8 Exceptional Eateries in London

London’s well known for its extensive choice of culinary experiences, and sometimes it can be hard to know what to try first. So, we’ve put together a list of unique venues for you to check out:  

Alex Dilling at Hotel Café Royal: For a truly intimate and exclusive dining experience, Alex Dilling’s eponymous location at the Hotel Café Royal is not to be missed. Featuring the chef’s version of French cuisine, this 34-seat restaurant transports you to a bistro tucked in a side street of the first arrondissement. The lunch menu includes classics such as aged kaluga caviar, quince de provence, veal shank, and petit fours, while the dining options feature Scottish monkfish, Lake District lamb saddle, and Dorset clam chowder. Booking is absolutely essential.

Koyn, Mayfair: The latest Japanese restaurant to land in Mayfair is Koyn, helmed by restaurateur Samyukta Nair and the team behind Jamavar and MiMi Mei Fair. Executive Chef Rhys Cattermoul has laden the menu with the staples of sushi and sashimi, as well as a range of other delicacies in the rich tapestry of Japanese cuisine. Try Wagyu ishiyaki on a sizzling hot stone, lobster tempura, steamed clams, and Hojicha-smoked lamb marinated with spicy kuromame miso. The restaurant itself is split into two distinct designs. The ground floor, Magma, reflects a volcano, while the upper level, Midori, resembles an alpine village.

Cavita, Mayfair: Delve into the rich history of food from Oaxaca and the coastal Yucatán with Adriana Cavita’s new restaurant on Wigmore Street. Expect a twist on Mexican street food, large portions of mains that are meant to be shared, and even a raw bar featuring delicacies that have been left uncooked. The menu’s breadth is wide – from grilled chicken and sea bream to tacos and aguachiles.

Mriya: Located on Old Brompton Road in Chelsea, Mriya is a brand new concept from Ukrainian Chef Yurii Kovryzhenko, who will unite Ukraininan delicacies with those in need. Mriya means dream in Ukrainian and as well as raising money for causes in Ukraine, the restaurant hopes to find staff who arrived in London as Ukrainian refugees. The aim is to tell the story of hope in Ukraine through the rich cultural heritage found in dishes such as borsch, chicken Kyiv, zucchini pancakes, and poppyseeds cake with condensed milk.

Zephyr: Notting Hill is soon to be home to a premier fine dining Greek restaurant. This Greek-themed spot will see executive chef John Skotidas of Mazi and Suzi Tros bring a splash of Hellenic extravagance to Portobello Road. Zephyr’s menu is expected to include seabass carpaccio, Otoro toast with black caviar, steamed mussels, and extra virgin olive oil ice cream. Opening on 1 July, the restaurant is expected to be popular, so booking is encouraged.  

Ottolenghi's Restaurants: One of the biggest names in cooking at the minute, Yotam Ottolenghi has earned his rightful place as the king of gourmet cuisine. Try confit lemongrass meatballs, grilled Loch-Duart salmon, membrillo glazed pork belly, or lamb rump with caperberries. Each restaurant caters for a different crowd – from pre-theatre menus to drinks, lunchtime classics to breakfast treats.  

Aviary: The rooftop terrace and bar in Finsbury at the Royal London House, Aviary. Offering spectacular views of the city’s skyline and a well-stocked cocktail menu, the a la carte and restaurant menus are equally impressive. Treat yourself to lobster with garlic and parsley butter, lemon sole meuniere, 35-day aged ribeye, or chicken with a truffle and parmesan terrine.  

Apricity: Located in Mayfair, former Tredwells chef Chantelle Nicholson is opening a new restaurant this month themed around regeneration, warmth, generosity, and light. Apricity will focus on being socially conscious and sustainable. Dishes set to include Cornish mackerel and Shetland mussels, venison with elderberry, tasting menus and much more.

Not an eatery as such, but we couldn't leave Avora off the list:

Avora Interactive Theatre Cocktail Experience: A fan of interactive immersive theatre? Also enjoy a cocktail? Then Avora – billed as a new world cocktail experience – will be just the ticket. The stage is set and you’re the star, a scientist searching for a cure to prevent a mass extinction complete with branded outfit. You’ll explore the world of Avora, with a cocktail in hand at each stage, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the Avatar-esque world. Tickets range from £40 and the experience lasts an hour and 45 minutes at the Rosewood Building on Hackney Road.  

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