London is a global dining powerhouse, but navigating the thousands of restaurants can be overwhelming. Some places, however, have earned their reputation not just for a celebrity clientele or flashy decor, but for consistently excellent food, world-class service, and an unforgettable atmosphere.
If you’re looking for a guaranteed luxurious experience that genuinely delivers on its promise, here are five legendary London food spots that are absolutely worth the hype and the reservation effort.
1. Sexy Fish (Mayfair)
This isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a spectacle. Located in the heart of Mayfair, Sexy Fish is known as much for its eye-popping, opulent interiors (featuring art by Damien Hirst and Frank Gehry) as it is for its high-end Asian-inspired seafood.
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The Vibe: Ultra-glamorous, high-energy, and often packed with a fashionable, celebrity-spotting crowd. It has the largest Japanese whisky collection in the world.
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The Cuisine: Asian-inspired, with a focus on Japanese cuisine—sushi, sashimi, tempura, and robata.
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The Dish to Try: The Caramelised Black Cod with Spicy Miso is frequently lauded, alongside their extensive selection of Premium Sushi and Sashimi platters.
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Why It’s Worth the Hype: The sheer immersive quality of the dining room combined with high-quality, inventive food makes for a truly memorable, no-expenses-spared experience.
2. Signor Sassi (Knightsbridge)
A Knightsbridge institution known for its classic Italian soul and its high-profile clientele. Signor Sassi has maintained its status as a London favourite for decades by sticking to what it does best: simple, exquisite Italian food and a lively, engaging atmosphere.
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The Vibe: Elegant, traditional, yet bustling and lively. It’s often referred to as a “culinary landmark” that attracts royalty, politicians, and celebrities.
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The Cuisine: Classic, authentic Italian, with a strong emphasis on fresh seafood and traditional pasta dishes.
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The Dish to Try: The famous Spaghetti Lobster is a signature dish and a firm favourite with loyal guests. For a starter, their delicate antipasti is a must.
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Why It’s Worth the Hype: While many new Italian spots open, Signor Sassi provides a timeless, glamorous dining experience where the quality of the food and ingredients is paramount.
3. Delfino (Mayfair)
A beloved neighbourhood gem that stands out in Mayfair for its surprisingly sensible prices and commitment to simple, excellent Italian classics. Delfino has been serving the area since 1957.
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The Vibe: Casual, rustic Italian cafe layout with a lively, buzzy atmosphere. It’s a comfortable contrast to its ultra-luxe neighbours.
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The Cuisine: Traditional Italian staples, with a strong focus on pizza and pasta.
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The Dish to Try: Their wood-fired pizzas are legendary in London for having a crisp, airy crust and generous, fresh toppings. Also highly recommended is the rich, velvety truffle pasta.
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Why It’s Worth the Hype: In a neighbourhood known for breaking the bank, Delfino delivers genuinely excellent, authentic Italian food at prices that feel like a steal, proving that sometimes, simple is best.
4. Mr Chow (Knightsbridge or Belgravia)
The name Mr Chow is synonymous with stylish, high-end Chinese dining worldwide, and the London locations continue that legacy. It’s famed for its sophisticated take on Beijing cuisine and its theatrical, formal service style.
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The Vibe: Elegant, modernist, and refined. A place where business meets pleasure, often with a white-glove service that makes the meal feel like an event.
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The Cuisine: Northern Chinese/Beijing style. Known for signature dishes and a refined preparation of classics.
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The Dish to Try: The Peking Duck (carved tableside) is the quintessential order, alongside their house-made hand-pulled noodles which are often made with a dramatic show near the tables.
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Why It’s Worth the Hype: It delivers a dining experience that is both exclusive and timeless, offering a level of elegance and consistent quality that few other Chinese restaurants in London can match.
5. Em Sherif (Harrods or Belgravia)
Bringing the opulence and generosity of Lebanese culture to London, Em Sherif offers an exquisite, multi-course experience rather than simple à la carte dining. The Harrods location is particularly grand.
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The Vibe: Luxurious, grand, and an authentic flagbearer for “la vie Libanaise” (the Lebanese life), marked by exceptional service, decor, and music.
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The Cuisine: Ultra-high-end traditional Lebanese food, primarily served as a fixed, multi-course menu (often a Lebanese Mezze Feast) where food keeps arriving at the table.
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The Dish to Try: The focus is less on one dish and more on the full Mezza experience, featuring a generous spread of hot and cold mezze, followed by traditional mains. This is an incredible journey through Lebanese gastronomy.
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Why It’s Worth the Hype: It’s one of the few places in London where the dining is truly theatrical and generous, turning a meal into a several-hour event that celebrates the warmth and richness of Lebanese hospitality.