Stage 6 · London after dark

Best restaurants in London by occasion

The best restaurant in London depends on the occasion, from Core for a celebration to Blacklock for groups and Padella for pasta.

Part 18 of 23 3 mins read Published Nov. 26

Written by the Escorts Love team, who arrange bookings across London.

The short answer

The best restaurant in London depends on what the evening is for: try Core by Clare Smyth or The Ledbury for a big celebration, Andrew Edmunds for a date, St. JOHN or Scott's for a business meal, Hawksmoor or Blacklock for a group, and J Sheekey or Rules before the theatre. Choosing by occasion is far more useful than chasing a single best-of list, as the most lauded table in town can be the wrong place for your particular night.

A big celebration or a date

For a major birthday or anniversary, three-star cooking at Core by Clare Smyth or The Ledbury in Notting Hill is hard to better, and The Ritz Restaurant brings all the formal glamour you could ask for. See the Michelin guide for more. For a date, choose somewhere that is easy to talk in. Andrew Edmunds in Soho, Clos Maggiore in Covent Garden and Noble Rot in Mayfair all manage that well, and our romantic restaurants guide has plenty more choices.

Business and groups

A business lunch needs good service and enough quiet to be heard. St. JOHN near Smithfield is a reliable choice, particularly for visitors who want something distinctly British, while Scott's on Mount Street offers fine seafood and a smart, clubby room. The Wolseley on Piccadilly is the classic power breakfast spot, and it works well for an all-day meeting.

For a group, you need space and food that is easy to share. Hawksmoor has several London sites and a strong steak menu, and its rooms can handle a bigger table. Blacklock is known for chops and for Sunday roasts, including at its Canary Wharf site, and Dishoom's Indian café-style restaurants are popular for sharing plates at a sensible cost. Do book ahead, since Dishoom in particular can have long queues, and larger parties often have their own booking rules.

Theatre, views and a quick bite

Before a show, J Sheekey in Covent Garden and Rules on Maiden Lane, which has been serving since 1798, are both classic picks that know how to get you out on time. Tell your server what time your curtain goes up. For a view, Oblix at The Shard and Duck & Waffle at Heron Tower are both safe bets, and sunset is the time to aim for.

When you just want something good and quick, Padella has become famous for its fresh pasta at Borough Market and Shoreditch, and Barrafina's counter tapas in Soho is a treat for two. Both can involve a wait, and booking policies differ by branch, so check before you go. Brat in Shoreditch is great for a bigger night out, with wood-fired Basque-inspired food and a one-star award in the 2026 guide. Prices and menus change, so look online first.

One last tip

Whichever you choose, book well ahead for Thursdays to Saturdays and check any cancellation charge. For a dinner date with one of our ladies, you can see the dinner dates page, then call us with her name and a time.

Common questions

What are the best restaurants in London?

It depends on the occasion: Core by Clare Smyth or The Ledbury for a big celebration, Andrew Edmunds for a date, St. JOHN or Scott's for a business meal, Hawksmoor or Blacklock for a group, and J Sheekey or Rules before the theatre.

What is a good restaurant for a date in London?

Andrew Edmunds in Soho, Clos Maggiore in Covent Garden and Noble Rot in Mayfair are all good choices, because all three are easy to talk in.

Where should you go for a business lunch in London?

St. JOHN near Smithfield is a reliable choice, particularly for visitors who want something distinctly British, and Scott's on Mount Street offers fine seafood in a smart, clubby room. The Wolseley on Piccadilly is the classic power breakfast spot.

Which London restaurants are good for groups?

Hawksmoor, Blacklock and Dishoom all work well, as they offer space or food that is easy to share. Book ahead, since larger parties often have their own booking rules.

Where can you eat before a show in London?

J Sheekey in Covent Garden and Rules on Maiden Lane are both classic picks that know how to get you out on time. Tell your server what time your curtain goes up.

All guides

Keep reading

London shows, choosing one and making an evening of itTo choose a London show, decide between a long-running musical like Les Misérables or a shorter run, then book dinner close to the theatre. Brunch in LondonThe best brunch in London ranges from The Wolseley's grand dining room to Dishoom's bacon naan and Granger & Co's famous ricotta hotcakes. Sunday roast in LondonThe best Sunday roast in London is served at places such as Blacklock, Hawksmoor, The Harwood Arms, Quality Chop House and The Camberwell Arms.

Stage 6: London after dark

Where to go together: romantic and Michelin starred restaurants, afternoon tea, rooftop and hidden bars, hotels and the best of London at night.

  1. Best bars in London
  2. Best clubs in London
  3. Christmas in London
  4. New Year's Eve in London
  5. 14 date night ideas in London
  6. Romantic restaurants in London
  7. Michelin star restaurants in London
  8. Afternoon tea in London
  9. Rooftop bars in London
  10. Speakeasy bars in London
  11. Casinos and private members' clubs in London
  12. Best hotels in London by area
  13. Things to do in London at night
  14. Valentine's Day in London
  15. Stag do ideas in London
  16. Strip clubs in London
  17. Bottomless brunch in London
  18. Best restaurants in London by occasionYou are here
  19. Cocktail bars in London
  20. London shows, choosing one and making an evening of it
  21. Brunch in London
  22. Sunday roast in London
  23. Spa days in London

See the full road map

Book by phone

Ready when you are

Call us with the name you like and the time you would like, and we will check she is free.

Call 020 7846 3480