Cool London Restaurants For 2026

Though any Hackney Wick restaurant is instantly cool - Barge East is quite the unique visit. Bobbing away on the River Lee, this old-school Dutch barge-turned-floating restaurant is led by head chef Stefano Camplone, who ensures sustainability is at the core of the menu.

Everything is made with produce either picked from their own on-site garden or sourced from local suppliers, which you can enjoy in the rustic but undoubtedly trendy dining area. Feast on everything from delica pumpkin with miso dukka to smoked haddock rillette, swilled down by signature cocktails like the Fool's Bloom (made with pomegranate, white rum, amaro, lemon and ginger ale).

Located in South London, with a spot found inside a church in Mayfair too, Mercato Metropolitano Elephant and Castle is the capital's first sustainable community market and boasts over 40 independent traders.

Enjoy a craft brew outside on their terrace, tuck into a freshly-made pizza on one of the communal tables in the main hall or sneak into the more secluded den and nibble on cured meat and melted raclette while sipping wine. There are also several private dining options here too, perfect for big celebrations with friends.

Whether you're on a date or after a comforting brunch and looking for a cool cheap restaurant in London, Mare Street Market will hit the spot with dreamy decor, delicious dishes and a serious selection of craft beer.

Their menu has got everything too, from shakshuka and tofu poke bowls to buttermilk chicken burgers or a whole load of pizzas starting from £7. The warehouse-style interiors and abundance of greenery make for a relaxing meal, and they're also home to a vintage vinyl shop that's well worth a visit.

Looking for cool restaurants? The City of Lonon boasts The Libertine, a historic venue. Not only is it set in The Royal Exchange but it was also the place where the very first Royal License for alcohol was granted. Here, you can bask in gorgeous interiors from arched, exposed brick walls to a stunning back-lit bar.

Enjoy everything from fresh oysters and blackened chicken to plant-based burgers and miso aubergine, paired with a cocktail or glass of wine. They've even got a dedicated bloody mary station, and you don't want to miss out on their famous Sunday roasts either.

Covered head to toe in lush foliage and vibrant furnishings, this Square Mile eatery fronts a gorgeous selection of plates for you to get stuck into - we're talking caramelised Jerusalem artichoke gnocchi, smoked chicken with celeriac puree, and sea bream with garlic prawns and tarragon.

From their scrumptious meals to their indoor trees and colourful furniture, 14 Stories is easily one of the coolest London restaurants with a view. It even fronts a fabulous cocktail menu with signature sups like the tequila-based Notting Hill and Libertad 15, made with rum and orange. 

Looking for a restaurant that combines bold flavours, fresh pasta, and laid-back vibes? Noci Battersea is a hotspot for 2025, tucked inside the iconic Battersea Power Station.

Enjoy shareable small plates, seasonal pastas, and cocktails like the green chilli and mango margarita in a stylish, buzzy setting. Noci's energetic yet approachable style is mirrored across Islington, Shoreditch, and Richmond making it a city-wide favourite.

On the corner of Bridgeman Street, just behind Regent's Park, Johnny Green is a super chic spot for breakfast lunch and dinner. Bright, airy, stylish and with an open kitchen, it's great for birthdays, business lunches, date nights and plenty more.

In the glorious greenery of its conservatory, you can order up mezze, crispy banana prawns or brunch classics like blueberry buttermilk pancakes. The drinks list is just as varied, packing in craft beer, Australian wines and all kinds of signature seasonal cocktails.

As far as cool pizza restaurants in London go, these guys are up there with multiple locations across the city, including Shoreditch, Canary Wharf, Camden and Exmouth Market. Pizza Pilgrims was born out of a bold adventure in 2012, when founders Thom and James swapped their office jobs for a life of pizza-making. They flew to the toe-end of Italy, picked up a three-wheel Piaggio Ape van, and drove 4,500km back to London, soaking up all the secrets of authentic pizza along the way. 

