The Best Special Occasion Restaurants In London

Wiltons, St James’

BEST FOR: Old-school sophistication

London’s second oldest restaurant (and that’s only because Rules got their liquor license first…), Wiltons is the height of sophistication and old-school elegance. The Jermyn Street eatery has long been a firm favourite amongst politicians and celebrities not wanting to get papped; since 1742 it’s become synonymous with discretion, impeccable service – your name will be known after just one sitting – and of course, delectable food. Tradition is at the heart of this refined dining spot with a carving trolley available daily, serving up roast leg of Romney Marsh lamb and Blythburgh pork amongst other meats. If fish is more your thing (or even if it’s not), we urge you to try the Wiltons’ famed Dover Sole; as one of the last restaurants to offer fork filleting service at the table, it’s an experience in itself, and one so delicious that it accounts for 90 per cent of the main course orders at Wiltons. Wiltons has been supplying the Royal household its oysters since gaining their first Royal Warrant in 1836, so you can rest assured that when you pull up a seat at the oyster bar, you’ll be sampling the very best. For extra special occasions (anything from a client lunch to a romantic proposal) the restaurant’s private Jimmy Marks Room is perfect. Utterly elegant, it can accommodate up to 20 guests for a seated meal – we suggest hiring the carving trolley as well.

55 Jermyn St, St. James’s, London SW1Y 6LX; wiltons.co.uk

Tsunami, Clapham

BEST FOR: Serious sushi

Tsunami is tucked away on a side street in Clapham. On a Saturday night, you’d be well within your right to doubt that you’d find near-perfect, melt-in-your-mouth fish after passing a strip of boisterous nightclubs with lines down the block. Within your right, but completely wrong. Tsunami is all class. Simple, clean lines and dim lights make the relatively small interior with tables and booths feel open and cavernous. As the name suggests, the menu is a bit of an exciting rush. Take your time as you pick on some spicy edamame beans. You’ll be grateful that the restaurant isn’t too buttoned up when you sneakily lick some chilli salt from your fingers. Once you get down to business, your first and foremost priority should be the white tuna, nigiri or sashimi. The soft shell crab roll, lobster maki, and dragon roll are also slam dunks. The snow crab shumai is light and fluffy while the spicy tuna roll is perfectly balanced, too.

5-7 Voltaire Rd, London SW4 6DQ; tsunamiclapham.co.uk

45 Jermyn St., St James’

BEST FOR: Old-school glamour

45 Jermyn St. in the heart of St James’ takes inspiration from the ‘golden age of glamour’ – and it shows. With its signature orange leather, Eau de Nil accents (it’s owned by Fortnum & Mason) and sophisticated furnishings, it’s the ideal spot for a real grown-up dinner in town. Leave any doubts about Modern British cuisine at the door as this is truly some of the best we’ve tried – there’s everything from the classic Piccadilly smoked salmon to Beef Wellington which is dramatically flambéd at the table, as well as some Asian-inspired dishes thanks to Head Chef Jamie Shears. Every dish comes with added panache; the braised veal cheek is served with luxurious bone marrow, while the Dover Sole is exceptional cooked à la Meunière. Order the triple-cooked fries on the side for some extra indulgence, and end with the chocolate sphere topped with hot chocolate, melting to reveal tangy orange ice cream within. For an extra special occasion order from their selection of caviar which includes the finest Iranian Beluga, and hit the cocktail list hard.

45 Jermyn St, St. James’s, London SW1Y 6JD; 45jermynst.com

UNI, Fitzrovia

BEST FOR: Intimate date night

Tucked away in the side streets of Victoria, UNI is a world away from the corporate hustle and bustle of the area, instead providing the perfect spot to hole up in for an evening. The low lighting, narrow banquettes and little alcoves make for an intimate affair – and the food? A colourful fusion of Japanese and Peruvian cuisines, also known as Nikkei, which has become very fashionable as of late. Expect fresh, fragrant ceviche in tiger’s milk, fiery tiraditos and the signature miso black cod with anticucho sauce. Absolutely delicious and a change from the usual sushi/sashimi platter (though they have that too, of course, and it’s top-notch). The laid-back chic feel of the place makes it perfect for a date night and a few too many glasses of bubbly.

