Travel Guide
Best of restaurants, clubs and art galleries in London
London's culinary and art scenes are among the most dynamic globally, balancing classical traditions with bold, contemporary innovations. This guide highlights the handpicked favourites of Ashish Vasudeva, Head of Clients at VAR Capital, reflecting exceptional standards of quality, creativity, and service.
Fine Dining & Culinary Excellence
Ikoyi (St. James's)
European fine dining incorporating Nigerian ingredients and flavours. Refined, compositionally interesting, and currently the most exciting fine dining restaurant in London.
ikoyilondon.com
020 3583 4660
The Ritz (Green Park)
Classical French cooking in an opulent, grand room. The langoustine a la nage is a must-order.
theitzlondon.com
020 7300 2370
Alex Dilling at Hotel Café Royal (Piccadilly)
An accomplished two Michelin-starred contemporary and classical French restaurant.
hotelcaferoyal.com/eat-drink/alex-dilling
020 7459 4022
Italian Favourites
River Café (Hammersmith)
Simple but exceptional Italian cooking.
rivercafe.co.uk
020 7386 4200
Zafferano (Knightsbridge)
Upscale, accomplished Italian fare. The saffron risotto is highly recommended.
zafferanorestaurant.com
020 7235 5800
Asian Cuisine
Imperial Treasure (St. James's)
Refined Chinese fare delivering outstanding cooking and ingredient quality. Arguably the best Chinese restaurant in London. The lunch-only dim sum, Peking duck, and live seafood are highlight dishes.
imperialtreasure.com/uk
020 3011 1328
Amaya (Knightsbridge)
Contemporary Indian restaurant specializing in grill dishes with refined spicing. Highlights include the venison seekh kebab and spinach & fig tikki.
amaya.biz
020 7823 1166
Dastaan (Epsom, Surrey)
Run by an ex-Gymkhana chef, this rustic restaurant is located about an hour from Central London but delivers food matching any elite London establishment.
dastaan.co.uk
020 8786 8999
Kutir (Chelsea)
Traditional, highly accomplished Indian fare. The lamb chops are exceptional.
kutir.co.uk
020 7581 1144
Endo at the Rotunda (White City)
An extraordinary sushi omakase tasting menu restaurant, serving some of the best sushi in Europe. Exceptional shari (rice) texture and seasoning, paired with outstanding fish quality. Booking requires advance planning.
endoatrotunda.com
Café Japan (Golders Green)
A rustic, casual counter experience. Highly decent sushi omakase at a friendly price point.
020 4529 4202
Bistros, Brasseries & Neighborhood Dining
Kiln (Soho)
Rustic Thai restaurant featuring bold, defined flavours.
kilnsoho.com
Dorian (Notting Hill)
Buzzy, stylish neighborhood bistro serving great grill dishes, particularly the steak.
dorianrestaurant.com
Noble Rot (Mayfair)
A lively bistro operated by the famed wine magazine, boasting a reasonably priced, outstanding wine list.
noblerot.co.uk/restaurant/mayfair
020 7101 6770
Lita (Marylebone)
Stylish Mediterranean bistro emphasizing exceptional ingredient quality and accomplished cooking.
litamarylebone.com
Mangal II (Dalston)
Elevated Turkish cuisine with a contemporary focus.
mangal2.com
Josephine Bouchon (Fulham Road)
Lyonnaise-style bistro from chef Claude Bosi. Highly enjoyable pike quenelle and sweetbread & morel dishes.
josephinebouchon.com
Mountain (Soho)
Informal, excellent dining. The spider crab omelette and lobster caldereta are essential orders.
mountainbeakstreet.com
Contemporary Art & Galleries
London's top private galleries regularly host museum-grade exhibitions. The most consistently compelling are Gagosian, Ordovas, Skarstedt, Thaddaeus Ropac, and White Cube. Other excellent venues to explore include Alison Jacques, Almine Rech, Annely Juda, Ben Brown, Bernard Jacobsen, Cristea Roberts, David Zwirner, Hauser & Wirth, Pace, Sadie Coles, Timothy Taylor, and Victoria Miro.