When it comes to cool restaurants, London pulls it out of the bag with this gem. Tucked away from street level, temper Soho is an intimate restaurant featuring gorgeous green leather seating and a rich, teal marble counter with a bronze trim that overlooks the kitchen, which boasts excellent steak and flame-grilled meats that are aged, butchered and cooked over an open fire pit in-house.

The eatery sources its produce locally, partnering with North Yorkshire farmer Charles Ashbridge. They also offer a cracking bottomless brunch here for £45 per person, featuring barbecue bites like dry-aged beef and chimichurri, as well as their popular roast dinners every Sunday.

An eye-catching bar and restaurant, featuring vintage bar stools, tasselled lampshades and huge windows paired with tropical plants, The Palm House is quite the beaut.

Head to the Victoria dining destination to enjoy gorgeous bottomless brunches, with French toast and Benedict muffins, or hit them up for fun dinners while listening to live DJs. On the menu? Picanha steak slathered in chimichurri, as well as burgers and roasted cauliflower.

Hunting for the perfect place to eat? In London Bridge and Canary Wharf, you can check out former church venue Amazing Grace, a bustling music-themed bar, which boasts stained glass windows, a huge stage and cool 3D lighting displays throughout.

There's a cracking selection of cocktails and craft beer to sip on while watching a performance, as well as a pan-Asian menu of smoked lime Padron peppers, pulled beef brisket bao buns, Vietnamese fried tofu and much more.

Situated in the City, opposite St Paul's Cathedral, Lost Property Hotel and its Found Bar + Restaurant are absolute stunners, and it's where classic French cuisine meets British influence and expertly crafted cocktails. This elegant yet inviting space offers a truly unique dining experience, blending sophisticated flavours with a warm, intimate atmosphere.

Get ready for Murano glass chandeliers, plush leather seating and unique artwork, not to mention an upmarket menu of French and British classics. You'll find everything from beef bourguignon to pan-fried sea bass here, with a mouthwatering cherry Bakewell cheesecake for dessert.

The iconic Bavarian restaurant and bar has set up camp in Central London, welcoming hungry revellers who are looking for non-stop entertainment with a side of schnitzel. Throughout the week, you'll find live music, cabaret and piano grand slams as part of its seven days a week performance program. 

Albert's Schloss Soho is named after Prince Albert and inspired by his heritage and love for the arts and crafts - it sees an Alpine menu serve up the likes of currywurst and fondue and signature cocktails such as the Apple Strudel, made with spiced rum and cinnamon, reign supreme. 

Bocconcino Mayfair and Soho are cool Italian restaurants in London where you'll be greeted with gorgeous, rich furnishings, pendant lighting and exposed brick interiors. Saturdays are for indulgence with the Ciao Bottomless Brunch, where guests can enjoy a feast of Italian delights, free-flowing bubbles, and live music or DJ beats from £69 per person. 

As for the a la carte? Think beautiful antipasti, vibrant insalate, seasonal pasta creations, and hearty secondi like rib eye and yellow tail fillets, or delicious pizzas. And, of course, no Italian meal is complete without a decadent dolci - from the classic tiramisu to indulgent cannoli.

One of the most famous restaurants in the capital, Bob Bob Ricard's City outpost in the Cheesegrater building is perhaps best known for its 'press for Champagne' buttons, as well as offering a grand selection of large formats from magnums to methuselahs. 

Decked out in bespoke chandeliers, floor-to-ceiling mirrors and stylish blue and white furnishings, this is certainly one gorgeous place for dinner that happens to have all-booth seating. Dress smart and come prepared for a decadent French and British-inspired feast; the menu here features Jersey rock oysters, lobster macaroni thermidor and chateaubriand, with an equally impressive cocktail list to match.

Drink, dine and relax at Wild by Tart, a former power station turned eatery, found in the beautiful Belgravia. Founded by the team behind Tart London, the restaurant's stunning pared-back interiors are matched with innovative and sustainably sourced ingredients from farms in Somerset and Northumberland.

