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In a city brimming with culinary experience options, choosing the perfect high-end restaurant can be a daunting task, particularly when you're looking to indulge in an experience that justifies its price tag. In this guide, we embark on a delectable journey through the heart of London, exploring and savouring the crème de la crème of central London's restaurants.
J.Sheekey
J.Sheekey, established in 1896, is where the freshest catch meets the artistry of the kitchen. Located by Leicester Square, this restaurant is renowned for its impeccable seafood offerings, a paradise for lovers of lobster thermidor (£56.00), Dover sole (£49.50), and scallops (£35.00). Mains start at £22.75 for the fish pie and range up to £35.00 for the roast mixed shellfish. With a warm and enriching atmosphere paired with impeccable service, this is a London staple spot to visit.
Bathlazar
Balthazar, situated in Covent Garden, is your go-to spot for a taste of France right in the heart of London. While their menu offers a variety of delectable options, it's their french onion soup (£9.75) for starters as well as the steak frites (£29.95) that truly stands out. And if you're in the mood for a perfectly paired wine or port to elevate your dining experience, they have an impressive selection to choose from. The warm amber-tinted interior and lighting paired with their classic decor makes for an enriching, elegant atmosphere and Parisian feel. They have live jazz singers every Wednesday from 7pm to 10pm. Main prices start at £15.95 for the burger and range up to £48 for the grilled lobster.
Sucre
Located in Great Marlborough Street, Sucre is known not only for its exceptional Latin American and European influenced cuisine but also for its elegant interior. It is situated in a 310 year old former concert hall that transports diners to a world of luxury. The star of the show here is undoubtedly the Argentinian beef, so be sure to try their strip lion or their fish dishes for a complete culinary experience. They have a set menu priced at 2 courses £29 - 3 courses £35, or their mains start at £23 for the mushroom and smoked aubergine canelones, and range to £36/70 for the 300/600g striploin, chimichurri and fries.
The Ivy - West Street
The Ivy West Street is the original Ivy restaurant, opened in 1917, and remains the best in many diners' hearts. The Ivy has a long-standing reputation for its sophisticated atmosphere, art deco interior and culinary excellence. If you're looking for a unique twist on a classic dish, their shepherd's pie (£19.50) is a must-try. They have an impressive selection of roast and grills, classics, seafood and salads. Mains start at £17 for the burger and range up to £42 for the 10 oz sirloin or the £95 beef wellington (for two). They have a classic set menu you can choose from Monday - Friday, with 2 Courses £26.50 – 3 Courses £31.50. It's also the perfect location to then visit the classic theatre show 'The Mousetrap", which is a one minute walk away.
Fischers
Fischers, located in Marylebone, specialises in Northern European cuisine with a hearty and refined touch. Their schnitzel holstein is a culinary masterpiece that transports diners to the heart of Vienna. It's an ideal destination for those seeking comfort food with an upscale twist. The interior is similar to that of a traditional Austrian inn, with cozy dark wood interiors that exudes elegance. They do traditional Viennese breakfasts (featuring Gröstls and Röstis) until 11:30 am and mains start at £13.95 for the superfood salad, ranging to the chicken (£22.50) or wiener (£33.50) schnitzels.
Add holstein anchovy, capers and egg for £2.95 extra.
Scott’s
Situated in the upscale Mayfair district since 1851, Scott's offers a luxurious and sophisticated seafood dining experience that's second to none. Scott's has a chic ambiance, amazing service and a menu that captures a truly wide range of seafood. From perfectly tender lobster (half £35.00 / whole £70.00), 8 types of oysters, and even caviar (from £175 to £995!). Mains range from £14.50 f0r the shellfish bisque to the 22 oz dover sole for £72. They offer great sharing options with the roasted shellfish for two, priced at £110.00 and includes a whole lobster, scallops and prawns with garlic butter. They also offer 7 vegetarian/2 vegan dishes including a mangalorean squash curry (£24.75).
Nobu
Nobu is siuated in old park lane, located in the heart of London near Hyde Park as well as Shoreditch (within their hotel). They have garnered considerable attention and acclaim, part of the globally renowned Nobu brand, offering a truly exceptional dining experience that seamlessly blends Japanese and Peruvian flavours. The menu is expansive, with a great range of sushi, tempura, yakimono, donburi, kushiyaki, tacos, A5 wagyu beef (£65 per 75 grams), hot dishes and bento boxes. The black cod miso (£53) is their most popular, must-try dish. Dining here is a splurge, with their set sushi selection costing £52.50 alone. In the Shoreditch venue, they host a weekend brunch buffet, featuring unlimited sushi, sashimi and ceviche along with one main dish and dessert. It costs £90 or £130 for unlimited prosecco, asahi beer and lychee elderflower cooler. The experience is available every Saturday from 12pm to 3.30pm and every Sunday from 12.30pm to 3pm, and is well worth the investment for those seeking a memorable culinary adventure. Make sure to book in advance!
Langan's Brasserie
Langans Brasserie is a modern French restaurant that has earned a reputation for its excellence and lavish parties. Among their standout dishes is the spinach soufflé (£17), bangers and mash (£26) and the fish pie (£33). The steaks are perfectly tender and range from the Aged Hereford Ribeye (300g) for £39 to the USDA Creekstone Farms Bone-less Ribeye (500g) for £110. Upstairs, they have a private members club that doesn't have a joining fee or subscription. Here, every Thursday their house band hosts with special guests and there is a live DJ performances every Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
Forty Dean Street
A more affordable option
When your cravings leads you towards Italian delights, Forty Dean Street is the place to be. Family-run and located in the heart of Soho, it has a strong red exterior accompanied with a woody, cozy interior. If you're seeking a recommendation, don't miss their lobster ravioli, priced at £23.60. Mains start at £13.95, with salads and pizzas being cheaper compared to their oven/grill/pasta options that range up to only £24 for the ribeye steak.
Coming soon: Le Caprice
Le Caprice, nestled at 20 Arlington St., is an iconic Central London restaurant where legends like Diana, Madonna, and Mick Jagger have dined. This establishment is reopening early 2024, continuing to enthral diners with timeless elegance and exquisite cuisine. I'm excited to once again experience their upscale European menu, Saturday brunch and Sunday night jazz.
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