The best restaurants in London prove that the city’s culinary reputation has evolved far beyond outdated stereotypes. While the UK may once have taken flak for its food, London now stands as a global dining powerhouse, drawing top chefs and ambitious restaurateurs from around the world. This ever-changing food scene isn’t just about Michelin stars and months-long waitlists—it’s also a celebration of bold flavours, playful indulgence, and creativity at every level of the dining spectrum.
So, cram your luggage full of elasticated waistbands before unfurling a napkin, these are London’s best restaurants you need to book in 2026.
21 Newington Grn, Mayville Estate, N16 9PU
Jolene
This London favourite has amassed a cult following, who proudly parade their screen-printed tote bags around the city. Housed in a charming three-story converted apartment building, Jolene exudes everything right about handwritten menus, polished concrete, and shared plates. By day, Jolene is a bakery and a haven for seasonal sweet treats; by night, it becomes a sanctuary of shared dishes sourced from local food growers. Jolene’s hearty carbs shine bright through breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with their flour and bread milled in-house.
Pick up an exquisitely layered strawberry Danish for breakfast; and for dinner, if the pappardelle with beef and ox tongue ragu is written on the blackboard, order it. For an authentic East London experience, grab a tote bag on the way out.
77-78 Marylebone High St, W1U 5JX
Carlotta
You could be forgiven for walking through Carlotta’s doors and believing you’ve stepped back in time to an Italian wedding reception in family-owned trattoria somewhere in New Jersey, at some point in the mid-1980s. Think ruched curtain walls, chrome and leather and terrazzo, Sinatra, black ceramic panthers and, naturally, wedding cake.
Head chef Armando’s menu is as Italian as it comes, all the way down to contributions from his Nonna Gina. But there is a distinct Americano twist here too (order the Fettuccine Alfredo al Tartufo), not to mention plenty of the United Kingdom’s freshest produce (the Tartare di Vitello Tonnato made from high-welfare Cheshire rose veal is a popular choice).
1 Cathedral St, SE1 9DE
Mallow
For a 100 per-cent plant based affair, making the trek past the Tower Of London to Borough Market for Mallow is not to be missed. From the team behind the much-loved ethical dining establishment, Mildreds, Mallow serves exclusively seasonal, sustainable food, drawing inspiration from the gastronomic cultures across the world. In keeping with its minimal waste policy, all ingredients are sourced from small, sustainable businesses, many of which are sited locally in Greater London.
This means two things: firstly, Mallow is worth visiting again and again thanks to its frequently changing menu and, secondly, you’ll discover the wealth of London bustling providores supplying everything from coffee beans to tempeh, tofu to high-quality tea.
Sheldon Square, Paddington Central, W2 6DS
Darcie & May Green
Hop off the bus and and onto a barge for a very downunder affair on top of the world with Darcie & May Green. Bringing Australian coffee culture to London, the Darcie and May beloved boats are hard to miss, covered prow to stern in punch-in-the-face vibrant murals by the godfather of British pop art, Sir Peter Blake
The beloved haunt of many an expat Australian, Darcie and May’s open roof terrace is a popular summer destination for brunch and dinner. With establishments across London, both floating and not, Darcie and May’s quintessentially Antipodean cuisine might just make you a little bit homesick. Pick up a box of their ‘Luxury Aussie Lamingtons’ on the way out. Made from scratch daily in their Paddington bakery, these pillowy treats support those on the frontline in the NHS across the UK.
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