London (Fodor's 2012) - Fodor's [96]
Strada: Stop at this 28-strong chain for authentic hand-stretched pizzas baked over a wood fire, plus classic pastas, steaks, and risottos. It’s cheap, stylish, and packed. | www.strada.co.uk.
Wagamama: Londoners drain bowls of noodle soup at this child-friendly chain. | www.wagamama.com
SPOTLIGHT ON ST. JAMES'S, MAYFAIR, AND MARYLEBONE
Mayfair and St. James's—home to Buckingham Palace and Clarence House, where Prince Charles and Camilla live—have a decidedly old-world, royal feel. Appropriately, most of the restaurants here are fit for a king or queen.
This is where you'll find London's top restaurants, including Scott’s, Corrigan’s Mayfair, Le Gavroche, La Petite Maison, and L'Oranger—dining experiences that are geared toward a well-heeled, deep-pocketed clientele. Mere mortals should make reservations well in advance to dine at any of these restaurants for dinner. But last-minute tables often crop up, and lunching here can be a great money-saving strategy.
If you're looking for something more low-key and wallet-friendly, head north to Marylebone where the scenery changes dramatically. Old-world elegance is replaced by funky little cafés and restaurants with a more indie spirit. Everything from Moroccan and Turkish to Thai is available here, as well as numerous local favorites. Just follow your nose.
HOTEL DINING
Some of London's finest restaurants can be found inside its top-end hotels. Koffmann’s (The Berkeley, Wilton Pl., Knightsbridge | SW1 | 20/7235–6000) at the Berkeley serves signature pig’s trotters and calf’s liver Lyonnaise. Admirable Frenchwoman Hélène Darroze shows off virtuoso skills at her self-named wood-paneled dining room at the Connaught (16 Carlos Pl., Mayfair | W1 | 020/3147–7200), and star chef Daniel Boulud pulls in a crowd for his posh French charcuterie and Yankee hamburgers and fries at Bar Boulud at the Mandarin Oriental in Knightsbridge (Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, 66 Knightsbridge, Knightsbridge | SW1).
LONDON'S HOTTEST TABLES
These restaurants are more than just see-and-be-seen hot spots—excellent food adds to the buzz. If you're looking to save, visit at lunch, when the set menu is usually half of what it would cost to eat there at night.
Dean Street Townhouse: Spot a celeb at this ravishing Soho dining salon and media meeting point on Dean Street. Expect no-nonsense British classics, like wild rabbit and black pudding or Lincolnshire onion tart. | 69–71 Dean St., Soho | W1D | www.deanstreettownhouse.com | 020/7434–1775.
Dinner by Heston Blumenthal: Book three months ahead for super-chef Heston Blumenthal’s old English gastronomy. Sample historic dishes, from cod cheeks-and-beetroot ‘Savoury Porridge’ (c.1660) to hay smoked mackerel (c.1730). | 66 Knightsbridge., Knightsbridge | SW1X | www.dinnerbyheston.com | 020/7201–3833.
Giaconda Dining Room: Enjoy inventive dishes like sautéed duck breast, celeriac purée, and cherry sauce at absurdly low prices at this 35-seat Australian-run beacon on London's Tin Pan Alley. | 9 Denmark St., Soho | WC2 | www.giacondadining.com | 020/7240–3344.
Hix: Long forgotten British dishes like brawn (head cheese) with piccalilli (pickled vegetable relish) are served at this slick Soho award-winner. | 66–70 Brewer St., Soho | W1 | 020/7292–3518.
The Ledbury: Chef Brett Graham burnishes his world-class status with complex modern French cuisine in this handsome Notting Hill restaurant. | 127 Ledbury Rd., Notting Hill | W11 | 020/7792–9090.
Marcus Wareing at the Berkeley: Marcus Wareing and his 100-strong kitchen brigade turn out arguably the most remarkable French haute cuisine in town at this showpiece at the Berkeley. | The Berkeley, Wilton Pl., Knightsbridge S | W1 | 020/7235–1200.
TEA TIME
Fashionistas splurge on flourless caramel spongecake for a chic champagne tea at the wonderfully elegant Connaught (Carlos Place, Mayfair | W1 | www.the-connaught.co.uk | 020/3147–7100). Loyalists come for the open fires, Laurent-Perrier bubbles, smoked salmon and wasabi sandwiches, and loose-leaf