The Best Restaurants In London: May 2024

London’s culinary scene is always in motion, making it easy to forget that the restaurants – and chefs – with years of experience under their belts are often the best to invest in.

This month, London’s best restaurants hark on this idea; from established favorites unveiling exciting new menus to hidden gems that deserve to be highlighted for those yet-to-be-in-the-know, this month promises a wealth of great food – and food-adjacent experiences.

So, without further ado, here’s your guide to the best restaurants to visit in London this month:

Louie

A hidden gem among Covent Garden’s endless bars and restaurants, Louie stands as a beacon of well-heeled, fun-loving sophisticates. Especially those looking for a taste of New Orleans’ vibrant spirit. Set across four floors, diners relish French classics with Big Easy twists (elevated crayfish and prawn cocktails, stone bass bouillabaisse, BBQ lobster, et al) before moving upstairs to dance the night away alongside its live jazz brand and even livelier bartenders. An electric experience from start to finish, with food that not only reminded this particular American of home, but took it to an entirely new level.

13-15 West Street, London WC2H 9NE

Kioku by Endo

Nestled atop The OWO, Kioku by Endo is Michelin-starred sushi master Endo Kazutoshi’s latest venture, blessing London with another opportunity to experience his unbelievable Japanese-Mediterranean culinary creations – albeit, this time, with panoramic views of London’s many iconic landmarks. With it, the Kioku Bar, located on the ground floor at The OWO, invited Sake Samurai Natsuki Kikuya to create a world class Sake programme which includes a bespoke safe for all things Sake. Modeled after Japanese listening bars, with a bespoke record player offering a mix of tracks for guests’ selections, it is the perfect place to unwind after feasting in the sky.

6th Floor, 57 Whitehall, London SW1A 2BX

Penelope’s at AMANO Covent Garden

If you’re looking for a really, really, really good time, there are few places better than Penelope’s. On the ground floor of Hotel AMANO, the theatre district-adjacent restaurant boasts a fusion of Israeli-Spanish delights inspired by co-founder Ariel Schiff’s upbringing. The tuna ceviche is unmissable (served with Ajo Blanco, seaweed, and jalapeno), as is the Israeli-style Paella (served with octopus, freekeh, tomato gin, and squid ink) and the wild, Tel Aviv-style dance party that takes place every Friday and Saturday. The best part? It’s a mere elevator ride from the restaurant to the gorgeous hotel rooms above – some of which boast luxe, gold bathtubs – when you’ve had your fill.

Drury House, 34-43 Russell St, London WC2B 5HA

The Orangery at Kensington Palace

Experience a taste of regal wining and dining at The Orangery, nestled within the picturesque grounds of Kensington Palace. The iconic restaurant reopens today, following extensive restoration, and its Royal Afternoon Tea is already calling our name (its Castle Farm lavender éclair, in particular). From Queen Victoria’s favorites to contemporary creations, every dish is a tribute to Britain’s culinary heritage, making it the perfect all-day stop for locals and tourists alike.

Kensington Palace Gardens, London W8 4PX

Geode’s Sushi & Hundred Hills Rosé Brunch

Set against the backdrop of Geode Knightsbridge’s elegant conservatory, the restaurant’s new Sushi & Hundred Hills Rosé Brunch invites guests to indulge in unlimited – yes, we said unlimited – sushi alongside some of England’s finest sparkling wine. After indulging in a selection of sumptuous starters (notably, salmon sashimi on karashi sumiso dressing), you can enjoy limitless sushi, gorgeous mains and desserts (save space for the mochi, at the very least) as well as live entertainment. For £100 [$125] per person (or £70 [$87] per person without drinks), it might just be the steal of the month.

14-15 Beauchamp Pl, London SW3 1NQ