Mentioned by Elite Traveler
The 11 Best Restaurants in London
"What: Sky Garden may be known for its lush greenery (the perfect backdrop for an impromptu photoshoot), but its sprawling views of the capital are also worth a mention. The Sky Pod bar, which isn’t separated from the rest of the space, allows guests to stand around admiring the views or pull up a chair to rest their legs. All the usual drinks can be found here (including a selection of signature cocktails), while the food menu features sharing platters of charcuterie, seafood or dessert."
"A magnificent three-floor space, Sky Garden hosts two of the most exclusive rooftop restaurants in London: Fenchurch Restaurant and Darwin Brasserie, and two exciting rooftop bars: Sky Pod Bar and City Garden. Sky Pod Rooftop Bar is open all day from early morning coffees, through to lunchtime bites and afternoon drinks, while at night it comes alive with music, lights and cocktails.skygarden.london"
"The view from Rafael Viñoly’s Sky Garden, also known as the Walkie-Talkie building, is unlike any other in the city. From here you can survey London’s ever-growing sprawl with the city stretching up to the north, Tower Bridge and the Shard to the south, and Canary Wharf to the east. It’s free to explore the tower’s three stories of landscaped public gardens, but make sure to book in advance."
"Restaurants Ice-cream parlours Soho. Those nitro-fuelled experimentalists at Chin Chin are the Willy Wonkas of the ice-cream world, and this Soho shop is an ostentatious showcase for their wares. Not only their signature ices (anyone for halva black tahini?), but also full-on desserts – there’s some seriously elaborate stuff going on here amid all the bells and whistles."
"The ice cream pioneers behind Chin Chin Labs have expanded its epicurean empire. The Chin Chin Club in Soho opens this month as a revolutionary cake and ice cream club. On the menu are deluxe sundaes, choux buns, and cookies with molten centres."
"A Biskie is a sandwiched dessert that’s essentially a cross between a cake and a cookie and is filled with cream or other ingredients. You can find Biskies only at Cutter and Squidge, a cute little bakery with locations in Soho and Bank. Their Salted Caramel Biskie is award winning and if you’re vegan or GF you’ll still find delicious options to choose from."
"We make everything from scratch and where possible we use real British ingredients or source from British producers where we can’t.’. The sweet stuff: Cakes and (wince) ‘biskies’. The stuff looks next-level, though, and the mixed selection boxes would make anyone’s day."
"Cutter & Squidge are bringing the latest in hybrid desserts to London. Here, they have invented the Biskie. This is a biscuit-cookie-cake creation filled with buttercream, jam or caramel."
"Second Shot Coffee is a specialty coffee shop and social enterprise that trains, employs, and supports people affected by homelessness. Started by social entrepreneur Julius Ibrahim, Second Shot has got an aspirational aim to help combat homelessness one espresso at a time. They’ve also got a genius “Pay it Forward” system where you can prepay for an item, so that a local rough sleeper can come into the shop and receive a hot drink, meal, or hot water bottle free of charge."
"St Andrew Holborn escaped the Great Fire, mainly due to the natural barrier of the Holborn Valley, through which ran the river, Fleet. Before the building of the viaduct, the steep Holborn Hill was one of the most dangerous parts of London. The church was rebuilt by Wren anyway."
"St. Andrew Holborn was the largest of Wren’s fifty-one City churches, and was heavily restored after suffering damage in World War II"
"Dine at Terra Rossa and enjoy a family-run Italian restaurant with plenty of style and flavour from the southern region of Puglia. Order one of the stone-baked pizzas and wash it down with a craft beer. Or go for a range of pasta that includes penne alla corsara and paccheri al ragu di mare while enjoying a nice glass of red wine."
"Last on my list, and another one where you unfortunately can’t use a tripod if you go inside – the Shard. A relatively new addition to the London Skyline, the Shard offers an incredible view of the London skyline from far above the ground. Like the London Eye, it’s also best visited for sunset – we advise booking your ticket in advance to be sure to get the right time slot for your visit."
