London is a feast for the eyes—and your taste buds. From floral-covered cafes to rooftop restaurants with skyline views, this city is packed with dining spots that practically beg for a spot on your Instagram feed. Whether it’s quirky decor, artistic dishes, or jaw-dropping views, London’s restaurants are redefining what it means to dine in style.
Picture sipping cocktails under a ceiling of pink blossoms at Sketch, indulging in pastel pastries at Peggy Porschen, or enjoying gourmet eats with a stunning Thames backdrop at Duck & Waffle. This city isn’t just about the food; it’s about the whole vibe.
So, if you’re ready to explore photogenic dining spots after you fly to London, let’s dive into the 12 most Instagrammable restaurants in the city. Your followers will thank you!
👉 Pro Tip: The Secret Food Tour in London is a foodie dream! You’ll try classics like fish and chips and uncover hidden gems. Come hungry and let your guide dish out all the local tips—it’s a tasty way to explore the city!

At a glance: London’s coolest restaurants
Before we dive into the full list, let me share some standout spots that really blew me away.
- Overall most beautiful setting: Petersham Nurseries Cafe
- Best rooftop views: 14 Hills & Darwin Brasserie
- Most unique art: Brasserie of Light
- Best seafood: Seabird
- Most glamorous: sketch
Now, let’s get into the details and explore each of these amazing spots. First up, let’s dive into the iconic sketch.
1. sketch
- 📍 Location: Mayfair
- 💲 Price range: $70 – $150+ per person (Afternoon Tea/Dinner varies)
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Modern European / Afternoon Tea / Fine Dining
- 🔥 Standout Features: Iconic pink Gallery room, futuristic toilet pods, multiple uniquely themed rooms.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Instagrammers, afternoon tea, and avant-garde dining.
Step into a whimsical wonderland at sketch in Mayfair, where art, food, and fantasy collide! This iconic spot features uniquely themed rooms, including the plush, all-pink Gallery (perfect for afternoon tea) and the enchanted forest-like Glade. Even the space-age pod toilets serve as a photo op! The atmosphere buzzes with chic, artistic energy.
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Make it a point to experience their famous sketch’s iconic pink afternoon tea, a multi-tiered delight of exquisite pastries and sandwiches. For dinner, consider indulging in innovative Modern European cuisine, with standout dishes like osetra caviar or the artistic ‘Bubo’ chocolate dessert. It’s an absolute feast for the eyes and the palate.
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2. Circolo Popolare
Step into Circolo Popolare and it’s like walking straight into an over-the-top Sicilian paradise. Think twinkling fairy lights, walls literally stacked with hundreds of bottles of spirits, and epic handwritten menus longer than your arm. The sharing-style plates here are ideal for Instagram, but the giant Carbonara served in a pecorino wheel is the absolute showstopper – you’ve got to see (and taste) it to believe it. Don’t skip the fluffy lemon meringue pie; it’s the size of your head and has a cult following for good reason. You’ll find it tucked away in Fitzrovia, so after your pasta feast you can wander up to Regent’s Park. I still dream about that creamy Burrata with pistachio pesto – it’s pure magic!

3. Winter Garden
- 📍 Location: Marylebone (The Landmark London hotel)
- 💲 Price range: $60 – $100+ per person (Afternoon Tea/Dinner)
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Modern European / Afternoon Tea / Fine Dining
- 🔥 Standout Features: Glass-roofed eight-story atrium, towering palm trees, elegant fine dining/afternoon tea.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Luxurious afternoon tea, romantic special occasions, and dining under the stars (indoors!).
Dine under a canopy of glass and towering palm trees at the Winter Garden, nestled within the breathtaking eight-story atrium of The Landmark London hotel. This stunning space is an oasis of tranquility and elegance, flooded with natural light by day and romantically lit by night. The gentle clinking of china and quiet conversation create a serene atmosphere.
Be sure to experience their renowned afternoon tea, a truly decadent affair. For an elegant dinner, refined Modern European cuisine is on offer, featuring classics such as Dover sole meunière or a perfectly executed beef Wellington. It’s a perfect escape for a luxurious treat or a very special, light-filled celebration.

