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The Most Fun Restaurants in London

A photo of Red logo
by The OpenTable Team
Updated November 09, 2023
There are tens of thousands of restaurants across London, representing every imaginable cuisine, budget, and atmosphere—and when it comes to a night out on the town with friends, this city brings its A-game. Happy hours, bar menus, and shared plates coexist with gourmet tasting menus and award-winning wine lists for custom experiences to fit everyones expectations for a fun meal. But where are the smartest, savviest diners eating out? Welcome to the Tastemaker 20. We’ve pulled data from thousands of restaurants to find the top spots among OpenTable's most expert, seasoned diners. You’ll find everything from neighborhood gems to classic fine dining, airy bistros to modern Japanese—all vetted by the types of tastemakers who know the best spots around the city. Impress your friends and score a table; we wish we could join you.
Dinner by Heston Blumenthal
4.6 (5665)
£41 and over
British
Knightsbridge
Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, a two-Michelin-star restaurant at the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, presents menus devised around the concept of Britain’s long culinary history. Noted on the menu are the eras of every dish’s source of inspiration. The roast venison with pickled cherries and red cabbage, for example, dates to 1850. Dinner’s most famous item, the “meat fruit” appetizer of chicken liver mousse made to look exactly like a mandarin orange (or a plum if it’s around Christmastime) has its provenance circa 1500. This is high gastronomy indeed, but there’s a playfulness to the experience, as in the ice cream cart equipped with a hand-cranked mixer hooked up to liquid nitrogen. It’s brought to the table side, where fresh vanilla cream meets the drama of dry ice flurries, turning into ice cream in moments.
Top review
AmericoFerraraGold
Dined on Aug 9, 2022
great service! great food! great views! few restaurants have theme into it
Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, a two-Michelin-star restaurant at the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, presents menus devised around the concept of Britain’s long culinary history. Noted on the menu are the eras of every dish’s source of inspiration. The roast venison with pickled cherries and red cabbage, for example, dates to 1850. Dinner’s most famous item, the “meat fruit” appetizer of chicken liver mousse made to look exactly like a mandarin orange (or a plum if it’s around Christmastime) has its provenance circa 1500. This is high gastronomy indeed, but there’s a playfulness to the experience, as in the ice cream cart equipped with a hand-cranked mixer hooked up to liquid nitrogen. It’s brought to the table side, where fresh vanilla cream meets the drama of dry ice flurries, turning into ice cream in moments.
Top review
AmericoFerraraGold
Dined on Aug 9, 2022
great service! great food! great views! few restaurants have theme into it
Portland Restaurant
4.8 (2665)
£41 and over
British
Marylebone
London’s restaurant critics can’t seem to get over the lack of pretentiousness at Portland—the comparison of its dining room’s understated decor to a cafeteria often comes up in reviews—but they universally praise its food as thoroughly gourmet. Its approachability makes Portland a great dinner destination for a fun time with friends; that is if those friends appreciate the finer side of British cuisine. A popular snack is the crispy chicken skin with liver parfait and candied walnuts, and if you don't see game pithivier on the menu (it’s a pie filled with spiced, mixed game) be sure to order the often-recommended dish.
Top review
Victoria
Dined 2 days ago
Great lunch. Food was delicious and the staff were on point. 10/10
London’s restaurant critics can’t seem to get over the lack of pretentiousness at Portland—the comparison of its dining room’s understated decor to a cafeteria often comes up in reviews—but they universally praise its food as thoroughly gourmet. Its approachability makes Portland a great dinner destination for a fun time with friends; that is if those friends appreciate the finer side of British cuisine. A popular snack is the crispy chicken skin with liver parfait and candied walnuts, and if you don't see game pithivier on the menu (it’s a pie filled with spiced, mixed game) be sure to order the often-recommended dish.
