London is a hotbed for Michelin stars, from contemporary and classic British cuisine to Italian, Japanese, Indian, African and French fare, our selection of the best restaurants here will take you on a delicious culinary journey around the world.
Earlier this year, the Michelin Guide announced its entries for the UK and reaffirmed London as a destination for all of those who love fine food and wine, with 80 Michelin-starred restaurants in the capital, which has increased from 71 last year. We saw a two Michelin-star restaurant move up the ranks to gain a third star this year, joining four others with the maximum three Michelin-star accolades, as well as 12 with two stars, and 57 one-star restaurants (including 11 newly awarded).
If you’re planning a trip to London soon, we’ve got you covered with our round-up of some of the best Michelin-starred restaurants that’ll be sure to offer the finest of fine dining experiences across the city.
Best Michelin-starred restaurants in London to visit
Three Michelin star restaurants
The Ledbury (new)
A chef’s favourite, the Ledbury in Notting Hill, brought to you by Chef Brett Graham, was awarded two stars only last year, and has moved up the ranks this year with another star added. Combining innovative cooking with locally sourced ingredients, including deer raised on their small estate, and mushrooms from the restaurant’s own mushroom cabinet, food is then paired with fine wines.
The Ledbury, 127 Ledbury Road, Notting Hill, London, W11 2AQ, +44 (0) 207 792 9090
Hélène Darroze at The Connaught
As the Michelin Guide says, “There is a warm, relaxed feel to this London base for Hélène Darroze’s exceptional cooking” so there’s no wonder that this iconic French chef has retained her three stars. Set within the Connaught Hotel on Carlos Place, only exceptional produce is used, cue lobster from Cornwall and pigeon from Brittany that take centre stage in her dishes. Expect a few international influences and be sure to finish with the signature baba dessert, and an Armagnac that’s been aged by Hélène’s brother Marc.
Hélène Darroze at The Connaught, The Connaught, Carlos Place, Mayfair, London, W1K 2AL, United Kingdom, +44 (0)20 3147 7200
CORE by Clare Smyth
Another of the capital’s big hitters is Clare Smyth, and CORE, which focuses on modern British cuisine has kept all its stars. With its elegant setting, and dishes to match, both the taste and presentation are extraordinary, just follow her on Instagram to see the construction of the plates. Michelin recommends trying one of the 7-course tasting menus, one consists of the classics and the other is particularly seasonal.
CORE by Clare Smyth, 92 Kensington Park Road, London W11 2PN, +44 (0) 2039375086
Alain Ducasse at the Dorchester
The master of French food Alain Ducasse has entrusted Chef Patron Jean-Philippe Blondet to reinterpret his dishes, and Blondet has adopted an adventurous, modern and contemporary approach. And what’s more, it’s possible to select three dishes from the tasting menu to create your own à la carte. Here, the focus is on British and French produce that offer bold flavours, textures, flavourful sauces, and considered wine pairings to match.
Alain Dorchester at the Dorchester, 53 Park Ln, London W1K 1QA, United Kingdom, +44 (0)20 7629 8866
Restaurant Gordon Ramsay
Impressively, Gordon Ramsay’s flagship restaurant has retained its three-star status ever since it opened its doors 26 years ago, and led by Head Chef and co-owner Matt Abé, he champions the philosophy of Ramsay’s style — think impeccable plates when it comes to taste and execution. Try the signature dishes such as lobster ravioli, and the roast veal sweetbread is another customer favourite, along with the infamous wine pairing.
Restaurant Gordon Ramsay, 68 Royal Hospital Road, Chelsea, London SW3 4HP, +44 (0) 207 352 4441
Two Michelin Star restaurants
Brooklands (new)
A new entry to the two-star gang, Brooklands is the home to modern cuisine at Grosvenor Place. Located in the Peninsular hotel, Brooklands by Claude Bosi takes its name after the famous Surrey racetrack and a scale model of Concorde hangs from its ceiling. Detailed cooking along with the best of British can be found here, enjoy ingredients like Lake District lamb and Cornish squid, as well as the rooftop setting, complete with views over Belgravia.
