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Restaurant list

Discover Trending Restaurants in London

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by The OpenTable Team
Updated November 09, 2023
London is simultaneously ancient and ultra-modern, trendy and traditional—and the best restaurants in the city encapsulate this dichotomy. You might dine on a culinary creation that feels entirely "now" while sitting in a centuries-old building. Young, up-and-coming chefs source their produce from long-established heritage farms across the British Isles, and restaurants that have been around for decades revamp their dishes and dining spaces to keep up with the latest trends. 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 trendy spots among OpenTable's most expert, seasoned diners. The best spots in the city bring a whole world of flavors into the dining experience while honoring their London home.
Blacklock Soho
4.7 (6159)
£25 and under
Steak
Soho
The minimalist, meat-centric menu and bargain craft cocktails at Soho's Blacklock have proved so popular that it launched two more restaurants, one in the City and another in Shoreditch. For its venue, the restaurant transformed the basement of a once-seedy building near Picaddilly Circus (they don't mind telling you it used to be a brothel) into a trendy, industrial-chic space with communal tables and exposed brick. The menu is a showcase for the finest British meat cut from carefully sourced heritage breeds. Lamb, beef, and pork chops come in skinny, big, and off-the-bone cuts a la carte. Side options are substantial and flavorful, among them beef dripping chips, a 10-hour ash-roasted sweet potato, and barbecued baby gem lettuces with anchovy dripping. On Sundays, Blacklock offers an old-fashioned British roast.
Top review
howell
Dined 3 days ago
Exceptional food and great service. Not sure how they can do it at that price point. Highly recommend
The minimalist, meat-centric menu and bargain craft cocktails at Soho's Blacklock have proved so popular that it launched two more restaurants, one in the City and another in Shoreditch. For its venue, the restaurant transformed the basement of a once-seedy building near Picaddilly Circus (they don't mind telling you it used to be a brothel) into a trendy, industrial-chic space with communal tables and exposed brick. The menu is a showcase for the finest British meat cut from carefully sourced heritage breeds. Lamb, beef, and pork chops come in skinny, big, and off-the-bone cuts a la carte. Side options are substantial and flavorful, among them beef dripping chips, a 10-hour ash-roasted sweet potato, and barbecued baby gem lettuces with anchovy dripping. On Sundays, Blacklock offers an old-fashioned British roast.
Top review
howell
Dined 3 days ago
Exceptional food and great service. Not sure how they can do it at that price point. Highly recommend
Angler - London
4.7 (1140)
£41 and over
Seafood
Liverpool Street
A seasonal delight at Angler, on top of the South Place Hotel, is the rooftop terrace with views across the city. A retractable roof extends the availability of coveted terrace seating, but every seat in the house promises a delightful dining experience, especially for those who love fish and seafood. Chef Gary Foulkes earned Angler a Michelin star with his ever-changing menu of meticulously prepared, impeccably sourced British seafood with French, Asian, and Scandinavian influences. A signature dish is the yellowfin tuna tartare with avocado, shiso, and wasabi. Regulars also rave about the banana, salted caramel, and Guanaja chocolate tart, a highlight of the dessert menu.
Top review
Angela
Dined 2 days ago
Delicious food and excellent service - efficient but also friendly
A seasonal delight at Angler, on top of the South Place Hotel, is the rooftop terrace with views across the city. A retractable roof extends the availability of coveted terrace seating, but every seat in the house promises a delightful dining experience, especially for those who love fish and seafood. Chef Gary Foulkes earned Angler a Michelin star with his ever-changing menu of meticulously prepared, impeccably sourced British seafood with French, Asian, and Scandinavian influences. A signature dish is the yellowfin tuna tartare with avocado, shiso, and wasabi. Regulars also rave about the banana, salted caramel, and Guanaja chocolate tart, a highlight of the dessert menu.
Top review
Angela
Dined 2 days ago
Delicious food and excellent service - efficient but also friendly
COYA Mayfair
4.5 (1747)
£41 and over
Peruvian
Mayfair
The journey toward making COYA Mayfair one of the best trendy restaurants in London was a genuine around-the-world quest for chef Sanjay Dwivedi. Before devising his acclaimed Incan-Peruvian fine dining experience, Dwivedi spent a year tasting the flavors of Latin America and delving into the incredible culinary heritage of the Andes and Amazon. The result is a menu offering authentic delights like uncommonly fresh ceviches, Japanese-Peruvian fusion sashimi and antichuchos, marinated skewers of tender meat, and seafood cooked over charcoal. And, of course, COYA Mayfair does a mean Pisco sour.
Top review
Ruth
Dined on May 24, 2025
Absolutely brilliant day!!!!! Loved the food, drinks, atmosphere - such fun
The journey toward making COYA Mayfair one of the best trendy restaurants in London was a genuine around-the-world quest for chef Sanjay Dwivedi. Before devising his acclaimed Incan-Peruvian fine dining experience, Dwivedi spent a year tasting the flavors of Latin America and delving into the incredible culinary heritage of the Andes and Amazon. The result is a menu offering authentic delights like uncommonly fresh ceviches, Japanese-Peruvian fusion sashimi and antichuchos, marinated skewers of tender meat, and seafood cooked over charcoal. And, of course, COYA Mayfair does a mean Pisco sour.
