The Best Restaurants in the City of London

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London’s thriving restaurant culture is globally acclaimed and showcases a variety of sophisticated interior designs that create the perfect backdrop for the finest cuisine. With a diverse array of options to choose from, Capital A List will illuminate the best restaurants in the city of London.

Perched on the 38th and 39th floors of the Heron Tower is Sushi Samba City – a natural and chic dining oasis most famous for its intercontinental fusion of Japanese, Brazillian, and Peruvian cuisine. It soars above the rest with one of Europe’s highest outdoor dining terraces. Its sky-high 360 panoramic views of London make this restaurant one of the best in the city of London. Its earth-to-sky motif is also embodied in its floor-to-ceiling windows, offering great views for guests that prefer to enjoy the beauty of Sushi Samba’s inside restaurant. The interiors evoke the colours, feelings and atmosphere of Brazil’s annual Carnival celebration. The space is brightly lit with signature mango, red, lime, and gold colours. Its bamboo latticed ceilings draped in lights and living plants offset the whimsy of the bright colours and imbue the space with a natural and calm ambiance.

Sushi Samba has two outposts in London, including its City and Covent Garden restaurants and international sites in Miami, Las Vegas, and Amsterdam. Each fuses Japanese, Brazilian, and Peruvian style and cuisine to be evocative of bustling cities like Sao Paulo, where this cultural assimilation blossoms in all aspects. As a starter, the crispy taquitos are an excellent small plate to share between two people. One of our favourites was the yellowtail made with avocado and roasted corn miso. They have a raw selection that champions their Japanese influence. Their £15 Tuna dish is delicious and comes with pomegranate, maiz morado, wasabi peas, and basil. The perfect main dish for a big celebration is their £129 Japanese wagyu ishiyaki. It requires 48 hours’ notice and is one of the highest quality Kobe beef extravagantly served from a steaming hot stone with dipping sauces and pickled plums.

While overlooking the awe-inspiring London skyline, enjoy a £14 Samba Sour, a modern twist on a traditional Pisco Sour. If cocktails do not tickle your fancy, the central sushi bar also offers an extensive wine and sake list.

Sushi Samba is one of the best restaurants in the City of London for fusion cuisine. It combines Japanese, Brazilian, and Peruvian cuisine effortlessly and illustrates this integration in its design, music, and atmosphere. It exudes the utmost sophistication and class and should be counted as a top choice for any celebration.

Duck & Waffle is known for its playful approach to everything from its cuisine and operating hours to its ambiance. It blends the aesthetics of London’s glorious views from the 40th Floor of the Heron Tower with award-winning architecture by the acclaimed CetraRuddy. It is one the best restaurants in the city of London as it delivers luxurious dining experiences with an injection of fun, and its unusual 24-hour dining typifies this. Guests can expect to be welcomed through the doors to soak in the morning sunrise and watch the evening colours soften as the sun slowly sets in the evening.

This city of London dining treasure strikes the perfect balance between formality and modernity in its design. Traditional materials, including polished white marble, ceramic tiles, and faux distressed wood, are enlivened by a contemporary theme of stainless steel and frosted glass.

Duck & Waffle also takes an atypical and fun approach to its menu, showcasing why this is considered one of our top choices for the best restaurants in London. It is designed for sampling and sharing plates making the jovial atmosphere between guests the focal experience! The cuisine is traditional British with an unexpected twist of European influence. Ingredients are sourced locally and seasonally; showcasing Duck & Waffles’ ethos of luxury dining. The all-day menu is simply delightful, with a selection of snacks, freshly baked bread, small plates, and table meals. We recommend selecting their £45 whole roasted corn-fed chicken suitably for groups of 2-3. It comes with ratte potatoes, summer greens, and herbs. Another great choice is their colossal chateaubriand. It is 700g and is perfect for small groups of three with its delicious choice of chimichurri, green peppercorn, Roquefort, and wood sorrel sauces. The table meals are mostly sharing plates and embody Duck & Waffle’s attitude of creating a homely destination where fun, luxury, and festivity collide beautifully.

