London’s finest European cuisine

This grand, all-day European brasserie is legendary in London. Whether you’ve popped in for pancakes piled with berries, afternoon tea, or late-night caviar and champagne, an outing to The Wolseley always feels sumptuous from the very moment you step inside its majestic Piccadilly entrance. Featuring high vaulted ceilings, striking black columns and gilded art deco accents, every visit here is an occasion.

The French House has long been a popular Dean Street haunt, famously frequented by bohemian types. While the pub is now quietly famous among those looking for a slice of authentic, slightly shabby Soho, one thing the cool kids might still not know about is the petite restaurant upstairs (a cosy seven tables, in fact). Expect traditional French fare that is very well made, from oysters and onion soup to steak frites and an abundant cheeseboard. The clue is in the name…nowhere quite nails a French dinner like this place.

This warmly-lit corner of Farringdon is an offshoot of The Quality Chop House, however its vibe is much more that of a Mediterranean wine bar where you can gossip over great drinks, and in this case — impressive bites. With an ever changing menu by chef Nick Bramham, you can expect surprises each week, from moreish sandwiches to melt-in-the-mouth pasta dishes. Just make sure each meal starts with a Gilda—a satisfyingly salty Basque pintxos—and finishes with an eye-rollingly good cannolo. 

While this Basque-inspired eatery is positioned in the heart of trendy Shoreditch, it’s far from a flash in the pan. Boasting a first-floor spot overlooking the colourful high street, this restaurant is more often than not abuzz with satisfied patrons digging into its rich menu. Brat is actually another name for its signature dish: a whole turbot cooked over charcoal, which results in divinely soft and buttery flakes of fish. Other unmissable dishes include the umami roast duck rice and the indulgent traditional burnt cheesecake, which can be ordered whole for the entire table.

After successful pop-ups across the capital, Italian-inspired restaurant Manteca decided to make Shoreditch its permanent home. It describes itself as a nose-to-tail eating experience, however diners will also find eye-poppingly tasty meat-free dishes such as kale rigatoni and white truffle taglierini. All the pasta is hand rolled and you can watch the chefs working away while you eat. The bright and buzzy space makes for a memorable lunch date as well as an atmospheric evening meal.

The River Cafe has been an unwavering culinary institution in the capital for decades now— it won its Michelin star in 1998 and has retained it ever since. This light and modern spot in a relatively unassuming part of London has been lauded by A-listers including Elton John and Gwyneth Paltrow—even Kim Kardashian dropped in during a recent visit to the city! Household names including Jamie Oliver and Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall have graced its kitchen, which produces seasonal Italian dishes. Don’t leave without trying one of its signature desserts, the chocolate nemesis cake, or its famed gelato.