4. Hoppers
Hoppers is your go-to for Sri Lankan-inspired comfort food, served up in a lively, buzzing space. The interiors are full of vintage posters, cane chairs, and playful pops of color – super cozy but unmistakably cool. Their bone marrow varuval with homemade roti is unmissable, and the signature namesake hoppers (bowl-shaped pancakes with coconut chutneys) look as good as they taste. Cocktails are bright and punchy – ask for the Arrack Attack. The Soho location puts you near Chinatown and Carnaby Street for post-dinner exploring. On my last visit, the black pork kari totally stole the show. Pro tip: go early to beat the queues!

5. Sexy Fish
- 📍 Location: Berkley Square
- 💲 Price range: $100 – $200+ per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Modern Asian / Seafood / Sushi
- 🔥 Standout Features: Damien Hirst-designed interior, high-end Asian-inspired seafood/sushi.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Luxury and art lovers; high-end Asian seafood.
Dive into a world of decadent glamour and dazzling art at Sexy Fish in Berkley Square! This hotspot is an absolute feast for the eyes, with an opulent, aquatic-themed interior designed by Damien Hirst, featuring incredible mermaid sculptures and a giant crocodile relief. The atmosphere is pure, unadulterated luxury and buzz, often with a celebrity clientele. The air is filled with the scent of high-end Japanese cuisine and expensive perfume.
The culinary journey here often includes their exquisite sushi and sashimi platters, signature dishes like the black cod den miso, and the popular crispy duck salad. It’s a place to dress to impress and experience Mayfair’s most glamorous and artistic side. This is where fine dining meets high fashion.

6. Gunpowder Tower Bridge
If modern Indian cooking and industrial-chic interiors are your thing, Gunpowder by Tower Bridge will instantly win you over. It’s all about big, bold flavors in sharing plates – think spicy Kashmiri lamb chops and their much-loved molten spice chocolate cake. Floor-to-ceiling windows flood the space with light and, if you snag the right seat, you’ll catch magical glimpses of the iconic bridge itself. Perfect for quick bites before a stroll along the Thames or a visit to the nearby Tower of London. I’m still telling friends about their smoked mackerel pate on toast – ridiculously good.
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7. Darwin Brasserie
- 📍 Location: Sky Garden
- 💲 Price range: $50 – $90 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Modern European / British Brasserie
- 🔥 Standout Features: Located within Sky Garden (London’s highest public garden), panoramic city views.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Dining with city views, date nights, and modern European food.
Elevate your dining experience (literally!) at Darwin Brasserie, located within the lush Sky Garden. This spot offers simply breathtaking panoramic views of the London skyline from London’s highest public garden. The atmosphere is relaxed yet sophisticated, with a modern brasserie feel amidst tropical greenery.
The menu offers delights like classic fish and chips, the satisfying Darwin burger, or a traditional Sunday roast, all while gazing out at the sprawling cityscape. It’s an unbeatable combination of great food and truly epic views. (Book Sky Garden access in advance!)

8. Mallow Borough Market
Mallow is a plant-based beauty right at the edge of Borough Market. It nails that airy, contemporary vibe with blush pinks and hanging greenery everywhere – your camera roll will love it. Menus change by season, but the wild mushroom croquettes and the rainbow-bright market thali are constant standouts. Everything’s designed for max flavor (not just for vegans), and sweet tooths should not miss the fluffy yuzu cheesecake. Afterward, you can wander Borough Market or check out the riverwalk. For me, the real treat was their creative take on cocktails – the hibiscus spritz is pure summer in a glass.

9. Jacuzzi
- 📍 Location: Kensington
- 💲 Price range: $50 – $90+ per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Italian / Sicilian
- 🔥 Standout Features: Multi-level “pleasure palace” decor, Sicilian-inspired interiors with a retractable glass roof.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Instagrammable Italian feasts, group dinners, and experiencing a maximalist fantasy.
Prepare to be utterly dazzled by the sheer opulence of Jacuzzi in Kensington! This isn’t just an Italian restaurant; it’s a multi-level “pleasure palace,” a maximalist fantasy of stunning Sicilian-inspired interiors, complete with a retractable glass roof, towering trees, and extravagant details at every turn. The air is alive with a festive, almost theatrical energy.
Guests often rave about their decadent Italian and Sicilian fare, such as the show-stopping truffle pasta served from a cheese wheel, a massive cotoletta alla Milanese, or the visually impressive lemon pie XXL. It’s a place designed to wow, perfect for a celebration or a night of pure, unadulterated Italian indulgence.

