Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
Restaurant list

The Top Bars for Foodies in London

A photo of Red logo
by The OpenTable Team
Updated November 09, 2023
Whether you're looking for casual, post-work drinks with friends or a rooftop dinner and cocktails, London is a city that won’t disappoint. From Southbank bars to Mayfair pubs, all the way to the rooftop bars in Shoreditch on the fringes of the East End, there are hundreds of eating and drinking establishments to suit every taste. But where are the smartest, savviest diners eating out? Welcome to our Tastemaker List. We’ve pulled data from thousands of restaurants to find the top spots among OpenTable's most expert, seasoned diners. Whether you’re an alcohol aficionado or just like a glass of wine with dinner, we've tracked down the greatest pubs, trendy hotspots, and everything in between. Impress your friends and family and score a spot; we wish we could join you.
som saa
4.6 (413)
£26 to £40
Thai
Shoreditch
The chefs at Som Saa serve up classic Thai food with a modern twist in an artfully remodeled building that was once a fabric warehouse. You can dine at a table or booth, or enjoy a range of snacks and drinks at one of the most refined cocktail bars London has to offer. Whether you’re looking for a quality green curry or something rather more exotic (shan-style custard with candied lotus seeds, anyone?), Som Saa has you covered.
Top review
Emily
Dined on Oct 15, 2024
Warm welcome, 4 of us for lunch. There was a la carte and a set menu to choose from, but the set menu is only provided for the whole table. Luckily, the dishes on the set menu today were cashew nuts with chilli and lime leaves, a beautiful, crunchy salad, duck curry, excellent mixed vegetables in garlic and oyster sauce, plus sticky and jasmine rice. We paid a supplement for a whole sea bass, fried. Dessert was also included.
The chefs at Som Saa serve up classic Thai food with a modern twist in an artfully remodeled building that was once a fabric warehouse. You can dine at a table or booth, or enjoy a range of snacks and drinks at one of the most refined cocktail bars London has to offer. Whether you’re looking for a quality green curry or something rather more exotic (shan-style custard with candied lotus seeds, anyone?), Som Saa has you covered.
Top review
Emily
Dined on Oct 15, 2024
Warm welcome, 4 of us for lunch. There was a la carte and a set menu to choose from, but the set menu is only provided for the whole table. Luckily, the dishes on the set menu today were cashew nuts with chilli and lime leaves, a beautiful, crunchy salad, duck curry, excellent mixed vegetables in garlic and oyster sauce, plus sticky and jasmine rice. We paid a supplement for a whole sea bass, fried. Dessert was also included.
Hakkasan Mayfair
4.5 (7873)
£41 and over
Chinese
Mayfair
Hakkasan opened this second restaurant in London in 2010, and it soon garnered a Michelin star of its own. The huge new venue recreates the traditional decor of the original, but it incorporates a large, lively bar area. If you’ve visited one Hakkasan and loved it, make sure to stop by here too, since the menu features a number of dishes unique to Mayfair, not least of which is the stunning sliced blue abalone.
Top review
OpenTable Diner
Dined 6 days ago
Great recommendation, wonderful meal, good service and atmosphere
Hakkasan opened this second restaurant in London in 2010, and it soon garnered a Michelin star of its own. The huge new venue recreates the traditional decor of the original, but it incorporates a large, lively bar area. If you’ve visited one Hakkasan and loved it, make sure to stop by here too, since the menu features a number of dishes unique to Mayfair, not least of which is the stunning sliced blue abalone.
Top review
OpenTable Diner
Dined 6 days ago
Great recommendation, wonderful meal, good service and atmosphere
COYA Mayfair
4.5 (1758)
£41 and over
Peruvian
Mayfair
For modern Peruvian cuisine there are few places better than COYA, where expert chefs fuse the flavors of lime, coconut and smoke with cooking techniques from Japan and Spain. The result is a vibrant range of dishes as colorful as the restaurant itself. The bar is equally well-equipped, featuring an entire library of unique, authentic piscos.
Top review
WilsonWayVIP
Dined on Mar 6, 2025
This environment was just right! From the live Dj, to the excellent food, succulent, dessert, and beautiful calamari. Yes, the calamari! A must do while in London !
