With thousands of restaurants across the city, choosing where to eat in London can be overwhelming. While locals often have their neighbourhood favourites, those seeking truly memorable dining experiences now have a curated list of 26 iconic spots to explore. OpenTable, the renowned restaurant booking platform, has unveiled its inaugural list of 'icons' — this year's hottest restaurants that are 'defining dining' in the capital.
How the List Was Compiled
The list, presented in no particular order, spans a diverse range of cuisines, from steak houses to Indian restaurants and classic British institutions. It was assembled by a panel of industry experts, including Adam Hyman (owner of CODE Hospitality and The Good Food Guide), Lorraine Copes (founder and CEO of Be Inclusive Hospitality), cook and food writer Jenny Lau, and food content creator and author Seema Panhania. Their collective expertise ensured a selection that reflects London's vibrant and ever-evolving food scene.
Darjeeling Express: A Story of Authenticity
One of the standout picks is Darjeeling Express, an Indian restaurant celebrated not only for its delicious, authentic dishes but also for its remarkable backstory. Founded by Asma Khan, the restaurant began as a supper club featuring family recipes passed down through generations before opening its physical doors in 2017. What sets it apart is its all-female kitchen, staffed entirely by immigrant housewives, most in their 50s. None of them, including Asma, have professional culinary training; they learned to cook at home, proving that exceptional food doesn't require formal qualifications. Popular dishes include Methi Chicken (£23), a rich tomato-based sauce flavoured with dried fenugreek, and Tamarind Dal (£8), a tangy and spicy lentil side dish cooked with garlic, dried red chillies, cumin, and curry leaves. Currently located in Kingly Court, Darjeeling Express will close on May 16 and reopen at a new location in Rupert Street, Soho, on June 3.
St. JOHN: Nose-to-Tail Excellence
Also featured is St. JOHN in Smithfield, a firm favourite among Londoners, renowned for its nose-to-tail cooking philosophy. This British institution has earned a Michelin star for its culinary prowess, with a menu that changes daily. Highlights include roast bone marrow and parsley salad (£16.50), devilled tripe with chips and ketchup (£25.50), and roast lamb with carrots and green sauce (£34).
Rita's: Modern American Meets British Produce
Rita's, an independent restaurant in Soho, brings modern American dining together with British and European produce. Founded in 2012 by chef-owner Gabriel Pryce and beverage director Missy Flynn, it started as a pop-up in Dalston. The menu is guided by the seasons, with sustainably sourced meat and fish, and produce from organic farms near London. Celebrity fans reportedly include Harry Styles and Zoe Kravitz. Popular dishes include beef tartare and fried chicken. Rita's also won a people's choice accolade in OpenTable's Restaurant Awards for 'standout service'.
Other Notable Mentions
The full list includes a diverse array of establishments: Andrew Edmunds (Soho), Rita's (Soho), Darjeeling Express (Soho), Blacklock Soho, Donia (Soho), Humble Chicken (Soho), Scott's (Mayfair), 64 Goodge Street (Fitzrovia), BRUTTO (Farringdon), The Quality Chop House (Farringdon), St. JOHN (Smithfield), Hawksmoor St Pancras & Martini Bar (King's Cross), Bouchon Racine (Farringdon), Portland Restaurant (Marylebone), CORE by Clare Smyth (Notting Hill), Moro (Angel), The Ledbury (Notting Hill), The Plimsoll (Highbury), Restaurant Gordon Ramsay (Chelsea), Da Terra (Bethnal Green), MAMBOW (Clapton), The Clove Club (Shoreditch), Chez Bruce (Wandsworth), Trinity (Clapham), Brawn (Bethnal Green), and Juno Omakase (Notting Hill).
Juno Omakase is a six-seater counter within the Japanese-Mexican eatery Los Mochis in Notting Hill. The Plimsoll pub in Highbury is often praised for serving one of the best burgers in London. BRUTTO, an Italian spot in Farringdon specialising in Florentine dining, holds a Michelin Bib Gourmand. Restaurant Gordon Ramsay in Chelsea comes as the legendary chef prepares to open his 100th restaurant, Bread Street Kitchen at 22 Bishopsgate on May 6.
Industry Perspective
Laure Bornet, senior vice president of international growth at OpenTable, commented: '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.'
