The Best Gallery Restaurants In London
By
3 years ago
Expect palette-pleasing perfection
Whether you’re off to see a new exhibition or you just fancy a meal in a particularly dreamy location, the restaurants, cafés and bars inside London’s art galleries and museums are real hidden gems – and there are plenty to choose from. From The Serpentine to the V&A, we’ve rounded up the best gallery restaurants in the capital.
Best Gallery & Museum Restaurants In London
The Portrait, National Portrait Gallery
If you haven’t visited the rejuvenated National Portrait Gallery yet, where have you been hiding? (Away from the crowds, no doubt…) If you’ve been looking for an excuse to visit, this is it: perched atop the stunning, world-famous gallery is The Portrait, Richard Corrigan’s restaurant serving delicious British fare with stunning city views, from Big Ben to the London Eye. Gone are the days of stale bread rolls and lukewarm soups; this museum restaurant takes everything up a notch (or 10). The vibes are upscale yet super laid back, with pale wood interiors throughout and an open kitchen. Expect high quality artisan ingredients transformed into creative dishes, starting with the likes of duck heart, celeriac soup and an indulgent yet playful crispy slow poached egg. For mains, there are three pastas to choose from, or tuck into a hearty plate in classic British style; think Fillet of Beef, Lamb Rump, or the rich Guinea Fowl with nduja. Divine. Visit before a stroll through the gallery below or to refuel afterwards, resting your weary museum walked legs.
St Martin’s Place, London, WC2H 0HE, theportraitrestaurant.com
Caitlin Isola
Forza Wine, The National Theatre
South London’s much-loved rooftop venue Forza Wine has launched a second site – this one in the National Theatre. Taking over the north-west terrace of the venue – with indoor seating also available – the new branch offers natural wines and ‘sort of Italian’ sharing-style plates. Think cauliflower fritti with aioli, mozzarella with figs and hazelnuts, and pancetta potato cakes with pickled cabbage. A private dining terrace is also be available to book, surrounded by greenery and fitting up to 24 guests.
Upper Ground South Bank, London SE1 9PX, forzawine.com
Image credit: Jack Hobhouse
Corner, Tate Modern
Recently unveiled at Tate Modern is Corner, an all-day café and bar boasting a glorious outdoor terrace. Drinks are often inspired by current exhibitions, while food showcases seasonal, local produce. Treat yourself to an evening tipple on the riverside or tuck into a variety of sharing plates such as sticky buttermilk chicken with buffalo sauce and blue cheese, or a delightful vegetarian option of buttermilk fried cauliflower.
Tate Modern, Bankside, London SE1 9TG, tate.org.uk
Townsend, Whitechapel Gallery
With a menu that changes daily, expect the unexpected at Townsend in Whitechapel Gallery. Whatever’s on offer, you can count on premium British produce and an expansive, ever-evolving wine list.
Whitechapel Gallery, 77-82 Whitechapel High St, London E1 7QX. whitechapelgallery.org
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The Magazine Restaurant, Serpentine Gallery
Whether you’re after breakfast, lunch, dinner or drinks, you can have it all at The Magazine in the Serpentine North Gallery. Browse a list of sustainable, seasonal dishes while soaking up the unique atmosphere of the Serpentine’s sinuous halls.
The Magazine, Serpentine North Gallery, West Carriage Drive, London, W2 2AR. serpentinegalleries.org
The Wallace Restaurant, The Wallace Collection
With its pastel pink walls and verdant foliage, the Wallace Restaurant provides a stunning al fresco setting for both lunch and afternoon tea. Enjoy dishes such as a refreshing pea and mint gazpacho, chalk stream trout with sorrel velouté, and poached rhubarb panna cotta.
The Wallace Collection, Hertford House, Manchester Square, London W1U 3BN. wallacecollection.org
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The Main Café, The V&A
As the world’s oldest museum restaurant, the Main Café at London’s V&A is a standout spot. You can buy coffee, cake and lunch in opulent rooms dating back to the 1800s (and it’s a great date spot, too). If you’re in the mood for al fresco dining, head to the serene Garden Café at the centre of the V&A building.
Cromwell Road, London SW7 2RL. vam.ac.uk
Spring Restaurant, Somerset House
You’ll find this gorgeous eatery in the New Wing of Somerset House. Expect wine, cocktails and exquisite seasonal produce in a picture-perfect, sunlight-filled space.
Somerset House, New Wing, Lancaster Place, London, WC2R 1LA. springrestaurant.co.uk
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José Pizarro, The Royal Academy of Arts
Renowned Spanish chef José Pizarro leads this incredible restaurant – and it’s the perfect spot to appease your appetite after feasting your eyes on some art. Tapas-lovers, rejoice: you can tuck into a thrilling array of Spanish dishes including slow-cooked chorizo, pickled white anchovies and suckling lamb ribs breaded with yogurt sauce.
1st floor, Senate Room Royal Academy of Arts, 6 Burlington Gardens, London W1S 3ET. royalacademy.org.uk
Ochre, National Portrait Gallery
Nestled inside The National Gallery, Ochre is an effortlessly elegant spot providing lunch, afternoon tea and dinner. Drop in for an indulgent meal after visiting an exhibition, or make the most of Oyster & Champagne Happy Hour – half price from 4pm, every day. What’s not to love?
The National Gallery, Trafalgar Square, London, WC2N 5DN. ochre.london
Toklas, 180 The Strand
Launched by the founders of Frieze and named after American writer and cookbook author Alice B. Toklas – life partner of Gertrude Stein – you’ll find Toklas beside 180 The Strand, a creative hub housed within a magnificent Brutalist building. Brimming with art itself, the restaurant offers a weekly Mediterranean menu encompassing cocktails, snacks, salads and a variety of fish and meat options, plus delectable desserts and pastries. Read our full review here.
1 Surrey Street, Temple, London, WC2R 2ND. toklaslondon.com
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