Best London Restaurant Bars

Whether you're looking for a glass of icy Champagne on a sun-trap terrace or after oysters in a swish restaurant, Madison will have what you're looking for. Join the spot for views over St Paul's and one of the most stylish rooftops around.

Delve deep into a sensuous world of Lebanese culture with a spot of dinner at Levant. Smartly placed next to the fashionable Marylebone High Street, Levant is a melting pot of deep colours, soft cushions and a candlelit ambience; making it a seductive place to enjoy some mezze. Enjoy a spread of authentic Lebanese cuisine, playful cocktails and nightly belly dancing entertainment.

This swanky Italian restaurant goes to great lengths to prepare a dining experience sure to wow, with classic methods applied to their homemade pastas and baked breads. After your food be sure to stick around for a few crafted cocktails, conjured at the glass-fronted bar and served to guests in luxurious seating arrangements.

Promising a mix of modern European and British cuisine, this trendy restaurant takes our pick for its unique decor and forward-thinking menus. Come here for a weekend bottomless brunch, lunch or dinner before head down to The Soda Room cocktail lounge, filled with quirky taxidermy, wacky artwork and tasty tipples. 

Pegged as "an island of calm in the heart of the city", The Drift offers food and drink in a relaxed setting - perfect for those seeking some peace and quiet. The food menu comprises of platters, nibbles and some excellent main meal fare, making it a great spot for after-work dining or catching up with a few friends at the weekend.

Regularly topping up Balham's rumblin' tums, The Exhibit serves carefully curated drinks and a hearty menu of fresh British produce. Bag yourself a table and get ready for a festival of eating; there's everything from roasted pheasant to grilled royal beam and Galloway beef burgers with all the trimmings. There's an eclectic entertainment programme for dessert, too.

One of the best restaurant bars in London, 10 Degrees is the gorgeous Mayfair bar attached to Michelin-starred eater Galvin at Windows. Head up to the 28th floor of the Hilton Park Lane and sample the delights of both spaces with an evening of cocktails and quality dishes.

Devonshire Terrace is a stunning restaurant bar on Liverpool Street. With a beautiful interior made for smart dining or comfortable drinking and two great outdoor areas, is it the perfect relaxed setting to impress anyone. The kitchen serves up a delicious modern European menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner. This classy spot is perfect for impressing a client, date or just enjoying a nice meal out.

Quaglino's is the restaurant bar everyone's been talking about: luxurious, with a kitchen delivering some of the finest European food with a Middle Eastern twist, as well as an enviable live music schedule.

Located within the crypt of a church, an evening at this tapas bar might sound a little sacrilegious, but god it's fun. Begin your night sipping on sangria and noshing on all the classic Spanish dishes, before watching as the restaurant bar transforms into a bustling party spot, with DJs playing a mix of Latin beats till the early hours.

A lovely escape from the 100mph nature of the streets outside, Balls Brothers Austin Friars is an impressive showcase of style and service right in the heart of the city. Industrial furnishings and an open kitchen add to the atmosphere, and there's a fine choice of bold cocktails, wine and beer on offer if you're just looking to drop in for a drink or two.

Run by a multi-award winning chef, Restaurant Ours is the perfect restaurant bar destination in London. With both a relaxed approach to the interiors – boasting exposed brickwork and cute wooden furnishings in a spacious room, and a serious approach to great European food, you're guaranteed a great time.

This stylish Sloane Square restaurant bar is popular for its delicious seasonal British menu and unique drinks. Offering up a comfortable and sophisticated space for all your brunch, lunch and cocktails needs, whether you go for drinks or a meal The Botanist will not disappoint.

One of the best places to catch a casual drink and bite to eat in the heart of the City, head on down to Tank and Paddle where you'll not only be able to enjoy a roster of cold craft pints, there's a mighty selection of pizzas for you to enjoy.

Inamo is the tech-savvy Londoners favourite hangout. Where else can you place your order via a sleek tablet, set your own digital tabletop or even track your dinner's progress via a chef cam? Head along to their Covent Garden base for a pioneering experience likely to feature delightful pan-Asian tapas dishes, then take it downstairs to the cocktail bar for Oriental-themed drinks and sleek, intimate vibes.

Don't be fooled by the name, The Beast of Brixton is actually an unassuming, secretive joint that's hidden away on Acre Lane. Track it down and you're in for a real treat; the restaurant welcomes a regularly rotating lineup of street food favourites into the kitchen, while there's homemade frozen Margaritas for cooling off on a hot day and local brews on hand if you're just in for a quick pint.

From plant-filled light and bright spaces through to laid-back Battersea hangouts, Humble Grape has got the London's restaurant bar scene nailed. Head to one of their bars across the city for an excellent choice of vino and top notch British bites, including a boozy brunch come the weekend.

Some of London's best bars and restaurants come together at One Tower Bridge, a Thameside eating and drinking destination. Grab a table in one of the various venues or outside and tuck into offerings from The Coal Shed, Gunpowder, Prosecco House or another of the many spots.