Tuck into the likes of flatbreads with sobrassada, Manchego and hot honey, Hereford beef tartare or Castelfranco and fennel topped with burrata. You can also enjoy their feasting menu, which includes four courses and finishes with a sticky date pudding or a spiced pumpkin ice cream sundae.

There's a lot to love about Sticks'n'Sushi, which you can find in Kingston, Shoreditch, Islington, White City, Richmond and beyond. Blending Japanese minimalism with Scandinavian sophistication, it offers a suave setting to chow down on elegantly prepared East Asian bites.

They've got everything from beef tataki and salmon tartare to scallop ceviche or Padron peppers on the menu here, with Roku gin cocktails or whisky to wash it all down.

With freshly sourced ingredients that are delivered daily from Cornwall, Sea Garden & Grill Tooting is up on our list of trendy eateries. Nestled in the heart of Tooting's bustling Broadway Market, it's inspired by the bold flavours of Portugal and South Africa, and its concept revolves around family-style seafood-sharing plates, designed for those who love to feast together.

This spot is home to innovative plates like smoked salmon arancini or pork belly with octopus, alongside classic dishes from oysters to cod, with plenty of lip-smacking ocean-inspired concoctions to boot - garnished with the likes of edible bubbles and dry ice.

A cool restaurant in London, The Seashell of Lisson Grove is an excellent choice for seafood lovers, having been whipping up these dishes for over 60 years. Undoubtedly the quirkiest fish and chip shop in the capital, it boasts a striking golden octopus counter, checkerboard flooring and lush tiles as part of its gorgeous interiors, and is a firm favourite of locals and celebrities (from Stevie Wonder to Mary J Blige) alike. 

Choose between having your organic fish freshly grilled or fried - we're talking eats such as popcorn cod, haddock and much more. As for the interiors, their eye-catching central bar is adorned with a golden octopus, while the back wall contains a spacious aquarium.

Coin Laundry's coming at you with a hardy roster of small and large plates and cool interiors - think wooden floorboards, olive green walls and warm pendant lighting.

Hunker down for some of their delicious grub such as chicken and leek pie served with minted peas or a hearty cheeseburger, before venturing down to the basement to check out their pinball machines, scrabble boards and other retro games. The Sunday roasts here are pretty special too, with West Country lamb rump, Norfolk pork belly and baked aubergine all up for devouring. 

Looking for cool themed restaurants in London? All aboard The Murdér Express, a journey like no other, where luxury train travel meets gastronomic intrigue. Step back in time to the early 20th century, when train travel was still a grand affair, and meet your fellow diners at Pedley Street Station. 

Before the train departs, enjoy a tipple or two at the Seven Sins platform bar, where a selection of drinks will get you into the spirit of this thrilling adventure. Once you're on board, get ready for a three-course feast in your train carriage as you get involved in this immersive murder mystery. 

Be transported to Bali without leaving Chelsea or Parsons Green over at Ollie's House. The relaxed restaurant showcases holiday vibes with natural tones, wicker chairs, verdant plants and warm lighting.

Whether you fancy brunch, lunch or dinner, this joint has you covered with a range of fusion fare. Delve into bites like slow-cooked Korean short rib and Shanghai soy noodles, both of which come in at under £20, with indulgent delights such as an apple crumble bao for dessert. You can also nab all kinds of bargains here, like 50p gyozas on weekdays from 3pm to 6pm, as well as two-for-one cocktails every evening.

A cool Neapolitan pizzeria serving authentic dough proved for 72 hours, Happy Face King's Cross is a top choice for pizza-lovers after a fantastic time. Expect to chow down on flavours like smoked scamorza and wild mushrooms on a truffle white base, as well as 'nduja and burrata-topped slices.

But that's not all, as 70s Italy-inspired disco cocktail bar SUPERMAX is just downstairs.

Inamo in Covent Garden is a must-try for those who want a little something extra out of their meal. Coming at you with some of the finest Asian fare, the restaurant's tables are also wholly interactive, meaning you can order, play and even watch the kitchen on them.

