So much is spoken about the different areas of London and how they each hold a unique personality. There is a certain inimitable air and energy in these neighbourhoods, created by years of history, heritage and influence, that binds the rich tapestry of the capital together in such a magical way. For the West End of London, this means timeless elegance where culture and commerce live hand in hand, from the theatres that once premiered Oscar Wilde plays to the luxury retail of Regent Street, with the storied past of Soho continuing to thrive as an iconic night time economy hotspot.
Over the last two decades, this whole enclave of Central London has also started to plant firm roots as a high-end culinary destination. Historic hotels and townhouses are now home to some of the brightest chefs in the world, creating innovative European cuisine that is attracting notable attention from those famous taste makers at the Michelin Guide.
Here are a few of our particular favourites for Spring 2025.
Akoko – Fitzrovia
The chance to experience exquisite traditional West African food and culture in the West End has been the main draw for Akoko since it opened its doors in late 2020. This genuinely does feel like a revelation for the London dining scene and the literal translation, meaning ‘The First’, seems very appropriate. With something this good, others are soon bound to follow. In only two years, the place had already earned its first Michelin star, through the leadership of Head Chef Ayo Adeyemi with his fascinating approach to dishes rooted in the flavours of Nigeria, Ghana and Senegal. Since late last year, Chef Mutaro Balde has taken the reins and Akoko continues to go from strength to strength.
It is the tasting menu here that remains the real star of the show, with Jollof Rice, Waina with Yassa Cream, Otoro with Tatase and Asun with Goat’s curd delivering some real heat and intense, smoky grilled notes. The interior design aligns perfectly with the style on the plates through terracotta walls, clean wooden lines and bespoke furniture like the cattle horn chairs for a touch of theatre too.
Evelyn’s Table – Soho
Intimacy and connection are amongst the defining factors that a restaurant is reaching for when it wants to gain serious credibility and renown. It appears that Evelyn’s Table has taken this to the extreme with its ultra-exclusive and limited 12-seat counter covers in a location underneath the famous 300-year-old Blue Posts pub on Rupert Street. This gives diners that chance to witness the artistry and craft on show, led by Head Chef Seamus Sam as he prepares a dinner to remember.
The brief here is to develop dishes with an international influence using only the finest British produce in a sustainable way. As the menu has evolved, one can expect to enjoy some innovative approaches to classics such as Beef Tartare, using Lake District beef in a miso emulsion with wild stinging nettle tempura, all presented on a wasabi leaf. And as the Michelin Star, awarded in 2023, clearly recognises, it works amazingly well.
With an inevitably cosy atmosphere, dictated by the surroundings, the brass accents and subtle lighting pay homage to the history of what was once a beer cellar and is now rated top of any West End restaurant list.
Ambassadors Clubhouse – Mayfair
A place of abundance, high spirits and generosity. That is how the tagline goes for this incredibly faithful recreation of the grandeur and opulence once found in historic Punjabi mansions of India and Pakistan. And it delivers on its promise in so many ways. With elements inspired by the Uch Sharif monuments and the Omary Hayat Mahal, the interiors were conceptualised and designed by North End Design to feature a huge gold dome in the main dining space. The additional private dining areas of Tamasha Room and the Raja Rani Room continue this with traditional motifs, bespoke tiling and elegant mirrored ceilings.
It was the Sethi siblings, Jyotin, Karam and Sunaina, who drew inspiration from their Indian Ambassador grandfather to create this now iconic London dining landmark. The signature dishes such as the Mughlai-inspired Guinea Fowl Changezi pay authentic tribute to the flavours of the Punjab with some exciting modern techniques. For those who want to explore this incredible culinary heritage a little further, there is even a Spice Library Menu that allows for a journey across some of the lesser-known ingredients of the region. A truly remarkable restaurant.
Sael – St James’s
So much information can be taken from the naming choices of restaurants. They offer useful insight into the influences and aims of the owners and can often highlight the overall intention of what they are trying to achieve. Sael is an Old English word that signifies season, time and occasion. It acts as the perfect mission statement for this beautiful restaurant in St James’s Market, celebrating British heritage through seasonal dishes.
Executive Chef, Dale Bainbridge, has developed a menu that moves beyond the three-course staple to offer both large and small plates such as Marmite Custard Tart with Umai Caviar and their infamous 100-layer Hereford snail and ox cheek lasagna, leading the way for a keen culinary marriage of innovation and tradition. The banquettes, marble tabletops and dark oak panelling evoke a sense of the modern British brasserie, with added influence of 20th-century cultural icons appearing on the walls for further effect. The food critic Giles Coren of The Times has praised this place as “one of London’s great eating rooms,” and it intelligently manages to understand just how much nostalgia is required to dovetail with modern style for a comfortable and unique gastronomic experience.
For such an important part of such an important city, London’s West End has to cover a lot of ground. The fact that these restaurants, and a growing collection of others, are gaining global recognition for a culinary scene amongst this land of incredible theatre history, cultural significance and historic appeal does speak volumes about the strength of their offerings. So much so that the star billing attraction for this neighbourhood in the capital may soon be about to change forever.
