London's hottest restaurants right now

Hackney Church Brewery Co.'s restaurant, LAGOM, is the brainchild of Elliot Cunningham, who has crafted his menu to pay homage to his Swedish heritage. Lagom has been making a stir for its Sunday roasts and burgers, which has just clinched the best burger in the UK. LAGOM, meaning "just right" in Swedish, has been lauded by critics like Jay Rayner for its daring live-fire techniques. Their Sunday roast has achieved iconic status, and there's often a month-long wait for a table. 

Once a popular Malaysian stall at Market Peckham, Mambow expanded and set up shop in Clapton. Chef Abby Lee presents a modern twist on traditional Malaysian dishes, complemented by organic wines and a rotating cocktail menu. This intimate standalone eatery boasts outdoor seating and an open kitchen, providing diners with a peek into the gastronomic artistry behind the scenes, and it's been a big hit.

The younger sibling of The Tamil Prince, The Tamil Crown is a buzzy pub serving flavourful sharing plates of spicy South Asian cuisine. Backed by excellent reviews and culinary pedigree – the kitchen team trained at the famed Roti King – getting a table at this establishment isn't the easiest of tasks. That's especially true on Sundays, when there's an Indian-inspired roast dinner.

The Ledbury gained its third Michelin star in 2024, cementing its reputation as one of London's hottest dining destinations. This place is an ode to the British countryside, serving tasting menus that celebrate fine British ingredients. The dining room here has a refined and classic style, with tables being very much in demand.

Supernova is a simple spot with a simple menu – a pair of smash burgers and some fries and sundaes to go with them. Thanks to a savvy social media approach and a convenient location right in the heart of London, however, it has become a seriously in-demand spot, with queues often stretching down the street at this popular restaurant.

Low-key Thai restaurant Singburi is one of the hottest tickets in town. It's a small East London spot where getting a seat is notoriously difficult. Once you manage to get in you can try out authentic and affordable Thai cuisine that's considered some of the best in the city. You can bring your own alcohol as well.

Formerly a busy market stall, in summer 2023 Sonora Taquería reopened in a permanent location in Stoke Newington. This simple spot is just as popular as the stall that preceded it. It's popular for its rich beef barbacoa and freshly-made tortillas. Eat here and you'll discover a regularly changing menu and authentic flavours from northern Mexico.

Established in 1994, St John has continued to be a hit with London diners and has held a Michelin star for over 10 years. The daily-changing menu offers up a unique experience on every visit. Whenever you go, a visit to St John means sampling British classics like Welsh rarebit and bread pudding.

The Devonshire is the inaugural collaborative venture between hospitality experts Oisin Rogers, ex-landlord of The Guinea Grill, Flat Iron founder Charlie Carroll, and The Fat Duck chef Ashley Palmer. With such an stellar crew, this Soho gastropub has the makings of a culinary blockbuster. Blending classic charm with modern cuisine, it boasts the first wood ember grill of its kind in the UK and an on-site butcher.

Rated as one of the country's top restaurants, Bibi combines British and Indian ingredients to create inspiring plates of street food. Dishes are served in a low-lit venue that's full of laid-back cool. À la carte dishes and a tasting menu are available, with a wide choice of drinks on offer as well.

An NYC icon, Llama Inn has perched atop The Hoxton in Shoreditch for its first UK outpost. It offers trendy South American cuisine with an emphasis on Peruvian ingredients, tastes, and traditions. It's an especially good choice if you're after an NYC-style cocktail like the one-shot martini, as the bartenders are well-versed in mixology.

The luxurious Raffles London at The OWO was one of the most anticipated openings of 2023, in part also due to its top-notch culinary offer. The hotel's flagship restaurant is helmed by three-Michelin-starred chef Mauro Colagreco and revolves around his signature emphasis on locally sourced produce and hyper-seasonality. The exquisite dishes carry flavour from the Mediterranean, and the setting is tasteful and sophisticated.

Bouchon Racine, a popular French bistro run by renowned chef Henry Harris, can be found on the upper floor of The Three Compasses pub in Farringdon. Apart from classic Harris dishes, the family-owned eatery provides daily menus that are seasonal and prepared in the traditional style. To complement the meals, a French-led wine list is available.

Trullo is much loved in North London for its classic Italian cooking. Established in 2010, the clean and sophisticated setting draws a crowd. In the light and contemporary restaurant you can eat handmade pasta prepared just before service and dishes from the grill made from seasonal and sustainable produce.

