The Most Expensive Restaurants in London

London's culinary scene represents a melting pot of cuisines, where the quest for the finest dining is endless. Amid the many expensive restaurants dotted throughout the city's landscape, discerning diners seek not just a meal, but an experience – an immersion into culinary excellence and luxury. For those who want nothing but the best, London has one of the greatest selections of fine restaurants in the world, restaurants that redefine the boundaries of extravagance. Join us on a journey through the city's most exclusive dining destinations, where excess knows no bounds, as we look at the most expensive restaurants in London.

The Araki

Offering only nine spaces, The Araki is renowned as one of London's most exclusive dining establishments. The restaurant maintains a strict policy of locking its doors 30 minutes after the booking to facilitate an uninterrupted encounter, meaning dining at The Araki is more than just eating; it’s a whole sensory experience.

Embracing a prestigious 200-year-old sushi technique originating in Tokyo, The Araki invites guests to place their trust – and their taste buds – in the hands of head chef Marty Lau, who provides some of the best Japanese fare in town.

The restaurant presents just one set menu – known as the ‘Sushi "Omakase" Chef's Set Menu’ – and patrons are guided through a curated selection of fresh Japanese dishes, showcasing locally sourced ingredients, all expertly prepared and plated right before their eyes. At £310 per person, dinner at The Araki is easily one of the most expensive in London.

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Restaurant Gordon Ramsay

As one of only six London restaurants boasting three Michelin stars, Restaurant Gordon Ramsay delivers classic French cuisine paired with unparalleled service that leaves a lasting impression. Under the guidance of head chef and co-owner Matt Abé, the restaurant maintains the exceptional standards for which it is renowned.

The multi-course menus feature premium ingredients sourced from various regions across the UK, including Cumbrian Blue Grey and Cornish turbot, offering a culinary journey like no other.

Lunch at Ramsay’s Restaurant will set you back £125, while the a la carte options are all priced at  £180. With a £210 Prestige menu and a £260 Carte Blanche menu, discerning visitors will be safe in the knowledge that they are dining at the top table in terms of the most expensive London restaurants.

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Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester

At this sophisticated restaurant, you can savour a piece of France right in the midst of London's busy streets. Their seasonal menu, carefully crafted by executive chef Jean-Philippe Blondet, takes you on an authentic culinary journey, and if you're looking for something truly special, you can opt for the exclusive experience of Table Lumière, nestled in the heart of the restaurant and surrounded by 4,500 shimmering fibre optics.

Another three Michelin-starred establishment, Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester presents a three-course a la carte menu for £215, which boasts sublime dishes such as the Lobster Medallion. A seven-course tasting menu is also available for £285, while a seven-course Jardin menu will set you back £250, making this refined restaurant one of London’s most expensive.

Restaurant Story

A two-Michelin-Star venue, “Story”, as those in the know refer to it, presents a range of masterful dishes, carefully curated for the restaurant’s tasting menu. 

Chef Tom Sellers’ menu is highly authentic; a culinary journey through the British seasons, culminating in one of the very best tasting menus around. Delicate and masterful, there are nine courses to get through on both the lunch and dinner menus, priced at £250 – which represents exceptional value for the quality on offer.

As a guest at this remarkable establishment, you won’t be presented with a menu; Chef Tom is consistently altering the odd dish, but you can be sure that the very best produce will feature in each and every dish. As an added extra, Restaurant Story can be hired out for corporate events or more intimate gatherings between friends and family.

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The Ritz Restaurant

With its timeless elegance and unrivalled grandeur, The Ritz Restaurant offers a dining experience steeped in tradition and luxury. From its luxurious dining room adorned with chandeliers to its impeccable service and classic British cuisine, dining at The Ritz is a traditional London affair.

An iconic staple of the capital’s dining scene, the Ritz boasts both five and seven-course tasting menus, priced at £199 and £221 per person. The in-house sommelier can also advise on which wines should be paired with each course, including time-honoured favourites such as the Cornish Sea Bass, Bresse Duck, and Dorset Crab.

