Jacuzzi, Kensington
Jacuzzi is the latest London restaurant opened by the Parisian group, Big Mamma. Gloria, Circolo Popolare, and Ave Mario came before it, and they also boast some pretty impressive décor. That’s why you’ll find two of them further down on this list of London’s prettiest restaurants for foodie travelers. Jacuzzi is well-named. Its bubbly glass chandeliers, romantic palette, Roman statues, and bursts of plant life lend a relaxing air to this popular restaurant in London’s buzzy Kensington neighborhood. Some of the design does lend itself to more of an opulent movie set vibe, with plush, red banquettes, marbled windows, and tiled floors taking center stage in one of the dining rooms. Self-described as the restaurant group’s “first palazzo to pleasure,” this pretty eatery is spread across four floors and seats 170 diners.
Unlike some of the world’s beautiful restaurants with menus that may leave diners disenchanted by lackluster meals (style over substance), the food at Jacuzzi won’t disappoint. Expect to find luxurious offerings like Lobster Risotta ai Fruitti di Mare rubbing plates with fine cuts of steak and fresh produce that tastes as if it was just picked from an Italian garden.
Sketch, Mayfair
One of the quirkiest restaurants in London, Sketch was created to be seen, photographed, and shared thousands (if not millions) of times on social media sites. Set in a three-story Georgian townhouse, this eclectic eatery is home to five uniquely designed restaurants and bars, all boasting a different menu. In fact, it’s the décor, possibly more than the food, that has diners clamoring for a reservation. Deep purple velvet furniture, mirrored tables, and carpet that resembles a forest floor welcome food lovers to The Glade, a small lunch restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and light bites. At night, it turns into a cocktail bar.
The Lecture Room & Library is found at the top of the stairs and boasts three Michelin stars for exceptional cuisine. Lunch and dinner are on offer here, and guests can choose between an à la carte or tasting menu. Even the bathrooms at Sketch are famous. Dubbed “the world’s coolest bathroom,” the toilets are housed in giant, egg-shaped pods and have been selfied almost to death across the globe. If you’re hoping to enjoy a meal at this fancy restaurant with a slightly lower price tag, try going at lunch.
Sessions Art Club, Clerkenwell, East Central London
Sessions Art Club
There’s nothing boring about Sessions Art Club. Housed on the fourth floor of a former courthouse, which is now a Grade II-listed building, this exclusive-feeling East London restaurant is described by The Guardian as “decadent and sexy.” Now that’s a restaurant that screams, “Come eat here, romantic lovebirds.” To begin the tasting journey, guests enter a small, wooden and brass elevator that lifts them to the dramatic fourth floor. That’s after they’ve found the small buzzer located on a hidden red door outside. After pushing aside large, velvet curtains, foodies are welcomed to an overtly charming and historic setting in a two-story room. Massive arched windows, charming, peeling plaster walls, and velvet sofas make you feel at home — yet special. Look a little harder and you’ll find three terraces boasting crackling fireplaces, a rooftop bar, and gardens.
When it comes to food, there’s not much to dislike. Michelin Guide describes it as “vibrant, unfussy, and flavour-led.” Menu items include brown crab with sea purslane and chili, lovage with goat’s curd and yolk, and hazelnut cake with chocolate and cream for dessert. Those planning on bringing children don’t. Only diners 18 and older are welcome to eat here.
Ave Mario, Covent Garden
Jérôme Galland
There is a lot happening at Covent Garden’s eclectic Ave Mario restaurant, and we’re not talking about the bustling staff churning out rich and creamy Italian dishes to a trove of diners who came here for the Instagram-worthy backdrops. Another of Big Mamma’s popular London locales, this pretty restaurant grants foodies a trip to Italy without leaving British soil. The group’s largest trattoria to date, Ave Mario is perfectly placed in the center of the eclectic Covent Garden. Its design was inspired by “an idyllic day in Florence,” according to Big Momma, and the interior is awash in a gelato-bright color scheme. Electric red, velvet booths, and bottle-lined walls are the first thing you’ll notice. Next, you’ll see the red and white tiled floor followed by the black and white striped ceiling and walls near the bar.