As for the food at this futuristic spot, think tapas-style plates like yuzu pork belly or wagyu beef parcels as well as larger dishes such as Singapore noodles and sushi platters.

Hawksmoor's King's Cross spot brings its signature blend of British steakhouse indulgence and sophisticated cool to one of London's most iconic Victorian landmarks. Set in the Grade I‑listed St Pancras building, it's got some serious soaring ceilings, dramatic arches and and eye-catching architecture.

There's just as much to love on the menu, from top‑quality steaks and charcoal‑grilled prime rib to scallop crudo and dressed Dorset crab. Next door, the Martini Bar serves up house classics and signature creations.

Chuku's is one of the cool restaurants North London has to offer that's just a short stroll from Seven Sisters Station, and co-founded by brother-sister duo Emeka and Ifeyinwa Frederick. This hidden gem brings a fresh twist to traditional Nigerian cuisine with innovative small plates designed for sharing and socialising.

The menu takes bold, creative spins on the classics, with standout dishes like the signature jollof quinoa and plantain waffles. For a hearty feast, the restaurant recommends three to four dishes, with salted caramel chicken wings and sinasir (rice pancakes) served with miyan taushe (pumpkin and peanut dipping sauce) offering unforgettable flavour combinations.

From Big Mamma, the group behind some of the city's hottest restaurants (like Circolo Popolare, Ave Mario and more), Gloria is an authentic Italian trattoria with a trendy Shoreditch edge.

Make your way into the Great Eastern Street hotspot and uncover a 70s Capri-style dining destination complete with vintage carpets, draped curtains, relaxed seating and that famous mirrored ceiling. You'll be able to see the chefs at work in the open kitchen, whipping up huge lasagnes and gigantic meringue pies, not to mention their iconic cheese wheels filled with carbonara.

Even named as a favourite restaurant by Charli XCX, Brat is a trendy Basque-inspired eatery in the heart of Shoreditch. They're all about wood-fired cooking, influenced by the seafood grill restaurants of Northern Spain, and it even takes its name from the old-fashioned word for turbot - a specialty dish of theirs.

Head Chef Tomos Parry has previously worked at Kitty Fisher, and he has collaborated with winemakers to bring you only the finest drinks. The dark, rustic space is perfect for date night, where you can enjoy everything from Hereford beef sirloin to Dover sole and fresh choizo.

A modern American restaurant nestled in the Carnaby area of Soho, Rita's is a must-visit next time you're in Central London. Situated within a Grade II-listed building, the rustic interiors feature traditional Mexican tiles, comfy booth seating and lots of greenery.

Their menu changes on a regular basis, offering a wide variety of dishes. Think grilled skate wing with braised leeks, 40 day-aged rare breed rib eye steaks and barbecues beef tartare.

A fine dining restaurant located in Shoreditch, The Clove Club is found inside a Grade II-listed town hall. This was created by the team behind upstairs at Ten Bells, promising an intimate dining space across two rooms - decked out in rustic wooden furnishings and dark interiors.

They serve both lunch and dinner tasting menus, starting from £180 per person. Expect up to eight courses, with wine pairings available, featuring the likes of crispy pork jowl, line-caught turbot and warm potato mousse - with an entirely vegetarian menu available too.

Hoppers Marylebone is where Sri Lankan soul food meets tropical modernism in a stunning, spice-infused setting. Inspired by the late, great architect Geoffrey Bawa, this St Christopher's Place gem is all about bold flavours, stylish design, and a serious love for feasting.

From crispy mutton rolls and fiery hot butter squid to fluffy hoppers, sizzling kothu, and indulgent bonemarrow varuval, every dish here is a one-way ticket to Sri Lanka's vibrant street food scene. Vegetarians? You're in for a treat too - think devilled paneer, Tamil aubergine kari, and plantain moju cutlets that pack just as much punch.

If you like your buns fluffy, your cocktails punchy, and your karaoke a little chaotic, then BAO Borough is calling your name. Nestled in the heart of Borough, this 1,600-square-foot haven of Taiwanese indulgence is where pillowy bao meets bold flavours - and yes, there's even a private karaoke room to belt out a tune between bites.

