The Most Beautiful Restaurants in London Right Now

The Gallery at Sketch

Sketch is arguably London’s most visually striking restaurants and regularly appears on the lists of the most Instagrammable venues in town. Opening in 2003, this restaurant has a selection of food options and individually themed rooms which are show-stopping in their artistry and scale. Of course, the food is breakfasts and lunches, through to showstopping afternoon teas, and Michelin-starred evening dining.

It’s also one of the key venues which appear in my TV series, Restaurants of London. We chose the beautiful Gallery room which was recently reimagined in a colour scheme of warm coppers and yellow with sculptures by Jonathan Baldock. We also enjoyed a sumptuous afternoon tea – when filming permitted, of course!

The beauty of this restaurant is just the beginning of the experience; the food is when the experience begins. For something that ‘extra’ special I recommend visiting The Gallery during their evening service for Brown-Shrimp Jelly & Caviar with smoked salmon toast and Egg cooked at 67°C £23 with Soy sauce hollandaise and mussels, moving onto the excellent mains of Wagyu Beef Fillet with Béarnaise sauce, and the succulent Farmhouse Chicken Fricassée and Morels.

The desserts here are as insta-worthy as the décor and if you have room, I suggest the Sketch 057 Chocolate mousse, with pistachio cream and joconde biscuit, as well as the zesty Frosted Lemon, Coconut panna cotta, with candied aloe vera and lemon sorbet.

Sessions Arts Club

Picture the scene: A Grade II listed space lit by candlelight, romantic arch windows, intimate tables, making it feel more like a private dining room than a restaurant. In fact, I think it looks more like the set of a romantic, London film. Welcome to Sessions Arts Club.

Opening in 2021, this has been on many foodies’ ‘to-dine’ list since and has a cultivated the air of utter exclusivity – hence the perennially long waiting list for a reservation. However, don’t let that put you off – this is a restaurant that is worth the wait.

It’s also one of London’s most glamorous and visually stunning restaurants, where one might be inclined to take a few extra selfies than normal – it’s expected when the aesthetics are this good. It’s an historic 18th building with incredible character and the ultimate ‘vintage’ aesthetic complete with peeling wallpapers only add to the atmosphere.

Chef Abigail Hill’s menu is a seasonal delight of small and larger plates, designed to share, including Oyster, Tomato and Vodka, Beef, nasturtium and sourdough, as well as larger plates of Lamb, Mustard and Anchovy and a summery Ricotta, mint and Grezzina.

The desserts are a must, especially the Chocolate, Sherry and cream.

A restaurant that stands worthy of the hype.

Dante at Claridge’s

The ultimate in timeless, old-school sophisticated is a visit to grand dame of them all – Claridge’s. This classic, 5-star hotel in the heart of Mayfair is not only one London’s most coveted hotels, but a must-visit dining destination.

One of the hotel’s most popular pop-ups – Dante of New York – is now a permanent of fixture of the restaurant and offers diners the opportunity to experience the Italian-American dishes of this famed New York hot spot. Dante has been a fixture Greenwich Village since 1915 and brings it relaxed and soulful Manhattan charm to the Grande Dame of Mayfair.

You can expect an all-day dining menu, from breakfast right through to late-night cocktails. If you’re looking for a real slice of the authentic ‘Dante’ experience I would opt for the Chicken Alla Diavola with the green goddess dressing, as well as the signature bolognese Pappardelle Al Ragu with a side of the Ice Wedge Salad with avocado, pecorino and the Dante dressing.

What makes this an altogether exceptional experience is the fact Dante’s new home is the exquisite dining room at Claridge’s which is an art deco masterpiece, with sage green walls, leather banquettes and bold, black and white prints…it’s a beauty-lover’s dream space.

Bob Bob Ricard

The glamorous, all-booth restaurant has become one of Soho’s most iconic restaurants. Famous for its Caviar and Champagne, this is the place for that big, blow-out celebration.

You likely have already heard of the ‘Press for Champagne’ button – found at every table – which needs to be pressed, at least once!

The menu of British and French classics, including Oysters, Beef Wellington, Truffle and Champagne pie are some of the highlights of this deeply indulgent menu. My suggestion would be to start proceedings with a Degustation of three Caviars and a glass of Taittinger Prestige Rose.

The restaurant décor harks back to the golden age of travel, and the glamour and splendour of the Orient Express. The sumptuous surroundings look straight out of a movie set and is an experience every diner needs to indulge in…at least once.

Clos Maggiore

The serenity and beauty of Florence and Tuscany can be felt – and seen all around – at Covent Garden’s most beautiful restaurant. Clos Maggiore has been enchanting diners since 2002 with surrounds that have become as famous as the food themselves.

The famous conservatory, adorned with the most beautiful blossom is an enchanting oasis, which feel a world away from the bustle of Covent Garden. On the cooler months, a crackling fireplace only enhances the idyllic atmosphere.

The menu takes inspiration from modern European influences, and changes regularly with the season. Some of the highlights include a classic terrine of duck, pork and guinea fowl, Steak tartare with pickled onion and Shimeji mushroom, as well as Grilled Cornish monkfish with Scottish razor clams.

It’s also one of the best restaurants for a big celebration or anniversary.

Brasserie Zedel

The iconic Brasserie Zedel is one of London’s finest brasseries for that elegant slice of Parisian life. The stunning art deco room feels like it comes straight out of a film set and was once the basement of The Regent Palace Hotel, at the time, the biggest hotel in Europe.

Today, this is where you can indulge in some of the best French classics, as well as their superb set menu. It’s also one of London’s best value restaurants. For something truly traditional, start with the French onion soup and Steak Tartare before moving on to the Coq au Vin and Sole with lemon butter sauce, before and indulgent dessert of classic Profiteroles.

If you’re after the ambience on more of a budget the Prix-Fixe of 3 courses for £19.95 is one of the best in town.