18a Ebury St, London SW1W 0LU; restaurantuni.com

Oval Restaurant at The Wellesley, Knightsbridge

BEST FOR: Adult elegance

The uber elegant restaurant at The Wellesley is a great place for a special occasion supper, especially on Friday and Saturday evenings when you can enjoy exquisite Italian food accompanied by the smooth sounds of live jazz. Is there a better combination? Each dish is beautifully constructed with the finest ingredients. Of particular note are the tartare starters – both the smoked tuna tartare with crispy duck egg yolk and avocado puree, and the beef with Norcia truffle are exceptional. The pasta dishes distinguish themselves thanks to the introduction of unusual ingredients such as saffron, green apple and lime to complement more traditional Italian flavours. If you can’t decide, go for the tasting menu which showcases Oval’s best. The after-supper treats served in a lacquer Cohiba box add an extra sparkle to a memorable evening.

11 Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7LY; marriott.co.uk

Zuma, Knightsbridge

BEST FOR: A glitzy splash-out meal

Just a few moments from Harrods is one of London’s most acclaimed Japanese restaurants, Zuma, which is a suitably glamorous neighbour. The restaurant itself is vast, with a sushi counter, robata grill and sparkly sake bar, and always full to the brim with a mix of stylish locals, discerning fans of Japanese cuisine, and high-end shoppers dressed head-to-toe in designer clothing, all drawn by Zuma’s globally-excellent reputation (there are 12 other restaurants worldwide). Having tried it ourselves, we can confirm that the hype is strongly rooted in fact – the menu features modern yet authentic dishes which will equally satisfy the guest looking for a recognisable Instagram post as the one on a real foodie pilgrimage. Once you’ve resigned yourself to the fact that a meal here will be pricey, you may as well go all out on the menu – so order the seared wagyu with truffle, fatty tuna with chilli, coriander and sesame, mixed sushi and sashimi (trust the house on this one), spicy beef tenderloin and finish with the classic Zuma melt-in-the-middle chocolate cake. Don’t skip the cocktails.

5 Raphael St, London SW7 1DL; zumarestaurant.com

Benares, Mayfair

BEST FOR: Indian that will blow your socks off

This Berkeley Square haunt remains one of the finest Indian restaurants in town, overseen by Executive Chef Sameer Taneja who regained Benares its Michelin star. Though you’ll recognise the classic curry names on the menu, the food here is a far cry from your usual curry house with its modern twists on dishes and exceptional quality of ingredients. Luxurious options including Sameer’s signature seafood dishes fitting of the location are plenty – the Hydrabi Style Scottish Lobster Biryani, for example, or a Batak Curry with pan-roasted Gressingham duck. But what really stands out is the use of excellent British ingredients like the hand-dived Scottish scallops that are baked on the shell and served with a rich coconut curry and Malabar parantha for an unashamedly decadent starter. The wine list is impressive if scarily long at a whopping 24 pages, but well worth pairing to each dish in true Mayfair style. For a fascinating insight into the workings of a Michelin-starred kitchen, book the eight-seat chef’s table.

12a Berkeley Square, London W1J 6BS; benaresrestaurant.com

Hutong, London Bridge

BEST FOR: Breathtaking views

Undoubtedly one of the most special spots to dine in the city is Hutong on the 33rd floor of The Shard. With dark red, moody interiors, sparkling lanterns and a traditional Chinese wishing tree where guests hang their wishes on branches, Hutong oozes the romance of fairy tales and is an absolute delight. This is our top pick for a splash-out supper, with its vast selection of fine Northern Chinese cuisine and creative cocktails set against the backdrop of the sprawling London skyline which twinkles at night. Allow longstanding waiters to guide you through the menu, but don’t miss the pink champagne prawn dumplings and Peking duck which is carefully sliced instead of shredded. Book far in advance to secure the best tables in front of the floor-to-ceiling windows and soak it all in – you’ll struggle to go back down to earth.