Expect a feast of soft, steamy delights, stuffed with melt-in-your-mouth beef short rib, oozing curry cheese, and even milk tea ice cream for the sweet-toothed among us. Need a drink? Their Asian-inspired cocktails and thirst-quenching beers are the perfect pick.

A two-Michelin-starred gem in the heart of Soho, Humble Chicken is the brainchild of chef Angelo Sato, whose journey from working under Clare Smyth at Restaurant Gordon Ramsay and Restaurant Story to launching his own intimate eatery is nothing short of inspiring. Combining his Japanese heritage with European influences, Sato has crafted a theatrical dining experience where every course is a masterclass in flavour and precision.

The menu is an indulgent affair, offering a 16-course tasting menu or a 12-course omakase for Saturday lunch - each dish personally introduced by Sato or his team. Expect to savour plates like mussel with kosho ponzu and avocado, beef tartare with spicy miso and bone marrow, and buttery shokupan topped with Australian winter truffle, chicken liver parfait, and parsley. 

For ramen purists, Ivan Ramen Clerkenwell delivers big flavour in a very small space. The 26-seat, walk-in-only ramen bar pairs Tokyo's casual dining style with a New York edge, housed in a warm, minimalist room with manga murals and an open kitchen.

Chef-owner Ivan Orkin is obsessive about the details, from custom-blend handmade noodles to broths simmered for depth and balance. The menu hits all the high notes - tonkotsu, tori paitan, spicy miso red chilli - plus crunchy karaage and London exclusives like the salt beef bun and luxurious truffled vegetarian ramen. With Orkin's Tokyo ramen legacy and Chef's Table fame behind it, this is comfort food with serious credentials.

You'll have no doubt heard of Sketch, one of the capital's trendiest, most Instagram-famous restaurants. Situated in Soho, the grand venue, opened by Pierre Gagnair (who gained three Michelin stars for his eponymous restaurant in Paris) and Momo Mazouz in 2002, is a real treat for the eyes.

Not only will you find a three Michelin-starred restaurant here at The Lecture Room, but also a space themed after a magical forest at The Glade and the ever-quirky Parlour, to name just a few of this place's unique areas. Oh - and you of course have to visit the futuristic egg-shaped loos.

Cool restaurants? London Bridge's got you covered with Berenjak Borough. It brings the warmth and vibrancy of a traditional Iranian townhouse to the heart of the city, taking inspiration from the rural foothills of the Alborz mountains. A sister to the Soho original, this stunning space offers two distinct dining experiences: the bustling open kitchen downstairs, where guests can grab a seat at the counter and watch the chefs in action, and the intimate first-floor dining room, designed for feasting on Persian classics with friends and family.

The menu is a celebration of Iranian home cooking, inspired by the large family gatherings of chef Kian's childhood. Expect flavour-packed sharing dishes like Zereshk Pollow - charcoal rotisserie saffron chicken with sweet and sour barberries and a fresh Shirazi salad - alongside fragrant Persian stews, kababs, and signature mazeh.

Love pasta? then we've got just the place for you. Whether you're heading to their Shoreditch or Borough venue, Padella is a sleek spot for sumptuous Italian dining. Their intimate restaurants are always in demand, but it's worth queuing to get in here.

The menu switches up on a regular basis, but some of our favourites include the gnocchi with nutmeg butter, gorgonzola and sweet onion stracci or the Dorset crab tagliarini.

If you like your Thai flavours bold, your vibes effortlessly cool, and your cocktails dangerously good, then Chet's at The Hoxton, Shepherd's Bush is about to become your new obsession. This Thai-American hotspot fuses the fragrant, punchy flavours of Thailand with laid-back LA diner charm, all wrapped up in a setting that's equal parts Art Deco dream and Instagram gold - think soft coral tones, slinky leather booths (with privacy curtains, no less), and a glowing back-lit bar at its heart.

