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The Top Iconic Dishes in London

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by The OpenTable Team
Updated November 09, 2023
In the incredibly diverse and ancient city of London, chefs draw inspiration from every corner of the globe and every era of culinary history, resulting in a dining scene of unmatched inventiveness and cosmopolitanism. Iconic dishes in London might come wrapped in newsprint at a nondescript chip shop or scooped from a buffet tray at a budget-friendly Indian establishment, and London's most talented chefs all have a signature dish that visiting foodies must try. But where are the smartest, savviest diners eating out? Welcome to the Tastemaker 20. We’ve pulled data from thousands of restaurants to find the top spots among OpenTable's most expert, seasoned diners. Explore London's top restaurants and discover them for yourself.
Kai Mayfair
4.7 (1889)
£41 and over
Chinese
Mayfair
“Liberated Chinese cooking” is the motto of Kai, a plush Chinese restaurant consistently ranked among the best in London. Their creative menus, equal parts classic Chinese and eclectic creations, feature lots of vegetarian options and the best-selling wasabi prawns. One of the most interesting dishes at Kai, however, is on the dessert list, which is uniquely presented at the beginning of the menu, a concept meant to evoke the happy emotions of childhood. It’s a durian and vanilla souffle with salted caramel sauce that showcases the unusual custardy texture and bittersweet pungency of Southeast Asia’s stinkiest native fruit.
Top review
MartinVIP
Dined on May 21, 2025
This was an extraordinary meal as a general proposition but also the finest high end Chinese dining experience we have ever experienced.
“Liberated Chinese cooking” is the motto of Kai, a plush Chinese restaurant consistently ranked among the best in London. Their creative menus, equal parts classic Chinese and eclectic creations, feature lots of vegetarian options and the best-selling wasabi prawns. One of the most interesting dishes at Kai, however, is on the dessert list, which is uniquely presented at the beginning of the menu, a concept meant to evoke the happy emotions of childhood. It’s a durian and vanilla souffle with salted caramel sauce that showcases the unusual custardy texture and bittersweet pungency of Southeast Asia’s stinkiest native fruit.
Top review
MartinVIP
Dined on May 21, 2025
This was an extraordinary meal as a general proposition but also the finest high end Chinese dining experience we have ever experienced.
The Ledbury
4.9 (2855)
£41 and over
British
Notting Hill
Under Australian chef Brett Graham, The Ledbury in Notting Hill earned a place near the top of many lists of the world’s best restaurants. Graham’s signature dish—flame-grilled mackerel with smoked eel, shiso peppers, Celtic mustard, avocado puree, and pillows of cucumber agar-agar filled with mackerel tartare—wows with its beauty as much as its flavor, plated like a watercolor painting with its components swiped, daubed, dotted, and placed with precision amid tiny edible flowers and micro leaves. Every dish on the modern European menu promises similar splendor, with the Ledbury serving some of the most iconic dishes in London in impeccable style.
Top review
Paul
Dined on May 20, 2025
We came to celebrate the 40th birthday of my wife, it was one of the best evenings ever… Atmosphere - perfect Service - amazing Food - outstanding For us, probably the best three star restaurant we‘ve ever been. Thank You!!!
Under Australian chef Brett Graham, The Ledbury in Notting Hill earned a place near the top of many lists of the world’s best restaurants. Graham’s signature dish—flame-grilled mackerel with smoked eel, shiso peppers, Celtic mustard, avocado puree, and pillows of cucumber agar-agar filled with mackerel tartare—wows with its beauty as much as its flavor, plated like a watercolor painting with its components swiped, daubed, dotted, and placed with precision amid tiny edible flowers and micro leaves. Every dish on the modern European menu promises similar splendor, with the Ledbury serving some of the most iconic dishes in London in impeccable style.
Top review
Paul
Dined on May 20, 2025
We came to celebrate the 40th birthday of my wife, it was one of the best evenings ever… Atmosphere - perfect Service - amazing Food - outstanding For us, probably the best three star restaurant we‘ve ever been. Thank You!!!
Restaurant Story London
4.8 (1107)
£41 and over
British
London Bridge
The eponymous stories told by the four- to 11-course tasting menus at chef Tom Sellers’ debut restaurant in London have multiple inspirations—fairy tales, British history, Sellers’ own childhood, and his transformation into an acclaimed young chef after intensely training at some of the best restaurants in the world. An often talked-about dish at Restaurant Story is the bread and dripping, a simple offering of beef tallow and house-made sourdough bread. The tallow takes the form of a melting Victorian-style candle, pooling into an unctuous dip for the bread as the course progresses.