33 St Thomas St, London SE1 9RY; hutong.co.uk

Restaurant Ours, Knightsbridge

BEST FOR: Dinner that turns into dancing

With its catwalk-inspired walkway and flower wall designed for selfies, Restaurant Ours has made its way onto the feeds of Instagrammers aplenty. Less publicized, however, is the food – which happens to be very impressive. Their current menu is inspired by Tuscany, where Head Chef Douglas Santi spent time throughout his childhood. Dishes are designed to be shared, which is handy as there are so many delicious options. The halloumi popcorn starter is a must, as is the crispy feta, a tastebud-tingling creation served with honey and truffle. For mains, we recommend the black cod, the spiced baby chicken, and the Cornish lamb cutlets, served with Harissa and aubergine. If that sounds a bit meat-heavy, fear not: there are plenty of vegetarian options available too, including a pecorino and truffle gnocchi, crispy zucchini with chilli mayonnaise, and a mozzarella and tomato risotto. Don’t hold back on the sides: the spicy green beans, sweet potato fries and truffle and parmesan chips are all more than welcome accompaniments. Enjoy alongside one of the eclectic cocktails on offer – the ‘Made In Chelsea’ is good for those who like sweet drinks, or the ‘Refresh To Impress’ if you’re after something fresher. There’s often live entertainment, and on weekends DJs kick things up a notch to create a party vibe.

264 Brompton Rd, South Kensington, London SW3 2AS; restaurant-ours.com

Sketch, The Lecture Room & Library, Mayfair

BEST FOR: A true gastronomic experience

A Narnia-style hub of restaurants, bars and art on Mayfair’s Conduit Street, sketch is a dining emporium like no other. Dreamed up by restauranteur Mourad Mazouz, it’s made up of four uniquely designed restaurants and a bar which sits beneath the Instagram-famous pod-style toilets. Though the least well-known of Sketch’s offerings, The Lecture Room & Library is the most high-end, recently being awarded with a third Michelin star – making it one of only five restaurants in London to hold this accolade. Somewhat hidden on the left side of the three-storey 18th century townhouse in which sketch is housed, the restaurant has a notably exclusive feel. Upon entering guests are greeted in a dark corridor and taken up a red-carpeted staircase, before being welcomed into the palatial ballroom-like dining room through a set of grand double-height doors. Inside you’ll find everything you’d expect from a Michelin-starred venue: spaciously laid out white-linen tables and innovative dishes served with artistic flourish. Yet there’s something extra special about this fine dining spot. Perhaps its the impeccably slick service? The theatrical element? The glittering Swarovski-encrusted black marble bathroom?

The attention to detail – felt in every aspect of the restaurant – certainly plays a part. Two dining options are on offer: the tasting menus (one being vegetarian), and the à la carte menu, which we opted for. For starters, whimsical dishes arrive as miniature banquets: ‘Italian Spirit’, for instance, features slices of veal with tuna cream, smoked raw gambero rosso with black venere rice, and potato gnocchi with parma ham. Mains are less theatrical but equally special – the duck, served with tamarind jus, radishes and braised turnips, is particularly good. To finish, you must order head chef Pierre Gagnaire’s Grand Dessert: a six-plate amalgamation of exciting flavours and textures, from pistachio to rhubarb to mojito to caramelized pear. If the menu appears hard to navigate at first, fear not: staff are more than happy to talk you through it, and work around any intolerances or dislikes. Go hungry, and prepare to be wowed.