There are three uniquely designed spaces in this restaurant and two large terraces. Both lunch and dinner are served in this hip spot and servings of the decadent dishes are generous, which means diners will receive more bang for their proverbial buck. Giant carbonara ravioli, ‘biga’ pizza, and La Gran Scaloppini alla Milanese will have your mouth watering. Dessert is not to be missed, so save some room to enjoy this spectacle. And by spectacle, we mean a show — where else can you order a 24-inch tower of gelato? This monstrosity of sugary delight is wheeled to each table on its own trolley. You’ll definitely be okay with sharing.
Clos Maggiore, Covent Garden
Clos Maggiore
An expensive, refined, and utterly romantic restaurant in London’s Covent Garden, Clos Maggiore isn’t the type of place you visit on a whim. Known for its extensive wine list (they boast over 2,500 wines from 18 countries) and fairytale-like setting, this award-winning wonder was designed to be memorable and amorous. In fact, this has been deemed one of the world’s most romantic restaurants by Architectural Digest. From luscious flowers blanketing the ceiling to elegant, crisp white tablecloths to rich textured chairs and a cozy fireplace, don’t be surprised if someone’s inspired to propose while you’re there. The loved-up design was inspired by “sophisticated country inns of the South of France and Tuscany.”
This stunning restaurant features modern European cuisine for lunch and dinner seven days a week, and gastronomes can choose from an à la carte, tasting, or set menu. They even offer a pre-theater menu for those hoping to catch a West End show after they’ve wrapped up their one-of-a-kind foodie experience. Vegetarians and vegans are in luck here, with fabulous dishes made with fresh, seasonal, and local ingredients. A winner of multiple AA Rosette Awards for Culinary Experience and the AA Notable Wine List award, there’s no chance guests will leave here disappointed, or hungry for that matter.
KOL, Marylebone
@charliemckay
Voted one of the world’s 50 best restaurants, KOL describes its ingredients as “Mexican Soul and British.” Headed by award-winning chef, Santiago Lastra, KOL opened in Marylebone in late 2020 and has been a massive success despite the pandemic. Leather tortilla warmers, terracotta tiles, dark wood accents, and exposed wooden beams add to the warmth and Mexican feel. If that wasn’t enough to convince you to visit, KOL holds a coveted Michelin star for its “vibrant, imaginative dishes” and high-quality, family-style dishes. Each table is arranged so diners have a view of the open kitchen, allowing foodies a front-row seat to the impeccable performance of the many chefs. Here, guests can admire seasonal delights coming to life on a beautiful plate, including their signature Langoustine, smoked chili, and sea buckthorn tacos this restaurant is known for. The tacos are served with the crustacean’s head in a separate dish to squeeze over the taco.
Hoping for a reservation at this posh spot? Subscribe to their newsletter for a 24-hour priority spot, and log on at least two months in advance. Or, head to the Mezcaleria, a basement venue open from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Walk-ins are welcome and the diverse Mexican-inspired cocktails are noteworthy. The Antojitos menu, which means “little cravings,” is a delicious mix of traditional Mexican street food and dishes from various Mexican communities.
14 Hills, City of London
D&D London/You Tube
You’ll find the glamorous 14 Hills on the 14th floor of Fen Court at 120 Fenchurch Street, boasting views so captivating that you might forget you’re there for the food. See the Walkie Talkie building from above, head out to the al fresco terrace, or soak up the romantic ambiance of the soft, gold lighting and pretty pillows. In the main dining room, you’ll find a large tree standing behind the bar, welcoming guests to envelop themselves in the luxe furnishings, cozy velvet banquettes, and plush pillows in the plant-infused room. If ever there was a place to get lost in the esthetic, this is it.