Lyle's in Shoreditch offers daily-changing menus of British cuisine with ingredients sourced from throughout the country. There's also a carefully-selected wine list and vegetarian and pescetarian options available. The quality of the food and service has earned the restaurant a Michelin star. At Lyle's you'll find sophisticated dining and a modern approach in a cool, minimalist space.

Thanks to chef-patron Ben Murphy being named the National Chef of the Year in 2022, this elegant restaurant quickly shot up the ranks of the capital's buzziest eateries. The contemporary European fine dining is flamboyantly presented, and you can choose between à la carte options or a tasting menu highlighting a specific ingredient. The chef isn't the only one with accolades either, as the selection of global wines has won awards too.

Asma Khan's iconic restaurant Darjeeling Express has now found a permanent home in Kingly Court. Led by an all-female team, this homey space is decked out in natural colours and textures. Choose à la carte dishes for lunch or the set dinner menu, both featuring Indian home cooking designed to share.

When it comes to hot restaurants in London, Dishoom is a fixture. This restaurant group is so popular there's virtually always a long queue extending from the entrance, even though there are multiple locations around the city. The restaurants are style-conscious and tastefully decorated, serving Indian street food in a modern environment. Food is served all day and it's known for its Indian take on a fry-up.

Sessions Arts Club is housed in a Grade II-listed building, providing a restaurant, bar, and art and performance spaces. Private hire event spaces are also available. The restaurant serves an international menu in a pared-back environment, focusing on creativity and a sense of the collective.

One of the city's hottest tips for West African cuisine is Chuku's in North London. This family-run spot is all about social meals, with modern cooking, vibrant art, and a chilled playlist. Dishes combine traditional recipes with new innovations and are ideal for sharing. The restaurant runs supper clubs too.

Chet's in West London serves exciting Thai-American fusion food all day in a retro-styled restaurant with bold textiles and neutral colours. There's an all-day menu with salads, sandwiches, and Thai favourites as well as a night menu with more focus on Asian cuisine. There's a large choice of wine as well, plus distinctive cocktails with an Asian influence.

Kiln dishes up imaginative Thai food that may not be traditional but is still some of the most popular in the capital. Walk-ins are welcome and you can watch the chefs from the kitchen counter. Thai curries, slow-grilled chicken, and laap sausages are just some of the dishes you can try out here.

In King's Cross, The Midland Grand Dining Room is a glamorous space that's full of personality and serves a regularly-changing menu of sophisticated French cuisine. Signature dishes here include crab and elderflower pain perdu and chicken liver parfait with a truffle and madeira jelly. The decor brings the space's Victorian heritage into modern times.

Cafe Cecilia in Hackney offers all-day dining in a cool, contemporary setting with a crisp interior. Throughout the day you can sample British classics like kippers or pork and apricot terrine. Whilst British cooking is celebrated here, there's a nod to international cuisine too.

Enjoy authentic flavours from West Africa at the relocated Chishuru in Fitzrovia. You'll discover a modern set menu that explores the region's recipes and culinary traditions, blending new approaches with time-honoured methods. Vegetarian options are available as well. In 2024 the restaurant received its first Michelin star.

Core by Clare Smyth has been named one of the 100 best restaurants in the world for 2023. This female-led Notting Hill venue has a whopping three Michelin stars. Elegant dishes are crafted here using artisan and sustainable British ingredients. Food is served in a light and airy dining space, plus there's an exclusive chef's table experience.

Brat is a sleek Shoreditch restaurant with one Michelin star, serving modern cuisine inspired by Basque cooking methods. You can expect plenty of fish and grilled food on the menu. Along with the food menu there's a sophisticated and varied wine list, which includes a monthly-changing highlight of a specific wine.

Modern pasta bar Padella serves up fresh hand-rolled pasta and has developed a reputation for offering value as well as quality. Choose from pasta with a choice of different fillings and sauces and a variety of different drinks at reasonable prices. There's usually a queue so be prepared to wait.

Rochelle Canteen is a welcoming sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of Shoreditch, housed in a converted bike shed. The menu changes each day and offers seasonal dishes inspired by British and European cuisine. Indoor and outdoor seating is available under a canopy for comfortable dining in all weather.