Top review
Victoria
Dined 2 days ago
Great lunch. Food was delicious and the staff were on point. 10/10
Angler - London
4.8 (1114)
£41 and over
Seafood
Liverpool Street
It’s arguably the most fun to dine at Angler, a Michelin star-winning fish and seafood restaurant atop the City’s South Place Hotel, on a sunny summer day when the rooftop terrace promises cool cocktails and unmatched views. But at any time of year, the dining experience is certainly noteworthy, offering the artistically plated fish and seafood creations of acclaimed chef Gary Foulkes. The signature here is top-quality ingredients, sourced sustainably from British waters, prepared simply but with the utmost care and precision.
Top review
CharlieGold
Dined on Oct 31, 2026
The food was delicious and the service outstanding, booking our next visit very soon.
It’s arguably the most fun to dine at Angler, a Michelin star-winning fish and seafood restaurant atop the City’s South Place Hotel, on a sunny summer day when the rooftop terrace promises cool cocktails and unmatched views. But at any time of year, the dining experience is certainly noteworthy, offering the artistically plated fish and seafood creations of acclaimed chef Gary Foulkes. The signature here is top-quality ingredients, sourced sustainably from British waters, prepared simply but with the utmost care and precision.
Top review
CharlieGold
Dined on Oct 31, 2026
The food was delicious and the service outstanding, booking our next visit very soon.
Kai Mayfair
4.7 (1931)
£41 and over
Chinese
Mayfair
Kai, a plush and sophisticated two-story restaurant in Mayfair, has since their 1993 opening consistently ranked among the best restaurants in London and top Chinese restaurants in the world. Chef Alex Chow earned Kai a Michelin star with his beautifully presented repertoire of classic Nanyang dishes from the South Seas region of China and his creative contemporary interpretations of traditional Asian cuisines. Kai’s most famous dish is wasabi prawns, but the menus are lengthy so it makes sense to try many items and share between your group. Kai’s attentive staff will happily make suggestions to best fit your personal preferences.
Top review
StuartGold
Dined on Oct 31, 2026
Absolutely fantastic. This was our first time at Kai and we had a great time definitely worth a visit. All of the courses were of very good ans the service was fantastic. We will definitely be coming again.
Kai, a plush and sophisticated two-story restaurant in Mayfair, has since their 1993 opening consistently ranked among the best restaurants in London and top Chinese restaurants in the world. Chef Alex Chow earned Kai a Michelin star with his beautifully presented repertoire of classic Nanyang dishes from the South Seas region of China and his creative contemporary interpretations of traditional Asian cuisines. Kai’s most famous dish is wasabi prawns, but the menus are lengthy so it makes sense to try many items and share between your group. Kai’s attentive staff will happily make suggestions to best fit your personal preferences.
Top review
StuartGold
Dined on Oct 31, 2026
Absolutely fantastic. This was our first time at Kai and we had a great time definitely worth a visit. All of the courses were of very good ans the service was fantastic. We will definitely be coming again.
NOPI by Ottolenghi
4.7 (4881)
£41 and over
Mediterranean
Soho
Yotam Ottolenghi made his name with a very successful string of London delis before opening Nopi in 2011. Here in Soho, the chef’s signature bold, fresh Israeli and Mediterranean flavors, along with his emphasis on great vegetable dishes and big salads (Nopi’s an excellent choice for vegetarians) draw a stylish crowd for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and pre-theater offerings. Nopi comprises a more formal dining room upstairs with bright white and gold décor, and casual communal dining with views into the open kitchen downstairs. Shared plates encourage you to try numerous dishes. Regulars highly recommend the courgette and manouri fritters with cardamom yogurt.
Top review
Marion
Dined 4 days ago
Excellent as always delicious food efficient service highly recommend
Yotam Ottolenghi made his name with a very successful string of London delis before opening Nopi in 2011. Here in Soho, the chef’s signature bold, fresh Israeli and Mediterranean flavors, along with his emphasis on great vegetable dishes and big salads (Nopi’s an excellent choice for vegetarians) draw a stylish crowd for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and pre-theater offerings. Nopi comprises a more formal dining room upstairs with bright white and gold décor, and casual communal dining with views into the open kitchen downstairs. Shared plates encourage you to try numerous dishes. Regulars highly recommend the courgette and manouri fritters with cardamom yogurt.