Serving up an impressive roster of cocktails alongside hearty meals and lighter bites, Core is one of our favourite restaurant bars in London. Enjoy a salt beef sandwich at lunch, and dig into a rib-eye steak or a burger as the evening sets in - all washed down with one of their expertly crafted cocktails. Delightful.

Expect the unexpected as Circus opens its doors in Covent Garden. The swish restaurant and bar takes you deep into the fun of the fair as they serve Pan-Asian cuisine alongside dazzling acts including fire-breathers, acrobats and burlesque. The lounge bar is also open for a cocktail after work or transforms into a party haven as the night continues.

Boasting a menu of creative cocktails and NYC-inspired comfort food, a chilled playlist of old school hip hop tunes and stunning decor, this spot oozes cool. Whether you're just looking to hit up their happy hour or fancy tucking into some pork belly ribs and cheeseburger dumplings, the effortlessly edgy Dirty Bones has got you covered.

The toastie specialists at Morty & Bob's have teamed up with Night Tales to create this cracking Hackney spot. The venue serves as a laid back cafe by day, but completely transforms itself after dark, when the DJs, live music and master mixologists behind the bar dial things up a bit. Enjoy a few delicious toasties before washing them all down with a hand-crafted cocktail.

The second Absurd Bird has opened in Soho, serving up the same delicious dishes and cocktails as it's popular Spitalfields sister site. The upstairs restaurant focuses on the homely cuisine of America's deep south - think burgers, waffles and wings - while the basement bar offers up a range of cocktails, beers and whiskey within the intimate hiding spot.

With over 60 different types of craft beer, a carefully curated menu of cocktails and serving full English breakfasts, condiment-filled burgers and seasoned cuts of grilled meat all day long, Smiths of Smithfield offers a stellar casual dining experience at any time of the day.

Not only does the Leicester Square Kitchen offer up a stunning selection off Mexican and Peruvian small plates designed for sharing, but they also deliver delicious South American cocktails too. Feast on Pisco-glazes smoked paprika ribs and lime before turning up the heat with a chilli and lime margarita or Aztec negroni.

Based away from the hype and buzz of the city, The Folly offers diners a massive menu of fresh and hearty meals as well as a great drinks selections, all within a beautiful botanical-themed bar and restaurant. You can enjoy a full meal, share a platter with friends or just have a few of their many special cocktails.

Whether you're after a crafted cocktail or a Mexican soft taco, May Fair Kitchen has got all you need for a casual night in Mayfair. The spot meshes Moroccan Medina style bar with fancy British restaurant, along with serving plates inspired by Italy, Spain, Mexico and Peru.

The Courtesan is reminiscent of a Chinese opium den, with its vintage furniture and dark lighting, but this hideaway in Brixton is one of the coolest and most unique restaurant bars in the area. Stop by for lunch or dinner and enjoy their selection of dim sum in steamer baskets or small plates, tapas style. The food perfectly complements the unique cocktails and teas on offer as well.

Based in Victoria, Greenwood's amazing food is certain to leave you grinning from ear to ear, with everything from hearty steaks to flavoursome pizzas and Thai broths. The venue's carefree approach, relaxed vibes and many seating areas also makes it perfect for a group dinner.

Looking for a new fun fact to dazzle your mates at parties? Mommi is the UK's one and only venue showcasing the wonderful photos and artworks from the celebrated creative, Ben Watts. You're welcome. Aside from the kooky decor, this popular Clapham retreat serves a delicious spread of sharing plates from the Robata Grill and cocktails to die for; including a particularly potent Pisco Sour.

Combining industrial with quirky and colourful touches, Heist Bank in Paddington is a cool urban hangout. Spread across several rooms, the venue is all about stone baked pizza and craft beer as well as having a few sociable touches such as a pool table.

Alongside some of London's top restaurant staples is this retro-inspired restaurant, serving up modern twists on traditional meals. The upstairs bar has plenty of original cocktails gracing their menu, so many you may have to get comfortable to try them all. 

With gleaming in-house brewery tanks to marvel at, this cool London restaurant bar is the place to go for laid-back booze and hearty plates. Take your pick from a wide menu of international dishes and try your hand at their playful drinks menu of international and craft beers such as chocolate lager and peanut butter stout.

Tucked away just off the Covent Garden plaza, Balthazar is a theatre-land favourite for those looking after a dinner and drinks set up pre or post show. A London restaurant bar, Balthazar is a classy place to indulge in fine French cuisine and drink from their extensive collection of wine and cocktails. 

Former Hawksmoor chef Gordon Ker is behind Blacklock; the elusive chops restaurant quickly becoming one of the hottest properties in London. A secluded basement spot made for communal dining, Blacklock serves only the finest chops cooked over charcoal and vintage irons. Pick between racks of Cornwall beef, pork, lamb and veal, handily washed down by £5 classic cocktails.

Adventure Bar Clapham High Street will have the brand's first kitchen serving up great dishes aiming to be with customers quickly without any drop in quality. Expect some cracking snack platters and tasty main dishes.