Discover some of the best restaurants in London with famous chefs at the helm, from Michelin-starred dining and traditional British restaurants to fine French cuisine and celebrity haunts.
Rick Stein, Barnes
Sit back and enjoy views over the river Thames at Rick Stein, Barnes. The menu at the famous chef's only London restaurant showcases his love of seafood with iconic dishes such as Dover sole à la meunière and Indonesian seafood curry, made using the best seafood from around the UK coast. This is a great spot for family-friendly dining with a children's menu and laidback setting. Book a sunny courtyard table in the summer months.
Where: Barnes (125 Mortlake High Street, SW14 8SW)
Dinner by Heston Blumenthal
From serving meat in the guise of fruit to creating lickable wallpaper, Heston Blumenthal is one of the most innovative and quirky chefs in London. Immerse yourself in Heston's world at Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, his two Michelin-starred restaurant in London. With a changing menu that focuses on historic British gastronomy with a twist, one thing is for certain—you can always expect to be surprised during a seating at this celebrity restaurant London is known for.
Where: Knightsbridge (66 Knightsbridge, SW1X 7LA)
Restaurant Gordon Ramsay
Restaurant Gordon Ramsay, the chef's flagship restaurant in Chelsea is so good it's one of the only eateries in London to boast three Michelin stars. The elegant interior, immaculate service and delectable French menu more than live up to the famous chef's reputation. Other Gordon Ramsay restaurants in London include Petrus, serving up innovative French classics, and the stylish Heddon Street Kitchen.
Where: Chelsea (68 Royal Hospital Rd, SW3 4HP)
Corrigan's Mayfair
If you're looking for some of the best seasonal British cuisine in London, look no further than Corrigan's Mayfair. Inspired by acclaimed Irish chef Richard Corrigan's rural upbringing, this restaurant fuses luxury and style with hearty portions of down-to-earth cooking. Pick from a selection of mains including large portions to share, or opt for the tasting menu and let the chefs take you on a culinary journey with ingredients 'from the waters and the wild'.
Where: Mayfair (28 Upper Grosvenor Street, W1K 7EH)
Straker's
Head to upmarket Golborne Road in Notting Hill and you'll find candlelit Straker's from Thomas Straker. Don't be fooled by the size—this restaurant has become a cultural sensation, famous for its topped flatbreads, seafood and fresh pasta. Perfect for date night or a long overdue catch up with friends, plates here are made to be shared and spoken about. If you see fresh sugared doughnuts on the menu, you have to get them—we don't make the rules!
Where: Notting Hill (91 Golborne Road, W10 5NL)
Hélène Darroze at The Connaught
Sample some of the finest French food in London at Hélène Darroze at The Connaught. The acclaimed French chef has received three Michelin stars for her heartfelt cooking and sensitivity in handling exceptional ingredients. Expect dishes inspired by the chefs upbringing and directed by the seasons, with each ingredient carefully sourced, cooked and served to your taste as a true expression of food as art.
Where: Mayfair (16 Carlos Pl, W1K 2AL)
Wahaca
MasterChef winner Thomasina Miers created Wahaca, a small chain of London restaurants that bring Mexican market eating to the capital. The Mexican "street food" is always fresh, innovative and delicious. The atmosphere is informally chaotic, but warm and friendly. A great celebrity chef restaurant for any budget. Be sure to check out the cocktail list which boasts a selection of margaritas—a fantastic taco accompaniment!
Where: Covent Garden (66 Chandos Place, WC2N 4HG), Stratford (6 Chestnut Plaza, E20 1GL), Oxford Circus (26-28 Great Portland Street, W1W 8QT), Paddington (1 Paddington Square, W2 1DL) and more
Core by Clare Smyth
Experience some of the best fine dining London has to offer at Core by Clare Smyth in leafy Notting Hill. The restaurant champions seasonally sourced, British ingredients from some of the best sustainable producers in the country. As the only female British chef to hold three Michelin stars, you can find a selection of classic menu pairings executed to perfection and served in the light and airy restaurant that exudes quiet luxury.
Where: Notting Hill (92 Kensington Park Road, W11 2PN)
Benares
Michelin-starred Benares is top Indian chef Atul Kochhar's first solo restaurant. While the Great British Menu chef no longer works for the establishment, it still remains a landmark on London's restaurant scene. The menu combines traditional Indian cuisine with modern flourishes for an utterly unique meal. Look out for the indoor pond, complete with water lilies!
Where: Mayfair (12a Berkeley Square, W1J 6BS)
Murano
Dine on fine Italian food at Angela Hartnett's Murano. The celebrity chef made her first television appearance on Hell's Kitchen, while working for Gordon Ramsay. Now Hartnett runs her own Michelin-starred establishment, serving dishes routed in her Italian grandmother's love of food. If you're feeling peckish, opt for multiple courses like the Italians do. The restaurant also boasts an extensive vegetarian and vegan menu.
Where: Mayfair (20 Queen St, W1J 5PP)
Granger & Co
Celebrated Australian chef Bill Granger launched his first London restaurant, Granger & Co, in Notting Hill in 2011. The bright, airy restaurant offers classic Granger dishes along with a range of seasonal dishes with an Aussie slant. The focus here is on fresh, tasty produce, with a good selection of dishes for every taste. Fuel up on a brunch of topped toasts or yoghurt before spending the day exploring London.
Where: Chelsea (237 Pavilion Road, SW1X 0BP), King's Cross (7 Pancras Square, N1C 4AG), Marylebone (105 Marylebone High Street, W1U 4RS) and Notting Hill (174 Westbourne Grove, W11 2SB)
Pharmacy 2 Cafe
Discover what happens when a celebrity chef pairs with a celebrity artist at Pharmacy 2. The quirky yet chic design showcases Damien Hirst's work, while the British menu reflects Mark Hix's passion for fresh ingredients. This is a collaboration not to be missed. Feast on culinary works of art while surrounded by art, before visiting the exhibition space which features modern works from the likes of Tracey Emin, Banksy and Jeff Koons.
Where: Lambeth (1 Newport Street, SE11 6AJ)
Keep exploring the capital's foodie scene with the top Michelin-starred restaurants in London. Or, head to one of the best London rooftop bars to follow your star-studded meal.