9 Conduit St, London W1S 2XG; sketch.london

Sumosan Twiga, Knightsbridge

BEST FOR: Late-night dining and a party atmosphere

Sushi and tagliatelle sit side by side at glamorous Knightsbridge spot Sumosan Twiga – but it’s not a fusion restaurant. Instead there are two menus, one Asian and one Italian. It’s an unusual combination, but there’s a story behind it: the restaurant is a partnership between Sumosan – which stood as one of the capital’s finest Japanese restaurants for years – and Flavio Briatore’s equally renowned Twiga in Monaco. The result is predictably glamorous: a four-storey space on Sloane Street filled with suitably well-heeled crowds. It’s flashy – but by no means all about appearance, with both eastern and western cuisine executed to a high standard. You can choose to combine the two, or stick to one; we chose the latter, opting for the ‘Welcome Back to Sumosan’ menu. The black miso cod was as delicious as expected, but a more surprising hero dish was the spicy teriyaki tofu steak. Other highlights included a particularly pretty sushi and sashimi platter, and a fiery wasabi prawn number. After dinner head upstairs to the stylish bar, which serves cocktails late into the evening. There’s a party vibe most nights, but on Fridays DJ Carly Foxx kicks things up a notch with an eclectic mix of house and Latin beats intertwined with classic floor fillers.

165 Sloane St, London SW1X 9QB; sumosantwigalondon.com

CUT at 45 Park Lane. Mayfair

BEST FOR: US-inspired hotel dining

This glitzy steakhouse is the first London foray for A-list US chef Wolfgang Puck, who rose to fame with Beverley Hills hotspot Spago. It’s located in The Dorchester’s trendier younger sibling, 45 Park Lane, so you need to be prepared to splash the cash – but a meal at CUT is the kind you’ll rave about for years. In-keeping with the theme of the hotel, interiors are art deco and endlessly sleek: think dark-tan leather banquettes, polished marble flooring and wood panelling, with Damien Hirst artworks adorning the walls.

These lavish settings are more than matched by the menu, which features the widest selection of wagyu beef in the whole of London. Once you’ve made peace with the eye-watering prices, prepare to tuck into the tastiest steak of your life. We’d recommend the Australian wagyu filet mignon, paired with a couple of sides – the wild field mushrooms are a winner, as are the La Ratte potatoes with garlic aioli. Saying that, it’s not all about meat here: the fish offering is also impressive. The crudo starter selection should not be ignored (scallop carpaccio, tuna tartar with wasabi), and there’s a particularly delicious dover sole main, served with courgette basil puree and a cherry tomato vinaigrette. Whatever you choose be sure to save space for dessert, because CUT serves a truly show-stopping coconut and raspberry Baked Alaska. All this, paired with slick service, means this Mayfair gem stands out above its neighbours.

45 Park Ln, London W1K 1PN; dorchestercollection.com

Blakes Restaurant, Kensington

BEST FOR: Date night

When Blakes Hotel opened back in 1978 it was like nothing anyone had ever seen before. Small and exclusive, this was London’s first boutique hotel – and who better to design it than actress turned hotelier Anouska Hempel? Blakes is totally unique, even from the outside – the façade is black, stretching across a row of townhouses in Kensington. This darkness continues in its restaurant, which is all low lighting and hidden corners. Hempel is an expert in creating a mood through design, and her craft is shown to perfection here: black walls, a monochrome harlequin patterned floor, gold accents and art deco lighting create the sultry, exotic vibe the hotel is famous for.

The menu is suitably chic, featuring a mixture of different cuisines, making it the perfect place to go if you just can’t decide between Asian or Italian. As with everything at Blakes, there’s a luxurious theme to the food, with a focus on indulgent comfort dishes: rib-eye steaks, truffle pizza, veal Milanese. On the drinks side, cocktails are a highlight – particularly the refreshing Garden Spritz: Aperol, prosecco, passion fruit, pineapple and mint. There’s also a fun Roku gin concoction served inside a tea pot, plus an impressive list of organic wines. Over 30 years since its launch, the allure of Blakes remains.

33 Roland Gardens, South Kensington, London SW7 3PF; blakeshotels.com

Saison by Mauro Colagreco, Whitehall

BEST FOR: A sophisticated family dinner

Looking to impress the parents, or just want to dine amid the most sophisticated of surroundings? Book a table at Saison, one of Mauro Colagreco’s three refined restaurants inside the newly opened Raffles London at The OWO – his first venture into the London dining scene. Step inside the landmark historical building, soaking up the cavernous dome above and marvelling at the sumptuously carpeted staircase before taking a left and strolling through the hallowed halls to Saison. There’s a respectful hush about the place, which creates a courtyard-like atmosphere with a lofty glass ceiling. This combined with softly glimmering table lights, real trees and an elegantly painted mural wall makes for the utmost in quiet Mediterranean luxury, perfect for a special occasion.

