We recently explored the blossoming relationship between food and fashion, a relationship that has only continued to expand and flourish in the last year. With increasing cross-category collaborations and the growing community culture surrounding IYKYK hotspots, emerging chefs and of course — TV shows like The Bear — food is starting to become even more important to us.
Aside from using “Yes, Chef!” in our Instagram captions and adding that Palace x McDonald’s collab tee to our baskets, it means there’s a rising number of local food spots starting to hit the top of our wish lists, and visiting them is equally as important (if not more so) than copping the latest drop.
As a result, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite restaurants in London, from Dua Lipa‘s favorite Persian hotspot to the fashion crowd’s canteen of choice (spoiler: it’s Rochelle’s) and a multitude of must-visit locals in between.
Scroll down for our full list of recommendations below.
Bottarga
Described by Bottarga itself as “Zephyr’s cooler, younger sibling,” the Instagram-friendly Mediterranean restaurant serves up a delightful cuisine of Greek dishes. With playful artworks, quirky design details and candlelight settings, the chic locale tastes as good as it looks — or possibly, even better. With menu items like Saganaki Tapioca Bites, Bluefin Otoro Toast and Bottarga Orzo, the dessert menu is equally delectable, featuring a Hazelnut Semifreddo, Orange Pie and a Chocolate Burnt Cheesecake. Unbelievable.
Permit Room
Permit Room is Dishoom’s relaxed, cafe-style offering inspired by the permit rooms of Bombay, India. Recently opening in West London after a few successful launches outside of the city, the laid-back location offers everything from breakfast and brunch to dinner and drinks, and even hosts an old-school style “lodging” on the top floor — that you can actually stay in, by the way. Aside from that, the cafe also hosts regular events and DJ nights, plus artist takeovers and residencies. And then, there’s the food. From french toast and “crumpety eggs” to crispy spinach chaat and the spicy chicken puff, the culinary offering features take-down versions of its restaurant classics along with grills and curries.
The Italian Greyhound
The Italian Greyhound is a new addition to London’s Marylebone scene, featuring an intimate outdoor terrace, cozy interiors and delicious bites. Offering an Italian-inspired menu with classics like homemade focaccia, eggplant parmigiana and burrata, the menu also features a few unique dishes like octopus carpaccio, artichoke risotto and pistachio tiramisu.
Nina
Nina, the latest restaurant to launch from the group behind Zephyr, recently opened in London’s Marylebone, taking over the central location of Pachamama. Presenting a slew of contemporary Italian classics with a twist, the chic restaurant is the ultimate culinary experience from start to finish. Standout dishes undoubtedly include the incredibly enormous tiramisu alongside zesty carpaccio and crudo.
akub
Akub is a Palestinian restaurant in Notting Hill, serving up traditional cuisine over small sharing plates. From crispy chickpea dips to cheese pastries and slow-cooked lamb, there’s not a single dish on this menu that you won’t love. Despite what ‘small plates’ suggests, we can confidently say that the portions are anything but.
Trullo
North London’s Trullo has become somewhat of an institution among fashion fans, known for its seasonal menus, fresh ingredients and unique combinations. Simple dishes like prawns with aioli rarely disappoint, but it’s special editions like the pumpkin ravioli with sage butter and ricotta doughnuts with custard that will live in your mind rent-free. The Islington hot spot also just announced a three-month residency at the department store, Harvey Nichols, so get a taste while you can.
Bar Crispin
The sister spot to Crispin, Bar Crispin is a small-plates restaurant in Central London with an impressive menu of cocktails and natural wines. Standout dishes include the beef tartare crumpet, prawn sando and grilled quail, but there’s definitely no way to get it wrong.
Pachamama
Another go-to for it-girls everywhere, Pachamama has two locations in London: in the fancy, more central Marylebone area and in the edgier East part of town. Famed for its unique take on classic Peruvian cuisine, the shabby chic spot is perfect for date nights, birthday dinners and long overdue catch-ups with foodie friends.
Gaia
The newly opened Gaia in London’s Mayfair just celebrated its first anniversary. Offering a delightfully fresh menu of seafood, grills and pasta, the Greek-inspired restaurant is the perfect place to go for a celebration, particularly one for those who enjoy a little theatre with their dining.
Bistro Freddie
Situated in Shoreditch, Bistro Freddie provides a taste of authentic French cuisine, offering only French wine pairings alongside cocktails and canapes. Serving up the best of British produce, the East London eatery prides itself on its seasonal starters and sharing platters of meat cooked over fire.
Berenjak
Once described by global popstar Dua Lipa as one of her favorite places in London, Berenjak is a Persian hotspot with locations in London’s Soho and Borough. Serving up a delightful array of home-inspired dishes, the restaurant aims to “evoke the style of a rustic hole-in-the-wall eatery from Tehran, and reinterpret signature dishes using seasonal British produce,” according to its founder.
Chet’s
Brought to you by the same name that gave you Los Angeles’s NIGHT+MARKET, Chet’s is an LA-Thai fusion that sits inside the newly opened Hoxton Hotel in Shepherd’s Bush. Standout menu items include the Pineapple Rice (very much served inside an actual pineapple) alongside the Tingling Onion. The restaurant also offers a full breakfast, lunch and dinner service for all occasions.