But don’t get too distracted; the luscious menu awaits. Created by Executive Head Chef, Liam Price, the dishes at this top-notch eatery combine a seasonal mix of fresh British produce with a “hint of French flair.” You won’t find anything as benign as newspaper-wrapped fish and chips or jacket potatoes at this lively restaurant. Instead, foodie travelers can look forward to perfectly cooked Black Hereford Chateaubriand; pan-fried stone bass with cavolo nero; porcini and white bean cassoulet; and rice flour gnocchi with thyme-roasted delica pumpkin. Have kids in tow? 14 Hills knows how to please their picky palates. Grilled fish, steak, and pasta highlight the kid’s menu with a coconut brownie or ice cream for dessert.
Bob Bob Ricard, Soho
Paul Winch-Furness
Famous for its “press for champagne” button (yes, please), there’s nothing humdrum about Bob Bob Ricard. The high-end, shiny décor screams opulence, but in a muted voice so as not to disturb the upscale diners. The dress code here is “smart casual”, with no ties required, but no activewear is allowed. This pretty restaurant’s vibe has often been described as Orient-Express, due to the vintage blue leather and gold-lined, railway-style seats. These, along with the Art-Deco floor, glitzy ceiling, and private booths, make this one of the most Instagrammable places in London. Designers from the David Collins Studio, who created this masterpiece with Russian entrepreneur Leonid Shutov, describe the ambiance as “off-the-rails chic.” On the topic of chic, Soho is well known as being one of the best London neighborhoods for foodies, with Bob Bob Ricard acting as a stalwart for this trendy area.
Inside, you’ll find not only the iconic décor but a waft of aromas so enticing, you’ll be forgiven for salivating upon entering. British and French classics have been reinvented here, with main courses that range from slow-cooked pork belly to Beef Wellington to Chicken Kyiv. The lobster macaroni & cheese thermidor is a must-try if you’re feeling extra fancy. Be sure to save room for dessert, as the BBR signature chocolate glory is a perfect ending to a fabulous meal, although it’s hard to turn down the sticky toffee pudding. Maybe go for both?
Circolo Popolare, Fitzrovia
Jérôme Galland
Another Big Mamma venue graces this list of London’s prettiest restaurants for foodie travelers. This time, it’s the Circolo Popolare in Fitzrovia. A busy, bright, and eclectic place to visit, this yummy Italian restaurant is the place to be if you’re feeling up for a party. The walls are lined with illuminated bottles, the ceilings drip with foliage, and the tiled floor hums with the footsteps of young, hip, well-dressed Londoners and their tourist counterparts. They’re all ready to enjoy the restaurant’s signature and uniquely named dishes like Nduja Like my Empanadas, You’re the Pesto, and Mamma’s Big Cuttle (the menu changes monthly).
A bucket-list destination for London foodies, getting a reservation can be a feat in itself. Bookings open a month in advance for parties of less than eight. Those hoping to secure a table for between 8 and 24 diners can book up to 37 days earlier. While walk-ins can at times be accommodated, it’s best to arrive by 5:15 p.m. to ensure a spot. Even then, there’s a chance you’ll either be out of luck or asked to wait (sometimes for over two hours). However, those hoping to eat their beloved carbonara out of a pecorino wheel in this self-proclaimed “sunny Sicilian trattoria” won’t be disappointed, no matter how long they had to twiddle their thumbs while their stomachs grumbled outside. Visit during summer for a chance to eat on the outdoor terrace.
The Ivy Asia, St. Paul’s
C. Castro/YouTube
The décor isn’t the only thing that looks pretty in this London hot spot, but man does it captivate! A backlit, neon green gemstone floor is the highlight of this glorious locale’s first floor, with a gold-mirrored bar, giant windows, painted ceiling, lush trees, and 12-foot statues leaving their distinct marks. Apparently, the design team wanted to “create an interior that would excite guests from the moment they step inside.” They succeeded. And if that wasn’t enough to thrill foodies looking for an over-the-top dining experience, there are also captivating views of St. Paul’s Cathedral.
