Best restaurants in London
Oh, the sheer delight of booking a table! Breakfast, lunch or dinner – it doesn’t really matter. It’s the joy of choosing where and when, the thought that goes into what you’d like to try and if there’s any particular cuisine you’re in the mood for. It’s a far more involved process that one would think but every single step is such fun. You’ll find some of the best restaurants in London, right here in Belgravia. So grab your foodie passport and take a trip around the world – from Italy to India, China to France – whether you’re looking for a steak or a veggie restaurant, something fancy or something low key, al fresco or nice and cosy – you’ll be a foodie travelista by the time you’ve completed your journey.
The Italian connection
Did you know that Tiramisu is the Italian word for ‘pick me up’? When you visit Chuc’s, it’s a proper pick me up for the soul. With its gorgeous wraparound terrace, it’s the perfect spot to sip coffee alfresco and put the world to rights over cocktails and cicchetti. Choose from Italian treats like Iberico pork with cavolo nero, lardo and heritage carrots or monkfish saltimbocca. Their ranges of pizzas are the real deal – a small but perfectly formed collection of delights, including pizza bianca with taleggio and truffle. Chuc’s serves Tiramisu, of course – which self-respecting, fabulous Italian wouldn’t? Go on, it would be rude not to! 25 Eccleston Street, Belgravia, London SW1W 9NP www.chucsrestaurants.com
Good living – one dish at a time
Your health is your wealth and here at Daylesford Organic – a farm shop and café, it’s a way of life. All dishes are freshly made by hand and give a vigorous nod to the very best of seasonal produce available from their organic farm, Market Garden, Bakery and Creamery. Breakfast treats include creamed mushrooms on sourdough and smoked haddock omelette or for lunch. Or why not try their award winning cheeses lovingly matched with other seasonal ingredients to create the most heavenly tarts and risottos? It’s first come first served for breakfast, brunch, lunch and supper so the early bird catches the organic dish. 44b Pimlico Road, London SW1W 8LP www.daylesford.com
Spring notes
Spring was made for Jazz and that’s what Boisdale is known for – along with its modern British dishes and the finest whiskies. A Belgravia institution, why not appreciate the finer things in life by indulging in a little bit of outdoor dining, where you can enjoy louche lunches and divine dinners on the outdoor terrace? Choose a dish of oysters, which hail from the Channel Islands, Northumberland and Ireland or pick your preferred Scottish clan from a choice of cured fish dishes from the Scottish Highlands and the Isle of Gigha, perfectly paired with a tot or two of whisky. 15 Eccleston street, Belgravia, SW1W 9LX www.boisdale.co.uk
Relative values
There’s a reason why in 2019 this restaurant was listed as the Top Steakhouse in London by Steak Society. You’ll be spoilt for choice with the menu – where you’ll find a variety of meat and steak dishes cooked in their Josper charcoal oven. The steaks are grass-fed Longhorn cattle, dry aged for a minimum of 28 days by North Yorkshire farmer & butcher partner, The Ginger Pig and the team have perfected the recipe of mixing passion and talent by creating dishes and an ambiance, perfect for spending quality moments with friends and family. Their ‘Everything on Toast’ dish, which includes avocado, spinach, poached eggs and Sriracha dressing, to name just a few of the ingredients, is an outdoor dining brunch-must – available between noon and 4pm – so, hurry! 7-8 Eccleston Yards, Belgravia, London, SW1W 9AZ www.jonesfamilykitchen.co.uk
Memories never tasted so good
Want to get away from it all? Then head to this spring outdoor dining spot with five rainbow- coloured huts inspired by Britain’s most iconic foodie seafronts. The perfect place for a spot of lunch, this innovative restaurant is serving made-to-share seafood platters, freshly shucked oysters and other summer favourites including a five star take on fish and chips. Not to be missed, is the Gourmet ‘99 – a luxe traditional vanilla ice cream cone with indulgent flakes and an array of toppings. There are also retro themed cocktails – choose a cherry shandy or what about a ‘Sailor Sour’? Indulge in an unforgettable seaside staycation without leaving the city. The Berkeley, Wilton Place, London SW1X 7RL www.the-berkeley.co.uk
Wake up to taste
If your taste buds are in need of a wakeup call, then head to Pantechnicon and its Roof Garden and south-facing Terrace. Outdoor dining has never been so adventurous and as you survey the incredible views of Belgravia from your Nordic inspired garden, courtesy of Finnish horticulturalist, Taina (which literally means ‘little tree’), Suonio, you can wake your senses up with a menu that has been inspired by the taste of Japan and the Nordics. The intriguing mix is difficult to resist and takes you on a culinary journey from Osaka and Hokkaido through to Copenhagen, Reykjavik, Oslo and more. With seasonal resident mixologists, you are in for a treat with a range of intriguing cocktails – try the seaweed martini and tell all your friends! 19 Motcomb Street, London SW1X 8LB www.pantechnicon.com
Perfection on a plate
