London is widely considered to be one of the culinary capitals of the world and it is home to some of the most expensive restaurants in the United Kingdom. Many of these establishments are located in the Mayfair district, where they cater to a wealthy clientele.
The capital city has a wide range of food traditions, from Michelin-starred fine dining to street food markets. The capital’s culinary scene is constantly evolving with new trends and innovations taking place in some of its most iconic establishments.
While some may be put off by the high prices, others are willing to pay for the privilege of dining in one of these prestigious restaurants. In addition to offering superb cuisine, these restaurants also provide an opportunity to rub shoulders with the city’s elite.
Most Expensive Restaurants in London UK
The city has been at the forefront of global dining trends for years, with its mix of traditional English fare and modern cuisine.
From Michelin-starred restaurants to street food stalls, here’s a guide to everything you need to know about London’s upscale restaurants.
1. Le Gavroche
Le Gavroche is one of the most popular fine dinings and has been described as “the most expensive restaurant in London”. It is located on Upper Brook in Mayfair and has been praised for its elegant decor and service.
The restaurant serves French cuisine that includes meals with a price tag of over £300 per person. The restaurant is owned by chef Michel Roux Jr, who opened it in 1981.
It has since become known as one of London’s top restaurants and it has earned a reputation as one of Europe’s best fine dining establishments.
The restaurant serves traditional French cuisine, with dishes that include foie gras, turbot, pate de Campagne and veal kidneys cooked with truffles.
The wine list features more than 800 wines from around the world including many rare vintages such as Krug Champagne or Domaine de la Romanee-Conti Grand Cru Chateau Pétrus 1973.
2. Hélène Darroze at The Connaught
The Connaught is a fancy French restaurant that opened in 2013 and has since been named the best restaurant in London by the Michelin Guide. As one of London’s finest restaurants, Hélène Darroze at The Connaught is the place to go for high-class French dining.
Its chic setting is sure to impress, making it the perfect location for sophisticated entertainment and high-profile celebrations. It’s expensive because Darroze cooks with ingredients that are rare and expensive.
The menu at The Connaught changes seasonally and features classic French dishes like foie gras terrine, lobster thermidor and duck confit served with sweet potato puree or truffle mash.
3. Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester
Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester is one of the best upscale restaurants in London. It’s a grand old hotel with a very grand dining room, decorated in the style of Louis XIV. The food is exquisite, and there are some amazing dishes on the menu.
There are over 50 dishes on offer, but none are more impressive than the tasting menu. This includes some of Ducasse’s finest creations such as lobster and lobster bisque with chorizo; hare terrine with quince; Thai fish sauce soup; prawns with black pepper sauce; squid ravioli stuffed with truffle crab meat; and roasted black cod with foie gras gnocchi.
The tasting menu starts at £125 per person and includes wine pairings for six dishes rather than the four offered on other menus. It also comes with a glass of champagne before your meal — very nice indeed!
4. sketch
sketch is a place where you can expect to be blown away by the food and service, but also by the atmosphere. The ambience is very nice, with soft lighting and big windows overlooking the street outside.
The menu is creative and has something for everyone – you can go for a more traditional meal if you like, or try something new if you’re feeling adventurous.
The menu changes daily, but there are always some great staple dishes on offer such as pork belly with apple purée or lamb shank with roasted cauliflower.
You can also order from the seasonal specials menu if you’re looking for something a bit different from the norm.
sketch isn’t cheap by any means but it’s well worth it when you consider how good the quality of food and service is.
5. Murano
Murano is a luxury Italian restaurant in Mayfair, which has been around for more than 30 years and is owned by chef Angela Hartnett. Murano’s menu offers dishes from all over the world, including Italian and French classics as well as contemporary dishes from around the world.
The interior has been described as “stylishly retro” with features such as white tablecloths and lots of dark wood panelling. The food is delicious and original, but there are no cheap options here at all: everything has been carefully selected by Hartnett himself from his suppliers around the world.
She travels pretty much everywhere himself, so you know what you’re getting at Murano is something special. If you’re looking for somewhere elegant to celebrate a special occasion or just want to treat yourself after work, Murano is the perfect upscale spot;
6. Core by Clare Smyth
It’s one of the best high-end restaurants in London and has a Michelin star to boot. The setting is stunning, with a glass ceiling that lets you look up at the night sky, and the service is impeccable.
The restaurant is located in a converted Victorian house on the edge of Kensington Park Rd and has been open since 2017. It serves up a modern take on British cuisine that’s well worth a visit if you’re looking for something special.
The menu changes seasonally and features oysters from Brittany, lobster from Scotland, and scallops from Spain. Some of the dishes are prepared by Clare Smyth herself — she’s known for being something of a culinary genius.
7. Pied a Terre
Pied a Terre is one of the most expensive restaurants in London, that has been awarded two Michelin stars, and it is deservedly so. The restaurant is located on Charlotte Street, a very posh area of London.
The food is excellent, but what really sets Pied a Terre apart from other restaurants is the atmosphere. The restaurant uses natural ingredients such as truffles and mushrooms to enhance the flavour of each dish.
The decor is beautiful, with elegant wooden chairs and tables, but you can feel that this place was designed for people who want to enjoy fine food without having to worry about how much they spend on it.
It’s also very quiet – no loud music or screaming children – which makes it perfect for romantic dinners or business meetings.