10. Bancone Covent Garden
Bancone turns pasta-making into pure art. It’s the kind of place where you’ll spot chefs rolling fresh dough just feet from your bar stool. Inside, golden lighting and curvy marble counters give this spot major date-night energy. Their signature silk handkerchief pasta with walnut butter keeps people coming back, but honestly, every plate is an Instagram dream. Sit up at the bar for front-row seats to the action (seriously – the pasta theatrics are hypnotic). After you’re done, catch a show at the nearby West End theatres. The last time I went, I got a double-portion of the duck ragu tagliatelle – zero regrets.

11. The NoMad Restaurant
- 📍 Location: Covent Garden
- 💲 Price range: $100 – $200+ per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: New American / Fine Dining / Modern European
- 🔥 Standout Features: Stunning glass atrium, former courthouse setting, lush plants, located in NoMad Hotel.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Special occasions, impressive dates, and architectural admirers.
The NoMad Restaurant is set in a stunning, three-story glass atrium that’s overflowing with plants. The whole place is bathed in natural light, and the air hums with a sophisticated, energetic buzz. It’s a jaw-dropping space that feels both grand and totally alive.
The food absolutely lives up to the insane setting. You are here for the legendary whole roast chicken for two, stuffed with foie gras and black truffle—it’s a total showstopper. Another must-try is the inventive carrot tartare. It’s elevated, perfectly executed food that makes this one of the most complete dining experiences in London.

12. Ave Mario
If maximalist Italian glamour is your vibe, Ave Mario might be your new obsession. This place is pure joy: LED arches, bold prints, velvet booths, even a mirrored bathroom that practically demands a selfie. Food is delightfully over-the-top too; the 60cm gelato cake is legendary, but don’t sleep on the truffle cacio e pepe. Cocktails arrive in dazzling glassware, perfect for the ‘gram. Located in Covent Garden, it’s a toss-up between grabbing a seat in the garden room or finding one of the wacky “confessional booths.” When I visited, I couldn’t stop smiling – it’s just a flat-out fun night out with great food.

13. YOPO
- 📍 Location: Fitzrovia (The Mandrake Hotel)
- 💲 Price range: $70 – $120+ per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Modern European / South American Influences
- 🔥 Standout Features: Exotic decor, creative South American cuisine.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Adventurous dining experiences, lovers of art-focused hotels, and modern European food.
Embark on a culinary adventure to the Amazon (by way of Fitzrovia!) at YOPO, located within the incredibly stylish and artistic Mandrake Hotel. This restaurant is a feast for the senses, with stunning, exotic, botanical-themed decor that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a luxurious jungle hideaway. The cuisine is modern European with vibrant South American influences.
Diners are often captivated by their creative and beautifully presented dishes, such as zesty ceviche, flavorful corn empanadas, or the tender octopus with ‘Nduja. It’s a sophisticated and adventurous spot for a truly memorable and transportive meal.
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14. Arcade Food Hall
Arcade Food Hall in Tottenham Court Road is London’s answer to a food lover’s playground. Under one modern roof, there’s a global line-up: everything from juicy Thai fried chicken to Korean barbecue tacos, all with proper photo-ready plating. The vibe is both sleek and bustling, with communal tables and neon accents – groups and solo diners blend in seamlessly. Don’t miss the Shatta Spiced Chicken Sandwich or the Japanese Sando – both ridiculously photogenic. If you’re into people watching, grab an upstairs seat overlooking the whole hall. I lost track of time bouncing between food counters here – you’ll want to sample *everything*.