A visit to Amaya will make your taste buds glow. This Michelin starred restaurant offers sophisticated grilled Indian cuisine and has been called a totally unconventional fine dining experience. The food is prepared for sharing, served immediately and there are no first or main courses – which means there is more to share. Choose from a dazzling variety of dishes including seafood, poultry, beef and game and there are also lots of vegetarian options to choose from. Watch as your choice of ingredients is marinated with exotic seasonings and then cooked in full view in a hot clay oven, open grill, or searing hot iron plate. If you’re looking for a gourmet adventure, then stop right here – you have arrived. Halkin Arcade, Motcomb Street, London SW1X 8JT. www.amaya.biz
Distinctively different
Hunan is not your typical Chinese restaurant. The restaurant is known for not having a menu! Diners just tell their server what they don’t eat and how spicy they like it, and the chefs will do the rest. Dishes are served in small tapas sized portions – made completely with your preferences in mind. It’s almost like having your personal chef. Hunan, is in fact, the name of Chef Peng’s mentor rather than the province itself, but you will also find some tasty dishes from the region, including double cooked pork and spicy aubergine. This is a restaurant for the adventurous spirit who knows that good things come to those who are willing to experiment. 51 Pimlico Road, London SW1W 8NE www.hunanlondon.com
French evolution
This Belgravia institution has been standing in the neighbourhood for as long as anyone can remember. Actually, it dates back to the 1960’s, where the idea was to recreate a snapshot of ‘paysan’ France. The idea paid off and La Poule has been voted ‘best for romance’ in Harden’s guide for many years. The menu is classic French: fine ingredients, generous portions and hearty cooking – all presented with exuberant panache. The wine list, as you’d expect, is honest, thoughtful and interesting – like the best sommelier you could hope for. In spring and summer as the weather gets warmer, the restaurant throws open its doors, making the outdoor seating area one of the most wonderful al fresco locations in London. 231 Ebury Street, London SW1W 8UT www.pouleaupot.co.uk
Italian seduction
Open for breakfast, lunch, afternoon and dinner, this homage to Italy embodies Italian chic and vintage glamour. Under the watchful eye of executive chef Claudio Covino, the passionate and dedicated team creates fine dishes, which blend traditional flavours with seasonal ingredients. Favourites include salted cod fillet in a Mediterranean sauce, served on toasted homemade bread and beef fillet tagliata with wild rocket, shaved parmesan and wholegrain mustard dressing. All the dishes are complemented with an impressive wine list and selection of inventive cocktails. Try the Bull Dog, the house Negroni cocktail made with a mix of hibiscus infused gin, Campari, vermouth and orange zest or Royal Affair, an intriguing champagne cocktail with apple and cinnamon infused gin and Moscato. 20 Chesham Place, Belgravia, London SW1X 8HQ www.ilpampero.com
Contemporary Lebanese charm
Noura Belgravia has created a bit of a legacy. The very first of the Noura restaurants in London, it is the brainchild of Nader and Jocelyne Bou Auntoun who began their dream in Lebanon in the 1970’s. Presenting the very best of Lebanese cuisine, the concentration is on traditional mezze and Chawarma – varieties of a Levantine-Arab dish with marinated and grilled lamb and chicken with tabbouleh and hoummos. Come and enjoy Lebanese fayre at its very best where passion for fine provenance is a family affair. 16 Hobart Place, London SW1W OHH www.noura.co.uk
Sardinian Magic
Olivo exudes Sardinian appeal from the moment you enter this Belgravia restaurant. Recently refurbished in a contemporary style reflecting enticing elements of Sardinian culture, Olivo offers a mouth-watering variety of pasta, meat, fish and vegetable dishes. For the uninitiated, Sardinian cuisine is bursting with flavour and variety and with dishes like carpacci di mare (thin slices of Mediterranean red prawns, swordfish and tuna drizzled with lemon and olive oil) and Culurgiones (Sardinian pasta parcels filled with potato, Pecorino cheese and mint), it is impossible not to be seduced by all that good Sardinian food has to offer. Olivo stands side by side with its siblings Oliveto (pizzas and Sardinian pastas); Olivocarne (contemporary meat dishes) and Olivomare (shellfish and seafood) in Belgravia, proudly waving the flag for Italophiles everywhere. Andiamo! 21 Eccleston Street London SW1W, 9LX www.olivorestaurants.com/olivo
The ultimate hangout
This is the spot where magic happens. The restaurant is the regular haunt for celebrities, sporting personalities and locals – but don’t let that fool you. This favourite Belgravia restaurant serves incredibly good food at reasonable prices, going from breakfast and lunch and taking you through the afternoon and into the evening with a range of dishes featuring classic British, European and Asian favourites prepared with seasonal game, meat and fish. Come and dine in the evening at the newly refurbished restaurant and lively underground bar with live jazz, piano and dinner DJ’s until late. 26 Motcomb Street, Belgravia, London SW1X 8JU www.motcombsbelgravia.com
Outdoor dining catered for you
Eccleston Yards
If you fancy escaping from everything for a little while, this stunning courtyard is a perfect urban oasis for outdoor dining.
Grosvenor Gardens
If you prefer lunch sur l’herbe, then grab a picnic and head to Grosvenor Gardens where a green oasis is surrounded by great architecture – it’s like eating in a stately home – only this time it’s outside!
Halkin Arcade
Another green playground tucked away, this is the prettiest spot to indulge in a takeaway lunch with friends or choose one of the fabulous outdoor dining restaurants.
