The capital's finest venues for celebration
Celebrating something? Here are the top restaurants in London to book for a special occasion. From sweeping views of the capital to the best steak in the world, these restaurants are perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or whatever you’re raising a glass to.
Special Occasion Restaurants in London
Al Mare
BEST FOR: Italian fine dining
Following an 18-month transformation, The Carlton Tower Jumeirah has reopened its doors – complete with a shiny new Italian restaurant, Al Mare. With its swish Knightsbridge location, luxurious menu and glamorous interiors, the eatery certainly has a special occasion feel. Chef Marco Calenzo (previously at Zuma) heads up the kitchen, serving up a mix of small plates, antipasti and pastas – with a focus on fish, hence the restaurant’s name, which translates as ‘at the sea’. Begin with an aperitif and some nibbles for the table – the spicy bluefin tuna with arancini is a winner – before moving onto the mains. The beautifully presented pasta dishes are the highlight here – which are handmade on-site – with standouts including the seafood chitarrine, made with calamari, clams, red prawns and scallops, plus the duck ragout pappardelle. Finish with the affogato: hazelnut ice cream topped with fresh grated tonka bean and espresso coffee. A wide-ranging drinks menu includes a mix of wines, spirits and cocktails – with post-dinner tipples wheeled out on a drinks trolley and mixed right there in front of you. jumeirah.com
Blakes Restaurant
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. But there are lighter options too, such as the coconut saffron curry with turmeric quinoa. The burrata starter is perfectly creamy and the black miso cod certainly won’t disappoint, but a surprising hero dish is the lemon chicken, which comes with a delicious crispy crumb. 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. blakeshotels.com
CUT at 45 Park Lane. Mayfair
BEST FOR: The finest steak in town
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. The restaurant has also recently launched an outdoor terrace, where you can enjoy a selection of dishes plus drinks from its al fresco Negroni Bar.
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 (the Japanese rib-eye will set you back a casual £148), 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. dorchestercollection.com
Zuaya, Kensington
BEST FOR: Healthy fine dining in glamorous surroundings
The fusion restaurant category can be a difficult one to get right – but Zuaya nails it. Brazilian, Peruvian and Mexican are blended seamlessly and deliciously at this vibrant Latin American restaurant, which you’ll find down a cobbled street just off High Street Kensington. The brainchild of Spanish twins Alberto and Arian Zandi, Zuaya is a relatively new addition to the west London food scene, having opened just last year. It’s an undoubtedly trendy spot, bedecked in lush greenery and foliage; a tropical rainforest in the heart of the city.
The food is equally beautiful – a sight for the eyes as well as the tastebuds, with a menu designed for sharing. Begin with a selection of small bites: the padron peppers are suitably moreish, and the lamb tacos – served in pretty purple wraps – are an absolute must. The mains also come small plates-style: our highlight was the parmesan and tomato meatballs, though the duck salad was a close second. Be sure to add a side of cassava, a South American root vegetable, cooked here as a healthier – and perhaps even more delicious – alternative to regular chips. Drink of choice? Pisco sours of course, mixed to perfection with brandy, syrup, egg whites, lime and bitters.