Shoreditch restaurant Bistro Freddie is an intimate venue with 45 seats and old-school interiors that bring a sense of nostalgia. Quality ingredients from local suppliers are used to put together a fine dining menu of classic British recipes. Whilst the food is British, the wine list in entirely French and gives diners lots of options to choose from.

Kol is a Michelin-starred restaurant offering vibrant Mexican cuisine using high-end ingredients like caviar and wagyu beef. Fixed menus are offered for lunch and dinner, including vegetarian choices, or you can go for the chef's table experience and enjoy what Kol's innovative test kitchen has to offer. Having won multiple awards, this is one of the hottest tables in London.

The River Café is a go-to choice for London diners seeking a relaxing riverside meal with great views. Quality ingredients and rich Mediterranean flavours come together in a contemporary menu that changes each day. The ambience and high-quality Italian cuisine have earned The River Café one Michelin star.

Counter 71 is a modern chef's table restaurant based in Shoreditch. It's not about speedy meals here; diners get a lavish menu of 15 courses that celebrates seasonal British produce sourced from around the British Isles. Only 16 seats are available each night, set around a green marble counter. There's a cocktail bar downstairs too.

Roti King might be a humble eatery but getting a table is tough - waits have been known to last almost one hour in Euston. Diners are willing to queue for the authentic and comforting Malaysian cuisine available. Rotis are a big part of the menu - choose roti served alongside your choice of kari or a stuffed option filled with chicken or cheese and spinach.

Manteca is a Shoreditch venue offering a simple Italian-inspired menu. This restaurant is passionate about whole-animal butchery, hand-rolled pasta, and house-made ingredients, serving a varied menu including vegetarian choices. Manteca has a diverse wine list to accompany meals, including options from England and Wales.

Shankeys opened in the latter half of 2022 after a wildly successful pop-up at the old Spendeli premises in Hackney. The Well Street restaurant is stripped back, intimate and romantic, lit by candlelight in the evenings and seating only a handful of people. The menu is a fusion of Irish and Indian cuisines, with dishes like aubergine and tamarind curry with beetroot chutney and pickled rice and rum-glazed doughnuts with banana brûlée, mango, custard and coconut and lime. They also have an Irish-focused drinks menu and a changing selection of handpicked wines.

Mayha is a refined and intimate 11-seater restaurant and bar offering an omakase dining experience. It is part of the rising trend of omakase experiences in the capital, providing customers with a unique and personalised menu highlighting Japanese meat and seafood dishes. For an even more intimate experience, guests can head to the six-seater Bar Downstairs, offering a five-course omakase menu and signature drinks.

Nessa, located on the ground floor of an Edwardian corner building in Soho, is the latest undertaking from the former chef of Duck & Waffle and Loyal Tavern. The bistro draws inspiration from the area's bohemian history, offering inventive twists on classic British cuisine using fresh, high-quality domestic produce, flavourful herbs, and fresh fish. The inviting horseshoe bar features an extensive list of wine and cocktails. 

A venture by Big Mamma Group, Jacuzzi has immediately become one of the hottest tickets in town, even though there's seating for 170 diners at the four-floor venue. It's not just the outrageous decor, botanical mezzanine floor, jazzy disco toilet and decadent Italian dishes, it's also Big Mamma's proven track record with places like this that's amping up the hype.

Story Cellar comes from acclaimed chef Tom Sellers. With attractive views over Neal's Yard and counter seating, you can sample French menus of rotisserie chicken and charcuterie as well as changing daily specials and small plates like salad or seasonal terrine. There's a sophisticated wine list and private dining is also available.

Fine dining restaurant Taku is located in Mayfair. The focus here is on unique omakase meals, a Japanese tradition of leaving things up to the chef. This modern Michelin-starred spot has just 16 seats and three sittings each day. If you can get in you'll experience a 20 course tasting menu of luxury ingredients.

Cosy French restaurant Eline serves a seasonal menu of French dishes with global twists. Ingredients are sourced as locally as possible and used in creative dishes that pair well with wine. There's no shortage of natural wine options here and you can also buy a bottle to take home. The setting is crisp, homey, and contemporary.

A gastropub in Kentish Town, The Parakeet has chef Ben Allen, formerly of Brat, at the helm. Inside it's a typical pub interior but the menu is pretty far from standard pub grub. Diners can expect refined European menus that are ingredient-led and change seasonally. The emphasis here is on cooking over fire.