15. Bacchanalia
- 📍 Location: Mayfair
- 💲 Price range: $150 – $300+ per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Greco-Roman / Mediterranean / Fine Dining
- 🔥 Standout Features: Damien Hirst-designed Greco-Roman fantasy interior, over-the-top theatrical dining, and high-end Mediterranean cuisine.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Lovers of extreme luxury and theatricality, and an unforgettable (and very expensive) bacchanal.
Prepare for a dining experience of mythical proportions at Bacchanalia in Mayfair! This place is an absolute monument to opulence and excess, a Greco-Roman fantasy brought to life with jaw-dropping Damien Hirst sculptures, soaring ceilings, and an atmosphere of pure, unadulterated indulgence. It’s less a restaurant and more a theatrical performance. The air is thick with the scent of luxury and ambition.
Dining here presents an opportunity to savor high-end Mediterranean cuisine, featuring extravagant options like a luxurious caviar service, impressive whole grilled fish, or decadent lobster pasta, often presented with dramatic flair. It’s an incredibly expensive, over-the-top, and utterly unforgettable experience for those seeking the ultimate in Mayfair extravagance.
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16. Bubala Soho
Tucked in a lively corner of Soho, Bubala is a vegetarian gem that goes heavy on Middle Eastern charm. The interiors channel Tel Aviv with warm woods, table candles, and open shelves of spices and ceramics. Their hummus with burnt butter is absurdly addictive, and the halloumi with black seed honey is the stuff of legend. Smaller than most, it’s cozy and undeniably intimate, perfect for grazing with friends before heading out to Soho’s nightlife. The za’atar manousheh is my top tip for first-timers – you’ll be ordering seconds before you know it.

17. 14 Hills
- 📍 Location: Fen Court
- 💲 Price range: $60 – $100+ per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Modern European / British / Rooftop Restaurant
- 🔥 Standout Features: Stunning rooftop “forest in the sky” decor with panoramic city views, all-day dining, sophisticated cocktails.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Business lunches or dinners, stylish drinks, and modern European food.
Escape to a “forest in the sky” at 14 Hills, a stunning rooftop restaurant and bar in the heart of the City of London. This place is an urban oasis, with lush greenery, towering trees, and incredible panoramic views of the city skyline creating a truly magical atmosphere. The decor is vibrant and sophisticated.
Highlights from the menu include modern European and British-inspired dishes such as perfectly grilled sea bream, flavorful steak frites, or a comforting seasonal risotto, all while soaking in the incredible views. Their cocktail bar is also a major draw. It’s a fantastic spot for an impressive meal or stylish drinks high above the city.

18. Aqua Kyoto
Sleek, sexy, and set high above Regent Street, Aqua Kyoto is rooftopping at its finest. The massive terrace gives you sweeping city views, while the main dining room is a moody blend of dark woods, origami-inspired lighting, and plush velvet. Sushi and Japanese fusion dishes are served with a theatrical flourish – the dragon roll and truffle hamachi sashimi arrive looking like modern art. Order a yuzu sake cocktail and prep your phone for sunset snaps. Shopping at Liberty is steps away, but honestly, it’s tough to leave once you settle in. I was majorly impressed by the DJ spinning as the city lights came up – the energy is unbeatable.

19. Petersham Nurseries Cafe
- 📍 Location: Richmond
- 💲 Price range: $70 – $120+ per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Italian-Inspired / Seasonal / Farm-to-Table
- 🔥 Standout Features: Greenhouse setting within a plant nursery, rustic-chic decor, seasonal Italian-inspired food.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Romantic lunches, garden settings, and fresh Italian cuisine.
Dine in an absolute fairytale setting at Petersham Nurseries Cafe in Richmond (with a sister location in Covent Garden). This enchanting restaurant is housed within a stunning glasshouse, surrounded by a beautiful plant nursery, creating a truly magical, rustic-chic atmosphere. The air is fragrant with flowers, herbs, and the aroma of delicious, seasonal Italian-inspired food.
The experience here revolves around savoring beautifully simple yet incredibly flavorful dishes, often featuring ingredients grown on-site or sourced locally – think delicate burrata with seasonal accompaniments, perfectly made handmade pasta, or the popular courgette flower fritti. It’s a truly special and utterly charming dining experience.