"Have a luxurious stay at London’s very first elevated deluxe hotel with sweeping views of the city. It sprawls over the 34th to 52nd floor of the iconic Shard building – a masterpiece by architect Renzo Piano. With a closeness to the Tower of London and London Bridge railway and tube station, you can easily get around the city and enjoy the best attractions."
"Renzo Piano, its designer, is said to have been inspired by London’s railway lines when building this 95-floor behemoth. Visit the viewing area at The Shard, The View from The Shard observatory, stay at the Shangri-La Hotel, or visit one of The Shard’s restaurants."
"Housing not just a farm but a community charity, stables and children’s nursery, Mudchute Park and Farm stretches across 32 acres of greenery in the heart of East London – making it the largest inner city farm in the country. Residents include over 100 animals, including cattle, sheep, donkeys, llamas and geese, as well as both a petting zoo and a duck pond. They also have a large Equestrian Centre, providing year-round facilities for riding, catering to a wide range of ages and abilities."
"The Mudchute Kitchen has now reopen but the main livestock section of the farm remains closed. Set in 32 acre of fields in the Isle of Dogs, Mudchute is home to over 100 animals and a great range of educational activities. There’s a children’s Nursery, After School Club, Stables and a Restaurant."
"You hear London and you think think: Museums, Hyde Park, the Queen and crazy shopping. London has everything. And as we learned recently, it has everything include several farms, yes farms!"
"This arcade is pretty lush with beautiful shops lining the sides. During the main opening hours it can be quite busy, but if you are patient or go at night you should be able to get a clean shot. Best time for pics: Morning or eveningCost: FreeLocation: Burlington Arcade, Mayfair, London W1J"
"With ceilings and lights now restored to how they would have looked when it was built in 1819, Burlington Arcade is the finest of Mayfair's…"
"Awe-inspiring Victorian interiors, elegant French cuisine and understated service are what earned this unique city restaurant its Michelin star, under the direction of acclaimed chef brothers Chris and Jeff Galvin. 35 Spital Square, Spitalfields, London, E1 6DY"
"Cigalon is a restaurant in London that shows it worth both in its plates and on its walls. When you're not lapping up the velvet booths and white tablecloths alongside sweeping plates, you'll be enjoying a meal focused on all things Provençal."
"Wood-fired Southern French cooking is what you’ll get at Sardine, launched by Alex Jackson and Pastaio owner Stevie Parle. It also pulls double duty as an art gallery, so you can overhaul your flat decor whilst sampling their onglet steak."
"Michelin-starred Pied à Terre is continuing to serve its Vegan Feast, available for delivery. Including a weekly-changing three-course menu of dishes based on the restaurant’s award-winning vegan menus, the Vegan Feast for two is priced at £50, with food arriving chilled, simply needing to be heated at home, complete with easy-to-follow instructions. Local delivery is available on Friday and Saturday, while nationwide deliveries are made on Fridays via DPD."
"One of London's oldest Michelin-starred restaurants – it’s held at least one star since 1993 – has a fantastic vegetarian/vegan menu showcasing the assured classical French with a touch of Greek cooking of chef Asimakis Chaniotis, served in one of the city’s most fun dining rooms."
"Gorgeously gourmet, and surprisingly reasonable amongst French restaurants with Michelin stars. Pied à Terre’s lunch menu is £29.50 for a starter and main, or £37.50 for three courses, which is likely as cheap as you’ll get for this standard of cooking."
"As the restaurant shuts its doors, LPM London has reinstated its delivery service, offering a menu of classics inspired by the South of France. Highlights include the likes of Niçoise salad, tuna carpaccio; whole baked sea bream in papillote; and lamb cutlets. Desserts are also available alongside a selection of wines."
"Keep your Côte d'Azur holiday vibe going with a visit to the London cousin of La Petite Maison in Nice. The Beckhams, Stella and Paul McCartney and Amanda Holden have all been spotted enjoying the French Mediterranean cuisine and excellent wine list in this Mayfair bistro."