13 Best Fancy Restaurants in London for Last-Minute Bookings

Written by
Olly Keell
October 16, 2024

0

min read

London has some of the best fancy restaurants in the world—there’s no doubt about it. From huge names like Gaucho and Tattu, to London-specific gems like Marcus and Margot. 

Getting a reservation at these restaurants can be…tough—or it used to be, that is.

With Ambl you’ve never left it til too late. Ambl simplifies restaurant bookings by finding you the nearest fancy restaurants available for advanced and last-minute reservations—so you’re never all dressed up with nowhere to go.

💡 Ready to make last-minute bookings across restaurants, bars, and pubs in London? Download Ambl and make your first booking today.

1. Aqua Kyoto

£££
Asian, Japanese
⭐️
4.2/5

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.

2. Gaucho Covent Garden

£££
South American, Steak
⭐️
4.4/5

Situated in an extension of the historic Royal Opera House, Gaucho is the go-to place for a delicious steak cooked to perfection. Alongside their Argentinian steaks, they’re also known for fine wines, fancy cocktails, and an all-round high-end experience.

3. Penelope’s

££
European, Spanish/Tapas
⭐️
4.6/5

Penelope’s is a different type of fancy—it’s fun fancy. The interior very much matches the exterior; it’s vibrant, glamorous, and extravagant. The restaurant fuses Tel Aviv with Southern Spain—a pairing that’s created Israeli paella, crab bourekas, and plenty of other culinary delights. Oh, and they’ve got DJs on the weekend if you’re looking to dance.

4. Margot

⭐️

This one’s real fancy—but it somehow doesn’t feel it? A doorman greets you on arrival, staff sport tuxedos, and the interior is sleek and stylish, yet somehow you can’t help but feel at home. The Italian menu is executed to the highest standard and the wine list is as long as your arm—what more could you want?

5. TATTU

££££
Asian, Chinese
⭐️
4.7/5

Stunning interiors? Rooftop dining?? Incredible food??? Tattu has it all, and the London location is exactly what you’d expect from this high-end collection of beautiful restaurants. Stepping into Tattu transports you to another world, and creates the perfect setting for any fancy dinner.

6. Sparrow Italia

£££
European, Italian
⭐️
4.6/5

Sparrow describes itself as ‘a modern Italian restaurant that embodies European sophistication’—and we can’t help but agree. With a venue in Mayfair and Downtown LA, Sparrow is loved by fancy diners on both sides of the Atlantic.

7. Marcus Belgravia

⭐️

How were we going to make a list of fine dining spots and not include at least one michelin starred restaurant? Marcus Belgravia comes from the mind of celebrated British chef Marcus Wareing, and promises ‘an outstanding fine dining experience in a warm and welcoming dining room’.

8. Sumosan Twiga

££££
Asian, Italian fusion
⭐️
4.2/5

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 restaurant offers a variety of Italian and Japanese dishes, as well as a sushi counter serving up signature dishes.

9. Sucre

⭐️

Sucre’s doors first opened in Argentina circa 2001, and only recently has it landed on the global scene with this London restaurant and another location in Dubai. It serves up contemporary Argentinian cuisine, with many innovative dishes also drawing inspiration from Head Chef, Fernando Trocca's, Spanish-Italian heritage. Perfect for mates, dates, and afterworks!

10. Hakkasan Hanway Place

£££
Asian, Chinese
⭐️
4.3/5

Mix modern Cantonese cuisine with dramatic design and you get Hakkasan. Chuck in a michelin star (retained since 2003!) and you’ve got the perfect fancy restaurant for catching up with friends, wining and dining your SO, or closing important deals with clients.

11. Chotto Matte

£££
Japanese/Sushi, Peruvian
⭐️
4.3/5

Chotto Matte is equal parts funky and fancy—an exciting restaurant serving up Nikkei cuisine. We did the googling so you don’t have to—Nikkei is a type of fusion cuisine that combines Japanese and Peruvian elements to delight your tastebuds. Chotto Matte also has a Soho restaurant if that works better for you.

12. Yauatcha City

££
Asian, Chinese
⭐️
4.2/5

Gourmet dim sum? Handmade petis gâteaux? Yauatacha—located in Broadgate—specializes in high-end, modern Chinese dining. Whilst not quite as fancy as some of the other venues on our list, this restaurant offers a luxurious dining experience in the heart of the City. Afterworks, anyone?

13. Chourangi

£££
Indian
⭐️
4.5/5

If you’re looking for fancy food that strives to excite and surprise you, Chouranghi is the spot for you. It blends and harmonises the European, Mogul, and Chinese cultures and cuisine that’s evolved in Calcutta—bringing you dishes like Banana Flower Croquettes, Mango Mustard Aubergine, and more.

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Find and make last-minute plans with Ambl

Dining at a fancy restaurant should be an enjoyable experience—not a last-minute rush to find a nice spot. With Ambl, you’re only ever a couple clicks away from fancy fine dining restaurants, tantalizing tasting menus, rooftop cocktail gardens, and more.

Simply provide some details—like your party size, preferred dining time, and desired cuisine—and Ambl does the rest. All you need to do is make a booking from the 400+ options available, show up, and enjoy.

Ambl is making spontaneous sexy again—we’re bringing back the forgotten art of last-minute. Whether its the best fine dining restaurants, nearby bars with cocktail lists as long as your arm, or pub gardens just off The Green Park you’re after—Ambl is the answer.

Fancy restaurants in London FAQs

What is the fanciest restaurant in London?

The fanciest restaurants in London include:

  • Aqua Kyoto
  • Gaucho
  • Margot
  • Sparrow Italia
  • Marcus Belgravia
  • Samosan Twiga
  • Chourangi

And plenty more, all available for last-minute booking on Ambl.

What is the dress code at fancy restaurants?

The dress code at most fancy restaurants ranges from smart casual to smart. This typically involves no sportswear of any kind, no leisurewear or hoods, and no trainers or beach sandals.

How much does a fancy dinner cost in London?

A fancy dinner in London costs anywhere from £80 per person to £400 per person.