Tucked just on the outskirts of the bustling Liverpool street lies Canto Corvino – the third luxury restaurant the iconic Manicomio Restaurant group opened. Canto Corvino is authentically Italian in its cuisine, but its design is inspired by the wonderful history of its Spitalfields location. The interior has a warehouse and industrial aesthetic to draw on the trading heritage of Spitalfields. The hard and rustic design elements are offset by romantic pieces that imbue the space with the right amount of warmth and elegance. Corvino effortlessly balances hard and soft, catering for formal corporate clientèle whilst still creating the ultimate dining destination for joyous celebrations. This consideration for all types of clientèle makes it one of the best restaurants in the city of London.

Canto Corvino means ‘a song of raven’, and the harmonious connotation is encapsulated in the central bar area, which wraps around the space and dazzles with bold and ornate colouring. Guests are sure to be drawn to the bar, as they would a beautiful song and the dapper mixologists are always on hand to whip up some fantastic classic cocktails and their master creations. The fluidity between the central bar and the rest of the space makes Canto Corvino one of the best restaurants in the City of London.

Acclaimed Tom Salt helms the kitchen and has designed breakfast, lunch, light bites, aperitivo, dinner, and weekend brunches menus. As it’s a traditional Italian restaurant, one can expect to find delicious mains of pasta, meat, and fish. Traditional pasta dishes are modernised elegantly. The decadent Lobster Ravioli is one of our favourites and comes with fresh lime leaves and dashes of ginger, chili, and garlic. The meat and fish dishes are either prepared on a natural wood charcoal grill or in a clay oven. The charcoal grill gives off rustic flavours reminiscent of traditional Italian cooking. One of our favourites was a classic chicken dish with aubergine, wild garlic, and saffron Panzanella. For guests that desire an excellent steak, Canto Corvino will not disappoint with its rump, sirloin, and ribeye selection that has been dry-aged for 65 days! No meal would be complete without a dessert – Canto Corvino has a delicious array of Tiramisu, homemade ice creams and sorbets, and cheese boards to fill any gap.

On the ground floor of the historical Lloyds Bank building lives Hispania – a restaurant that embodies Spain’s vibrant lifestyle, design, and gastronomy. Hispania is one of the best restaurants in London, partly due to the spectacular interiors designed by the acclaimed interior designer and antique dealer Lorenzo Castillo. He has succeeded in designing a Spanish emporium where every inch showcases both the subtle and bold beauty of Spanish design.

Hispania is luxurious with its spacious and lofty ceilings and two floors joined by a sweeping and palatial marble staircase. Designer Castillo mixes the whimsical Spanish style reflected in its geometric floor tiling with more traditional bank features nodding to the history of the venue. This juxtaposition between patterned Spanish design with the formality of Victorian-esque features, including the ornate steel pillars peppered throughout, helps create an easy and fun climate of fine dining.

The menu is devised by award-winning chef Marcos Moran, who believes in offering his guests only the most authentic Spanish experience. He is part of a culinary dynasty with his family having run the renowned Michelin-starred restaurant Casa Gerardo for five generations. His natural flair and professional experiences have given him the freedom to be creative and understand the value of the quality of the ingredients. On the menu, Spanish classics include delicious ham croquettes and octopus carpaccio made with a famous “fabada” – a unique bean stew with chorizo and black pudding. Another classic is the Salmorejo – a tomato soup mixed with bread, dry tuna, grapes, and black rice with cuttlefish and prawns. Each bite reflects Hispania’s care and love for Spain and its food-loving culture. This simple yet powerful underlying ethos towards its cuisine, service, and style makes it one of the best restaurants in the city of London.

At the bar, guests can experience the tradition of Madrid’s great classic bars through both the Spanish design and the classic drinks. Wines are sourced especially from the most revered vineyards in Spain’s most traditional wine areas. Guests do not need to travel to the traditional Rioja, Galicia, and Ribera, to name a few, but are instead given a taste of their wonderful Spanish culture and wines right at the

glorious Hispania.

