London’s restaurant scene has boomed so much in recent decades that some of the world’s most iconic chefs have deemed it to be the “capital of the world” when it comes to fine dining. With Michelin stars awarded to more than 60 gourmet venues, the standard of cooking – and the competition – is exceptionally high, with almost every famous chef having an outpost in the British capital.
Just as you would expect in one of the world’s most expensive cities, dining at restaurants in London – particularly the Michelin starred ones – will cost you a pretty penny to dine in, while private dining experiences and extensive wine lists will leave a dent in even the healthiest of wallets. But for a meal costing in the region of $300 per person, you can expect to dine in ultimate luxury, with expertly selected ingredients from all over the British Isles and Europe a given. Perhaps most impressive, however, is the level of technique you’ll get from some of the world’s most famous chefs and their teams.
Unsurprisingly, French cuisine is at the helm of London’s fine dining scene, with the likes of Alain Ducasse – one of the chefs to have praised the capital’s high standard of restaurants – and Michelin-starred chef Pierre Gagnaire both focusing on classic cuisine reminiscent of Paris, complete with grand dining rooms. Although the majority of French chefs make use of the special produce found in the British Isles, including scallops from the Isle of Skye and Cornish turbot, others remain devoted to their native suppliers.
Guests dining at Hélène Darroze at the Connaught, for instance, can enjoy fresh fish of the day from the Saint-Jean de Luz fish market, as well as south-west France’s finest selection of cheese and wine. But while some of the best restaurants in London are spearheaded by overseas talent, some of Britain’s finest chefs started their careers in the capital – and have gone on to achieve great things.
Arguably one of the most famous chefs of today, Gordon Ramsay began his cooking career at Marco Pierre White’s restaurant, Harvey’s, in south-west London, before moving to Le Gavroche where he worked under founder Albert Roux. At Le Gavroche, Ramsay met Marcus Wareing, who went on to be the head chef of Petrus. Both now own two of the most exclusive – and expensive – restaurants in London.
Restaurant Gordon Ramsay, London – Around $240 per person
Restaurant Gordon Ramsay
Being one of just three London restaurants that hold three Michelin stars, Restaurant Gordon Ramsay offers classic French dishes and a top-notch service that’s hard to beat. Having been led by chef de cuisine Matt Abé since 2015, the team here continues to uphold the exemplary standards that the restaurant is famed for.
The multi-course Menu Prestige, comprised of high-quality ingredients from the around the UK including Cumbrian Blue Grey and Cornish turbot, will set you back around $240.
Marcus Wareing at The Berkeley, London – Around $335 per person
For sophisticated Michelin-starred dining in one of London’s plushest hotels, you can’t go wrong with the modern European cuisine served at Marcus Wareing at The Berkeley.
After a much-publicized falling out with fellow chef Gordon Ramsay, Wareing opened his own restaurant at The Berkeley in 2008 – where he had previously been head chef of Petrus.
Wareing uses fine ingredients from all over the British Isles to create light cuisine bursting with flavors. The eight-course seasonal Taste Menu, priced at $175 per person plus wine pairing at $120, gives guests the chance to try a number of dishes, including Scottish halibut and Herdwick lamb, while the á la carte – costing around $95 for three courses – features delights such as roast Orkney scallops and Lake District rib-eye.
Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester, London – Around $350 per person
Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester
For a taste of France in the heart of London, Alain Ducasse’s restaurant delivers with a seasonal menu of French cuisine by executive chef Jean-Philippe Blondet.
While dining at the three-Michelin star restaurant costs a mere snip of the price you’d pay at Plaza Athenee, Ducasse’s flagship venue, there is certainly the opportunity to splurge with a private dining experience.
With a hiring cost of just under $400, guests can sit at Table Lumière, located in the center of the restaurant, which is surrounded by 4,500 shimmering fiber optics, or in Salon Prive – described as a ‘cozy, private alcove’, with seven-course tasting menus starting at $150 per guest. Alternatively, if you’re feeling particularly flashy, you can hire Salon Park Lane for dinner, which, for around $7,350 including room hire and a six-course tasting menu, can accommodate up to 30 guests.