If you haven’t made it on holiday for a while, fear not: a trip to Zuaya – with its colourful dishes and botanical surroundings – will transport you to sunnier climes, even if just for an hour or two. zuaya.co.uk
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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. sumosantwigalondon.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. Sketch promised us a gastronomic experience, and boy did they deliver. Go hungry, and prepare to be wowed. sketch.london
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 & 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. restaurant-ours.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. hutong.co.uk
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 last year 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. benaresrestaurant.com
MNKY HSE, Mayfair
BEST FOR: Party people
If you’re looking for great food and a party atmosphere as opposed to stiff white linen tablecloths, MNKY HSE on Dover Street is pretty near perfect. The Latin American restaurant headed up by Pablo Peñalosa Nájera (ex-Four Seasons Bogotá) strongly encourages its ethos of ‘eat, drink, play’ in something that results as a vibrant mix of reggaeton and Mayfair glitz. It’s flashy, club-like and at times exaggerated – but this is its appeal, and the reason it’s the location of choice for many a Fashion Week party. If you’re in the mood to go all out (and if you weren’t when you arrived, you certainly will be within the hour), order the BLUE MNKY cocktail which packs quite the punch with lashings of whisky, a £55 price tag and accompanying electric cigar. Food-wise, everything we tried was delicious, but with options such as wagyu tostadas, toro tartar, black cod, king crab and yellowtail truffle ceviche, beware of the bill as it’s very easy to get carried away. Stay late enough for the DJs and you’ll soon be dancing the night away. mnky-hse.com
Aquavit, St James’
BEST FOR: Modern Scandi chic
Visitors to Aquavit won’t need long to understand why the contemporary Nordic restaurant was recently awarded a Michelin star. Start with a cocktail at the marble-topped central bar which exudes old glamour, before tucking into a Smörgåsbord of classic bites such as different types of herring, Gravlax and pickles. Not all will be familiar with the cuisine, but rest assured that diners will emerge converts to the Scandi way of eating. The Swedish meatballs with lingonberries and pickled cucumber are a must, and be careful not to fill up on the highly addictive bread with cod roe butter. Very reasonably priced given its culinary accolade, and great for a special supper before heading out into the Soho night. aquavitrestaurants.com
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. zumarestaurant.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. marriott.co.uk
Simpson’s in the Strand
BEST FOR: The best of British
For a British institution steeped in tradition, look no further than Simpson’s in the Strand, an old favourite haunt of Arthur Conan Doyle and Charles Dickens. The iconic West End restaurant is a mere hop, skip and jump from The Savoy, and was revamped under the Savoy’s name last year after murmurs that it was losing its touch. Certainly back on form now, expect top-class old-school service and delicious English dishes with a twist. Be sure to start with half a dozen rock oysters, served with miniature bottles of Tabasco as well as the usual trimmings. Simpson’s has long been known as purveyor of the perfect roast beef, which is wheeled directly to your table on a huge silver trolley and carved before your eyes – this celebrated tradition began as a way to avoid disturbing chess games in progress. Big supporters of English vintners, ask sommelier Malcolm for his help in pairing English sparkling wine with your meal for a special touch. Head here for a true best of British experience: one of the earliest Master Cooks was so insistent on this that he introduced the use of the term ‘Bill of Fare’ in place of ‘Menu’. And over 180 years later, the Bill of Fare is still fit to bursting with delicious dishes. Chop, chop! (See more pictures of the revamped Simpson’s here). simpsonsinthestrand.co.uk
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. restaurantuni.com
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. 45jermynst.com
World’s End Market, Chelsea
BEST FOR: World-class steak
Non-locals may be surprised to hear that what looks like an upmarket pub from outside in fact houses a delightful restaurant serving what has been described as the ‘finest meat on earth’. You may recognise José Gordón from the Netflix documentary Steak (R)evolution, a journey around the world in search of the best meats available. José’s restaurant in Spain, El Capricho, was voted as serving the best steak in the world thanks largely to the care he takes in raising, ageing and cooking the meats from his nearby farm. Fast forward a few years and José’s cuts are now exclusively available at World’s End Market just off the King’s Road, which proudly displays the deep red meats for diners to choose from. The exquisite quality of the food is evident even to the untrained eye, and the relaxed atmosphere makes this the perfect spot for a more low-key, but still memorable, evening. theworldsendmarket.com
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. tsunamiclapham.co.uk
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. wiltons.co.uk
No. Fifty Cheyne, Chelsea
BEST FOR: Country house glamour
Old Chelsea favourite Cheyne Walk Brasserie re-opened last year as the stylish No. Fifty Cheyne following a nine-month makeover. Stepping inside feels like arriving at a private country house, a feeling which is reinforced by the charming staff. Despite the luxurious interiors – glass chandeliers, high ceilings, statement flowers and the like – the restaurant has an intimate, cosy feel. The big open grill in the middle of the room is a nice touch, and the aroma of the sizzling meat and fish dishes is hard to resist. Order something from there, and you won’t be disappointed. Saying that, pretty much everything on the menu is delicious. Jason Atherton protégé Iain Smith (previously Social Eating House) heads up the kitchen, which offers a menu of seasonal British dishes. The lamb rump, served with pistachio pesto and celeriac, is cooked to perfection, and don’t leave without trying the hot chocolate fondant. Afterwards, head upstairs for a nightcap at the chic cocktail bar, which looks out over the River Thames and pretty Cheyne gardens. Go with family, go with your other half, go with friends – No. Fifty Cheyne is a crowd pleaser. fiftycheyne.com
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