Top review
Lauren
Dined on May 17, 2025
Food was good, service was good, but the concept was a bit hit or miss. We only heard “stories” for about two of the dishes - the rest just had explanations of the dish, no story or “why.” Bit of a disappointment for what was billed to be an adventure in storytelling through the chef’s life.
The eponymous stories told by the four- to 11-course tasting menus at chef Tom Sellers’ debut restaurant in London have multiple inspirations—fairy tales, British history, Sellers’ own childhood, and his transformation into an acclaimed young chef after intensely training at some of the best restaurants in the world. An often talked-about dish at Restaurant Story is the bread and dripping, a simple offering of beef tallow and house-made sourdough bread. The tallow takes the form of a melting Victorian-style candle, pooling into an unctuous dip for the bread as the course progresses.
Top review
Lauren
Dined on May 17, 2025
Food was good, service was good, but the concept was a bit hit or miss. We only heard “stories” for about two of the dishes - the rest just had explanations of the dish, no story or “why.” Bit of a disappointment for what was billed to be an adventure in storytelling through the chef’s life.
Dinner by Heston Blumenthal
4.6 (6495)
£41 and over
British
Knightsbridge
Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, inside the luxurious Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park in Knightsbridge, presents world-class dishes inspired by the culinary history of Britain, developed in collaboration with historians. The most famous dish on the menu is the “meat fruit” appetizer, a chicken liver mousse sculpted to resemble a mandarin orange, a recipe with origins circa 1500. The chef’s legendary triple-cooked chips show up alongside Hereford rib-eye, as a fillet or bone-in rib for two, prepared in an early 19th-century fashion. Meals might end with ice cream from a custom trolley equipped with a hand-crank that mixes custard with liquid nitrogen, or the critics’ favorite tipsy cake with spit-roast pineapple.
Top review
AmericoFerraraVIP
Dined on Aug 9, 2022
great service! great food! great views! few restaurants have theme into it
Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, inside the luxurious Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park in Knightsbridge, presents world-class dishes inspired by the culinary history of Britain, developed in collaboration with historians. The most famous dish on the menu is the “meat fruit” appetizer, a chicken liver mousse sculpted to resemble a mandarin orange, a recipe with origins circa 1500. The chef’s legendary triple-cooked chips show up alongside Hereford rib-eye, as a fillet or bone-in rib for two, prepared in an early 19th-century fashion. Meals might end with ice cream from a custom trolley equipped with a hand-crank that mixes custard with liquid nitrogen, or the critics’ favorite tipsy cake with spit-roast pineapple.
Top review
AmericoFerraraVIP
Dined on Aug 9, 2022
great service! great food! great views! few restaurants have theme into it
Angler - London
4.7 (1138)
£41 and over
Seafood
Liverpool Street
Angler occupies the top floor of the South Place Hotel, a location featuring a rooftop terrace with a retractable roof for al fresco dining. At the helm of the restaurant is chef Gary Foulkes, who trained under British celebrity chef Gary Rhodes and learned from his mentor an approach emphasizing simplicity and the meticulous preparation of top-quality ingredients. At Angler this means fish and seafood, sourced sustainably from British waters and prepared with French-, Asian-, and Scandinavian-influenced techniques. Repeat customers recommend the tartare of yellowfin tuna with Hass avocado, wasabi, and shiso for its balanced delicate and bold flavors. Foulkes’ signature dessert is a banana, salted caramel, and Guanaja chocolate tart.
Top review
Paul
Dined on May 22, 2025
Thorough enjoyed our 8 course tasting menu over lunch. The food was fantastic and the waiting staff were superb. It was my wife's 50th birthday and the staff made a few extra touches to make the occassion that little more special. Would certainly recommend the Angler.
Angler occupies the top floor of the South Place Hotel, a location featuring a rooftop terrace with a retractable roof for al fresco dining. At the helm of the restaurant is chef Gary Foulkes, who trained under British celebrity chef Gary Rhodes and learned from his mentor an approach emphasizing simplicity and the meticulous preparation of top-quality ingredients. At Angler this means fish and seafood, sourced sustainably from British waters and prepared with French-, Asian-, and Scandinavian-influenced techniques. Repeat customers recommend the tartare of yellowfin tuna with Hass avocado, wasabi, and shiso for its balanced delicate and bold flavors. Foulkes’ signature dessert is a banana, salted caramel, and Guanaja chocolate tart.
Top review
Paul
Dined on May 22, 2025
Thorough enjoyed our 8 course tasting menu over lunch. The food was fantastic and the waiting staff were superb. It was my wife's 50th birthday and the staff made a few extra touches to make the occassion that little more special. Would certainly recommend the Angler.
