Romantic Bungalow in Notting Hill

Among The Ledbury's many strengths has always been Brett Graham's close relationship with his suppliers. In some cases that supplier is himself, with pigs raised on his farm and the restaurant housing its own mushroom cabinet. These stunning ingredients are amplified by beautifully balanced combinations and the kitchen's ability to deliver multiple layers of flavour without overcomplicating things, such as in the hay-aged pigeon with girolles, vadouvan, cherry and sauerkraut. The service team are refreshingly approachable and have an impressive knack for putting everyone at ease.

Terse menu descriptions belie the quality of the cooking at this energisingly busy neighbourhood brasserie in Notting Hill. Excellent primary ingredients are at the core, which are lovingly treated by the kitchen team, with highly skilled wood-fired grilling a feature of the menu; grab a seat at the counter to get a view of the chefs in action. Dishes vary from single-bite snacks such as creamy liver parfait toast to shared main courses like deliciously filling Limousin veal chop with vin jaune. First-timers should follow the friendly service team's advice on what – and how much – to order.

'Never judge a book by its cover' certainly rings true here, as within this former pub sits a convivial and really quite stylish restaurant, where sophisticated cooking combines with efficient, unstuffy service. Alongside an à la carte, you have the option to ‘build your own’ 5 course tasting menu by selecting one dish from each of their ‘character’ profiles; these range from 'Subtle' (such as Acquerello risotto) to 'Robust' (roast lamb, perhaps) and finish with 'Greedy' for dessert. Top-notch ingredients and strong classical technique run throughout.

Relaxed and free from pomposity, there is a lovely neighbourhood feel to this restaurant that provides both great cooking and a warm welcome. The versatility of the place knows no bounds, as it’s as suited to a romantic dinner as it is to a quick lunch while out shopping or when celebrating with friends. The reliably enjoyable dishes are based on classical combinations and often have a Mediterranean inflection – such as carpaccio of scallops or grilled octopus with smoked paprika aioli. A good value set menu is available alongside the à la carte, but must be booked in advance.

Heston Blumenthal has announced that this restaurant at the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park hotel will close for good in early 2027, so now’s the time to see exactly why it has always been so highly rated. The menu may take inspiration from England's oldest recipe books, but there is still something decidedly 'Heston' about the creative dishes. The signature illusory 'Meat Fruit' epitomises his playful influence, while providing a reminder that superb flavours underpin his dishes – in this case it's a smooth, delicious chicken liver parfait. In another twist, guests are asked how much interaction

As soon as you are welcomed with warmth and charisma by the outstanding service team, you know you're in for a special experience at this jewel of a restaurant. The chefs achieve a perfect blend of modernity and classicism, combining seasonal dishes that embrace Alain Ducasse's beloved 'naturalité' with a roster of his signature recipes – such as the peerless rum baba, a dessert that consistently delivers culinary ecstasy. Underpinning it all are outstanding ingredients, technical mastery and miraculous balance in dishes that can be at once intense and fresh, both rich and delicate.

From the people behind the Gunpowder restaurants comes this neighbourhood spot specialising in cuisines from across Punjab and Northwest India. Expect plenty of biryani and kebabs on a menu that’s so appealing, the hardest decision is choosing what not to order. If you're stuck, the butter chicken is a house speciality and you'd be a fool to overlook the terrific 'King Prawns Kadhai Masala' – a prime demonstration of the kitchen's skill with flavours. There is a loose disco theme and a cool vintage vibe, thanks largely to the fantastic jukebox and a photo booth.