Restaurant booking platform OpenTable has unveiled its list of 26 iconic London restaurants that it says define the capital's dining scene. The list was announced as part of the inaugural OpenTable Restaurant Awards, which also included Restaurateurs' Choice and People's Choice prizes.
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 26 Iconic London Restaurants
64 Goodge Street, Fitzrovia
This new bistro in Fitzrovia serves classic French cuisine and has already earned a Michelin star. With a Google rating of 4.8, one reviewer said: "Just had another incredible lunch at 64, this place is becoming my fave … £59, 3 courses, such great value for the meal we enjoyed."
Andrew Edmunds, Soho
Tucked away in an 18th-century townhouse, this traditional European restaurant has a rating of 4.5 on Google. A visitor wrote: "The menu didn't look great but everything tasted amazing. Candlelit venue with wonderful staff."
Blacklock Soho
Part of a chain of five restaurants, Blacklock Soho is known as one of the capital's finest steakhouses, with a Google rating of 4.7. One reviewer said: "Exactly what we wanted - a Sunday roast lunch for the family!"
Bouchon Racine, Farringdon
Located above the Three Compasses pub, this French brasserie by acclaimed chef Henry Higgins has a rating of 4.8 on Google. One reviewer said: "Believe the hype and if you're lucky enough to bag a table then you are set for a fabulous experience."
Brawn, Bethnal Green
This smart restaurant on Columbia Road specialises in Mediterranean dishes and boasts a rating of 4.6 on Google. A reviewer said: "We went for lunch, and would do it all again. Started with Irish oysters, light cheese puffs, and tender veal ossobuco."
Brutto, Farringdon
A Florentine-themed trattoria with rustic interiors, Brutto has a Google rating of 4.4. One reviewer wrote: "Lovely dimly lit environment and creative Italian dishes. The dough balls and lemony rabbit pappardelle were musts."
Chez Bruce, Wandsworth
This fine French dining spot next to Wandsworth Common has a Google rating of 4.7. One reviewer said: "Wonderful dining experience in London. The staff was so welcoming and attentive."
CORE by Clare Smyth, Notting Hill
An elegant fine-dining restaurant focusing on sustainable British produce, CORE has a rating of 4.7 on Google. One reviewer wrote: "Incredible art! Our experience with Core is something hard to describe - it goes beyond excellent."
Da Terra, Bethnal Green
This Michelin-starred European restaurant with a Brazilian twist is located in the Town Hall Hotel and has a rating of 4.8 on Google. One reviewer said: "Incredible meal - one of the very best in London."
Darjeeling Express, Soho
An acclaimed family-owned Indian restaurant with a rating of 4.5 on Google. One reviewer wrote: "Amazing and authentic dishes, loved the ambience and worth the hype."
Donia, Soho
A modern Filipino restaurant in Kingly Court with a Google rating of 4.6. One reviewer said: "Amazing food! Really enjoyed everything and would definitely go back."
Hawksmoor St Pancras
Located inside the St Pancras hotel, this steak restaurant has a rating of 4.7 on Google. A reviewer wrote: "Fabulous experience. January set menu three courses. Beef pot and Yorkshire starter is excellent."
Humble Chicken, Soho
This Michelin two-starred Japanese restaurant has a rating of 4.7 on Google. One reviewer said: "Outrageously good. Bows every other Michelin star restaurant I’ve been to out of the water."
JUNO Omakase, Notting Hill
An upmarket Japanese-Mexican fusion restaurant with a £310 set menu and a Google rating of 4.9. One reviewer said: "An experience of a lifetime! Each of the 12 dishes offered a unique and inspiring flavour journey."
Mambow, Clapton
A small Malaysian restaurant with a modern twist, Mambow has a rating of 4.3 on Google. One reviewer said: "This is pretty authentic Malaysian levels of spice and as a Malaysian, I'm glad they didn’t hold back!"
Moro, Clerkenwell
A Moorish tapas restaurant in Exmouth Market with North African and Spanish influences, Moro has a rating of 4.4 on Google. A reviewer wrote: "The food was absolutely sensational. I'd hugely recommend the duck dish."
Portland, Fitzrovia
This Michelin-starred restaurant serves classic seasonal British cuisine and has a Google rating of 4.7. One reviewer said: "Each dish was so impressive, the finest produce cooked with precision."
Restaurant Gordon Ramsay
The signature restaurant of TV chef Gordon Ramsay in Chelsea has a rating of 4.4 on Google. A reviewer wrote: "What a wonderful experience... The service was flawless."
Rita's, Soho (Standout Service winner)
An American-themed bistro with a rating of 4.4 on Google. One reviewer said: "Such a gorgeous place. The food and drinks were delicious, service was fast & friendly."
Scott's Mayfair
A seafood restaurant with an oyster and champagne bar, Scott's has a Google rating of 4.6. A customer said: "Four years of coming here and the seafood remains the benchmark for Mayfair."
St. JOHN Smithfield, Farringdon (Neighbourhood Gem)
Founded by Fergus Henderson, this iconic restaurant focuses on offcuts of meat and has a rating of 4.5 on Google. A reviewer said: "Consistent quality throughout the years. Classic Brit pub food with a French wine list."
The Clove Club, Shoreditch
A fine dining restaurant in Shoreditch Town Hall with a rating of 4.6 on Google. One diner wrote: "The Clove Club delivers an experience built around ingredients, craftsmanship, and quiet confidence."
The Ledbury, Notting Hill (Bucket List)
A three Michelin-starred restaurant with a tasting menu for £210, The Ledbury has a Google rating of 4.7. One reviewer said: "The presentation and quality of the food was remarkable."
The Plimsoll, Finsbury Park (Gastropub of the Year)
This gastropub is known for its towering cheeseburgers and has a rating of 4.4 on Google. A reviewer said: "One of the best burgers I have ever had, so full of flavour!"
The Quality Chop House, Clerkenwell
Originating as a working man's eating house in 1869, this contemporary dining room has a Google rating of 4.6. A reviewer said: "Divine. One of the best Sunday roasts I’ve had in a long time."
Trinity, Clapham
This Michelin-starred restaurant with a seasonal menu has a rating of 4.8 on Google. One reviewer said: "What a beautiful restaurant, with warm hospitality. The £90 lunch menu is an absolute bargain."