Top review
Ruth
Dined on May 24, 2025
Absolutely brilliant day!!!!! Loved the food, drinks, atmosphere - such fun
The Ledbury
4.9 (2855)
£41 and over
British
Notting Hill
Just months after The Ledbury opened in Notting Hill in 2005, Michelin Guide awarded it an incredible two stars, immediately landing the restaurant a solid spot among the best trendy restaurants in London. Australian chef Brett Graham is at the helm of the 55-seat space, presenting his signature contemporary European cuisine centered around British game, seafood, and produce. Graham's signature dish, flame-grilled mackerel with smoked ell, shiso, and Celtic mustard, is a certain highlight of the menu.
Top review
jacobVIP
Dined 4 days ago
Amazing not much else to say but clearly off the scale
Just months after The Ledbury opened in Notting Hill in 2005, Michelin Guide awarded it an incredible two stars, immediately landing the restaurant a solid spot among the best trendy restaurants in London. Australian chef Brett Graham is at the helm of the 55-seat space, presenting his signature contemporary European cuisine centered around British game, seafood, and produce. Graham's signature dish, flame-grilled mackerel with smoked ell, shiso, and Celtic mustard, is a certain highlight of the menu.
Top review
jacobVIP
Dined 4 days ago
Amazing not much else to say but clearly off the scale
Scott's Mayfair
4.8 (2067)
£25 and under
Seafood
Mayfair
As one of the oldest restaurants in London—it started out as an oyster bar in 1851—Scott's Restaurant has certainly proved its ability to evolve with the ever-changing trends of contemporary cuisine while focusing on classic British seafood. The restaurant has had plenty of time to perfect its traditional offerings, among them potted shrimps, dressed crab, and goujons of Cornish sole. Japanese, French, and Nordic traditions come into play as well, particularly with the raw bar selections. Some interesting vegetarian options and hearty meat dishes round out the a la carte lunch and dinner menus.
Top review
BobbyVIP
Dined 3 days ago
One of the best dining experience ever! Everything was executed perfectly and the only challenge with the menu was being able to decide one’s entree among all the amazing choices.
As one of the oldest restaurants in London—it started out as an oyster bar in 1851—Scott's Restaurant has certainly proved its ability to evolve with the ever-changing trends of contemporary cuisine while focusing on classic British seafood. The restaurant has had plenty of time to perfect its traditional offerings, among them potted shrimps, dressed crab, and goujons of Cornish sole. Japanese, French, and Nordic traditions come into play as well, particularly with the raw bar selections. Some interesting vegetarian options and hearty meat dishes round out the a la carte lunch and dinner menus.
Top review
BobbyVIP
Dined 3 days ago
One of the best dining experience ever! Everything was executed perfectly and the only challenge with the menu was being able to decide one’s entree among all the amazing choices.
St. JOHN Smithfield
4.8 (4238)
£41 and over
British
Farringdon
The signature of St. John, which opened in Smithfield in 1994, is chef Fergus Henderson's pioneering whole-animal approach to classic British cuisine. Diners enthusiastic about offal, game, and uncommon cuts of meat find a lot to love on St. John's menus that change daily, especially when it features Henderson's famous roasted bone marrow on house-made sourdough bread. The lunch and supper menus also feature some top-notch vegetarian, seafood, and more-approachable cuts of meat, along with sides exemplifying the best of British comfort food, like cauliflower cheese and Welsh rarebit. Traditional puddings are an essential finale.
Top review
Paul
Dined 4 days ago
A great dining room - wonderful food, attentive and efficient staff ( a shout out to our waiter, Jacob!). Thoroughly recommended
The signature of St. John, which opened in Smithfield in 1994, is chef Fergus Henderson's pioneering whole-animal approach to classic British cuisine. Diners enthusiastic about offal, game, and uncommon cuts of meat find a lot to love on St. John's menus that change daily, especially when it features Henderson's famous roasted bone marrow on house-made sourdough bread. The lunch and supper menus also feature some top-notch vegetarian, seafood, and more-approachable cuts of meat, along with sides exemplifying the best of British comfort food, like cauliflower cheese and Welsh rarebit. Traditional puddings are an essential finale.
Top review
Paul
Dined 4 days ago
A great dining room - wonderful food, attentive and efficient staff ( a shout out to our waiter, Jacob!). Thoroughly recommended
Portland Restaurant
4.9 (2330)
£41 and over
British
Marylebone
An immediate critical darling upon its debut in 2015, most notably as the recipient of a Michelin star, Portland Restaurant has gained rave reviews and earned itself a loyal following among London locals. The open kitchen turns out beautifully presented contemporary British fare amplified by Mediterranean-inspired flavors but emphasizing local ingredients of the highest provenance. Tasting menus for lunch and dinner showcase exemplary dishes, while the a la carte dinner menu includes shared plates for a more casual approach. A Portland Restaurant signature is wild game pies.