The Coach Makers Arms Pub Marylebone
4.7 (488)
£26 to £40
British
Marylebone
The Coach Makers Arms, a gastropub in Marylebone, is equal parts nostalgic British drinking institution and contemporary fine-dining restaurant. The historic pub’s fireplaces, stained glass, and British produce-focused menu are nods to its long London heritage, while the upper-level dining room presents an elevated dining experience. The pork croquette with green apple sauce is a popular starter, and an entrée representing classic English cuisine at its most satisfying is the restaurant’s version of bangers and mash, with house-made sausages, rosemary mashed potatoes, and apple and onion gravy. The puddings menu likewise sticks to the classics, among them Bramley apple pie and plum and blackberry crumble with ginger custard.
Top review
Mark
Dined on Apr 16, 2025
Was a wonderful evening with great food, service and atmosphere. The staff were very good and super helpful. Thank you.
The Coach Makers Arms, a gastropub in Marylebone, is equal parts nostalgic British drinking institution and contemporary fine-dining restaurant. The historic pub’s fireplaces, stained glass, and British produce-focused menu are nods to its long London heritage, while the upper-level dining room presents an elevated dining experience. The pork croquette with green apple sauce is a popular starter, and an entrée representing classic English cuisine at its most satisfying is the restaurant’s version of bangers and mash, with house-made sausages, rosemary mashed potatoes, and apple and onion gravy. The puddings menu likewise sticks to the classics, among them Bramley apple pie and plum and blackberry crumble with ginger custard.
Top review
Mark
Dined on Apr 16, 2025
Was a wonderful evening with great food, service and atmosphere. The staff were very good and super helpful. Thank you.
som saa
4.6 (410)
£26 to £40
Thai
Shoreditch
som saa brings the bold, pungent, spicy flavors of Northern Thailand to a converted former fabric warehouse in Spitalfields. The vibe—young, trendy, and hungry for a memorable meal—represents the livelier side of London’s high-end dining scene, and the menus at som saa deliver across the board. Many patrons stick to flavor-packed bar snacks and heady cocktails, but multi-course meals are an enticing option too. For the main event, consider the crispy-fried whole sea bass under toasted rice with smoked chilies. The zesty pork, prawn, and peanut salad makes a perfectly cooling accompaniment.
Top review
Kerry Anne
Dined on Apr 19, 2025
Lovely food and Sky was a great waiter with knowledge of all dishes Small clean nice mood establishment
som saa brings the bold, pungent, spicy flavors of Northern Thailand to a converted former fabric warehouse in Spitalfields. The vibe—young, trendy, and hungry for a memorable meal—represents the livelier side of London’s high-end dining scene, and the menus at som saa deliver across the board. Many patrons stick to flavor-packed bar snacks and heady cocktails, but multi-course meals are an enticing option too. For the main event, consider the crispy-fried whole sea bass under toasted rice with smoked chilies. The zesty pork, prawn, and peanut salad makes a perfectly cooling accompaniment.
Top review
Kerry Anne
Dined on Apr 19, 2025
Lovely food and Sky was a great waiter with knowledge of all dishes Small clean nice mood establishment
Trinity
4.9 (3650)
£41 and over
European
Clapham
Trinity in Clapham Old Town sports modern and immaculate offerings that change with the seasons. The dining room décor reads as sophisticated in its simplicity, and café-style seating on the terrace is delightful on a sunny day. If it’s on the menu, don’t miss the chance to order the crispy pigs’ trotters with crackling and sauce gribiche—it comes highly recommended by critics and repeat customers alike. A dedicated vegetarian menu presents treasures too, among them a warm salad of chestnuts, Jerusalem artichokes, and truffle. Trinity prepares seven of their signature tarte tatins per day, usually requiring reservations in advance.
Top review
Ryan
Dined 3 days ago
Honestly amazing, was one of the best meals I've eaten every dish seasoned to perfect presentation amazing could not fault anything from the moment we walked in to the moment we left can't wait to eat here again
Trinity in Clapham Old Town sports modern and immaculate offerings that change with the seasons. The dining room décor reads as sophisticated in its simplicity, and café-style seating on the terrace is delightful on a sunny day. If it’s on the menu, don’t miss the chance to order the crispy pigs’ trotters with crackling and sauce gribiche—it comes highly recommended by critics and repeat customers alike. A dedicated vegetarian menu presents treasures too, among them a warm salad of chestnuts, Jerusalem artichokes, and truffle. Trinity prepares seven of their signature tarte tatins per day, usually requiring reservations in advance.