The menu? An inspired creation from cult chef Kris Yenbamroong (of NIGHT + MARKET fame), serving up weekend brunch bangers like banana French toast and the signature Bodega sandwich, stuffed with sai uah sausage and umami ketchup. 

It's not hard to see why Circolo Popolare gained such a name for itself. Following in the footsteps of its stylish sister Carlotta, the restaurant oozes cool with gorgeous interiors, picture-worthy dishes and an entire ceiling dedicated to a breathtaking floral installation.

Their menu changes on a monthly basis, but expect the likes of San Marzano tomato pizzas, homemade cheesy tortelloni and sirloin steaks. Basically, if you're looking to impress, you've found the place.

Created by ex-Hawksmoor chef Gordon Ker, Blacklock is a cool basement destination in Soho - on the site of a former brothel. The sleek steak restaurant flaunts sultry, dark interiors and an affordable menu, as well as a selection of great cocktails for under a tenner.

While sipping a Spiced Plumhattan or a Midnight Bramble, tuck into sumptuous cuts of meat. Think 55-day dry-aged steaks, lamb T-Bone chops, barbecued cauliflower and so much more.

HIDE offers an extraordinary dining experience overlooking Green Park in Central London, where natural daylight floods a stunning three-floor space. Michelin-starred and headed by renowned chef Ollie Dabbous, the restaurant combines modern elegance with an exceptional culinary journey, all complemented by a sophisticated bar curated by Hedonism Wines. 

Quality ingredients here are paramount, sourced from small producers to support Dabbous's product-driven philosophy. The menu offers a selection of tasting menus and à la carte delights, including Maldon oysters, Umai caviar, bluefin tuna with crushed tomato and fresh almonds. Oh, and we can't forget to mention the pecan and scorched banana croissant that steals the show at breakfast. 

A true pioneer of nose-to-tail dining, St. JOHN has been serving up its bold, ingredient-led cuisine since 1994 - fittingly housed in a former bacon smokehouse near Smithfield's meat market. A favourite of the late Anthony Bourdain, this legendary, Michelin-starred institution is more than just a restaurant; it's also home to a winery, a bakery, and two sister eateries in Marylebone and Spitalfields.

Seasonality sits at the heart of Fergus Henderson's sleek, bistro-style kitchen, where off-cuts of meat are transformed into innovative dishes rooted in traditional English cooking. Expect to tuck into plates like crispy pig's cheek with bobby beans and roast shallot, the iconic roast bone marrow, and a rich bread and butter pudding drenched in butterscotch sauce.

Bubala is up there when it comes to cool vegetarian restaurants in London. The Middle Eastern restaurant nestled in the heart of Soho also has a second location in Spitalfields after starting out as a beloved pop-up. The name 'Bubala', which means 'darling' in Yiddish, perfectly reflects the love and care poured into every dish, making it no surprise that each bite feels like a warm hug for the taste buds.

When on the hunt for cool London restaurants, Soho comes to mind as a great destination and with eateries like Speedboat Bar dishing out great Thai cuisine, we're not wrong. The brainchild of Luke Farrell, this neon-lit eatery is a love letter to the buzzing canteens of Bangkok, complete with eclectic décor and an electrifying atmosphere.

On the menu? Aromatic curries, fiery stir-fries, drunken noodles, and punchy seafood salads, all packed with acidity, spice, and serious flavour. These dishes are best enjoyed alongside whiskey sodas and towering sharers of ice-cold Singha beer - the ultimate combo for a night out. With a central bar, pool table, and a soundtrack of Thai pop and rock, Speedboat Bar keeps the party going until 1am on Fridays and Saturdays.

From the interiors (think terracotta tone walls and Scandinavian cutlery) to the Spanish menu, BiBo Shoreditch oozes cool and flair in all its aspects and you'll find it tucked away at Virgin Hotels in the heart of East London.

Expect to chow down on everything from tapas to paella, brunches and £25 six-course express lunch menus which include calamari, patatas bravas and more. The cocktails here are pretty impressive too, including a fruity Sweet William or the mezcal-based Jimador.