Top review
Tesni
Dined 4 days ago
Fabulous meal and attentive service. Wow! The 4 course set menu, excellent value, loved it.
An immediate critical darling upon its debut in 2015, most notably as the recipient of a Michelin star, Portland Restaurant has gained rave reviews and earned itself a loyal following among London locals. The open kitchen turns out beautifully presented contemporary British fare amplified by Mediterranean-inspired flavors but emphasizing local ingredients of the highest provenance. Tasting menus for lunch and dinner showcase exemplary dishes, while the a la carte dinner menu includes shared plates for a more casual approach. A Portland Restaurant signature is wild game pies.
Top review
Tesni
Dined 4 days ago
Fabulous meal and attentive service. Wow! The 4 course set menu, excellent value, loved it.
Kai Mayfair
4.7 (1888)
£41 and over
Chinese
Mayfair
"Liberated Chinese cooking" is the founding ethos of Kai, a Mayfair institution (since 1993) that boasts a Michelin star and a solid claim to being one of the best trendy restaurants in London. The menu is lengthy, pricey, and thorough, a journey through the culinary heritage of Chinese South Seas-regional cuisine as interpreted by Malaysian-born chef Alex Chow. The signature dish is wasabi prawns, and the hot and sour soup is another best seller. Kai's creative desserts are such a highlight that they're presented at the beginning of the menu rather than the usual relegation to the back.
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 founding ethos of Kai, a Mayfair institution (since 1993) that boasts a Michelin star and a solid claim to being one of the best trendy restaurants in London. The menu is lengthy, pricey, and thorough, a journey through the culinary heritage of Chinese South Seas-regional cuisine as interpreted by Malaysian-born chef Alex Chow. The signature dish is wasabi prawns, and the hot and sour soup is another best seller. Kai's creative desserts are such a highlight that they're presented at the beginning of the menu rather than the usual relegation to the back.
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 Ivy Chelsea Garden
4.4 (14242)
£26 to £40
Contemporary British
Chelsea
The Ivy Chelsea Garden dazzles a chic crowd of diners with its venue, light-filled space on King's Road with an orangery and leafy garden terrace in the back ideal for warmer-weather meals and drinks. The British bistro-inspired cuisine on the lengthy all-day menu, along with a dedicated vegetarian and vegan menu, fits with Ivy's sunny vibe. Comfort food like the classic hamburger and shepherd's pie share space with lighter options like a warm chicken salad with barley, apples, pomegranate, and herbs, and the raw market salad of seasonal vegetables sliced paper thin next to avocado hummus.
Top review
Janine
Dined 2 days ago
Seating area in garden is beautiful, fantastic service and good was great.
The Ivy Chelsea Garden dazzles a chic crowd of diners with its venue, light-filled space on King's Road with an orangery and leafy garden terrace in the back ideal for warmer-weather meals and drinks. The British bistro-inspired cuisine on the lengthy all-day menu, along with a dedicated vegetarian and vegan menu, fits with Ivy's sunny vibe. Comfort food like the classic hamburger and shepherd's pie share space with lighter options like a warm chicken salad with barley, apples, pomegranate, and herbs, and the raw market salad of seasonal vegetables sliced paper thin next to avocado hummus.
Top review
Janine
Dined 2 days ago
Seating area in garden is beautiful, fantastic service and good was great.
Berners Tavern
4.6 (4499)
£26 to £40
British
Oxford Circus
A vast and eclectic assortment of paintings united by gilt frames blanket every inch of wall space around Berners Tavern, perhaps competing for diners' attention with the beautifully ornate ceiling—or the impeccable versions of British comfort food and modern European fare that characterize the menu. Breakfast, an afternoon tea, and a weekend roast give Londoners and visitors ample opportunities to sample incredible British produce transformed into something truly gourmet. The overall vibe is one of hip glamour, securing Berners Tavern a solid claim to being one of the best trendy restaurants in London, along with the rest of Michelin-starred chef Jason Atherton's acclaimed empire.
Top review
Steve
Dined 6 days ago
Very elegant surroundings, attentive and friendly staff, and great breakfast.
A vast and eclectic assortment of paintings united by gilt frames blanket every inch of wall space around Berners Tavern, perhaps competing for diners' attention with the beautifully ornate ceiling—or the impeccable versions of British comfort food and modern European fare that characterize the menu. Breakfast, an afternoon tea, and a weekend roast give Londoners and visitors ample opportunities to sample incredible British produce transformed into something truly gourmet. The overall vibe is one of hip glamour, securing Berners Tavern a solid claim to being one of the best trendy restaurants in London, along with the rest of Michelin-starred chef Jason Atherton's acclaimed empire.
Top review
Steve
Dined 6 days ago
Very elegant surroundings, attentive and friendly staff, and great breakfast.

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