London has no shortage of incredible dining destinations which come A-list approved. If youre looking for dinner with a side of celebrity spotting, these are the places to visit.
As the favoured watering hole for stars and socialites, London's hospitality scene is constantly buzzing. Whether it's a fine dining venue or a sophisticated cocktail haunt, certain venues hold favour with the it-crowds.
From the moment they're photographed exiting, the reservation list is sure to soar... so having the inside scoop puts you one step ahead.
This West London gem is a magnet for big names, drawing them in with its upscale British fare and charming interiors. The gastropub offers a taste of the countryside in the heart of London, with a rotating menu showcasing the best of local produce. Elevated bar snacks include spider crab toast, welsh rarebit and mince on toast.
With a seemingly endless lineup of A-listers leaving the premises, Chiltern Firehouse the London restaurant du jour for quite some time. The reservation list is consistently full, which is no surprise given the star power of the patrons you might find yourself dining beside. The menu boasts the likes of lobster thermidor and premium cuts of rib-eye, with dishes possessing a distinct American undertone. The decommissioned fire station also contains a hotel, bar and outdoor terrace, making it the perfect place to transition from day to night.
Celebrity sightings: Suki Waterhouse, Lily Allen, Kylie Minogue, Lindsay Lohan, Taylor Swift
Brought to life by Artfarm, the hospitality group founded by gallerists, it is little surprise that the aesthetic of Mount Street is incredibly pleasing. Filled with fine art, the restaurant borders on a private gallery, with precious collections viewable up close. Putting a modern spin on British classics, the cuisine is a careful fusion of old and new. The lobster pie for two is consistently raved about and can be expertly paired with a bottle of wine from the venue's extensive collection.
Celebrity sightings: King Charles and Queen Camilla, Russell Crowe
Address: First Floor, 41-43 Mount St, London W1K 2RX
Located inside a boutique hotel of the same name, The Twenty Two is also home to a neighbourhood restaurant and private members club. With such a varied offering, it comes as no surprise that the venue attracts droves of social circles, some of whom are very well-known. The dining area is incredibly refined, with duck egg blue walls, marble fireplace and velvet chairs. Classics are done exceedingly well, with the menu divided into pastas, share plates and main courses. The grass-fed beef Wellington with mashed potato and roasted carrots is a year-round favourite.
This opulent Cantonese outpost has been a favoured spot for some of Britain's most beloved supermodels. China Tang is one of Kate Moss' favourite places to dine, so much so, that she celebrated her 45th birthday there in 2019. Its art-deco inspired interior is luxuriously golden, with chandeliers flooding the space in soft light. Traditional dim sum and Peking duck have been given the Mayfair treatment in a menu which celebrates the best of traditional Chinese fare.
A Mayfair postcode doesn't guarantee success, but Sexy Fish has proven it goes far beyond the glitter. Attracting a lengthly list of big names in the business, the venue takes the nautical aesthetic to an entirely new (and very chic) level. Decor comes courtesy of Damien Hirst with mermaid sculptures, hanging fish installations and a thirteen foot jewel-encrusted crocodile setting the tone. Inspired by the 'seas of Asia' with a keen focus on Japan, the menu ranges from a la carte options to Omakase tasting menus with everything from sashimi to shellfish. Dishes are plated on extravagant platters, with the innovative cocktail menu proving popular with the nighttime crowds.
Celebrity sightings: Jennifer Lawrence, Kendall Jenner
Address: Berkeley Square House, Berkeley Square, London W1J 6BR
The clientele at Isabel is almost exclusively glamorous. Sultry interiors, moody lighting and a memorable cocktail list have cemented this venue as a must-visit for anyone seeking a few hours of seclusion. Dishes are thoughtful and elevated, with the menu known to change in line with seasonality, usually with a Mediterranean slant. Isabel also houses a separate venue known as The Dragon Room, which is part private club, dining room and lounge bar.
Celebrity sightings: Hilary Duff, Sienna Miller, Princess Beatrice and Robert Pattinson
Otherworldly is one way to describe Sketch, the trendy townhouse serving everything from afternoon tea to late night drinks. In 2022, The Gallery switched from its iconic baby pink interior to hues of golden yellow, with the sunny transition proving just as joyful. The Lecture Room and Library won Sketch three Michelin stars, with its bold menu perfectly complimented by a theatrical aesthetic. The three story adult's playground is home to even more drinking and dining outlets, with each room an immersive experience in itself. Unsurprisingly, the one-of-a-kind atmosphere has attracted the likes of Taylor Swift, Bella Hadid and Serena Williams, all eager to snap a photo inside its instantly recognisable walls.
The Pursuit of Pleasure, a 52-year-old blended Scotch whisky from House of Hazelwood and Hedonism Wines, would make the perfect Christmas present for a whisky devotee.
As the festive season approaches, London’s vibrant dining scene is ready to dazzle with an array of delectable offerings designed to elevate your celebrations.
The end of the year is in sight, so if you haven't snapped up a private room for your annual family get-together, company party or reunion with friends, allow us to suggest some of the best in the capital.