Akub in Notting Hill comes from Palestinian chef Fadi Kattan. Dishes here combine distinctive herbs and British produce to show off the diversity of the region's cuisine. The space is homey with earthy colours and textures. The wine and cocktail list also shows influences from the Middle East.

Supa Ya has developed a cult following for its noodle bowls, served in a cosy environment. The menus is straightforward but full of creative choices – think noodle bowls and small plates like whipped tofu with tomatoes. Desserts are also available and the menus change seasonally.

Homies on Donkeys was one of the buzziest restaurants around despite being in a cramped spot far away from the city crowds. They've since moved to a colourful new venue in Leytonstone and the demand has only kept growing. Its secret lies in the creative fusion of authentic ingredients into tacos and nothing but tacos. Expect crowds of happy punters stuffing their faces whenever you visit.

Kachori in Elephant & Castle is a hot tip for Indian food. This buzzy spot serves cuisine from regions across the country in the form of small plates like corn ribs, calamari, curries, and Tandoor dishes. The restaurant is spacious and also has a terrace for al fresco meals.

A restaurant at the reopened National Portrait Gallery, fittingly-named The Portrait is led by acclaimed Irish chef Richard Corrigan. Diners can take in scenic city views from its fourth floor location or enjoy the interior decorated with work from the gallery's collection. Seasonal British dishes and Corrigan's signature recipes are served here.

Mountain brings the renowned cuisine from Brat to Beak Street in Soho. The venue is bright and contemporary with a large wooden bar and a cosy basement space. Chef Tomos Parry is behind the traditional Spanish grilled dishes here, made with local produce and paired with wines curated by Noble Rot.

East London restaurant Papi emerged from a popular lockdown pop-up and serves vibrant food with global influences. Sustainability and zero-waste is key here, as well as a playful approach to cooking. The setting is simple and hip and the venue has an open kitchen as well as a bottle shop.

A restaurant from renowned wine bar 56 West Smithfield, Origin City is all about British cuisine and nose-to-tail butchery. This restaurant butchers and ages all of its own meat and has been a big hit with restaurant critics. The dining space is sleek, neutral, and low-lit. It's a meat-focused menu here - sample regularly changing plates like charcuterie, pork rillettes, and smoked sausage.

Having already held a Michelin star, receiving the highest possible number of the prestigious AA Rosettes in 2023 only underlined the quality of Tom Aikens' signature restaurant. In its glitzy, sophisticated setting, Muse offers a fine dining experience revolving around seasonal tasting menus inspired by the acclaimed chef's life and career. Chef's table experiences are offered as well.

In the culinary hotspot of Borough Market, Rambutan specialises in Sri Lankan cuisine, served in an environment decorated with work by Sri Lankan artists and designers. The menu here changes frequently, dishing up street-style snacks, seasonal curries, and larger plates. There's a downstairs bar too.

One Filipino restaurant that's really making a splash in London is Donia. This venue in Kingly Court is a straightforward but bustling space with simple decor. The menu features an array of carefully-made Filipino classics. Food is prepared with quality local produce and many items are just made for sharing. 

Have a distinctive Michelin-starred meal at Sollip. This unique venue combines Korean cuisine with European influences and fresh seasonal ingredients. Diners get original nine course menus that include creative fusion dishes like daikon tarte tatin. Old World wines and Korean alcoholic drinks are available too. The dining space is peaceful and simple.

Highly-rated gastropub The Baring was ranked as one of the best in the country within months of opening. Both the food and the interiors celebrate simplicity. The space is stripped-back and cosy, whilst the elevated pub grub here presents new takes on old favourites. The Sunday roast has also really got Londoners excited.

Located at the edge of Smithfield Market and overlooking the capital's oldest church, Restaurant St. Barts takes its guests on a journey around the British Isles. It serves tasting menus made with fine produce. Sustainability is important here and it's reflected in the decor, which uses natural materials like stone and wood to create a warm environment.

West African restaurant Akoko was awarded its first Michelin star in 2024. It's a warm and sophisticated venue that serves elevated takes on popular recipes from Nigeria, Senegal, and Ghana. Diners can sample tasting menus of classic and innovative dishes, complemented by an international wine list.

It seems everyone wants a piece of Arlington these days. Marking acclaimed restaurateur Jeremy King's return to the Big Smoke, this popular restaurant is actually the rebirth of the legendary celebrity haunt Le Caprice, which closed during the pandemic. Serving contemporary European fare in an elegant setting, Arlington has been quickly building up the buzz since opening in early 2024.