The capital of the UK is one of the world’s premier destinations for fine dining, on par with Paris, Tokyo, and New York. With an impressive portfolio of Michelin-starred restaurants and innovative and experimental establishments, London is pushing the dining scene to new heights of distinction and visual appeal. It is of no surprise that as a result of such marvellous culinary pedigree, London should also be home to some of the world’s most beautiful restaurants.
Whilst some establishments certainly prefer to let their food take centre stage and keep the decorations to a minimum, London is home to more than a few fine restaurants that believe in keeping all things equal when it comes to effort and presentation. From fantastic locations to themes that the decorators let run wild, the following selections are the most beautiful restaurants in London.
Annabel’s, Mayfair
Originally founded in 1963, Annaebel’s was one of the most exclusive playgrounds for the fabulously rich, royal, and famous. Named after the wife of its founder and owner, Mark Birley, Annabel’s was at the heart of the London social scene throughout the golden age of nightclubs in the city, and to this day, has an extensive international membership, with more than 14,000 outstanding applicants vying for a place on the list. Since relocating two doors down and undergoing a £54 million renovation, Annabel’s now holds four restaurants which are among the most beautiful that can be found anywhere in London.
Each room at Annabel's varies wildly from the next. The word “maximalist” has never been more appropriate to use to describe the volume of both decoration and quality that is found here. Walking through the premises is reminiscent of turning the pages of an art history book, passing from opulent Baroque, into poppy Art-Deco. Amidst the fabulous detail of the Elephant Bar, guests appreciate a sense of old-world grandeur that feels reminiscent of British-ruled India. The main dining room, draped in gold and marble with its eye-catching chandeliers, has striking resemblances to the Royal Pavilion in Brighton. Short of dining in a palace, few establishments in London can match the extravagance that is on display at Annabel's.
Bourne & Hollingsworth, Clerkenwell
This Victorian-era building has an industrial-age feel to it, but once inside, guests are transported into a beautiful greenhouse, complete with floral garden chairs, hanging pots and climbers, and an abundance of natural light. An offshoot of the original Bourne & Hollingsworth cocktail bar, the Clerkenwell property was designed to blend the look and feel of the conservatory from a Victorian countryside home, as an intimate space for socialising away from the busy streets of the area.
A popular spot for brunch, the restaurant swaps the old-world glamour and opulence of our previous entry for white-washed brickwork, comfortable leather armchairs, and floral patterns on most surfaces and ornaments. It’s a bright and inviting low-key space, that offers a refreshing alternative to the more ornate and grandiose premises of London’s city centre.
Brasserie Of Light, Selfridges
One of London’s most iconic department stores underwent a major expansion under the guidance of acclaimed Swedish architect, Martin Brudnizki, culminating in the opening of the Brasserie Of Light in 2018. The art-deco restaurant interior, complete with plush, velvet cushions, mirrored walls, and geometric floor tiling, is an immersive dining space, illuminated in celestial blue tones that push the futuristic/heavenly theme further.
But the centrepiece of this ambitious space is nothing if not outright divine. A crystal-encrusted statue of the mighty Pegasus, standing an impressive 24 feet tall, commands the room. Created by acclaimed British artist Damien Hirst, diners will not resist but be drawn to the shimmering creature of Greek mythology. Brasserie of Light is thoroughly chic and delightful for diners who will enjoy the spectacle of its equine figurehead sparkling long into the night.
Bacchanalia, Mayfair
The distinguished duo of Brudnizki and Hirst returned in 2022 for a collaboration that couldn’t be further away from our previous entry. The figure of Pegasus makes a triumphant reappearance for a touch of familiarity (in marble), however, Bacchanalia has more in common with the Sistine Chapel than it does with any of the restaurants in London. The celebration of the ancient world, complete with towering sculptures, hand-painted ceiling frescos, and copious amounts of marble, is the closest guests will ever get to experiencing the height of the Roman Empire.
Bacchanalia is the feast day of the Roman god Bacchus, the patron deity of wine and festivals, a motif that is so detailed at this restaurant it's even etched into the cutlery and plates. The staff take things one step further by l wearing similar “tunic” style uniforms, complete with leather vambraces, greaves, and sandals, to push the theme to its absolute max. It is a preposterous setting that defies all expectations and ideas of convention, and a thoroughly enjoyable place to dine in London.
14 Hills, City Of London
Aptly dubbed “The Forest In The Sky”, 14 Hills is an immersive, jungle-like environment complete with hanging plants and trees, fabulously detailed wallpaper, and stunning views of the London skyline from its loft perch on the 14th floor at Fen Court. With a colonial period charm, plush furnishings, and jungle-like atmosphere, the restaurant is particularly captivating by night. As the sun sets, the foliage casts shadows across every corner, with the light of dozens of small lanterns and table lamps creating a dream-like atmosphere.
This, in turn, provides a wonderful opportunity for diners to enjoy a meal watching the lights come on across London from their “tree-top canopy”. Leading with the theme, 14 Hills serves an exceptional range of botanical cocktails for guests to enjoy amongst the lush, vibrant colours and furnishings of one of London’s most beautiful rooftop bars.
Sketch – The Gallery, Mayfair
Sketch – The Gallery, was already one of the city’s most appreciated and striking restaurants before it underwent a total revamp in 2022. The original rosé interior was reimagined, replacing the bubblegum pink decor with bold yellow hues inspired by textiles and patterns from Africa. Much of the original layout remains, including the seating layout carrying over the familiar, Parisian parlour style which Sketch transported from its motherland along with its Michelin cuisine.
From custom-made ceramic tableware to the carefully curated and quirky art collection adorning its walls, which includes mask quilts collected by Pablo Picasso – The Gallery is not lacking in style since its makeover. The whimsical, impulsive elements of the old restaurant remain despite the change in interior, offering diners a feast for the eyes as much as for the palate amongst such undeniably unique style.