Top review
Ryan
Dined 3 days ago
Honestly amazing, was one of the best meals I've eaten every dish seasoned to perfect presentation amazing could not fault anything from the moment we walked in to the moment we left can't wait to eat here again
Scott's Mayfair
4.8 (2062)
£25 and under
Seafood
Mayfair
Scott’s Restaurant is one of the oldest restaurants in London, serving elegant fish and seafood dishes since 1851. While their menu features plenty of luxurious items like caviar, oysters, and Champagne, it also offers a chance to enjoy such British classics as fish and chips, potted shrimps, and Welsh rarebit in their most elegant incarnations. Many dishes reflect the influence of French, Nordic, and Asian cuisines as well, such as monkfish and tiger prawn masala with pilaf rice, and gravlax fjord trout with Swedish mustard dressing and pickled cucumber. We suggest the shareable-sized steamed treacle sponge pudding for dessert.
Top review
Hector
Dined 1 day ago
Better experience than last time. Fish & scallops are still amazin. Bit expensive indeed but that's mayfair. Only complaint for the food and sides would be too much butter, lacks seasoning (although butter is good)
Scott’s Restaurant is one of the oldest restaurants in London, serving elegant fish and seafood dishes since 1851. While their menu features plenty of luxurious items like caviar, oysters, and Champagne, it also offers a chance to enjoy such British classics as fish and chips, potted shrimps, and Welsh rarebit in their most elegant incarnations. Many dishes reflect the influence of French, Nordic, and Asian cuisines as well, such as monkfish and tiger prawn masala with pilaf rice, and gravlax fjord trout with Swedish mustard dressing and pickled cucumber. We suggest the shareable-sized steamed treacle sponge pudding for dessert.
Top review
Hector
Dined 1 day ago
Better experience than last time. Fish & scallops are still amazin. Bit expensive indeed but that's mayfair. Only complaint for the food and sides would be too much butter, lacks seasoning (although butter is good)
Corrigan's Mayfair
4.6 (1727)
£41 and over
British
Mayfair
Acclaimed celebrity chef and slow food movement pioneer Richard Corrigan draws upon his rural Irish heritage at his namesake restaurant in Mayfair, a critically acclaimed establishment that blends the masculinity of an old London gentleman’s club with the coziness of a country lodge. Game is Corrigan’s specialty, so give careful consideration to dishes starring venison, partridge, pigeon, and other beasts under the evocatively named “grass-fed, furred and feathered” section of the menu. Or opt for the tasting menu and put your appetite in the safe hands of the chef. After all, numerous publications have named Corrigan’s Mayfair “Restaurant of the Year.”
Top review
Kraus
Dined on May 10, 2025
The food was good and nice service... The small chocolate mousse cake is better than the desserts on the menu...
Acclaimed celebrity chef and slow food movement pioneer Richard Corrigan draws upon his rural Irish heritage at his namesake restaurant in Mayfair, a critically acclaimed establishment that blends the masculinity of an old London gentleman’s club with the coziness of a country lodge. Game is Corrigan’s specialty, so give careful consideration to dishes starring venison, partridge, pigeon, and other beasts under the evocatively named “grass-fed, furred and feathered” section of the menu. Or opt for the tasting menu and put your appetite in the safe hands of the chef. After all, numerous publications have named Corrigan’s Mayfair “Restaurant of the Year.”
Top review
Kraus
Dined on May 10, 2025
The food was good and nice service... The small chocolate mousse cake is better than the desserts on the menu...
Portland Restaurant
4.9 (2328)
£41 and over
British
Marylebone
The menu at Portland Restaurant, a contemporary British bistro with subtle Mediterranean influences, changes daily, but repeat diners rave about its wild game pies. The menu occasionally features a game pithivier, a perfectly bronzed parcel of pastry concealing a spiced and herbed mixture of mallard, pheasant, partridge, rabbit, and/or venison, invariably caught wild in the British countryside. At Portland the not-so-humble pie might have shavings of black truffle on top. Most menu items showcase seasonal vegetables of heritage and heirloom varieties, and the wine list is equally rarefied.
Top review
Tesni
Dined 1 day ago
Fabulous meal and attentive service. Wow! The 4 course set menu, excellent value, loved it.
The menu at Portland Restaurant, a contemporary British bistro with subtle Mediterranean influences, changes daily, but repeat diners rave about its wild game pies. The menu occasionally features a game pithivier, a perfectly bronzed parcel of pastry concealing a spiced and herbed mixture of mallard, pheasant, partridge, rabbit, and/or venison, invariably caught wild in the British countryside. At Portland the not-so-humble pie might have shavings of black truffle on top. Most menu items showcase seasonal vegetables of heritage and heirloom varieties, and the wine list is equally rarefied.
Top review
Tesni
Dined 1 day ago
Fabulous meal and attentive service. Wow! The 4 course set menu, excellent value, loved it.

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