The food is fit to impress, too, presenting Colagreco’s elegant take on the traditional all-day brasserie. Drawing on the best of British produce, choose from a range of delightful pasta, meat and fish dishes, rotating with the seasons but all elevated with the best accompaniments and presentation.

57 Whitehall, London SW1A 2BX; raffles.com

Bacchanalia, Mayfair

BEST FOR: Jaw-dropping interiors

From Annabel’s to Scott’s, Richard Caring is the name behind some of London’s most glamorous restaurants and members’ clubs. And in 2022, he expanded his canon with Bacchanalia, a brand-new dining room on Mount Street in Mayfair, complete with impressive interiors and a menu inspired by Greek and Italian cuisine. A feast for the eyes, Bacchanalia has been designed by industry maverick Martin Brudnizki – known for his work at venues like Daphne’s and Aquavit. The restaurant features four Damien Hirst statues, alongside hand-painted ceiling murals and a selection of 2,000-year-old Greek and Roman artworks – including Gary Myatt’s floor to ceiling interpretation of Romans In Their Decadence. Food is similarly lavish, with the kitchen spearheaded by acclaimed chef Athinagoras Kostakos, whose CV includes Mykonos hotspot Scorpios and Notting Hill’s Mazi. There’s a theatrical element to meals here, with many dishes finished tableside, and highlights including a sharing turbot, risotto nero and sea bream carpaccio.

1-3 Mount St, London W1K 3NA; bacchanalia.co.uk

Read our full review here

The Connaught Grill, Mayfair

BEST FOR: Refined classics & culinary surprises

As soon as The Connaught is mentioned, you know you’re in for a good night – and, more importantly, a fantastic meal. Dinner is the star of the show here, with a seasonally rotating menu offset by year-round favourites and The Connaught Grill’s signature dishes. The restaurant itself, comprised of intimate (yet roomy) wooden booths swathed in golden light, is the perfect spot for an intimate celebration with friends, family and lovers alike.

As for the food, diners can expect nothing short of culinary excellence. Overseen by Executive Chef Ramiro Lafuente Mertinez, the menu at The Connaught Grill places British produce, both from land and sea, in the spotlight.

Start with the restaurant’s take on the classic, home-made scotch egg – a fist-sized treat comprised of Lardo di Colonnata, smoked paprika and truffle mayonnaise that will ruin you for all future scotch eggs – before moving on to one of the hotel’s signature steaks. Part-prepared tableside, all grilled meats can be traced back to their area of origin and are served with your choice of sauce (there are seven to choose from).

But, if meat isn’t on the cards this evening, then you’ll be delighted to know that The Connaught Grill also offers an impressive selection of vegetarian dishes. Our top pick is the artichoke pie, a dish which the restaurant introduced to the menu earlier in the year for British Pie Week; it became such a hit on its debut that the team decided to add it to the permanent menu. Filled with a wild mushroom duxelle and accompanied by a spring herb velouté, the artichoke shaped pie is both delicious and deliciously fun to look at.

For a truly decadent occasion, you’ll want to finish off with a dessert – namely, the rich, fudgy chocolate brownie draped with chocolate shards, sauce and vanilla ice cream. Those searching for a palette cleanser, meanwhile, will find themselves enormously content with ‘Strawberries & Clotted Cream’, a concoction of almond frangipane, shortbread and cream, served alongside a pile of fresh fruit and a zingy dollop of fennel and mint sorbet. Review by Charlie Colville.

The Connaught, 16 Carlos Place, London W1K 2AL; the-connaught.co.uk

Belvedere, Holland Park

BEST FOR: Summer dining

Dinner with a view doesn’t have to mean towering skyscrapers and busy city streets. At Belvedere, the authentic Italian restaurant nestled in the heart of Holland Park, the view in question encompasses one of London’s most iconic green spaces.

