The Ultimate Guide to Fine Dining in London

By Jessica Russo


London is synonymous with posh sophistication. From top chefs and award-winning cuisine to unique spaces with elegant atmospheres, this classy city is filled with some of the best restaurants in the world. While we'll never knock fish n' chips at a traditional pub, a true English fine dining experience is a must.

Here's our list of the top fine dining restaurants in London.

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Photo by Instagram user @alifituk

Sketch Lecture Room & Library

9 Conduit St, Mayfair
Boasting two Michelin stars, this artsy London hot spot is truly one of a kind. This exquisite restaurant offers a range of unique options, all combining top-quality ingredients with sensational flavors. Sketch houses different "restaurants" in each of its themed rooms. Be sure to check out the enchanted forest in "The Glade" and the pink mid-century modern "Gallery."

Is there a dress code? Sketch's suggestion is "art smart." Dress to impress, but stay true to your own funky style.


Photo by Instagram user @alainducasseatthedorchester

Alain Ducasse At the Dorchester

53 Park Ln, Mayfair
This three Michelin star restaurant pushes the boundaries of traditional fine dining. Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester is the crème de la crème of London's fine dining scene, and rightfully so. Each dish looks like an artistic masterpiece - and tastes even better! This restaurant, located in one of London's highest esteemed 5-star hotels, is dripping with elegance.

Dress code: Jacket Preferred

The Greenhouse

27A Hay's Mews, Mayfair
Nestled in the heart of Mayfair, this luxurious oasis blends peaceful tranquility with perfect service and extraordinary food. Boasting two Michelin stars, The Greenhouse serves up modern French cuisine in a lovely dining room adorned with glass walls and an earthy leaf motif.

Dress code: Smart Casual


Photo by Instagram user @corebyclaresmyth

Core by Clare Smyth

92 Kensington Park Rd, Notting Hill
Located in London's chic Notting Hill neighborhood, Core by Clare Smyth offers an elegant, yet relaxed fine dining experience. Stepping into Core, you will feel as if you've just entered a beautifully decorated home. When your dishes are served, however, you will quickly realize that you are somewhere far more special. Each dish appears like a colorful sculpture, adorned with flowers, plant leaves, seashells - you name it. Core by Clare Smith is a feast for the appetite and the eyes.

Dress code: Smart Casual

The Ledbury

127 Ledbury Rd, Notting Hill
Opened in 2005, this two Michelin star restaurant quickly became a favorite among London's fine dining foodies. Head Chef Brett Graham creates innovative culinary masterpieces and plates them to look like something out of a magazine. Say "cheers" to a wonderful visit to London, as fine wines are perfectly paired with every dish.

Dress code: Smart Casual


Photo by Instagram user @smithswapping

Smith's of Wapping

22 Wapping High St, St Katharine's & Wapping
Located on the River Thames, this famous seafood restaurant boasts delicious food and breathtaking views of Tower Bridge and The Shard. This restaurant's elegant and stylish interior matches its refined dishes and professional service.

Dress code: Smart Casual

Bob Bob Ricard

1 Upper James St, Soho
One word: glamorous. This iconic Soho restaurant serves up a luxurious menu to its eclectic clientele. Every table is equipped with a "Press for Champagne" button, which won Bob Bob Ricard the title for "most champagne poured than any other restaurant in the United Kingdom!" This chic, jewel-toned art deco restaurant will transport you to another world of decadence and panache.

Dress code: Elegant, ties not required


Photo by Instagram user @claridgeshotel

The Foyer At Claridge's

Brook St, Mayfair
When you close your eyes and picture a classic elegant London hotel, you picture Claridge's. The Foyer's quintessentially English atmosphere, walled with ornate art deco mirrors, creates an upscale experience you'll never forget. Hear classical music drift from the grand piano as you savor the flavors of The Foyer's high end cuisine. This extraordinary restaurant pairs old-world charm with royal class.

Dress code: Smart Casual


Photo by Instagram user @frogbyah

Frog by Adam Handling

34-35 Southampton St, Covent Garden
Finalist on Masterchef: The Professionals, Chef Adam Handling serves up innovative upscale cuisine at his newest Covent Garden hot spot. Frog blends rustic-chic vibes with elegant English decor. Chef Handling prides himself on using the freshest seasonal produce and sustainable sourcing. In fact, many of the ingredients used at Frog are grown at the restaurant's farm in West Sussex. Be sure to check out the speakeasy-style cocktail bar on Frog's lower level!

Dress code: Smart Casual


Photo by Instagram user @gribbonberry

Seven Park Place by William Drabble

7-8 Park Pl, St. James's
This luxurious Michelin star restaurant nestled in the ritzy St. James's Hotel boasts an upscale menu of British-French hybrids. Chef William Drabble reflects his passion for modern French-style cuisine and uses British seasonal produce to create unique masterpieces. The skill, sophistication, and creativity exemplified by the chefs at Seven Park Place has earned the restaurant 4 AA rosettes and a Michelin star.

