London’s restaurant scene has always had a certain charm. Whether it’s the old-world glamor of Mayfair’s fine dining establishments, the cool, experimental charm of East London’s culinary hotspots, or the effortlessly stylish haunts of Soho, dining in this city is as much about beauty and atmosphere as it is about the food. And in 2025, it’s clear that the capital’s trendiest restaurants aren’t just serving excellent cuisine – they’re shaping the culture of what it means to dine out in style.
Today’s most fashionable London restaurants are not necessarily those with the most elaborate interiors or the highest Michelin stars (although some have that accolade). Instead, these are the places where you’re most likely to see fashion editors having dinner after runway shows, where designers host intimate gatherings, and where lighting, decor, and space all tell a story. Some are Instagram-famous; Others are more discreet and are known only to those who have a keen grasp on the pulse of the industry. But what they all have in common is an undeniable feel-good factor – the kind that turns food into an experience.
Take the historic River Café, for example. A long-standing institution with a reputation for attracting people Kate Moss and Victoria Beckham, its style is enduring and doesn’t depend on trends. Then there’s Cole’s, which has redefined what a fashionable Mexican restaurant is in London, blending fine dining with a bold, contemporary vision. And while venues like Sessions Arts Club and Hyde have become go-to spots for those in the know, new additions like Carlotta in Marylebone are proving that a sense of fun is just as important as a sophisticated aesthetic.
From luxurious Italian trattorias to South African-inspired eateries, these 11 restaurants define what it means to be stylish in London right now. Whether you’re planning dinner before a Fashion Week party or just want to know where the industry’s best-dressed are dining, these are the spots to have on your radar.
12 most fashionable restaurants in London:
Carlotta, Marylebone
(Image credit: Jerome Galland)
Cooking: Italian
Place: Marylebone
Website: www.bigmammagroup.com/en/carlotta
If there’s one thing fashion loves, it’s a little nostalgia, and Carlotta provides just that. This Italian eatery in Marylebone, with its bright red banquettes, vintage signage and whimsical lighting, looks like it’s been taken straight from a scene from The Talented Mr. Ripley. The atmosphere here is playful but sophisticated – think classic dishes like cacio e pepe served with retro glamour. It’s already attracting a good crowd, proving that a restaurant doesn’t need to be minimalist or ultra-modern to be stylish. Sometimes, a touch of old-school Italian romance is all you need.
Berenjack, Soho
Cooking: Iranian
Place: soho
Website: www.berenjaklondon.com
Nestled in the heart of Soho, Berenjack is a masterclass in cool vibes. This Iranian restaurant, inspired by the eateries built into the wall of Tehran, may not speak of luxury at first glance, but its charm lies in the details. The space is intimate, with warm lighting and a rustic-chic aesthetic that feels effortlessly authentic — like the best kind of fashion. It’s no surprise that it has become a favorite among the creative crowd, with its communal dining experience adding a sense of exclusivity. Expect perfectly grilled meat skewers, freshly baked sangak bread and an atmosphere that feels as streamlined as a fashion week afterparty.
Hide, Mayfair
(Image credit: Hide)
Cooking: modern european
Place: mayfair
Website: www.hide.co.uk
Mayfair is home to some of the city’s most spectacular restaurants, but The Hide has managed to stand out. Designed by renowned architect Rose Murray, the space is a study in quiet luxury, all sculptural staircases and natural light streaming through floor-to-ceiling windows. It’s the kind of place where fashion’s elite gather for long lunches, and discuss upcoming collections over carefully served dishes. The Michelin-starred menu, courtesy of Ollie Dabbous, is an exercise in precision, making it one of the trendiest London restaurants for those who appreciate sophisticated simplicity – whether in their wardrobe or in their food.
Kudu, Peckham
Cooking: south african
Place: Peckham
Website: www.kuducollective.com
Peckham’s culinary scene has been growing for years, and Kudu is one of its brightest stars. This South African-inspired restaurant has an artsy, vibrant charm that makes it feel like a well-kept secret. Think rich wooden interiors, dimly lit tables and a menu that blends bold flavors with impeccable presentation. It’s the kind of place where emerging designers and stylists come for a low-key but great dinner – proof that good taste isn’t just about location, but about knowing where to go before everyone else does.
shanghai m
(Image credit: Johnny Stephens, courtesy of Shanghai Me)
Cooking: pan Asian
Place: mayfair
Website: shanghai m
When it comes to dining with a view, it doesn’t get better than the sweeping view of Hyde Park you can admire over a delicious basket of dim sum at Shanghai Mee. The newly-opened and ultra sumptuous Pan-Asian restaurant is located above the Hilton on Park Lane, with every corner and decorative dish offering a chance to capture the finest ingredients. Whether you’re hopping up to the 28th floor for a quick lunch service, grabbing a quick bite before a show or lounging on the cozy velvet seats for however many courses you want, there are plenty of dishes to choose from, as well as a fun cocktail menu to suit your Chinese zodiac sign. We’d recommend the Silver Cod with Yuzu, Crispy Duck Salad and Eggplant in Chili Bean Sauce.
