London's most iconic restaurants have been identified by OpenTable, with 26 establishments named as defining the capital's dining scene. The list, compiled with input from industry insiders, includes beloved institutions and modern powerhouses that shape London's culinary reputation.
Industry Experts Select the Icons
The selection was made with help from experts such as Good Food Guide owner Adam Hyman, food content creator Seema Pankhania, and critic Jimi Famurewa. The awards, part of the first-ever OpenTable Restaurant Awards, also included Restaurateurs' Choice and People's Choice categories.
Notable Winners
St. John, a traditional British spot praised as a 'goddamn institution' and a Time Out favorite, made the list and won Neighbourhood Gem in the People's Choice category. Mambow, formerly Time Out's number one restaurant in the city, also featured. Pubs like The Plimsoll in Finsbury Park, voted Gastropub of the Year, and The Ledbury in Notting Hill, which received the Bucket List award, were included as well.
Laure Bornet, senior vice president of International Growth at OpenTable, said: 'Our first-ever OpenTable Restaurant Awards winners are the places defining London's culture right now, setting global standards and creating experiences that stay with diners long after they leave. At a time of real pressure for the industry, celebrating and backing the people and places raising the bar matters more than ever, and we're proud to champion these standout spots to diners.'
The Full List of 2026 London Restaurant Icons
- 64 Goodge Street
- Andrew Edmunds
- Blacklock Soho
- Bouchon Racine
- Brawn
- BRUTTO
- Chez Bruce
- CORE by Clare Smyth
- Da Terra
- Darjeeling Express
- Donia
- Hawksmoor St Pancras
- Humble Chicken
- JUNO Omakase
- Mambow
- Moro
- Portland
- Restaurant Gordon Ramsay
- Rita's (Standout Service)
- Scott's Mayfair
- St. JOHN Smithfield (Neighbourhood Gem)
- The Clove Club
- The Ledbury, Notting Hill (Bucket List)
- The Plimsoll (Gastropub of the Year)
- The Quality Chop House
- Trinity
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