While this restaurant falls under The Ivy Collection’s brasserie-style restaurant umbrella, The Ivy Asia is a standout for its Japanese cuisine and bespoke design. A 115-foot drawing of two dragons sprawls across the ceiling. It’s so large it can be seen by people walking by on the street. It can be attributed to both the in-house design team and Adam Ellis Studio. The menu is vast and exemplary, offering ssamjang king prawn skewers, wagyu beef, and pork and kimchi dumplings that are sure to thrill any foodie’s taste buds.
Petersham Nurseries, Richmond
PlanetBrunch/YouTube
It’s easy to see why Petersham Nurseries Restaurant was awarded the Michelin Green Star. Dining in this refreshing, sustainable, greenhouse eatery is a spirit-lifting, stress-reducing, and all-out enjoyable experience. Perhaps the only place in London where you can dine beneath a canopy of blooming bougainvillea, this nature-first locale offers foodies a comfortable seat surrounded by enough flora and fauna to make you feel both oxygenated and refreshed, primed to thoroughly enjoy the flavors of the organic dishes about to come your way.
Those flavors won’t let you down. A sample set menu includes fabulous fresh dishes like Cornish crab with lemon aioli and dill on endive, burrata with grilled apricot, hazelnut and nasturtium pesto, and chargrilled haye farm beef in addition to sweet selections like a Yorkshire rhubarb frangipane tarte and an original bean chocolate fondant with vanilla ice cream. Are you drooling yet? If you’re looking to spend two days exploring London with kids, add the Children’s Afternoon Tea to your itinerary. It’s offered in the Teahouse between 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. on Friday through Sunday and includes cute sammies, cheese and sundried tomato palmiers, pastries, and tea, of course.
Madera at Treehouse London, Fitzrovia
Madera at Treehouse
There’s something quite magical about enjoying a meal in a pseudo-forest. Situated on level 15 of the Treehouse Hotel London, this Mexican restaurant features breathtaking city views, lush hanging plants, and enough wooden accents, including weaved hanging lights, to make you feel as if you really are in a treehouse. Visit in time to watch the sunset, and you’ve upped the romance factor considerably. In addition to the photographable décor, Madera boasts an adventurous vegan menu to please even the pickiest of plant-based eaters.
A fan of meat-based meals? You’re in luck, the “reimagined Mexican cuisine” uses organic ingredients to create bold flavors in its breakfast, lunch, and dinner dishes. Enjoy a beef chorizo bowl for breakfast, a fluffy beef bun for brunch, or duck carnitas or tequila prawns for dinner. At night, the lights dim and the energy grows along with the volume of the music. This is when guests are drawn to order from the Cócteles De Agave menu, which boasts thirst-quenching cocktails with buzz-worthy names like Winnie De Pooh, Tranquilo, and Los Muertos.
SUSHISAMBA LONDON, City of London
SushiSamba
SUSHISAMBA London offers foodies a tempting taste of a unique mix of cuisines — Peruvian, Brazilian, and Japanese — in a don’t-make-me-leave kind of environment. Perched on the 38th and 39th floors of Heron Tower, this photo-worthy place will make you forget about the gulp-inducing price tag (almost). While reviews on the food are mixed, there’s not much to dislike about the impeccable views. This restaurant is said to have the “highest outdoor dining terraces in Europe,” offering tourists a fantastic, 360-degree view of the city, which is especially romantic at sunset. A large, orange tree sculpture stands on the west terrace, incorporating the restaurant’s “earth-to-sky” motif.
To reach the restaurant, diners must enter one of two panoramic glass elevators, which offer a mere preview of the beauty they’re about to experience. Look up when you enter the main dining room. The bamboo ceiling is a beauty, as are the pretty lights that are hung at different lengths throughout the space. An open kitchen makes it easy to see the chefs’ creativity in action. Expect small plates of well-presented foods like Peruvian anticuchos, crispy taquitos, wagyu gyoza, and of course, sushi. There are gluten-conscious and vegan menus available as well.