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Le Gavroche

Established by Michel and Albert Roux in 1967, Le Gavroche has earned its place as a bastion of culinary excellence, having trained some of the world's finest chefs, including Gordon Ramsay and Marco Pierre White. Today, the restaurant is under the leadership of Albert's son, Michel Jr, who continues to uphold the tradition of serving exquisite French classics deserving of its two Michelin stars.

Featuring two Michelin stars and a menu crafted from the finest seasonal ingredients such as John Dory, venison, truffle, and British cheese, dining at Le Gavroche promises an unforgettable gastronomic experience. While the price point reflects the restaurant's commitment to exceptional quality, the reputation of the Roux family ensures that every penny spent is indeed worthwhile. 

As an added extra, La Gavroche also offers a range of merchandise including branded plates, knives, aprons and T-shirts.

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Hélène Darroze at The Connaught

Hélène Darroze's culinary journey began in Paris, where she achieved recognition as a Michelin-starred chef before bringing her talents to London with the opening of her grand restaurant in 2008. As a fourth-generation descendant of a family steeped in culinary tradition, Darroze's French gourmet cuisine celebrates the finest ingredients sourced from her native Landes region in southwest France, as well as from local suppliers in London.

The tasting menu at Hélène Darroze evolves with the seasons, ensuring guests experience the freshest and most exceptional ingredients available. Darroze's precise culinary style lends itself to a premium selection of British-led ingredients, expertly crafted to showcase her distinctive touch. Complementing the culinary experience are wine pairings that not only feature renowned labels but also highlight lesser-known producers from hidden corners, combining the dining experience with richness and mystery.

The restaurant has, since its inception, been awarded three Michelin stars and provides options such as the £125 lunch menu and an eight-course tasting menu priced at £225. The restaurant also boasts some exceptional pairing wines, which are served alongside the courses.

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The Ledbury

Located in the plush London neighbourhood of Notting Hill, The Ledbury is one of the most exclusive restaurants in the area, serving as an education in refinement.

The three-Michelin-starred restaurant, helmed by head chefs Brett Graham and Tom Spencely, offers an exquisite lunch tasting menu, with options of both six and eight courses. The dinner tasting menu, at £285, represents one of the pricier options in town, but the quality of fare on offer makes that price well worth it. In addition, there is a matching wine option for £150.

Due to the ever-increasing demands of customers, the restaurant employs a policy of not catering to specific dietary requirements, so visitors should be aware that non-dairy, vegan and other requirements cannot be accommodated. Guests should also take notice that The Ledbury also adds an 8.5% service charge, in addition to a £75 corkage fee should you wish to bring your preferred tipple with you.

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CORE by Clare Smyth

According to the Michelin Guide, “Clare Smyth really focuses on the whole experience”, and that assessment is clear after one visit to CORE. Located in Notting Hill, this charming fine-dining establishment also boasts three Michelin stars – Smyth is also a protégé of world-renowned chef Gordon Ramsay.

Every ingredient at CORE has been carefully sourced, while seasonal favourites such as the Porthilly oysters and the Herdwick Lamb take pride of place among some of the most refined fare in London. The Core Seasons menu is a seven-course tasting menu priced at £265 and offers delightful dishes such as the Merrifield farm duck, in addition to a £175 wine pairing. The Core Classics option – priced at £255 – once again consists of seven courses and includes standouts such as the aforementioned Herdwick Lamb.

CORE also boasts a fine a la carte lunch and dinner menu for £195 and £225 respectively, placing it among the most expensive restaurants in London.

In a city renowned for its culinary diversity and innovation, London's most expensive restaurants stand out as beacons of luxury, elegance, and gastronomic excellence. From intimate sushi counters to grand dining rooms adorned with crystal chandeliers, these establishments offer discerning diners an unparalleled journey through the world of fine dining. Whether seeking an opulent experience or a taste of culinary perfection, London's most expensive restaurants promise an unforgettable journey.