With picturesque views of St Paul’s, Madison is a modern and sociable “Manhattan style” rooftop bar and restaurant that is the perfect place for almost any occasion. With umbrellas, heaters, and cosy sofas, Madison provides comfort all year round. It is one of the best restaurants in the city of London, and it is advised to book in advance as it can get rather busy, particularly during the summer months.

With prices ranging from £35 to £55 per person, you will be spoilt for choice from their range of British/European options. From the Madison triple duck burger to the lobster roll or perhaps a lighter option from a wide variety of vibrant salads, you will surely find something that takes your fancy. They are open for brunch, lunch, and dinner, so Madison has got you covered whether you want a daytime bite to eat with friends or some after-work dinner and cocktails.

Over the weekends, an encore to their standard Friday night DJ, they host Soul Sundays with the talented resident DJ Dee Ayaji Trio playing the funkiest beats. Sundays wouldn’t be complete without a roast, offering three courses with all the trimmings and half a bottle of wine for £38 per person.

Overall, with the city views, attentive service, fantastic music, and flavorsome food, Madison is an excellent choice for one of the best restaurants in the city of London.

Stylish and simplistic, reminiscent of a Taipei tea house, Yauatcha is brought to you by the man responsible for the Wagamama and Busuba Eathai chains. After the success of Yauatcha Soho, another branch was opened in the city just by Liverpool Street station. This is superb Cantonese food with an influence of European culinary techniques.

Specialising in Dim Sum, there is a wide variety of delicious mouth-watering options on offer, including scallop shui mai (£10), char siu bun (£6), or wagyu beef puff (£12). Or try one of their rich, intense noodles, such as braised yangchun noodles with roast duck (£16). Their extensive tea lists from light to robust, so you can experience the taste of some different flavors than usual. Their Asian-infused cocktail menu will make you want to stay for drinks. These are not your average cocktails, whether you want something fruity and fresh such as a pink and tonic, or perhaps something intense and complex, like an Asian daiquiri.

It is a popular restaurant choice amongst those working in the city, making it one of the best restaurants in London. With additional seating outside for the summer evenings, you will not be let down by this hotspot.

Angler, a Michelin-starred restaurant on the top of South Place Hotel in Moorgate, focuses on producing sustainable seafood from British waters. Paying attention to the presentation of the plates, Gary Foulkes prides himself on bringing the best ingredients for seafood lovers but also doesn’t neglect both meat and vegetarian dishes. This is truly phenomenal modern British dining and typifies what it means to be one of the best restaurants in the City of London.

The success of Angler is due to his experience working in Michelin-starred restaurants for over 20 years. And it is no wonder he is dedicated to only showing the best standards of food as he started his career under the supervision of Gary Rhodes and then went on to work for many more chefs successful in their own right, such as John Campbell at the Vineyard at Stockcross.

Although the menu is not extensive and the portions are small, the food is innovative and tasteful. For starters, the monkfish with blood orange, taramasalata, and Greek basil (£16) has a full-bodied aroma. For mains, we suggest trying Newlyn cod with new-season garlic, morels, and line-caught squid (£36). Or if you are struggling to decide as they all sound inviting, the tasting menu starting at £70 per person, features some delectable dishes, such as rabbit cannelloni with Scottish langoustine, morels, and black garlic. Angle also boasts an impressive wine and cocktail menu.

The interior is sophisticated with plush salmon sofas, mirrored walls and ceilings, and white table linen. As well as offering elegant warm fine dining service, they are no stranger to hosting the best rooftop terrace parties with live DJs during the summer. With a lively atmosphere and the best music, it is also a great place for groups and comes in strong as one of our top picks for the best restaurants in the city of London.

Bravas Tapas serves a selection of dishes, whether it be meat and poultry, seafood, or vegetarian, you will taste a range of rich Spanish and Mediterranean flavors full of intensity. Located on St Katherine Dock, this independent restaurant is one of the best restaurants in the city of London as it is dedicated to bringing a relaxed environment with Spanish rustic décor to give that mood of real authenticity. You will be sure to get authentic Spanish food because the chef that brings you this delicious menu is Victor Garvey, an American chef who previously worked in Spain, and also Bal Thind, a restaurateur, and investor in Hakkasan.