Top review
Marion
Dined 4 days ago
Excellent as always delicious food efficient service highly recommend
Blacklock Soho
4.8 (7077)
£25 and under
Steak
Soho
The original Blacklock restaurant in Soho (it later gained sister venues in the City and Shoreditch) famously occupies the basement of a former brothel a stone’s throw from Piccadilly Circus. Promoters certainly don’t shy away from mentioning the building’s ignoble heritage, but there’s no need to titillate to draw a crowd. Instead, there’s Blacklock’s menu, built around signature chops seared over charcoal, and great deals on cocktails and wine on tap. The décor is industrial-cool with communal tables and whitewashed brick, plus a chalkboard displaying the night’s choices of chops. The meat is of the finest quality, and you can sample it all by opting for the “all in” mixed pile over charred flatbread plus some sides to share.
Top review
Daniel
Dined 5 days ago
Excellent food, excellent service and a buzzing atmosphere. It was our 3rd time here and we will definitely be back.
The original Blacklock restaurant in Soho (it later gained sister venues in the City and Shoreditch) famously occupies the basement of a former brothel a stone’s throw from Piccadilly Circus. Promoters certainly don’t shy away from mentioning the building’s ignoble heritage, but there’s no need to titillate to draw a crowd. Instead, there’s Blacklock’s menu, built around signature chops seared over charcoal, and great deals on cocktails and wine on tap. The décor is industrial-cool with communal tables and whitewashed brick, plus a chalkboard displaying the night’s choices of chops. The meat is of the finest quality, and you can sample it all by opting for the “all in” mixed pile over charred flatbread plus some sides to share.
Top review
Daniel
Dined 5 days ago
Excellent food, excellent service and a buzzing atmosphere. It was our 3rd time here and we will definitely be back.
Yauatcha Soho
4.5 (6306)
£26 to £40
Chinese
Soho
Yauatcha, an all-day dim sum restaurant in Soho boasting a Michelin star, takes inspiration from a traditional Taipai tea house, yet the vibe of this basement venue is modern, trendy, and almost club-like. Bring a group to dine on top-notch (and pricey) dim sum at a steady or leisurely pace, enjoying dumplings, noodles, soups, buns, salads, rolls, and confections that arrive like little gifts. The desserts, from Yauatcha’s own patisserie next door, are handmade, French-inspired things of beauty. And the ground floor does house a tea room where you can sip exotic brews from China, Taiwan, Japan, and India. The teas are available in the main restaurant as well.
Top review
OpenTable Diner
Dined on Aug 19, 2026
Great as always! Favourite this time was the soft shell crab!
Yauatcha, an all-day dim sum restaurant in Soho boasting a Michelin star, takes inspiration from a traditional Taipai tea house, yet the vibe of this basement venue is modern, trendy, and almost club-like. Bring a group to dine on top-notch (and pricey) dim sum at a steady or leisurely pace, enjoying dumplings, noodles, soups, buns, salads, rolls, and confections that arrive like little gifts. The desserts, from Yauatcha’s own patisserie next door, are handmade, French-inspired things of beauty. And the ground floor does house a tea room where you can sip exotic brews from China, Taiwan, Japan, and India. The teas are available in the main restaurant as well.
Top review
OpenTable Diner
Dined on Aug 19, 2026
Great as always! Favourite this time was the soft shell crab!
Chez Bruce
4.8 (3322)
£41 and over
Modern European
Wandsworth
Chez Bruce opened in 1995, which in London’s fickle fine-dining scene makes them a veritable grandfather, one who still has his wits about him and can show the youngsters a thing or two about fine French gastronomy. The traditional white-tablecloth restaurant is a place to sit and linger, mull over the menu, and appreciate world-class cuisine with good company. Slow-braised meats, house-made breads and charcuterie, excellent salads, and old-fashioned roasts all feature on the menus. Rest assured, your meal’s not even close to finished until you peruse a wooden trolley laden with a carefully curated selection of immaculate cheeses and tempting, classical desserts.