It’s here that a special occasion, whatever the occasion, is guaranteed. Softly lit by golden lights, Belvedere invites the outside in as sweeping parkland seamlessly cascades into leafy green interiors. The rich, intimate setting makes it the perfect spot for date night, anniversaries or ‘just because’ celebrations – although friends and family will similarly find themselves welcome.

Diners can expect a tour of Italy, thanks to head chef Lello Favuzzi. Taking inspiration from his hometown of Sassari, Favuzzi’s menu elevates homely dishes with seasonal and premium produce. Working with small-scale suppliers, with produce sourced from villages across Italy, the chef is known for cultivating authentic Mediterranean flavours.

Settle into your seat with a basket of fresh, homemade focaccia, which comes warm and waiting to be drizzled in olive oil. We’d recommend pouring over the dinner menu (and the bread basket) with a Belvedere Spritz in hand. While conjuring up vivid images of evenings spent on the Italian coast, the blend of Belvedere aperitivo, sparkling soave, blood orange and peach soda is a zingy take on the classic spritz.

Bread is followed by starters and light bites. A dish not to be missed is the decadently creamy Apulian burrata served on a bed of crisp salad – while those who want something a little fancier can tuck into a helping of sturgeon black caviar (special occasion, indeed).

Speaking of, fresh seafood imbued with the flavours of Italy sit central within the menu, with a dedicated raw selection featuring high-quality fish, oysters and ceviche. This is a theme that continues through to the mains and pasta dishes, where the highlights include fragrant Cornish crab spaghetti, a buttery lobster linguine, a wild seabass fillet rested on seasonal vegetables and a turbot steak served with clams and saffron sauce.

All of this is rounded off by dolci. The summer months are perfect for indulging in the day’s selection of homemade ice creams and sorbets – although diners will surely be just as satisfied with Belvedere’s sweet blueberry and almond tart, Sardinian cannoli, white chocolate mousse or signature tiramisu. And, if all sweet treats fall short of tempting, the daily cheese selection should do the trick. Review by Charlie Colville.

Holland Park, Abbotsbury Road, London W8 6LU; belvedererestaurant.co.uk

Berners Tavern, Fitzrovia

BEST FOR: Aesthetes

Found within The London EDITION hotel in Fitzrovia, Berners Tavern is one of the capital’s most beautiful dining rooms. Artworks line all corners of the walls, and chandeliers hang from the ceiling, which is steeped in ornate plaster work. But it’s not all style over substance: Jason Atherton and his team of chefs cook up an impressive menu of seasonal British fare. Begin with a glass of champagne from the roaming trolley (you’re here for a special occasion, after all) ahead of a starter of beef tartare, yellowfin tuna tartare, or wild mushroom soup. For mains, treat yourself to the famous mac and cheese – yes, it’s served as a main course here – or splash out on a steak, one of the restaurant’s specialties. Afterwards, head to the Punch Room bar for a nightcap: this intimate, speakeasy-style spot revolves around unique, interactive punch cocktails. Don’t be alarmed by the elusive LIGHTS menu: cheerful bartenders have a knack for helping you pick a drink that’s to your liking.

10 Berners St, London W1T 3NP, bernerstavern.com

Gallery at The Savoy, the Strand

BEST FOR: All-day dining

Nothing says special occasion like a trip to The Savoy, one of London’s grandest hotels, which has stood proudly on The Strand since 1889. Its historic Thames Foyer underwent a big revamp lately, reopening as Gallery, a chic, rose-hued dining room at the heart of the hotel. It’s a picturesque space with an equally dazzling menu, offering everything from breakfast to dinner and afternoon tea. Highlights include The Savoy’s luxury take on mac ‘n’ cheese (add lobster if you really want to splash out), chicken tikka pie, and Rhug Estate ribeye, as well as stone oven pizzas and salads. Pair with signature cocktails like the Sloe Royale, made with Boatyard Sloe Gin and Nyetimber rosé, alongside an extensive selection of wine and champagne. If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to catch some live music too.

Strand, London WC2R 0EZ, thesavoylondon.com