Prices are reasonable, and as tapas, your taste buds can sample a bit of everything. On the menu, they have foie gras, which has a rich buttery flavor and comes with bellota ham, cherries, and homemade brioche (£11). The fresh salmon “rulada” with shoestring potato finished with a spicy citrus garnish (£9) has a fresh tangy taste and crisp texture when you bite into it. You will adore the distinctive array of flavors within each dish. It wouldn’t be a proper Spanish/Mediterranean feast without sangria, or the other range of cocktails available.

The service is attentive with a smile but not intrusive. It has a great lively atmosphere in the evenings and is perfect for meeting up with groups of friends. We think this is the place if you want to experience something with more cultural settings without breaking the bank.

Located next to Tower Bridge, Coppa Club Tower Bridge is considered one of the best restaurants in the city of London and is the place to unwind and watch the world go by on the terrace. The menu features versatile European food and offers small sharing plates or mains. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, fussy eaters will not leave hungry. There is something for everyone, whether it is pizza, pasta, meat, or salad. The kiln-smoked salmon on sourdough tastes fresh and divine. Or the courgette fritti is fantastic with the paprika flavors. The choice of wines, beers, and classic cocktails is not limited and is carefully selected. Coppa Club is excellent value for money, and mains range from £7.95 to £18.45.

Experience the cozy, heated arctic-inspired glass igloos on the terrace during the cold days of winter and make yourself comfortable with the sheepskin rugs and warm blankets provided. The gentle lighting and soothing music add the perfect touch. Booking is strongly advised for this remarkable dinner setting which can fit up to 10 people. If you are not lucky enough to be seated in the calm relaxing settings of the igloos, then don’t be put off because the seating inside still accommodates a vibrant ambiance. With the long glass windows, you can still look across and take advantage of the city sights illuminated.

La Tagliata City is a sophisticated and calm Italian restaurant located on Liverpool Street, with its modest surroundings, it has been open since 2014. It is a top choice for the best restaurants in the city of London due to its commitment to providing the freshest ingredients to create traditional dishes; your taste buds will be tingling with excitement. The owners, Carlo, Lorenzo, and head chef Antonio Tonelli take influence from their childhood memories and traditions, bringing you a real taste of Italian food. What is also impeccable about La Tagliata City is that everything from the bread, sauces, and pasta is homemade from ingredients delivered fresh in the morning.

Each week there will be a few different dishes as the chef likes to bring something unique to the menu. If you are fortunate enough to visit during truffle season, you may get to taste this delicious Italian delicacy embellished on your dish.

For starters, we suggest trying the fresh homemade bread (£4) and tuna tartar with avocados, strawberries, and lemon juice (£11.50). The tuna tastes so fresh in your mouth you will be gasping for your next bite. The selection of pasta is so exhilarating it is easy to be indecisive. For an Italian classic, the linguine alla carbonara (£13) is perfect with the strong but not overpowering aromas of the guanciale and pecorino cheese. Pastas can also be ordered as a small plate if you want to opt for one of the meat or fish dishes. Their carefully handpicked wine list will not disappoint true wine lovers. If you have saved room for dessert, you must try the tiramisu (£7). The rich intense flavours of the espresso coffee and the crunchy savoiardi biscuits will impress those of you with a sweet tooth.

Guests are treated with exceptional service and pride themselves on bringing you a welcoming experience. The interior is smart and simple, with Italian artwork on the wall it gives you a homely feel. If you want real homemade comfort food with authenticity, look no further than this example of one of the best restaurants in London.

A short walk from Tower Bridge, you will find Café Spice Namaste, a family-run Indian restaurant that strives to produce the best Indian flavors mastered by Cyrus Todiwala, the man behind this well-known establishment. Located in a 19th-century former courthouse, they want to give guests a heartedly welcome, hence the word “namaste”. Born and raised in Bombay, Cyrus has embarked on a journey that has given him the culinary skills and knowledge today that has satisfied the pallet of royalty, presidents, and celebrities alike.