Dress code: Smart Casual

Claude Bosi at Bibendum

Michelin House, 81 Fulham Rd, Chelsea
Holder of two Michelin stars, Bibendum sits on the first floor of a historic art deco building, which was Michelin's London Headquarters in 1911! Upon visiting Bibendum, you'll see the restaurant's stunning stained glass windows (featuring a design of "The Michelin Man," himself). French chef Claude Bosi creates signature contemporary dishes using locally sourced ingredients.

Dress code: Smart Casual


Photo by Instagram user @clos_maggiore

Clos Maggiore

33 King St, Covent Garden
Ah, Clos Maggiore. This relaxing retreat in the heart of bustling Covent Garden is one of Europe's most romantic restaurants. Influenced by the inns of Provence and the villas of Tuscany, this spectacular fine dining establishment transports guests to a twinkling world of candles, starlight, and flowers. In the winter months, enjoy a cozy crackling fire in the dining room! Head Chef Marcellin Marc whips up sublime dishes inspired by Provencal cuisine. The perfect meal must be paired with wine! Don't worry - Clos Maggiore's extensive cellar hosts over 2,000 labels of vastly ranging wines. Using locally sourced seasonal ingredients and adding a contemporary flair to his dishes, Chef Marc has earned three AA-rosettes and the "Best Award of Excellence" by Wine Spectator.

Hélène Darroze at the Connaught

Carlos Pl, Mayfair
This two Michelin star restaurant is the epitome of English class. From the sophisticated decor to the carefully plated food, Hélène Darroze at the Connaught is a feast for the senses. In addition to her Michelin stars, Hélène Darroze was named the Veuve Clicquot World's Best Female Chef in 2015. Her culinary philosophy is that exceptional food is a route to happiness, and that is reflected in the countless guests who leave her restaurant happy every evening.


Photo by Instagram user @b7__mpw

Galvin La Chapelle

35 Spital Square, Spitalfields Market
La Chapelle, the third restaurant opened by renowned chef brothers Chris and Jeff Galvin, won no less than 8 top restaurant awards in its very first year. Proud of its Michelin star awarded in 2011, La Chapelle has won awards including AA London Restaurant of the Year, Tatler Magazine Restaurant of the Year, among others. This incredible, gorgeously decorated restaurant deserves a visit on any trip to London.

Dress code: Smart Casual


Photo by Instagram user @tasteoflondon

Club Gascon

57 W Smithfield, London
This formal restaurant boasts a delightful Southwest French menu including several foie gras dishes. Admire the stunning marble and wooden decor of this classy Michelin-starred restaurant. Traditional Haute French cuisine with wonderful wine pairings in an elegant atmosphere? Superb.

Dress code: Smart Casual

Le Gavroche

43 Upper Brook St, Mayfair
Luxe French food and impreccable service? Sounds like Le Gavroche. This two Michelin star fine dining restaurant is an icon in London's culinary arena. Enjoy magazine-worthy dishes in a traditional library-like setting. Opened in 1967 by the famous Roux brothers, Le Gavroche remains one of London's most sought-after restaurants.

Dress code: Smart, jackets and ties optional. T-shirts or sportswear not permitted.


Photo by Instagram user @wearywithtoil

The Ritz Restaurant

150 Piccadilly, St. James's
Looking for a world-class fine dining experience in central London? The Ritz is always a good choice. Whether you go for Afternoon Tea or a romantic dinner, this classic high-end hotel restaurant will leave you speechless. Think: baroque style, gilded decor, ceiling frescoes - you'll feel like you're dining in a palace's state room.

Dress code: Jacket and tie required


Photo by Instagram user @socialeathouse

Social Eating House

58 Poland St, Soho
This unpretentious London hot spot mixes the luxury of fine dining with a traditional English pub vibe. With exposed brick, washed copper elements, leather and wooden seating, and antique decor, this restaurant boasts a vintage twist. Contemporary and cool, Social Eating House has earned itself one Michelin star. Serving up innovative, locally-sourced dishes, this unique restaurant holds beauty and taste to the highest tier. Social Eating House features fixed lunch, a la carte, or tasting menus. Alongisde your menu, you'll even be given a list of where they source their ingredients including the names of farms and where they're located.

Dress code: Casual

Restaurant Gordon Ramsay

68 Royal Hospital Rd, Chelsea
Holding three Michelin-stars, celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay's flagship restaurant offers one of the most extraordinary fine dining experiences in the world. The French cuisine at Restaurant Gordon Ramsay boasts a unique twist of classic and modern techniques, while employing the finest seasonal ingredients. While this world-renowned restaurant is elegant and exlusive, it is no secret among fine diners. Insiders recommend making reservations up to three months in advance.

Dress code: Jacket Preferred

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