It’s often said that London is the restaurant capital of the world. With some 8.9 million residents, 18,110 restaurants, and 66 Michelin-star restaurants, London has no shortage of great restaurants.
However, with an ever-evolving dining scene, it’s not always easy to stay on top of the latest trends. This is where being a member of a concierge company pays dividends. Here’s just some of the perks that come with it…
Finding your table
Before we reveal the hottest restaurants in London, it’s important to know what table to ask for and who to approach. After all, where you sit can be just as important as the meal itself.
If you have access to a concierge company, you can bypass the research and go straight to your expert advisor who will take care of your important booking.
For everyone else, it’s a case of doing some graft.
First, research the venue yourself and avoid relying on well-known ratings sites. Ask friends for recommendations and read online reviews with an open mind. It’s always good to visit the restaurant website and check images uploaded to social media from other guests, too.
Getting the hottest table in town
Snagging the best table in town takes more than just knowing what to ask for. It also means knowing who to ask. The top restaurants, particularly those in-vogue, are always booked in advance, so what can you do to increase your chances of a top table? Try these four tips:
- If you’re booking a table as a member of the public, you’ll need to work harder. First of all, always remain courteous and grateful to the reservation agent at the end of the phone. They have the power to make or break your visit.
- Book ahead as early as possible, and do mention if it’s a special occasion.
- If you’re struggling to get a foot in the door, try visiting off-peak. Mid-week dining tends to be less busy, meaning there’s a better chance of bagging a table at a decent time.
- Join a concierge company such as the Ten Lifestyle Group. If you’re in to restaurants and love nothing more than the theatre of dining out, concierge company membership will pay for itself in time saved if nothing else. As well as personalised recommendations, a dedicated concierge manager will secure the best table for your party, ensuring you’re treated like a VIP.
Six luxury restaurants London
From A-list favourites, to British institutions, here’s some of the hardest restaurants to bag a prime- time table at:
Amazonico
10 Berkeley Square, Mayfair
This rainforest-themed cocktail restaurant, famous in Madrid and with a client list that includes the Beckhams and Cristiano Ronaldo, has just opened its first London outpost in Berkeley Square. Amazónico draws inspiration from Brazil’s most lush habitat with richly-lit interiors and verdant greenery, set in a buzzing 13,000-square-foot space. Unwind to ‘elec-tropical’ beats and dine on fare fusing Asian, Mediterranean and Brazilian cuisines.
Davies and Brook
Claridge’s, Brook St, Mayfair
Michelin-starred chef Daniel Humm has decided to take on fine dining in London, which sits in the space that used to be Fera, at the iconic Claridge’s Hotel. Chef Humm’s skill is showcased in the impressive menu – a celebration of local produce and enticing flavours. This sophisticated spot has even been described as “masterful” by revered critic Fay Maschler, which is all you really need to know.
Sexy Fish
Berkeley Square House, Berkeley Square, Mayfair
When it comes to trendy London restaurants, Sexy Fish is up there. Located on Berkeley Square, the restaurant is from Caprice Holdings, the group behind The Ivy, 34, and Scott’s. The ground-floor dining room is decorated with artwork from Damien Hirst and Michael Roberts, while the spacious Coral Reef Room below is for private events. With sushi, sashimi and robata on the menu, the kitchen produces Pan Asian cuisine with a distinct focus on Japanese seafood.
Chiltern Firehouse
1 Chiltern Street, Marylebone
Located in a Grade II-listed Victorian former fire station, this Marylebone restaurant is part of André Balazs’s hotel, going by the same name. Michelin-starred chef Nuno Mendes – formerly of Viajante and Maos – oversees the kitchen. Expect dishes such as decadent crab-stuffed doughnuts, and maple-bourbon sweet potatoes. Counter dining is everyone’s cup of tea but we consider the counter overlooking the open kitchen the best seats in the house.
Zuma
5 Raphael Street, Knightsbridge
Synonymous with style and sophistication, this glamorous Knightsbridge restaurant is a must for any discerning fan of Japanese cuisine. The modern, Zen-like stone, granite and wood interior designed by the Super Potato team does nothing to stifle the bustling atmosphere. An alternative to booking a table is a seat at the counter, where you can watch the chefs at work in the open kitchen. 5 Raphael Street, Knightsbridge
Scott’s
20 Mount Street, London
This revered and timeless Caprice Holdings restaurant serves some of the best seafood in London. Peer through the glass front to see a bar area with high seating and an elevated display of shellfish on ice. Wood panelling and artistic glass squares line the walls in the formal dining area. For parties of two and last-minute availability, we recommend sitting at the bar counter.
