Best Fine Dining in West Hampstead

"If the convivial atmosphere of a bistro or elegance of a fine-dining French restaurant leaves you as cold as a steak tartare, Sketch: The Gallery might just be the answer. A feast for all the senses, this unique concept has an emphasis on bold, progressive ‘new French’ food from chef Pierre Gagnaire and even bolder design from Fourth Plinth commissioned artist David Shrigley. Book a table at a French restaurant now."

"Straddling a fine balance between ritzy and trippy, WOW factor prevails during your visit to sketch. You’ll bypass several mind-boggling tearooms that seem to conjure an Alice in Wonderland of the future, and pause upon entering an oversized white capsule resembling a UFO. So what happens at this intergalactic party?"

"We won’t lie to you, going to The Gallery at Sketch isn’t about the food. This central-London spot is all about the pink dining room. The service is theatrical while the toilets aren’t to be missed for a photo op."

"J Sheekey has been at the centre of London's seafood scene since 1890 and continues to serve immaculately sourced and perfectly prepared seafood dishes, including their famous fish pie. However, for a romantic meal, share a fruits de mer platter for a feast of oysters, prawns, langoustines and crab. The restaurant itself has maintained its late-Victorian charm with panelled interiors that are intimate without being overbearing."

"We love the classic schmoozy charm of this place, set in the heart of Theatreland. The food is a little like very upmarket pub food, so think half pints of prawns, fish pies, lobster thermidor (what do you mean you've never seen that down the King's Head?), and platters of shellfish galore. There’s an oyster bar next door, too, which made it onto our list of the best oyster bars in London"

"A jewel of the Covent Garden dining scene, this incredibly smart restaurant was opened by 1890s fishmonger Josef Sheekey on the permission of Lord Salisbury (who wanted somewhere to eat after the theatre)."

"The inspiration for the menu at this famous eatery came from the kitchen archives at Hampton Court Palace and old cookbooks from the British Library. So, you’re guaranteed a classic British experience here, with flavour combinations dating back to the 14th-century. Main courses include spiced squab pigeon and powdered duck breast, while the dessert offerings include brown bread ice cream and spring tart."

"Discover classic British recipes with a modern twist at two-Michelin-starred restaurant, Dinner by Heston Blumenthal. Inspired by the revival and modernisation of traditional recipes, the menu features simple modern dishes inspired by the gastronomic past, including powdered duck breast and tipsy cake."

"Slow roasted for five hours with sweet apple caramel, Heston Blumenthal’s world-famous ‘Tipsy Cake’ is the stuff that dreams are made of. This unique take on a traditional pineapple upside down cake can be found at his revered restaurant ‘Dinner by Heston’."

"Today I’d suggest exploring the London borough of Kensington & Chelsea, with a particular focus on South Kensington. This affluent area of the city is full of museums, galleries, stores, and world-class entertainment venues. Everything on the main itinerary is within walking distance (or a short public transit ride if you prefer)."

"Kings Road is one of London's most famous shopping streets and also home to the Ivy Chelsea Garden. The restaurant has a relaxed feel, along with a terrace and a garden, so they ar..."

"The Ivy Chelsea Garden dazzles a chic crowd of diners with its venue, light-filled space on King's Road with an orangery and leafy garden terrace in the back ideal for warmer-weath..."

"It may be a lesser known spot, but Chinese restaurant Min Jiang – perched on the tenth floor of the Royal Garden Hotel – boasts one of the best views in London. A hidden gem overlooking the picturesque Kensington Gardens, Min Jiang is renowned for its impeccable service, as well as its picture-perfect vista. Go for the house duck: a whole Beijing duck served two ways, the first with homemade pancakes, and the second a dish of your choice – fried rice, with diced or minced duck and a lettuce wrap."

"If you're used to dining in grand, hotel-based Chinese restaurants in Asia, you'll feel right at home in Min Jiang, located on the 10th floor of the Royal Garden Hotel. Service is slightly formal and clipped, the lighting a touch (only a touch) too bright, but the food – the main event – is sublime. The star dish is wood-fired Beijing duck in two servings, the second with a choice of four types of preparation."

"Find traditional Chinese cookery updated for the modern age at Kensington's Min Jiang. Although a great place for provincial Chinese dishes; many come simply for its wood-fired duck, which is served over two courses. Perched on the 10th floor of the Royal Garden Hotel, this stylish restaurant boasts views of Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens."

"Otto’s may only have been open for seven years, but it feels like it’s been an integral part of London’s restaurant scene forever. And at a time when restaurants were all about sharing plates and open kitchens, this Grays Inn Road restaurant was properly old school from day one - reintroducing Londoners to the joy of Gueridon service with dishes like the steak tartare prepared tableside. But really there’s only one dish to order at Otto’s - the Canard Presse which is one duck for two guests over three courses of sheer theatricality."

"Properly old-school French, Otto's has carved out a niche for itself because of a serious bit of kit called the duck press. This dish sees the breast sliced, then the rest of the duck (bar the legs) pressed in the special screw press giving a juice to which Cognac and duck liver are added before it's poured over the rare slices which finish cooking in the sauce. Both very rich and very pricey but, by all accounts, like nothing else in town."

"Otto’s is somewhat of an institution when it comes to the best French restaurants in London. They do classic French cuisine which is old-school, traditional and deliciously hearty. Dine here if you’re after lobster bisque, foie gras terrine, French rabbit and veal sweetbreads."

"What: There is something captivating about dining in a market, and Chamberlain’s position in the atmospheric labyrinth of Leadenhall is no different. The longstanding restaurant, which has been open since 1947, serves a menu of impeccable fish dishes, all of which come beautifully presented. Opt for classic combinations such as Orkney scallops with lardo or treat yourself to the most indulgent of dinners and order the turbot with truffle.Where: 23-25 Leadenhall Market, EC3V 1LR"

"Located right in Diagon Alley – better known to muggles as Leadenhall Market – is this behemoth of a restaurant. It spans three floors, has its very own outdoor terrace within the historic market, and boasts a total of four private dining rooms. Moreover, as it’s owned by the prestigious Billingsgate wholesaler Chamberlain & Thelwell, it has access to the very best seafood in town."

"The one by Garden at 120 This healthy grab-and-go restaurant is famous for its Field Trays; flavour-packed proteins with your choice of grains, salads and sides all dished up in a compartmentalised tray for less than £8. A different day brings with it a different combination; pair your harissa chicken with brown rice, cavalo nero and bean salad and a tarragon dressing, or match grilled salmon fillets with pesto, sweet potato chips and wilted greens. The offerings are just that little bit different compared to most takeaway joints in the City, lending from Middle Eastern, Mediterranean and Asian cuisines."

"We know what you are thinking but don’t worry, Kanye hasn’t got his little paws into the hotel and spa industry just yet. This Shepherds Bush-based hotel recently underwent a makeover of its own; now a glossy, glass-clad hipster-ish paradise with staff donning the latest in toned-down designer apparel, a restaurant that offers a ‘glam rock’ afternoon tea. Oh and did we mention an in-house DJ that rocks out the beats in the hotel lobby until 2AM on Friday and Saturday?"

"Book in for some freeze-thaw action at the K Spa at K West Hotel, an oasis of calm in a stylishly modernised former BBC office block in Shepherd's Bush. The basement spa is the first in London to feature a 'Snow Paradise' - the place to come when you want to cool off in minus 15 degrees powder snow."

"A luxury London retreat where friends and couples delight in the stylish, contemporary bliss of the spa before flirting with inventive cocktails and creative afternoon teas."