For modern Peruvian cuisine there are few places better than COYA, where expert chefs fuse the flavors of lime, coconut and smoke with cooking techniques from Japan and Spain. The result is a vibrant range of dishes as colorful as the restaurant itself. The bar is equally well-equipped, featuring an entire library of unique, authentic piscos.
Top review
WilsonWayVIP
Dined on Mar 6, 2025
This environment was just right! From the live Dj, to the excellent food, succulent, dessert, and beautiful calamari. Yes, the calamari! A must do while in London !
Park Chinois
4.6 (759)
£41 and over
Chinese
Mayfair
Step back in time with an evening at Park Chinois—a restaurant that combines the Chinese fine dining with the glamour of Shanghai in the 1930s. Dim sum is particularly recommended—try a succulent Wagyu beef gyoza, or a blue swimmer crab and prawn wanton. The bar is fully-equipped with a range of spirits to make any cocktail you could name, and quite a few that you won’t find anywhere else—including an old fashioned infused with decadent black truffle.
Top review
OpenTable Diner
Dined on Feb 25, 2025
I have allergies and they were able to accommodate. The food was lovely and fresh. I will be returning
Step back in time with an evening at Park Chinois—a restaurant that combines the Chinese fine dining with the glamour of Shanghai in the 1930s. Dim sum is particularly recommended—try a succulent Wagyu beef gyoza, or a blue swimmer crab and prawn wanton. The bar is fully-equipped with a range of spirits to make any cocktail you could name, and quite a few that you won’t find anywhere else—including an old fashioned infused with decadent black truffle.
Top review
OpenTable Diner
Dined on Feb 25, 2025
I have allergies and they were able to accommodate. The food was lovely and fresh. I will be returning
Yauatcha Soho
4.5 (6833)
£26 to £40
Chinese
Soho
This all-day teahouse is well-known for its dim sum menu, which is available from its exclusive underground location in the heart of Soho. Yauatcha serves elegant food prepared with painstaking precision—delicate shui mai, flavorful dumplings, and pumpkin puffs suffused with juicy duck. You’ll find a long bar stocked with an extensive wine list, as well as exotic cocktails and a range of teas. Definitely one for grazers who want to accompany their drink with a snack or several!
Top review
Adam
Dined 1 day ago
Food is so tasty. So are the cocktails. Great vibe and very good staff
This all-day teahouse is well-known for its dim sum menu, which is available from its exclusive underground location in the heart of Soho. Yauatcha serves elegant food prepared with painstaking precision—delicate shui mai, flavorful dumplings, and pumpkin puffs suffused with juicy duck. You’ll find a long bar stocked with an extensive wine list, as well as exotic cocktails and a range of teas. Definitely one for grazers who want to accompany their drink with a snack or several!
Top review
Adam
Dined 1 day ago
Food is so tasty. So are the cocktails. Great vibe and very good staff
The Ivy Soho Brasserie
4.4 (11104)
£26 to £40
Contemporary British
Soho
This all-day eatery offers a respite from the frantic bustle of Broadwick Street. Step inside and you’ll discover a polished onyx bar and a classic-yet-comfortable dining room. As grand as it looks, however, the Ivy Soho Brasserie offers a thoroughly relaxed experience, whether you’re tucking into delicious contemporary British fare or sampling a rosebud-infused white Geisha cocktail or craft cider from the bar.
Top review
Wendy
Dined 2 days ago
Very nice decor and the food is delicious. Also the service is discreet whilst attentive. The prices are on the steep side, especially the drinks, though given everything tastes good that can be forgiven. The only slight negative is that the music levels are a bit loud for diners trying to have a conversation, which you would hope is the case for everyone. So why the urge to give the place a bar vibe? The only area safe from the din is outside. Might consider that if there's a next time.
This all-day eatery offers a respite from the frantic bustle of Broadwick Street. Step inside and you’ll discover a polished onyx bar and a classic-yet-comfortable dining room. As grand as it looks, however, the Ivy Soho Brasserie offers a thoroughly relaxed experience, whether you’re tucking into delicious contemporary British fare or sampling a rosebud-infused white Geisha cocktail or craft cider from the bar.