Cafe Cecilia
Cafe Cecilia is a classic neighborhood restaurant located in Hackney, complete with gourmet plates, baked goods and a stylish interior. The seasonal menu offers breakfast and lunch dishes, served up alongside a picturesque view of the canal and a modern bistro feel.
Rochelle Canteen
Rochelle Canteen is a cafe slash restaurant located at a former school bike shed, serving up a daily menu of seasonal produce and contemporary flavors. With a discreet entrance that leads to a blissful garden, the restaurant has quickly become a must-visit destination amongst fashionable foodies everywhere.
Dorian
The recently opened Dorian is located in Notting Hill in the heart of West London. The cozy neighbourhood restaurant offers a special menu of fish and meat dishes alongside perfectly paired wines and cocktails. Head chef Max Coen comes from the two-Michelin-starred restaurant Kitchen Table, plus three-Michelin-starred Frantzen in Stockholm.
Zephyr
Newly opened in Notting Hill, Zephyr boasts “vibrant flavours inspired by the Greek Islands” in a truly Instagrammable setting. One of West London’s most fashionable restaurants, the new locale has already played host to a tonne of fashion week dinners and parties, with its downstairs bar the perfect spot for an after-dinner drink.
Pahli Hill
For an authentic taste of Indian cuisine, look no further. Situated in central London, Pahli Hill features in the MICHELIN Guide and aims to provide a contemporary take on traditional Indian dishes. Downstairs, the restaurant is home to a vintage-inspired cocktail bar named Bandra Bhai, which features classic cocktails with Indian ingredients.
Gymkhana
Inspired by the “elite clubs of India,” Gymkhana boasts traditional flavors with a twist and has held a Michelin Star since 2014. Located in London’s Mayfair, the swanky restaurant serves seasonal dishes alongside a contemporary Indian menu with retro-inspired decor.
The Tamil Prince
Situated in Islington, The Tamil Prince offers a casual, small-plate dining experience in a pub-style setting, serving contemporary takes on classic South Indian cuisine. Known for its famed cocktails and cozy interior, it’s the perfect place for Sunday lunches or celebratory dinners.
Rita’s Dining
A firm favorite amongst the fashion crowd, Rita’s is located in central London in Soho and boasts an intimate setting with “Modern American” dishes made with seasonal British produce. With an accompanying menu of natural wines and cocktails, the restaurant also boasts an East London outpost named Rita’s Bodega, which serves a delightful array of sandwiches.
Elliot’s
With two locations in Borough Market and Hackney, Elliot’s is a must-visit for any foodie. Complete with a cozy, brick-lined interior, its Borough Market location boasts a seasonal menu with dishes cooked on a wood-fired grill, accompanied by a vibrant selection of biodynamic wines.
BRAT
BRAT is a rustic Spanish-inspired restaurant with locations in Shoreditch and Climpson’s Arch. Another MICHELIN Guide restaurant, BRAT is the first solo location from chef Tomos Parry, who celebrates Basque cuisine through a contemporary lens.
Gold
Located in Notting Hill, Gold is the ultimate spot for celebration. Complete with a picturesque interior, the West London locale boasts a range of expertly curated European dishes with cocktails and wines to match. Complete with a bar and terrace plus a private dining room, the edgy neighborhood restaurant is a genuine must-visit.
Straker’s
Similarly, you’ll find Strakers situated across Notting Hill’s Golborne Road, marking the first culinary experience from chef Thomas Straker after gaining popularity on TikTok during lockdown. Also featured in the MICHELIN Guide, the easy-breezy diner boasts a selection of Italian-inspired dishes with low-intervention wines.
Bistrotheque
Located in East London, Bistrotheque is a converted warehouse-turned-restaurant with white walls and a modern European cuisine. Featuring seasonal dishes and a distinctive menu, flavors like pickled grape, candied squash and braised leek make multiple appearances. Downstairs, the restaurant comes alive with regular karaoke and dinner theatre.
Supermarket of Dreams
A supermarket-turned-restaurant, Holland Park’s aptly named Supermarket of Dreams dons a clean slate each evening as it gears up to set its kitchen island table for dinner service. Offering a rotating roster of guest chefs, the unique dining experience is a definite must-visit.
Top Cuvée
Based in Islington, Top Cuvée serves up a selection of small plates and natural wines, with a vibrant interior complete with its signature neon orange hue. Alongside its North London restaurant, Top Cuvee also owns a shop and basement bar in Bethnal Green, offering a varied collection of wines and food below the glimmering light of a disco ball.
Kekaki
Kekaki is a family-owned izakaya in Deptford, offering contemporary Japanese dishes through sharing plates. The relaxed, warm atmosphere plays host to a unique culinary experience, with standout dishes including the pandan waffles and chocolate spring rolls.
Alley Cats Pizza
Alley Cats Pizza, with two spots in Marylebone and Chelsea, dishes out some of the best 14-inch New York-style pies in town — think perfectly crispy base, airy fluffy top and serious flavor. With vintage cartoons flickering on the walls and a retro diner vibe, it feels like a slice of old-school NYC, right in London. Each pizza lands with its own pot of parmesan magic, and if you’re not diving into the dips, you’re doing it wrong.
Rambutan
Located in the heart of Borough Market is Rambutan, a Sri Lankan restaurant specializing in open-fire cooking and the taste of the diaspora. Serving traditional dishes like mutton chops, bone marrow rolls and pineapple curry, the restaurant fuses flavors of its heritage with contemporary twists.
