Do you love delicious food in exquisite environments? If so, then London might just be for you! From street food to Michelin stars and everything in between, there is something for just about everyone in the city. Are you looking for the most iconic restaurants in London? Let’s take a look at the best of the best and what makes their design notable.
At Sloane, Chelsea
At Sloane is an impeccable eatery located in the heart of the luxury hotel of the same name, rich with British charm. Visitors are welcomed into a multi-floor dining room complete with an ornate balcony overlooking the estate’s grounds. The room is broken up into small, intimate spaces through the liberal use of curtains and shelving, creating an environment that manages to be elegant, eclectic and inviting all at once.
If you’re looking for a unique restaurant with an iconic dining room design in a hotel with much the same charm, then At Sloane might be a great choice.
Carlotta, Marylebone
Carlotta features a unique design ranging from “modern” to “retro New York eatery”. This makes sense when you learn that the family-owned business began in New Jersey, an area steeped in Italian-American culture. The restaurant is an homage to the Italian immigrants in the area, complete with authentic Italian recipes crafted by Italian chefs. Carlotta is just as diverse as its inspiration, with interior décor spanning from an iconic dining room complete with silk wallpaper and chandeliers to a more modern approach with mirrored ceilings, glass tables and unique lighting.
It is impossible to discuss iconic restaurant design without drawing attention to this gem. If Italian food is calling your name, then it might just be the perfect restaurant for you!
Dear Jackie, Soho
Few entries on this list have as distinct a design as Dear Jackie. Featuring bold silk wallpaper in varying hues of red, Murano lighting, and elegant blue booths paired with a host of ceramic plates adorning the walls, Dear Jackie offers visitors Italian fare in a truly unique environment. It is one of the most elegant and distinctive entries on this list, and if you’ve been there, then you can probably picture the restaurant’s style easily.
Visitors looking for Italian food with a unique atmosphere might want to give Dear Jackie a go.
Bibendum, South Kensington
Run by Michelin-starred chef Claude Bosi, Bibendum manages to be both more understated and elevated than the other entries on this list. It doesn’t feature bold colours and unique lighting, and there is no interior décor that separates tables and provides an intimate experience. Instead, Bibendum features a bright, classically white dining room with plenty of windows, an elegant blue floor and neutral seating. The point of interest? A stunning stained-glass window rises high above the tables.
It’s hard to find a more elegant eatery in London – avid fans of classic British cuisine with hints of French influences running through it won’t want to miss Bibendum.
Petersham Nurseries, Richmond
Unlike the other entries on this list, which offer soaring designs and intimate experiences, Petersham Nurseries surrounds visitors with nature. This is especially true during the spring and summer months when its outside dining space features arches of colourful flowers enhanced with low-key wooden seating. The overall ‘vibe’ of the restaurant is laid back, elegant and intimate.
If you’ve ever wanted to visit a Michelin Green Star restaurant where you eat fresh food grown by the chefs themselves, don’t overlook Petersham Nurseries. You can even take home a new plant along with your food!
How do iconic restaurants impact the design and food scenes in London?
‘Uniquely designed and decorated restaurants give design and art enthusiasts in all manner of areas to connect and create. From online slots with iconic designs to jewellery creators, the incredible restaurants in this list help to get the creative juices flowing. They also form the backbone of London’s dynamic food culture. Visitors from the region as well as overseas flock to the city specifically to enjoy the incredible food and impeccable interior design that these restaurants offer’
As you can see, there is quite a lot to love about London’s unique eateries. Whether you want a cozy meal or a more lavish experience, we think that there’s probably a perfect fit for you. Use the restaurants we’ve described above as a jumping-off point, and make sure that you do your own research into fabulous food in unique environments in London.