Top review
Wendy
Dined 2 days ago
Very nice decor and the food is delicious. Also the service is discreet whilst attentive. The prices are on the steep side, especially the drinks, though given everything tastes good that can be forgiven. The only slight negative is that the music levels are a bit loud for diners trying to have a conversation, which you would hope is the case for everyone. So why the urge to give the place a bar vibe? The only area safe from the din is outside. Might consider that if there's a next time.
Chotto Matte Soho
4.4 (2416)
£41 and over
Peruvian
Soho
What do you get if you combine the best of Peruvian and Japanese cooking? The answer is Nikkei cuisine, and Chotto Matte offers the best selection you’ll find in London, served within a strikingly decorated urban venue. Better yet, their ingredients are all local and organic. Try the sharing menu for a curated journey from delicate and refined items to hotter, spicier and fuller dishes, and then quench your thirst with something from their Tokyo to Lima cocktail selection.
Top review
OpenTable Diner
Dined on Mar 15, 2025
Very loud music playing the whole evening. Was very hard to hold a conversation without shouting. Asked them to lower the volume a bit, they said sure, but didn’t actually do that. Food was pretty great though, especially ceviche and miso black cod
What do you get if you combine the best of Peruvian and Japanese cooking? The answer is Nikkei cuisine, and Chotto Matte offers the best selection you’ll find in London, served within a strikingly decorated urban venue. Better yet, their ingredients are all local and organic. Try the sharing menu for a curated journey from delicate and refined items to hotter, spicier and fuller dishes, and then quench your thirst with something from their Tokyo to Lima cocktail selection.
Top review
OpenTable Diner
Dined on Mar 15, 2025
Very loud music playing the whole evening. Was very hard to hold a conversation without shouting. Asked them to lower the volume a bit, they said sure, but didn’t actually do that. Food was pretty great though, especially ceviche and miso black cod
St. JOHN Smithfield
4.8 (4186)
£41 and over
British
Farringdon
Situated just around the corner from Smithfield Market, this deliberately unpretentious establishment specializes in nose-to-tail eating—they make use of every part of the animal to create flavorful creations you won’t find elsewhere. Opt for one of their pies if you want a wholesome, filling treat, and don’t forget to peruse their extensive wine list. You’re even encouraged to take a bottle home with you!
Top review
André Filipe
Dined 2 days ago
Wonderful - and the madeleines, such a treat, as always.
Situated just around the corner from Smithfield Market, this deliberately unpretentious establishment specializes in nose-to-tail eating—they make use of every part of the animal to create flavorful creations you won’t find elsewhere. Opt for one of their pies if you want a wholesome, filling treat, and don’t forget to peruse their extensive wine list. You’re even encouraged to take a bottle home with you!
Top review
André Filipe
Dined 2 days ago
Wonderful - and the madeleines, such a treat, as always.
Dean Street Townhouse
4.6 (4719)
£26 to £40
British
Soho
You’d be hard pressed to find a more authentically British place to eat than Dean Street Townhouse. The dining room is part of a long-established Soho hotel, and it offers hearty English breakfasts, lunches and classic dinners. Drop by before a show to enjoy a fantastic buck rarebit and a house tonic by the roaring fire—or simply come in anytime for a drink from their comprehensive bar. Bliss.
Top review
Fiona
Dined on Mar 18, 2025
Great ambience and fantastic food. Attentive and friendly staff. Will visit again soon.
You’d be hard pressed to find a more authentically British place to eat than Dean Street Townhouse. The dining room is part of a long-established Soho hotel, and it offers hearty English breakfasts, lunches and classic dinners. Drop by before a show to enjoy a fantastic buck rarebit and a house tonic by the roaring fire—or simply come in anytime for a drink from their comprehensive bar. Bliss.
Top review
Fiona
Dined on Mar 18, 2025
Great ambience and fantastic food. Attentive and friendly staff. Will visit again soon.
Kai Mayfair
4.7 (1879)
£41 and over
Chinese
Mayfair
For multiple years in a row “The Sunday Times“ has ranked Kai the highest out of all Chinese restaurants, and this means you can expect something special. While remaining respectful to tradition, the chefs at this classic Chinese establishment aren’t afraid to experiment. Start out with their “Pig in Blankets“ with a plum and lime dressing for a taste of their liberated approach. Their menu of wines, spirits and cocktails is just as adventurous, so drink up!