Hélène Darroze at the Connaught, London – Around $375 per person
The Chef’s Table at Hélène Darroze at the Connaught
Hélène Darroze made a name for herself as a Michelin starred chef in Paris before opening her first restaurant in London in 2008.
A fourth-generation descendant of a long line of chefs, Darroze’s French gourmet cooking focuses on the finest ingredients, which she secures from suppliers in her native Landes region in south-west France.
The premium set menu includes ingredients such Cornish lobster, Welsh grouse, and Scottish Waygu beef, with a seven-course menu priced at around $180 and accompanying wine pairings from $155.
The Araki, London – Around $400 per person
Offering just ten spaces per seating, The Araki is often hailed as being one of the most exclusive restaurants in London. With doors locked 30 minutes after booking time to prevent any disruption, visiting The Araki’s chef’s table is more easily compared to an immersive theatre experience than simply a meal.
Using a renowned 200-year-old sushi technique originating in Tokyo, The Araki asks its guests to put their confidence – and their palettes – in to the hands of the head chef, Marty Lau. Offering just one set menu with little scope for alteration, guests are guided through an exclusive selection of fresh Japanese dishes that make use of local produce, with all dishes prepared and plated right in front of your eyes. However, whilst the food menu is adventurous, guests should note that the wine menu is somewhat limited.
Of course, the level of exclusivity experienced at The Araki warrants a significant bill, with the famous set menu priced at $400.
Dinner by Heston, London – Around $550 per person
Dinner by Heston Blumenthal at the Mandarin Oriental
Dedicated to Britain’s quirky and eclectic history, Dinner by Heston offers a selection of playful dishes each of which represent a particular period or event. Having worked closely with food historians, Heston Blumenthal has successfully designed a menu that will go down in history in its own right.
The a la carte menu features classic British favorites like brown bread ice cream, as well as quirkier takes on traditional ingredients, such as pickled mussels. Those hoping to experience a gastronomic revelation may opt for the Chef’s Table offering, which provides a first-hand glance into the inner workings of a professional kitchen, accompanied by a bespoke menu served directly to your table by the head chef.
With the Chef’s Table menu priced at $290 for nine courses, guests can also enjoy a specially selected wine pairing for $200.
Le Gavroche, London – Around $590 per person
A sample dish from Le Gavroche
The Roux family is perhaps one of the most famous families in the culinary world and Le Gavroche has certainly stood the test of time.
Founded by Michel and Albert Roux in 1967, and renowned for training some of the world’s best chefs including Gordon Ramsay and Marco Pierre White, Le Gavroche is now run by Albert’s son Michel Jnr, who serves up old-school French classics worthy of the restaurant’s three Michelin stars.
With a menu made up of the highest quality seasonal ingredients such as with John Dory, venison, truffle and British cheese, you should expect to shell out a fair bit of money to dine here – and with the Roux reputation for exceptional food it will be well worth it. Le Gavroche’s eight-course Menu Exceptional is priced at $230 per person, with the accompanying wine menu starting at a cool $360.
The Lecture Room and Library at Sketch, London – Around $655 per person
The Lecture Room and Library at Sketch
When Sketch opened in Mayfair at the end of 2002, it quickly became known as one as one of the most expensive restaurants in London, and this luxurious venue is still going strong having earned three Michelin stars.
Founded by iconic Parisian chef Pierre Gagnaire, who holds a constellation of Michelin stars, and restaurateur Mourad Mazouz, Sketch Lecture Room and Library offers a French menu made up of extremely high-quality ingredients under the guidance of head chef Johannes Nuding.
Taster menus at Sketch Lecture Room and Library are around $190, but those wanting to completely indulge should chose the ‘Special Treat’ menu, featuring eight courses of sublime dishes, accompanied by eight prestigious wines, at $570. After all, with excellent food, service and atmosphere, can you really put a price on luxury?
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