Brooklands, The Peninsula London, 1 Grosvenor Place, London, SW1X 7HJ, United Kingdom, +44 (0) 20 3959 2888
Gymkhana (new)
Inspired by the elite clubs of India where members of high society socialise, eat, drink, and play sport, expect traditional Tandoor oven roasts, sigri charcoal grills and seasonal curries, predominantly Northern Indian in style. At this vibrant Raj-era-themed Indian restaurant, Michelin recommends ordering the tandoori masala lamb chops and kid goat methi keema.
Gymkhana, 42 Albemarle Street, London W1S 4JH, +44 (0) 20 3011 5900
Trivet (new)
Located in Southwark, Trivet offers “fuss-free dishes using prime produce” and perfectly balanced flavour combinations. It is also worth noting that Michelin is a fan of its wine service that adds to the whole experience — from a carefully considered list that includes unexplored regions.
Trivet, 36 Snowsfields, London SE1 3SU, +44 (0) 203 141 8670
A. Wong
For haute Chinese food, the famed Andrew Wong surely delivers. The inspiration behind the menu is taken from across all the Chinese provinces and his ‘Collections of China’ evening menu features interpretations of regional dishes in a three-hour culinary journey. Alternatively, try the dim sum tasting menu or indulge in some drinks downstairs in the Forbidden City Bar, and try the Kinjang cocktail while you’re there.
A. Wong, 70 Wilton Rd, Pimlico, London SW1V 1DE, United Kingdom, +44 (0) 207 828 8931
One Michelin Star restaurants
Mountain (new)
There has been plenty of buzz surrounding this Soho-based Spanish restaurant, after all, it’s brought to you by the people behind Brat. Spanning two floors, there’s a basement with booths for an intimate setting, while the ground floor features an open kitchen, complete with wood-fired ovens and open flames. It’s a fun spot to enjoy sharing plates of varying sizes, from sweet raw red prawns to whole lobster caldereta that serves up to five people.
Mountain, 6-18 Beak St, London W1F 9RD, United Kingdom
Restaurant 1890 (new)
Another restaurant by Gordon Ramsay, but this time offering French fare and set within The Savoy, it is named after the infamous French chef Georges Auguste Escoffier who joined the hotel in 1890. Here you’ll only find 10 tables, and a surprise tasting menu that draws inspiration from Escoffier’s classics that’s “delivered with elegance and poise, but with dishes prepared using modern techniques.” There is also a four-course option, available Friday and Saturday lunchtimes.
Restaurant 1890, Savoy Hotel, Strand, London WC2R 0EU, +44 (0) 207 499 0124
Pavyllon (new)
Yannick Alléno‘s restaurant within the Four Seasons Hotel is his debut UK outpost and dons a large open kitchen that’s punctuated with a luxurious counter for those who want to watch the master’s at work. Where seasonal British ingredients are transformed into fine French cuisine, there are plenty of classic French dishes on the menu, plus influences from around the world including Italy, North Africa, and Japan to keep it interesting.
Pavyllon, Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane, London W1J 7DR, +44 (0)20 7319 5200
Dorian (new)
For a fun neighbourhood brasserie, head to Notting Hill’s Dorian and pull up a seat at the counter. This eatery serves up modern British dishes and sharing plates; order one of the fine cuts of meat that have been cooked on a wood-fired grill and share with a loved one — they’re huge.
Dorian, 105-107 Talbot Rd, London W11 2AT, +44 (0) 20 3089 9556
Humo (new)
At the heart of this restaurant is fire — there’s no gas or electricity used here, everything is cooked over fire and what’s more, it’s refined, combining Japanese precision, British ingredients and the chef’s Colombian heritage in one tasty amalgamation. “Every element of ‘fire’ is considered, from the selection of different woods for different ingredients to the choice of flame, smoke or embers as the primary source of heat,” says the Michelin Guide.