8. The Ledbury
The Ledbury is one of the best fine dining restaurants in London, and it does a great job of bringing high-quality food at a very reasonable price.
Its menu changes every day and is based around seasonal ingredients, so you’re always going to get something delicious.
The restaurant is situated in Marylebone, which means there are plenty of transport links nearby if you want to travel back home afterwards.
It’s not just about great food and good service though – the Ledbury also has an excellent wine list that features over 200 different wines from around the world.
If you’re looking for somewhere to go for a special occasion or for a nice place for dinner with friends then this is definitely worth checking out!
9. Da Terra Restaurant
Da Terra Restaurant is one of the best upscale Italian restaurants in London that serves a wide range of fresh and local ingredients. This is a great place to go if you’re looking for something special.
The food is great, but it’s not exactly cheap. You can expect to pay around £20 per person for dinner, with drinks and dessert included in that price. The food is very good and they offer a wide variety of dishes from around the world.
The menu offers a variety of dishes from all over the world including French cuisine, Italian pizza, and traditional British food like fish and chips or shepherd’s pie.
All foods are made from fresh ingredients only and served with high-quality wine that complements each dish perfectly.
10. Ormer Mayfair Restaurant
Ormer Mayfair Restaurant is another expensive restaurant in London, that offers a wide range of food, from Italian to French and Indian, which can be enjoyed with your family or friends.
The ambience is comfortable and relaxing, with some charming features like stone countertops and wooden panels. The menu consists of starters like tapas platters, fish dishes and salads. There are also main courses like steaks, chicken and meat dishes.
The restaurant has a large number of vegetarian options too. For those who don’t like meat, you can choose from an array of vegetarian main courses like risotto or risotto balls (which are basically rice balls filled with vegetables).
There are also veggie burgers, patties and sandwiches on offer at this restaurant as well as desserts like cheesecakes and ice creams.
If you go during the summer season, you will find that Ormer Mayfair Restaurant has outdoor seating arrangements which make it an ideal place for families or friends who want to spend time together under the sun.
11. La Dame de Pic London
La Dame de Pic is one of the fancy restaurants in London. Located in Four Seasons Hotel at Ten, 10 Trinity Square, this restaurant is a favourite among tourists and locals alike.
The menu offers an extensive selection of French cuisine, including dishes from all regions of France. It includes all types of French cuisine but also offers a wide range of fish dishes from around the world.
La Dame de Pic has a modern yet classic ambience with white walls, wooden floors, and dim lighting. The restaurant is located on Picadilly and offers indoor dining with an elegant feel.
The staff at La Dame De Pic is very friendly and willing to assist you with whatever you need during your meal or afterwards in their private dining room.
The food at La Dame De Pic is exceptional; it is not only delicious but also has high-quality ingredients that make each dish stand out above the rest. My favourite dishes include the Duck Confit (cooked perfectly), the Beef Bourguignon (very tender), and any of their desserts (they are all amazing).
12. Galvin at Windows
Galvin at Windows is one of the best restaurants in London. The food is exceptional and the service is superb. The cuisine is modern French with an emphasis on seasonal ingredients and local produce.
It’s all about the food, not just your taste buds. The décor is modern and simple, with lots of windows looking out onto the street below.
The restaurant has a nice bar area where you can sit outside if it’s warm enough or inside if it’s cold outside. If you’re lucky enough to get a table on the sidewalk you can watch people walk by while enjoying your meal.
Galvin at Windows has been around for over 20 years so they have built up a large following among locals and tourists alike who appreciate their high-quality food and excellent service. They are open daily for lunch and dinner so there’s no excuse not to dine here!
13. Restaurant Story
Restaurant Story is one of the best and most expensive restaurants in London. It’s a unique place to dine and enjoy a great meal. The staff are always kind and friendly, and they make sure to explain the dishes in an easy-to-understand way.
The restaurant is small but cosy, with wooden floors and high ceilings. The lights are dimmed so you can enjoy your meal without being disturbed by other customers or loud conversations.
The food is really good! I had their brunch special (which includes two pancakes, bacon and maple syrup) which was delicious!
It was served with warm buttery brioche toast that was soft on the inside and crispy on the outside.
14. La Trompette
La Trompette is one of the best high-end restaurants in London, and it’s easy to see why. The food is fresh, tasty and beautifully presented. The menu changes regularly, but there are always plenty of choices for everyone.
The restaurant is located in a beautiful old building with lots of character, and it has an amazing atmosphere. You can sit at one of their long tables or booths or sit at the bar, where you’ll be able to watch them prepare your meal while you wait for your table.
You can choose from a variety of starters such as escargots or frog legs, while main courses include beef fillet steak with chips or chicken breast with rice pilau or ratatouille. There are also fish and vegetarian options available if you’re feeling adventurous!
The restaurant has an extensive wine list, which they will happily pair with your meal if you ask them to. They have a full bar as well, so you can order drinks whether or not you’re eating there.
15. Clos Maggiore
Clos Maggiore is one of the most expensive restaurants in London, located on a quiet street of King street. Its reputation for being a classic French restaurant has led to it being awarded three Michelin stars, but don’t let that put you off – the food here is just as good as it was when it first opened its doors.
The menu includes classic French dishes such as steak tartare and escargots, but there are also more unusual options like pigeon breast cooked with foie gras and served with celery root puree.
The wine list has hundreds of options from around the world, so even if you’re not a fan of red wine or white wine, there’s something on offer for everyone at Clos Maggiore.