12 Nov 2024
London's most photogenic restaurants
(Good) lighting, camera, action! We know that London is bursting with restaurants serving Instagram-worthy dishes, but nowadays we need more than just quick snaps and flat-lay shots of our food. That’s why many places are now going all out with their decor to add to your dining experience. From plush furniture to indoor foliage, we’ve rounded up the most Instagrammable restaurants in London.
If you fancy visiting a place with vibrant colours, look no further. A maximalist’s dream, Rock and Rose is an award-winning restaurant and cocktail bar, and is one of the nicest spaces in London. Situated in the Richmond area, the restaurant attracts people with its colourful design and hearty meals. The inside is filled with mirrors, candles, floral wallpapers and furniture to match. It’s a great location for a Sunday visit, whether you’re with friends or family. If you’re booking for brunch, we recommend the Rock Garden with scrambled tofu, avocado, herb roasted tomatoes, baked beans, flat mushroom, wilted spinach and London sourdough. If you’re booking in for dinner, try the Kadai Paneer Masala with jasmine rice and coriander naan. It’s the perfect place to visit regardless of the occasion.
This next place is as cool as they come and you can be sure you’ll get a pretty picture, (or 10) here. The Coppa Club glass igloos (yes, glass) are an insanely dreamy spot offering unrivalled views of London’s Thameside skyline. Hide away from the cold, wrap up with a fluffy blanket, and enjoy the cosy atmosphere complete with fairy lights and comfy pillows. Please note that bookings here fill up months in advance so keep this in mind and plan well ahead.
Artist Residence is a townhouse located in Pimlico with a gorgeous restaurant and bar. What we like most about the restaurant is the modern interior with ever-changing art on the walls and big windows. While some venues that go for this style might seem cluttered, this one feels spacey and has lots of natural light. Whether you want to come chill with a cup of coffee or do some work on your laptop, you’ll feel relaxed and comfortable regardless. Plus, it’s very Instagrammable so if you’re one of those people who like their photo taken, you’ll get some good shots here. The bar, on the other hand, is a cellar with a more rustic interior and moodier atmosphere. It would be perfect for an intimate date or catch up with friends.
You won’t find many London restaurants that place as much importance on the decor as abc kitchens. Designed by Rémi Tessier and featuring artworks by Damien Hirst, the venue is a joy to be in. The interior combines orange and brown colours and features a colourful painting that adds more vibrancy to the whole scene. If you like Instagrammable venues with a contemporary vibe, you’ll love this place because let us tell, it looks straight out of a film. While the breakfast is only available for hotel guests, you can still book in for dinner. On the menu you’ll find pizza, pasta, meat and seafood dishes alongside vegetarian options. There are also some light snacks to enjoy if you’d rather just visit for the interior itself (hello pretzel-crusted calamari).
One of the top London destinations for classic gin and vodka cocktails, the Swans Bar is located right in the city centre and doesn’t disappoint when it comes to both the quality of spirits and the interior which combines elegance and culture. The lounge belongs to the Massouline bookshop and is stylised as such; you can find a huge cabinet with colourful books and classy furniture with brown and red being the dominant colours. It’s the perfect Instagrammable destination for those who tend to seek solitude in books and enjoy 18th-century aesthetics. Apart from the timeless classics on the menu, you can taste seasonal drinks such as Tokyo Chic with Nikka Days, Sakura Umeshu, Red Sake, Yuzu, Sparking Jasmine Tea and Shiso. There are plenty to choose from, so book in for a drink and escape the hustle and bustle of Piccadilly.
If you liked abc kitchens, you’ll love The Berkeley Cafe. Brought to you by the same designer, the interior is classy with beautifully crafted elements and exactly what you’d expect of a venue located near Belgravia – the area of London known for its gorgeous architecture and luxury lifestyle. Apart from the interior, the highlight is also the all-day dining menu. As a starter, you can have baby globe artichoke and then pair it with one of the delicious mains such as teriyaki glazed Orkney salmon. For dessert, you can’t go wrong with seasonal pastries (currently, it’s a choice between a fruit baque tart and cherry clafoutis). Wear your best outfit, take Instagrammable photos and enjoy a sophisticated evening at the The Berkeley Cafe.
Fancy trying something new? This hidden gem specialises in Izakaya style, which means that you can enjoy a range of Japanese small plates and pair them with a drink of your choice. This kind of dining style is very popular in Japan and serves a social purpose; it allows people to meet after work and catch up in a casual setting. At Nipoon Izakaya, you can expect a vibrant atmosphere, friendly service and plenty of mouthwatering food. The extensive menu features dishes that were all prepared using authentic methods and flavours. There’s something for everyone here: from bowls of ramen and bento boxes to sushi and starters, all perfect for sharing. There are also many traditional Japanese drinks you can try such as roasted rice tea meant to protect your body from free radicals, or sake for those who enjoy strong spirits. The venue is also very Instagrammable with a contemporary interior and a red cherry blossom tree.
At Annie’s everything is charming, from friendly staff to the Bohemian interior with rustic accents. It might be different to what’s considered a typically Instagrammable decor but it creates a cosy atmosphere and stands out in comparison to other venues. One of the best things about the restaurant is that the food is delicious AND comes in generous portion sizes, perfect for those with a big appetite. The menu features plenty of hearty home comfort dishes such as roast pork belly, shepherd’s pie, battered haddock and chips, rib-eye steak, burgers and many more. You can sweeten it all up with one of the desserts and wash it all down with a post-meal cocktail, such as an Espresso Martini or Salted Caramel Martini. On Sunday, the restaurant serves one of the best roasts in the area. The venue is a true home-from-home spot and well worth a visit.
Scarlett Green is an eatery spread over two floors; the interior is best described as industrial chic. The extraction pipes under the ceiling, potted plants and Australian-themed art on the wall give it a casual vibe, while marble tables make it more elegant and suitable for romantic dining. The venue has quite a reputation thanks to the bottomless brunch, but people frequent it also for the custom-made Josper grill. The food is imaginative and delicious with plenty of sharing plates (think Aussie BBQ meat feast), perfect for bigger groups. Along with food, you’ll enjoy an Australian wine list to wash it all down. You can also expect daily DJ and live music from 6pm every day. Book in to immerse yourself in the upbeat atmosphere, try good food and share memories with your friends.
Red Room is a luxury wine bar situated in the Connaught Hotel. Designed by Brian O’Sullivan, the space makes you feel like you’re sitting in the living room of an art collector. The combination of eclectic furniture in a soft-hued palette, ceramic bar, vast stained-glass windows and antique Murano chandelier translates into a truly unique space. There are also striking art pieces on the wall to admire although the interior is already art in itself. If you have something to celebrate, this venue is the perfect backdrop for a special occasion. The menu features plenty of imaginative plates: sharing boards, sandwiches, caviar, pizza and snacks (like parmesan-crusted asparagus or gillardeau oysters). There’s also an extensive wine list to pair the food with and creative cocktails developed in tune with changing seasons.