Top review
paul
Dined today
Very nice food and service it is expensive but worth it I will be going back
For multiple years in a row “The Sunday Times“ has ranked Kai the highest out of all Chinese restaurants, and this means you can expect something special. While remaining respectful to tradition, the chefs at this classic Chinese establishment aren’t afraid to experiment. Start out with their “Pig in Blankets“ with a plum and lime dressing for a taste of their liberated approach. Their menu of wines, spirits and cocktails is just as adventurous, so drink up!
Top review
paul
Dined today
Very nice food and service it is expensive but worth it I will be going back
Berners Tavern
4.6 (4482)
£26 to £40
British
Oxford Circus
Michelin-starred chef Jason Atherton has made this modern, elegant tavern into a gastronomic destination, with a range of contemporary British dishes. For a real treat, book for the weekend when you can experience the revolutionary Weekend Roast. Equal parts traditional and pioneering, this spread is bound to please, particularly when paired with one of their award-winning wines or a hearty ale.
Top review
OpenTable Diner
Dined 7 days ago
One of the most beautiful dining venues in London, superb service (James made our evening), delicious food (highly recommend the chateaubriand with beef blade mash), and fantastic wine menu.
Michelin-starred chef Jason Atherton has made this modern, elegant tavern into a gastronomic destination, with a range of contemporary British dishes. For a real treat, book for the weekend when you can experience the revolutionary Weekend Roast. Equal parts traditional and pioneering, this spread is bound to please, particularly when paired with one of their award-winning wines or a hearty ale.
Top review
OpenTable Diner
Dined 7 days ago
One of the most beautiful dining venues in London, superb service (James made our evening), delicious food (highly recommend the chateaubriand with beef blade mash), and fantastic wine menu.
Sartoria
4.4 (2123)
£41 and over
Italian
Oxford Circus
As you might expect for an eatery on Savile Row, Sartoria is trendy, glamorous and popular. Serving up an all-day menu inspired by head chef Francesco Mazzei’s home region of Calabria, this contemporary Italian diner offers fresh pasta, brilliantly prepared seafood and seasonal vegetables. Head to the Librare bar for a selection of light bites, gorgeous wines and luxury signature cocktails, and round off the evening with a nightcap of brandy or amari.
Top review
John
Dined on Mar 19, 2025
After watching Stanley Tucci’s” Searching for Italy” on BBC, and loving Italian cuisine, I had to try out Sartoria when my wife booked a day out in London for my birthday. Well the food and the service were absolutely amazing. If you love Italian cuisine you must try Sartoria , you won’t be disappointed 😊👌
As you might expect for an eatery on Savile Row, Sartoria is trendy, glamorous and popular. Serving up an all-day menu inspired by head chef Francesco Mazzei’s home region of Calabria, this contemporary Italian diner offers fresh pasta, brilliantly prepared seafood and seasonal vegetables. Head to the Librare bar for a selection of light bites, gorgeous wines and luxury signature cocktails, and round off the evening with a nightcap of brandy or amari.
Top review
John
Dined on Mar 19, 2025
After watching Stanley Tucci’s” Searching for Italy” on BBC, and loving Italian cuisine, I had to try out Sartoria when my wife booked a day out in London for my birthday. Well the food and the service were absolutely amazing. If you love Italian cuisine you must try Sartoria , you won’t be disappointed 😊👌

More lists for you

Explore other cities and regions
A photo of Dubai
Dubai
A photo of UAE
UAE
Other ways to experience the world through dining
Must Try Korean Dishes The GreatsExplore Asian-Owned and -Operated RestaurantsExplore Award-Winning Restaurants on OpenTable The Best Bars on OpenTableTKTKThe Best Restaurants for Breakfast on OpenTableThe Best Brunch RestaurantsThe Best Burgersbest cafe in town
Discover
OpenTable
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Careers
  • Press
More
Our sites
Businesses
  • Delight more diners
  • Open for Business Blog
Join us on
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2024 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
OpenTable Logo