London’s most ‘iconic’ restaurants that you should try at least once

With thousands of restaurants across the city, working out where to eat in London is no easy task.

If you live in the city, you’ll likely have your own neighbourhood favourites, but if you’re keen to try somewhere truly memorable, then there are apparently 26 spots that should be on your radar.

This is according to the team at OpenTable, who have revealed a list of ‘icons’ which they say are this year’s ‘hottest’ restaurants, ‘defining dining’ in the capital.

The list is in no particular order and features everything from steak places to Indian restaurants, and, of course, a few British institutions.

It was compiled by a panel of industry insiders, including Adam Hyman, the owner of CODE Hospitality and The Good Food Guide, Lorraine Copes, the founder and CEO of Be Inclusive Hospitality, cook and food writer Jenny Lau, and food content creator and author Seema Panhania. 

One of the top picks is Darjeeling Express, an Indian restaurant that not only serves delicious, authentic dishes but also has an impressive backstory.

It was founded by Asma Khan and started as a supper club featuring family recipes dating back generations, before the physical restaurant opened in 2017.

What’s truly unique about it is that it has an all-female kitchen run by immigrant housewives – most of whom are in their 50s. 

Not a single one of them (Asma included) has any professional culinary training. They all learned to cook at home, proving you don’t need to have a fancy qualification to make amazing food.

Popular dishes include Methi Chicken (£23), which has a rich tomato-based sauce and is flavoured with dried fenugreek, as well as the Tamarind Dal (£8), a veggie side dish featuring tangy and spicy lentils, cooked with garlic, dried red chillies, cumin and curry leaves. 

Currently, you’ll find Darjeeling Express in Kingly Court, but it’s moving location soon, closing on May 16 and reopening in Rupert Street in Soho on June 3. 

Also on the list is St. JOHN in Smithfield, a firm favourite of many Londoners, famous for its nose-to-tail cooking approach. 

The British restaurant has been awarded a Michelin star for its food, and the menu changes daily.

Examples of dishes include a roast bone marrow and parsley salad (£16.50), devilled tripe, chips and ketchup (£25.50), and roast lamb, carrots, and green sauce (£34).

Rita’s, an independent restaurant in Soho where modern American dining meets British and European produce, also made the cut.

It was founded in 2012 by chef-owner Gabriel Pryce and beverage director Missy Flynn, who began the business as a pop-up in Dalston.

The menus are guided by the seasons, with all meat and fish raised and caught sustainably, and produce sourced from organic farms near London.

Harry Styles and Zoe Kravitz are thought to be fans, and popular dishes include beef tartare and fried chicken.

Rita’s was also featured in OpenTable’s Restaurant Awards, winning a people’s choice accolade for having ‘standout service’. St. JOHN garnered one too, being crowned a ‘neighbourhood gem’.

Which iconic restaurant in London is your favorite and why?Comment Now

Other places to try include Juno Omakase in Notting Hill, a six-seater counter within the Japanese Mexican eatery, Los Mochis, The Plimsoll pub in Highbury, which is often touted as serving one of the best burgers in London, plus BRUTTO, an Italian spot in Farringdon that specialises in Florentine dining and holds a Michelin Bib Gourmand.

Restaurant Gordon Ramsay in Chelsea was featured too, and it comes as the legendary chef prepares to open his 100th spot.

Bread Street Kitchen opens at 22 Bishopsgate on May 6, and Metro was lucky enough to snag an early preview.

Laure Bornet, senior vice president of international growth at OpenTable, said: ‘Our first-ever OpenTable Restaurant Awards winners are the places defining London’s culture right now, setting global standards and creating experiences that stay with diners long after they leave.

‘At a time of real pressure for the industry, celebrating and backing the people and places raising the bar matters more than ever, and we’re proud to champion these standout spots to diners.’

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