20 Best Fancy Restaurants in London for Last-Minute Bookings

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. Sumosan Twiga

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, expect to find the fanciest drinks you can think of. 

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.

5. 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.

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. Ruya

Ruya is an upscale restaurant serving a masterpiece of Anatolian cuisine—a Mediterranean mix of Turkish and Greek food. But, it's not just the food that's a showstopper. The interior is so sleek and chic, you'll want to keep your phone out all night to snap pics for your Instagram. Grab your fanciest outfit and head to Ruya for a meal that's as unforgettable as it is story-worthy.

9. Yauatcha City

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?

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. 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?

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. The Northall

Forget your average dinner. The chefs at Northall, in the Corinthia London hotel, will take you on a fancy foodie journey with classic European dishes that are award-winning and unlike any other. 

The restaurant also has an alfresco garden and a luxurious champagne and cocktail bar, leaving you spoilt for choice.

14. 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.

15. Ochre

Ochre is a modern British restaurant located in the National Gallery on London's iconic Trafalgar Square. Renowned for its focus on origin, seasonality and traceability, you’ll find a diverse menu featuring the best of British produce sourced from south Devon to Scotland. 

There’s also a private dining five-course set menu for luxury bookings, and a private dining room to enjoy it in.

16.  Le Petit Beef Bar

Le Petit Beefbar is a world-renowned Parisian-style brasserie in the heart of Chelsea. This high-end hotspot—that’s already made waves in Hong Kong, St Tropez and Monaco—offers gorgeous beef dishes, like Japanese wagyu ribeye and certified Kobe beef.

The staff are on hand to guide you through an extensive wine menu to pair your meal with the perfect glass. Le Petit Beef Bar is a fancy addition to an already fancy area of London. 

17. The Portrait by Richard Corrigan

Nestled atop the National Portrait Gallery, The Portrait offers amazing panoramic views of Trafalgar Square in a modern, upscale setting. You can try contemporary British cuisine prepared by Michelin-starred chef Richard Corrigan while enjoying the views. We highly recommend the Secret Smokehouse salmon.

18. Arros QD

Arros QD is a renowned Spanish restaurant founded by three-Michelin-starred chef Quique Dacosta that brings the authentic flavours of Valencia to London. Experience the art of paella, expertly cooked over a six-foot wood-fire stove. There’s also a private dining area for personal gatherings that was designed by famous Spanish architect, Lázaro Rosa-Violán.

19. Cigalon

Ever wanted to feel like you're on a sunny vacation in the French countryside without leaving London? Cigalon is your answer. This fancy little spot brings the flavours of Provence right to your doorstep.

Imagine a cosy, colourful setting with flowery lampshades and a touch of Mediterranean charm. Now add to that a menu packed with delicious dishes from hearty stews to fresh seafood, inspired by the South of France. Bon appétit!

20. Meraki

Meraki brings the island vibes of Mykonos right to the heart of London—offering one of the best Mediterranean restaurants in London.

This restaurant and live music bar oozes modern chic and traditional Greek charm. Think exposed cool artwork, warm lighting and a lively ambience. It's the perfect spot for a fancy dinner with friends or a special occasion.

Watch the chefs cook Greek classics, like moussaka and souvlaki, to perfection from the open kitchen and don't forget to try their mezze platters, perfect for sharing.