Humo, 12 George St, Mayfair, London W1S 2FB, United Kingdom, +44 (0) 20 3327 3690
Akoko (new)
African cuisine is spotlighted via Akoko, and according to founder Aji Akokomi, “We aim to prove that West African cuisine deserves its place in fine dining by highlighting its unique flavours and culinary traditions on its own terms.” Michelin certainly agrees, and a must-try is the signature jollof rice.
Akoko, 21 Berners St, London W1T 3LP, United Kingdom, +44 (0) 20 7323 0593
Sushi Kanesaka (new)
Set within 45 Park Lane hotel, diners are shown to a hidden room on the first floor where there is a 13-seat omakase counter and interiors that combine hinoki cypress wood, bamboo, ceramics and Kumiko panels. Sushi master Shinji Kanesaka’s menu consists of 18 pieces — there’s nigiri alongside steamed abalone, grilled Kobe beef, and Yamagata-sourced rice.
Murano
Angela Hartnett OBE is a protégé of Gordon Ramsay, and her stylish Mayfair Italian restaurant has been a firm favourite since 2008. Drawing on her Italian heritage, expect pasta dishes such as provolone and smoked potato agnolotti that’s a recommended dish by the Michelin set, and British ingredients such as Cornish cod and Hereford beef for the perfect merge of the two. Finish with the Amalfi lemon tart.
Murano, 20 Queen St, London W1J 5PP, United Kingdom, +44 (0) 20 7495 1127
Muse by Tom Aikens
At 26, Tom Aikens became the youngest British chef ever to be awarded two Michelin stars, having worked with the likes of Pierre Koffmann and Joel Robuchon. Fast forward to 2020, and Tom opened his 23-cover restaurant, Muse in a charming, converted muse house in Belgravia. It opened to critical acclaim and was swiftly awarded a Michelin star which it has retained since. It is loved for its ingredients from highly curated suppliers, and its intricate tasting menus, with many dishes in an ode to his childhood, and the seasons.
Muse by Tom Aikens, 38 Groom Pl, London SW1X 7BA, United Kingdom, +44 (0) 20 3301 2903
River Café
An Italian restaurant by Ruth Rogers CBE (a.k.a. Baroness Rogers of Riverside), this eatery sits on the bank of the Thames in Hammersmith and has been loved since it celebrated opening in 1987. It first gained its star in 1997 and is a firm London hangout for foodies as well as the fashion and media set with the risotto and almond cake being the top orders.
River Café, Thames Wharf, Rainville Rd, London W6 9HA, United Kingdom, +44 (0) 20 7386 4200
Pollen Street Social
Jason Atherton’s flagship Mayfair restaurant is described as an urban meeting spot, an ideal place for socialising over small plates and drinks, and dinner, whether it’s for a special occasion, or something every day. Here, modern dishes feature British ingredients including Cornish lobster and Devon lamb, with “bold, punchy flavours” and for a touch of drama, dishes are often finished at the table.
Pollen Street Social, 8-10 Pollen St, London W1S 1NQ, United Kingdom, +44 (0) 20 7290 7600
View a full list of Michelin Star restaurants in London here.
(Main and featured image: Akoko/ Jodi Hinds)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
– How many restaurants with Michelin stars are in London?
There are 80 restaurants with Michelin stars in London.
– What are the 3-Michelin-Star restaurants in the UK?
These are The Ledbury, Restaurant Gordon Ramsay, Sketch, Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester, CORE by Clare Smyth, and Hélène Darroze at The Connaught.
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Felicity is a writer based in London covering luxury lifestyle, from travel and dining, to culture and style. Her writing has appeared in the likes of Forbes.com, Vogue Italia, MUSE, i-D, Dazed and Numero.
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