Top review
Nich
Dined 5 days ago
Excellent food and wine. Recommended for a special occasion
Chez Bruce opened in 1995, which in London’s fickle fine-dining scene makes them a veritable grandfather, one who still has his wits about him and can show the youngsters a thing or two about fine French gastronomy. The traditional white-tablecloth restaurant is a place to sit and linger, mull over the menu, and appreciate world-class cuisine with good company. Slow-braised meats, house-made breads and charcuterie, excellent salads, and old-fashioned roasts all feature on the menus. Rest assured, your meal’s not even close to finished until you peruse a wooden trolley laden with a carefully curated selection of immaculate cheeses and tempting, classical desserts.
Top review
Nich
Dined 5 days ago
Excellent food and wine. Recommended for a special occasion
COYA Mayfair
4.5 (1656)
£41 and over
Peruvian
Mayfair
Is COYA Mayfair the only Incan-Peruvian fine-dining restaurant in London? Actually, no. But they're certainly the best in a new genre of their own making, the result of chef Sanjay Dwivedi’s year-long journey through Latin America that ended with his full immersion in the culinary world of Peru. COYA’s menu promises the best of Peruvian traditions, prepared with incredible ingredients native to the Andes and the Amazon and the diverse influences of Spain, Asia, and Africa. Char-grilled steaks and the freshest ceviches are highlights of the menu. Sipping at least one of various versions of a Pisco sour is almost obligatory.
Top review
Toya
Dined on Oct 17, 2026
Our group had a fabulous tasting menu at Coya! The service was on point and we definitely enjoyed the music, would definitely come again!
Is COYA Mayfair the only Incan-Peruvian fine-dining restaurant in London? Actually, no. But they're certainly the best in a new genre of their own making, the result of chef Sanjay Dwivedi’s year-long journey through Latin America that ended with his full immersion in the culinary world of Peru. COYA’s menu promises the best of Peruvian traditions, prepared with incredible ingredients native to the Andes and the Amazon and the diverse influences of Spain, Asia, and Africa. Char-grilled steaks and the freshest ceviches are highlights of the menu. Sipping at least one of various versions of a Pisco sour is almost obligatory.
Top review
Toya
Dined on Oct 17, 2026
Our group had a fabulous tasting menu at Coya! The service was on point and we definitely enjoyed the music, would definitely come again!
St. JOHN Smithfield
4.7 (4536)
£41 and over
British
Farringdon
Upon the opening of the original St. John in 1994, the restaurant taking over a former bacon-smoking house in Smithfield, head chef Fergus Henderson launched an entire movement as the pioneer of “nose to tail” cuisine. Offal, unusual cuts, and game got St. John’s menus noticed, while their top-notch versions of British classics solidified their status as a critical darling. Menus change daily but the roast bone marrow on house-made sourdough with a pinch of parsley salad is a signature, as is the side/starter of Welsh rarebit. Approachable cuts of meat, beautiful fish from British waters, and even some stand-out vegetarian dishes feature on the lunch and supper menus too. The long list of desserts is a highlight, including heritage puddings like spotted dick, treacle tart, and a Northern English Eccles cake with Lancashire cheese.
Top review
Tod
Dined 3 days ago
It's always been a pleasure to dine at St John, and this lunch was no exception. Thank you!
Upon the opening of the original St. John in 1994, the restaurant taking over a former bacon-smoking house in Smithfield, head chef Fergus Henderson launched an entire movement as the pioneer of “nose to tail” cuisine. Offal, unusual cuts, and game got St. John’s menus noticed, while their top-notch versions of British classics solidified their status as a critical darling. Menus change daily but the roast bone marrow on house-made sourdough with a pinch of parsley salad is a signature, as is the side/starter of Welsh rarebit. Approachable cuts of meat, beautiful fish from British waters, and even some stand-out vegetarian dishes feature on the lunch and supper menus too. The long list of desserts is a highlight, including heritage puddings like spotted dick, treacle tart, and a Northern English Eccles cake with Lancashire cheese.
Top review
Tod
Dined 3 days ago
It's always been a pleasure to dine at St John, and this lunch was no exception. Thank you!

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