It is one of the best restaurants in the city of London, as it isn’t your average Indian restaurant serving the typical dishes such as korma or tikka masala that you would usually order. It’s completely different. It has a special touch. Cyrus aims to bring to you a new approach to Indian cuisine. The Goan prawn curry (£20), for example, has a sweet coconut taste but with a medium spice. Or, if you want something less spicy, opt for the Malabar chicken curry served with saffron rice (£19). As you immerse yourself in these deep flavours, you will realise you haven’t experienced real Indian food until you came here. Also on the menu is a range of small and big sharing plates if there is a group of you who want to be adventurous. Another option is the tasting menu starting from £40 per person.

The décor is rather bright with green and yellow drapes across coloured pane glass windows. With white table linen and blue upholstery chairs, you get a real Indian vibe. Popular amongst city workers, this is one of the best restaurants in the city of London that you ought to try.

If you love Thai food, try one of the best restaurants in the city of London, Som Saa – it will take you to another level of this cuisine. Andy Oliver, who is primarily known for appearing on the 2009 series of Masterchef, delivers authentic modern Thai cooking. We suggest the Thai-style fried chicken leg with crispy garlic (£8.75), which is flavorsome with a crispy texture, and then delve into something more classic with a twist like the massaman curry of cornish duck leg with quince (£14.50). The tantalizing aromas of the dishes are to die for, not to mention the vibrant colours of the presentation. Their cocktail list is enticing with their hard-to-find Thai ingredients. The dragon’s milk is sweet and full of richness with the coffee liqueur. Or if you prefer something sharper, then the Muay Thai kick is the one. They also have an excellent range of wines to pair with your food.

It is smart but simple inside with rustic oak tables and chairs. The staff is helpful and accommodating. Prices are reasonable considering the quality and precision of the dishes, and you won’t find Thai food as good as this anywhere else in London.

Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, located in the prestigious Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, is a two-Michelin-starred restaurant that offers a unique and innovative dining experience. Historical British recipes inspire the restaurant’s menu, reinterpreted with a modern twist by Chef Director Ashley Palmer-Watts, in collaboration with famed chef Heston Blumenthal.

The restaurant’s interior is sleek and modern, with clean lines and contemporary design elements. The dining room’s centerpiece is a large, open kitchen, where diners can watch as a skilled team of chefs expertly prepares their meals.

The menu at Dinner by Heston Blumenthal features a range of dishes that draw inspiration from different periods of British history. The signature dish is the Meat Fruit, a visually stunning and delicious appetizer that consists of a chicken liver parfait coated in mandarin jelly, shaped to look like a mandarin. Other standout dishes include the roasted quail with confit lemon and grilled onion and the slow-cooked short rib of beef with smoked anchovy and onion puree.

Dinner by Heston Blumenthal is an exceptional dining experience that combines historical inspiration with modern techniques and flavors. The restaurant’s attention to detail, innovative menu, and expertly prepared dishes make it a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a truly exceptional dining experience in London.

The Clove Club, located in the trendy neighborhood of Shoreditch, is a modern British restaurant that has quickly become one of London’s most highly regarded dining destinations. The restaurant is in a converted Victorian townhouse, with an intimate dining room that features exposed brick walls, high ceilings, and elegant decor.

The menu at The Clove Club centers around seasonal British ingredients, with an emphasis on creative and innovative flavor combinations. Diners can choose from a range of tasting menus, which change frequently to reflect the best of each season. Some standout dishes include the hand-dived scallop with cucumber and dill, the aged beef with mushroom and watercress, and the buttermilk pudding with strawberry and olive oil.

The service at The Clove Club is exceptional, with the knowledgeable and attentive staff providing detailed explanations of each dish and the ingredients used. The restaurant also offers an impressive wine list, with a focus on natural and biodynamic wines that pair perfectly with the menu.