowing neon sign. 34 Southampton St.

Set within London’s trendy NoMad Hotel, it’s hard to believe that this laid back yet upmarket Mexican-inspired cocktail bar was once a police station. Slide into one of the comfortable booths and order a seasonal margarita (or two) or the Tequila Mai Tai. 28 Bow St.

Frequently visited by James Bond author Ian Fleming, the legendary bar at luxurious Mayfair hotel, DUKES, is said to be the inspiration for the classic line ‘shaken, not stirred’. 35 St James’s Pl.

Wine lovers should make a beeline for London’s “shrine to the vine,” Noble Rot. Browse the extensive, award-winning wine list and choose one of the many sub-£40 finds or splash out on a rare vintage. 5 Trebeck St.

David Collins-designed cubist décor, exceedingly precise cocktails and exceptional service are what make this bar world-renowned. 16 Carlos Pl.

Discreetly tucked away in London’s legendary hotel, The Fumoir is where those in-the-know have enjoyed a drink in London since 1929. The dry martini—served in an ice-chilled glass—is hard to beat. Claridge's, Brook St.

Nightjar’s speakeasy-style bars remain eternally popular with locals and visitors alike. Expect world-class cocktails, live jazz and blues and a touch of old-school glamor—plus, you can book. Multiple Locations

If you’re partial to a negroni then look no further. The dapper bar staff at Bar Termini mix up some of the very best classic cocktails in the capital. Wine, simple Italian antipasti and good coffee is also on the menu, as well as bottled cocktails to take away. 7 Old Compton St.

Award-winning Lyaness by renowned cocktail maestro Ryan Chetiyawardana has an exciting, intriguing menu designed around ingredients rather than cocktail types, using weird and wonderful flavors to create truly unforgettable libations. 20 Upper Ground

Starting near Tower Bridge, The Bermondsey Beer Mile is a favorite weekend activity amongst beer-loving Londoners. The idea is that you start at one end of this two mile (ish) stretch of road and work your way to the other, popping into the multitude of railway arches and industrial units that house more than fifteen craft breweries and taprooms, and even two gin distilleries, along the way. It’s a fun way to enjoy delicious drinks and meet those who make them.

This cozy, traditional public house and restaurant has been lovingly created by British film director, Guy Ritchie. The ground floor pub pulls pints of Gritchie beer from Ritchie’s own brewery in Wiltshire, alongside a wine list and tasty bar snacks (the freshly made sausage rolls are divine). Upstairs, the restaurant menu showcases the best of British food and seasonal ingredients. 4 Conway St.

At the forefront of London’s gastropub explosion in the nineties, today, The Anglesea Arms has the same classic pub environment, thanks to its well-kept beers, welcoming staff and friendly local vibe. 35 Wingate Rd.

One of London’s most photographed pubs, this 18th-century quirky-yet-traditional Holly Bush is all atmospheric wood paneling and worn out leather sofas with a flickering fire. Today, it’s owned by London Brewery Fuller's, and the food is surprisingly sophisticated. 22 Holly Mount

The Audley is a traditional London pub, serving a mouthwatering selection of bar snacks and pub favorites, ranging from perfectly executed fish and chips to traditional shepherd’s pie, all made using top quality British ingredients. Save room for the apple pie and custard. 41-43 Mount St.

This vast Victorian boozer has been beautifully transformed into an extremely aesthetically pleasing neighborhood pub, The Pelican. The gutsy food is equally as impressive; sustainable ingredients come from small, local producers, and the menu had a variety of options to please different palates. 45 All Saints Rd.

In the summer months, this iconic public house attracts thirsty punters who flock from across the city to its picturesque riverside location, an ideal spot to enjoy the sunset. ​​Riverside House, Water Ln

When it comes to character and a sense of history, pubs don’t come much more atmospheric than the historic Mayflower. Inside is a cozy, candlelit mishmash of dark wood, old photos and maritime curios, whilst outside a large terrace sits over the water. 117 Rotherhithe St.

Brought to life by renowned London publican Oisín Rogers and Flat Iron founder Charlie Carroll, this hot ticket Soho gastropub is a proper London “boozer,” famed for serving the very best pints of Guinness in the capital. 17 Denman St.

This friendly, independent neighborhood pub in south London has won a multitude of awards. It’s open for lunch, dinner, drinks and snacks; simple, seasonally-focused menus change daily with comforting dishes designed to share. 65 Camberwell Church St.

Still going strong after nearly 20 years, this legendary West London party pub has a reputation for its lively atmosphere and terrific food. It’s both quirky and cozy, fun and traditional, with unfussy décor and a proper gastropub menu of British classics along with plenty of delicious seafood. 89 Westbourne Park Rd.

This popular artisan bakery produces an array of organic sourdough bread and delectable sweet and savory pastries. Our top tip here would be to visit early, as a lot of the Pedlar’s most popular bakes sell out fast. Multiple Locations

ST JOHN’s famous doughnuts have reached cult status in the capital and sell out in a flash, not only for their brioche-y consistency but for their heavenly fillings (the vanilla custard is our favorite). 72 Druid St.

St John’s doughnuts can also be found at St John Bread and Wine in east London (Friday and Saturday), Borough Corner in south east London (daily) and Neal's Yard in Covent Garden (daily).

Just minutes from the British Museum, this iconic bakery has a vast counter of hand-baked sourdough bread, cakes and artisan pastries every day of the week. The queue usually snakes down the quaint cobbled street, but the cream-filled beignets are one of London’s foodie must-tries. 35 Colonnade

Pavilion’s flagship, lakeside site in Victoria Park has a small, seasonal all-day menu with Sri Lankan influences and classic dishes alongside infamously good sandwiches and flaky pastries. It has four additional sites spread across East London, and one down in Newquay, Cornwall. It’s hard to beat a cup of house chai and one of Pavilion’s famous cardamom buns. Flagship: Old Ford Rd.

This wonderfully wacky open-plan bakery specializes in using seasonal ingredients as much as possible, whilst its sourdough bread is made with UK-grown, sustainably-farmed grain. Try the yuzu-orange jaffa cakes or the cornbread croissant, made with fresh corn, cheesy polenta and jalapeño. 44 Peckham Rd.

This contemporary French bakery has aesthetically designed interiors and bakes. Try the signature honey butter toast–warm, crunchy and fiendishly fluffy all at once. 9 Mercer St.

Fabrique is the spot for ‘fika’—the Swedish ritual of taking time to pause and enjoy a snack. This Scandi-chic bakery’s beautiful buns are served warm and squishy—the cinnamon is a favorite but the cardamom and almond versions are dangerously delicious too. Original: 385 Geffrye St.

Home to a baking school, bakery and a good size brick and steel cafe with plenty of outdoor seating, The Dusty Knuckle is renowned for its splendid sourdough and sensational made-to-order sandwiches, which attract healthy queues every weekend. Abbot St.

In his first venture outside of France, the once crowned “best pâtissier in the world” can now be found at five-star hotel, The Berkeley. Those with a sweet tooth can embark on a unique seven-course patisserie tasting menu whilst watching the chefs at work, or choose a takeaway treat. Wilton Pl.

This hip yet homely artisanal bakery and restaurant uses traditional techniques and the best seasonal ingredients to create delicious, hand-crafted viennoiserie pastries, fresh pasta and exceedingly good coffee. Multiple Locations