13 Best Fancy Restaurants in London for Last-Minute Bookings

1. Murano

Murano is a Michelin-starred gem in Mayfair, celebrated for its modern take on Italian cuisine and a warm, personalised dining experience. Whether you’re indulging in the chef’s bespoke tasting menu or picking from the seasonal à la carte selection, expect every dish to be an elegant balance of flavour and artistry.

With options like hand-rolled pasta or perfectly cooked lamb saddle, paired with wines from an exceptional list, Murano is where understated luxury meets culinary excellence. Ideal for special occasions or simply a night to remember.

2. Dinner by Heston Blumenthal

Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, nestled in the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, is a two-Michelin-starred restaurant redefining historic British cuisine. Each dish on the menu is inspired by centuries-old recipes, brought to life with modern techniques and a touch of Heston’s signature creativity.

Highlights include the iconic "Meat Fruit," a velvety chicken liver parfait disguised as a mandarin, and the "Tipsy Cake," a decadent dessert featuring spit-roasted pineapple. With its open kitchen and interiors inspired by Tudor-era designs, the setting is as exceptional as the food. Dinner by Heston Blumenthal is a must-visit for food lovers seeking an unforgettable culinary experience.

3. Sparrow Italia

Sparrow Italia is one of Soho's finest restaurants and bars with a focus on adventurous mixology rooted in traditional Italian flavours. From classic aperitif-style drinks to innovative creations like the Sardinia with nitrogen-infused honeydew pisco, every drink here is crafted to impress.

The food is no different, with fancy dishes like veal Milanese or braised short ribs on the à la carte menu. It’s a real dressed-to-the-nines type of place.

4. TATTU

Tattu is one of the best fine dining restaurants London has to offer. If you're looking for a bold, maximalist vibe, no restaurant in London has a theme like it. 

Every season, the restaurant is adorned in seasonal Chinese and Japanese decorations: when springtime rolls around, you can expect grandiose flowers hanging from the walls, twinkling fairy lights and a garden room. 

But the real star of the show is the food. 

On the menu, you’ll find a luxury take on pan-Asian food such as steamed dumplings, teriyaki salmon, kun po tofu and an Asian twist on sticky toffee pudding. There’s also a resident DJ that plays each night, creating an atmosphere you don’t want to miss.

5. Sumosan Twiga

Sumosan Twiga is your all-in-one venue for a fancy night out. Set over three floors, the venue offers a restaurant, bar and club for you to enjoy til the early hours. 

The food is a fusion of Italian and Japanese, so there's something for everyone. Think sushi, pizza and everything in between. And, if you're feeling fancy, head to the sunset-lit bar for a handcrafted cocktail after dinner.

6. Louie

Louie is more than just a restaurant; it's a glamorous escape to the French Quarter set in the heart of London. Nestled in a historic 19th-century townhouse, Louie is a romantic place like no other, complete with soulful jazz and an exquisite French and Creole food menu. 

Plus, once you finish your dinner, you can head up to the Alligator Bar for free to enjoy the live entertainment.

7. Chotto Matte Soho

Created in 2013 by Kurt Zdesar, Chotto Matte is what you get when Tokyo meets Miami–a fancy South American restaurant serving up Nikkei cuisine, a Japanese and Peruvian fusion.

You’ll find food combinations that you probably never tried before with dishes like sushi rolls infused with Peruvian sauces, spicy salmon topped with aji amarillo and hearty stir-fries bursting with fresh seafood. Chotto Matte's tasting menu is like no other.

8. Bob Bob Ricard Soho

Want to feel like a million bucks? Head to Bob Bob Ricard in Soho. This place is pure luxury, with Art Deco interiors that'll make you feel like you're in a Gatsby-era dream.

Their menu is a fusion of Russian and British cuisine, so you'll find everything from classic chicken kievs to modern twists on traditional dishes. Let's not forget the pièce de résistance: the "Press for Champagne" button at your table. Because who needs to wait for a waiter when you can summon bubbly with the push of a button?

9. Hakkasan Hanway Place

Craving a dining experience that's as stylish as it is delicious? Then you have to try Hakkasan in Mayfair. This Michelin-starred restaurant (a title they’ve held for 20 years!) combines the best of modern Cantonese cuisine with a sophisticated ambience that feels like you’ve been transported to the middle of Shanghai.

Whether you're catching up with friends, impressing a date, or closing a big deal, Hakkasan is the perfect place to make a lasting impression.

10. Oxo Tower Restaurant

The OXO Tower Restaurant, Bar, and Brasserie, perched on the eighth floor of London’s iconic OXO Tower, offers breathtaking views of the River Thames alongside a vibrant dining experience. Known for its contemporary British cuisine, the menu celebrates seasonal ingredients with creative flair.

From elegant dishes in the restaurant to relaxed bites in the brasserie, every meal is enhanced by the stunning cityscape. The bar also shines with expertly crafted cocktails perfect for soaking in the skyline. Whether for a celebratory meal or evening drinks, the OXO Tower is a London dining destination like no other.

11. Aqua Kyoto

Aqua Kyoto screams luxury. Dimmed lights and modern interior, reflective panels everywhere, chefs cooking up a storm in plain view—it ticks every box when you think of fancy restaurants. Oh, and when you’re done with dinner, you can head out to the rooftop bar to sip cocktails and soak up the city sights.

12. Gilgamesh

Imagine Babylonian-inspired murals, intricate carvings, and opulent furnishings—Gilgamesh is something straight out of a fantasy novel. 

The food itself deserves a crown of its own, with top-notch pan-Asian cuisine from ribeye bulgogi using fresh ingredients to succulent chicken yakitori that you’ll write home about.

13. Noble Palace

Craving authentic Chinese cuisine in a fancy setting? Noble Palace is your place. This Michelin-star restaurant serves up Chinese dishes inspired by the Qing dynasty. The master 'shi fu' chefs design and create custom dishes tailor-made to a customer's taste preferences using fresh ingredients sourced on the day.