20. Sticks’n’Sushi Covent Garden
Sticks’n’Sushi serves up slick Danish-Japanese fusion in the beating heart of Covent Garden. Long tables, pendant lights, and minimalist black-and-wood décor make it feel relaxed yet stylish. You’ll want to order a sushi “boat” for the sheer spectacle alone – each piece comes perfectly arranged, almost too pretty to eat. For something different, try the grilled yakitori skewers – the chili-glazed chicken hearts are a bold pick. Handy for a pre- or post-theatre meal, especially if you sit by the open kitchen. Not gonna lie, the sashimi presentation here is a next-level photo op!

21. Seabird
- 📍 Location: Southwark, (The Hoxton, Southwark Rooftop)
- 💲 Price range: $60 – $100+ per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Seafood / Spanish & Portuguese Influenced / Rooftop
- 🔥 Standout Features: London’s longest oyster list, panoramic city views, Spanish/Portuguese-inspired seafood.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Oyster fanatics, seafood lovers, and stylish rooftop dining.
Get ready for an ocean of flavor with a sky-high view at Seabird, perched atop The Hoxton hotel in Southwark! This stunning rooftop restaurant boasts what’s reportedly London’s longest oyster list, alongside incredible panoramic views of the city skyline. The vibe is chic and breezy, with a vibrant Spanish and Portuguese influence.
It’s highly recommended to indulge in a platter of their fresh oysters and explore their menu of delicious, Iberian-inspired seafood dishes, like grilled octopus or flavorful prawns al ajillo. It’s the perfect spot for a sophisticated seafood feast with a breathtaking backdrop.

22. Dishoom Shoreditch
Dishoom in Shoreditch feels like time travel in the coolest way. The Bombay canteen vibes are strong: mismatched furniture, sepia portraits, and a playlist of retro Bollywood tunes. Food is vibrant and super shareable – the bacon naan roll is legendary at breakfast, while the house black daal is a must at any hour. Cocktails come with a fun twist – the Chaijito (tea + mojito) is a game changer. I love snagging a spot in the glass-walled veranda, especially if it’s drizzling outside. From here, you’re mere steps from Boxpark and all of Shoreditch’s vintage shopping and street art.

23. Brasserie of Light
- 📍 Location: Selfridges (Oxford Street)
- 💲 Price range: $70 – $120+ per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Modern British / European / All-Day Dining
- 🔥 Standout Features: Crystal-encrusted Pegasus sculpture by Damien Hirst, Art Deco-inspired setting within Selfridges.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Stylish shopping breaks and glamorous lunches or dinners.
Dine under the dazzling gaze of a giant, crystal-encrusted Pegasus at Brasserie of Light, located within the iconic Selfridges department store! This place is pure glamour, with a stunning Art Deco-inspired interior dominated by Damien Hirst’s incredible Pegasus sculpture. The atmosphere is chic, buzzy, and utterly fabulous.
The menu invites guests to enjoy modern British and European dishes, from the savory Pegasus pie to elegant tuna tartare or indulgent lobster spaghetti. It’s the perfect spot for a stylish escape during a shopping spree or a glamorous meal in its own right. This is where fashion meets fine food.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about London’s most Instagrammable restaurants
Planning a visit to London? Learn about the trendiest restaurants for your Instagram feed in our FAQs.
Where is the best area to eat in London?
The best area to eat in London has to be Soho. It’s a foodie paradise with a vibrant mix of restaurants offering everything from traditional British fare to exotic international cuisines. You’ll find trendy spots, cafes, and Michelin-starred restaurants all packed into this lively neighborhood.
Where do celebs eat in London?
Celebrities love dining in London’s Mayfair. With its upscale restaurants and luxurious atmosphere, it’s the go-to spot for stars. Places like The Ivy, Sexy Fish, and Nobu are often buzzing with famous faces. If you’re looking to dine where the stars do, Mayfair is the place to be.

What is the most famous restaurant in London?
The most famous restaurant in London is probably Sketch. Known for its quirky decor and unique dining experiences, Sketch has become an iconic destination. With its stunning interiors, art installations, and delicious food, it’s a must-visit for anyone wanting to experience the best of London’s dining scene.
Is it expensive to eat out in London?
Eating out in London can be pricey, but there are options for every budget. While upscale restaurants like those in Mayfair and Soho can be expensive, there are plenty of affordable spots throughout the city offering delicious food. From food markets to charming cafes, London has something for everyone’s wallet.

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