London’s culinary scene is one of the most exciting in the world — a mix of historic charm and fresh, creative energy. You can find everything from sophisticated Michelin-star restaurants and stylish hotel dining rooms to laid-back pubs and buzzing street food markets. Classic British dishes get a modern twist, and global flavors from every corner of the world fill neighborhoods across the city. Afternoon tea is a must, along with stops at modern establishments that showcase diverse menus. No matter where you go, dining in London is all about great food, electric atmosphere, and unforgettable experiences. From Italian authenticity in South Kensington to sky-high fusion and storied Mayfair rituals, these four London restaurants capture the city’s essence of taste and sophistication.
Lina Stores — South Kensington Charm, Italian Soul
Shining brightly on the corner of Exhibition Road and Thurloe Square in London’s museum-rich South Kensington sits Lina Stores. This restaurant blends the heritage of their original 1944 Soho delicatessen with a stylish all-day dining concept. Inside, pistachio-green tiles, chrome counters, eclectic art, and warm lighting evoke the mid-century Italian aesthetic. The menu is a celebration of simplicity, featuring freshly handmade pastas, vibrant sauces, and regional recipes perfected over generations. True to the brand’s roots, the offerings include a large selection of antipasti, secondi, and dolci built from top Italian produce, herbs, and local ingredients. Expect decadent dishes like Roast Veal Carpaccio; Fried Artichokes with aioli and salsa verde; Linguine with crab with Amalfi lemon, chilli, and garlic; and a 30-Egg Yolk Tagliolini with black truffle, butter, and Parmigiano Reggiano. Fan favorites also include their Burrata Ravioli and Grilled Prawns with Datterini Tomato, garlic, and lemon.
Menu items are paired with Italian beer and wines and served in a polished atmosphere by an energetic and attentive staff. The space is designed to feel like a neighborhood trattoria where guests can linger over an espresso, an aperitivo, or a hearty dinner. A wrap-around terrace runs alongside the restaurant, and an additional outdoor space stretches onto the square. The space is a perfect spot to enjoy a little slice of Italy, while observing the bustle of South Kensington.
Claridge’s — Afternoon Tea in Mayfair
Afternoon Tea at Claridge’s is a refined ritual of British culinary heritage, served daily in the grand Art Deco surroundings of The Foyer & Reading Room. Guests begin with an array of dainty finger sandwiches, freshly baked raisin and plain scones served with Cornish clotted cream and the hotel’s own jam, followed by a selection of hand-crafted sweet pastries created under the guidance of Executive Pastry Chef Thibault Hauchard. Each cup of tea is prepared tableside from loose-leaf teas sourced from boutique producers around the world, selected to perfectly complement the food. For those wanting more than tea, glasses of curated champagne can be added to elevate the experience. Every detail —from the jade and white striped bone china by Bernardaud to the legendary Dale Chihuly blown glass sculpture overhead — conveys timeless elegance rooted in more than 150 years of this English institution.
Menu highlights include English cucumber with mint cream cheese on white bread, smoked salmon with dill crème fraîche and radicchio on rye bread, roasted Dorrington ham with mustard mayonnaise and cornichons on onion bread, and Burford Brown egg mayonnaise with watercress & chives on white bread. Sweet pastries rotate by season and feature mini caramelized apple tarte tatin with cinnamon cream, hazelnut milk-chocolate mousse with lemon confit, and a local plum and yoghurt tart. Few experiences capture the grace of London dining quite like Afternoon Tea at Claridge’s. This is more than tea; it’s a timeless British tradition in one of London’s most elegant settings. Service is exceptional, live piano melodies play in the background, and the hum of conversation makes for an atmosphere both regal and relaxed.
SUSHISAMBA — Sky-High Fusion Flair
Located on the 38th and 39th floors of the Heron Tower at 110 Bishopsgate, SUSHISAMBA offers a unique dining experience that highlights the culinary traditions of Japan, Brazil, and Peru. As Europe’s highest outdoor dining venue, it provides striking 360-degree views of the city from its tables and terraces. Guests ascend to the space via two panoramic glass elevators, offering glimpses of London from above.
The main dining room features floor-to-ceiling windows and an arrangement of lights suspended through an open bamboo ceiling, creating a sophisticated ambiance during the day and a magical atmosphere at night. The restaurant integrates indoor and outdoor design elements, including the notable orange tree sculpture on the west terrace —a signature SUSHISAMBA feature that reinforces their earth-to-sky theme while serving as a prominent artwork within the space. Expect a DJ playing samba rhythms and a fashionable crowd coming for post-work happy hour, date nights, and milestone celebrations.
Menu offerings range from Japanese tempura and sushi to Brazilian churrasco and moqueca, alongside Peruvian anticuchos and ceviche, ensuring a diverse menu suitable for various dining preferences. The chef team behind the open kitchen and robata grill presents expertly prepared meats, vegetables, and fish. SUSHISAMBA’s approach to small plate service is designed to encourage communal dining and sharing among guests. Creative cocktails—like the Samba Daiquiri or Nikkei Negroni—pair beautifully with the lively atmosphere.
The Ivy Tower Bridge — West End Glamour + Classic British Dining
Set over two floors, with views of Tower Bridge and Tower of London, The Ivy Tower Bridge is an icon of elegance and celebrity culture, the perfect location for tourists, day-trippers, and locals to experience timeless British classics and impeccable service. Since 1917, The Ivy has been synonymous with glamour, memorable experiences, inventive menus, and modern fare. Key design features include mosaic tile flooring, antique brass mirrors, a wrap-around bar with polished brass fixtures, and a Parisian-style outdoor terrace. It’s an experience steeped in London lore, beloved by actors, writers, and tastemakers. Situated near Borough Market and the Bridge Theatre, the restaurant provides a perfect mix of iconic cityscapes and the theatrical charm that surrounds this culturally rich riverside neighborhood.
The all-day brasserie offers an expansive menu seven days a week. Guests can start their day with buttery eggs Benedict or fluffy buttermilk pancakes and evolve into elegant mains like the signature Shepherd’s Pie, Blackened Cod Fillet glazed with miso, or the indulgent Ivy Burger with hand-cut fries. No visit is complete without the Ivy Chocolate Bombe, where warm salted caramel sauce reveals a cascade of ice cream and honeycomb beneath a crisp shell. Behind the bar, cocktails are crafted with the same artistry — from the Hot Honey Margarita to the Salted Caramel Espresso Martini and the Champagne & Pear Mojito. Whether enjoyed on the terrace overlooking the Thames or in the art-lined dining room, each plate and pour captures The Ivy’s signature balance of sophistication, comfort, and unmistakable style.
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Each of these landmarks offers its own interpretation of the London food scene, from Lina Stores’ soulful Italian craftsmanship to Claridge’s graceful British ritual to SUSHISAMBA’s global fusion with a view to The Ivy’s polished theatrical glamour. Whether you’re in search of tradition, innovation, or a little of both, these restaurants shouldn’t be missed, as they define what makes London one of the world’s true dining destinations.