River Café, Fulham
(Image credit: Richard Bryant)
Cooking: Italian
Place: fulham
Website: www.rivercafe.co.uk
Few restaurants have achieved icon status like the River Café. Since its opening in 1987, it has been a magnet for the fashion and art crowd with its riverside setting and chic atmosphere. The minimalist interiors designed by Richard Rogers have a timeless quality that reflects its simple yet extraordinary Italian menu. This is a place where style and substance go hand in hand—just like a perfectly tailored blazer or heirloom watch.
Sessions Arts Club, Clerkenwell
Cooking: european
Place: clarkenwell
Website: www.sessionsartsclub.com
The Sessions Arts Club is probably the best place for insiders. Housed in a former courthouse, this space is impossibly chic in a totally undone way – crumbling plaster walls, high ceilings, and candle-lit tables that could easily be the backdrop for an editorial shoot. It’s no surprise that fashion parties and industry dinners are often held here. The setting is as artistic as the dining is, with a European-inspired menu that feels both effortless and delicious. If there’s one place that epitomizes London’s current dining style, it’s this one.
Café Cecilia, Hackney
(Image credit: Café Cecilia)
Cooking: european
Place: rented out
Website: www.cafececilia.com
Hackney has long been a breeding ground for fashion’s most exciting talents, and Café Cecilia fits the bill perfectly. Run by Max Rocha – who honed his craft at institutions like St. John’s and The River Café – this European-style spot is the definition of cool without trying too hard. But what makes it even more of a fashion destination? Rocha is the brother of acclaimed designer Simone Rocha, making it the perfect marriage of food and fashion. The simple interiors, crisp white tablecloths, and concise but sophisticated menus reflect the thoughtful, artistic approach Simone brings to her collections. It’s no surprise that Café Cecilia has become a favorite for the industry’s most in-the-know crowd, proving that sometimes, the most fashionable restaurants don’t need to shout – they just need to be good.
Petersham Nurseries, Richmond
Cooking: european
Place: Richmond
Website: www.petershamnurseries.com
Fashion’s love affair with nature continues and Petersham Nurseries continues to be at the forefront of this movement. Dining here feels like stepping into an idyllic countryside dream, with tables set amidst lush greenery and floral arrangements that wouldn’t look out of place on a Rodarte runway. The food is rustic yet sophisticated, with a focus on seasonal produce. It’s a favorite among those who like their stylish dining experiences to feel organic—literally and figuratively.
Cole, Marylebone
Cooking: Mexican
Place: Marylebone
Website: www.kolrestaurant.com
Mexican cuisine is having a moment, and Cole’s is leading the charge in London. Led by Santiago Lastra, this restaurant is a distinct departure from the traditional taqueria, offering a fine dining experience that still feels lively and modern. The design – earthy colors, handmade ceramics, and an open kitchen – is reminiscent of a The Row showroom, understated but deeply considered. This is the kind of place where details matter, from impeccable source materials to smooth, editorial-worthy plating. No wonder it has become a must-visit for style lovers.
Pym, Westminster
Cooking: British
Place: westminster
Website: www.thepemrestaurant.com
With its pink velvet chairs, soft lighting and sculptural ceiling details, The Pym offers the kind of intimate, upscale setting that seems created for industry dinners (we even hosted one of our Who’s What Wear UK supper clubs here). Expect a menu that puts a sophisticated spin on seasonal British cooking, including dishes like hand-battered scallops and Cornish crab, prepared with real attention to detail. It’s quietly stylish, hidden in Westminster, and always attracts a crowd of well-dressed, well-informed people.
Pippins, Kensington
(Image credit: James MacDonald)
Meal: modern British
Place:Kensington
website: : pippinsrestaurant.com
Hidden in Kensington, Pippins is a new name that already feels like a neighborhood classic. Its menu, focusing on seasonal British ingredients, celebrates simplicity done exceptionally well – food that is both comforting and sophisticated. The interiors are quietly elegant, with soft lighting, wooden accents and just the right amount of modern details to make every corner picture perfect. It’s already attracting a stylish crowd from the West London set, who appreciate conversation over a great glass of wine and a perfectly cooked piece of fish. For me, what makes Pippins so fashionable is its confidence – it doesn’t scream for attention, but it feels like everyone is talking about it.
