These Are Our Bucket List Restaurants In London
Bucket list restaurants, we all have them. In a city like London, arguably the best in the world for culinary diversity and innovation, we might have several (or, in my case, a big long list in my notes app). From three Michelin-starred spots to exclusive Chef’s tables, here are the restaurants at the very top of The Handbook team’s wish list.
Core by Clare Smyth
One of the most recognised female chefs in the industry, Clare Smyth was first UK-based female chef to win three Michelin stars. Core is her multi-award-winning restaurant in Notting Hill, where the fine dining menu is as elegant as it is photogenic. With beautifully crafted dishes with an emphasis on natural, sustainable, artisanal food, it’s a must-visit for anyone who appreciates exciting, delicious, and impeccably crafted food.
“With three Michelin Stars, I can probably count on one hand the number of people who don’t have CORE somewhere on their restaurant bucket list. While the decor is sleek and tasteful, it’s definitely not ‘showy’—all to ensure your focus is always on the food. One look at CORE’s Instagram, and you’ll see that the presentation of each dish is pure artistry. Championing local food and craftsmanship, this is the height of modern dining and, if the universe is listening, I’m manifesting a booking” – Natasha, Digital Editor.
One look at CORE’s Instagram, and you’ll see that the presentation of each dish is pure artistry
Where: 92 Kensington Park Rd, London W11 2PN
Website: www.corebyclaresmyth.com
Kitchen Table
London’s chef’s table scene doesn’t get much more dramatic and extravagant than Kitchen Table. Aptly named, it’s a dining experience that’ll see you guided through the evening by James Knappett and his team as they prepare, serve and talk you through the evening’s tasting menu.
“Desperate to try Kitchen Table from James Knappett – two Michelin stars, reservations are released for one entire month at once, three months in advance. The menu is a daily tasting menu of Modern British dishes at £250pp” – Robyn, Managing Director.
Reservations are released for one entire month at once, three months in advance
where: 70 Charlotte Street, Fitzrovia, W1T 4QG
website: www.kitchentablelondon.co.uk
Ikoyi
There’s no à la carte menu at Ikoyi, nor does there need to be, as this two-Michelin star restaurant serves up the tasting menu of culinary dreams, oozing with innovation and rich in global influence with a West African twist. The menu is ever-changing, but expect to enjoy dishes like mussel and saffron crème caramel; smoked jollof rice with grilled lobster and lobster custard; and husk cherry and rum cake.
“Given the tasting menu costs £350, I’m holding out for either winning the lotto or Ikoyi pulling a St. John and offering a short-term budget version of their menu. Until then, it sits right at the top of my bucket list – its bold, innovative menu is meant to be life-changing” – Patrick, Editorial Assistant.
Given the tasting menu costs £350, I’m holding out for either winning the lotto or Ikoyi pulling a St. John and offering a short-term budget version
Where: 180 Strand, Temple, London WC2R 1EA
Website:www.ikoyilondon.com
Paradise Soho
From contemporary curries to breads and hoppers, Paradise adds their own spin on the classic dishes you’ll find all over Sri Lanka. The Soho restaurant, located on Rupert Street, takes inspiration from the bistros of Colombo and Galle, and the entanglement of jungle, beach and sea that the isle is known for.
“Paradise is well known for bringing a fresh and exciting taste of Sri Lanka to the heart of Soho. Having recently undergone an interior refresh in May 2024 and a brand new menu, I’m dying to try their six-course menu and wine pairings” – Harriet, Head of Partnerships.
Having recently undergone an interior refresh in May 2024 and a brand new menu, I’m dying to try their six-course menu and wine pairings
where: 61 Rupert Street, Soho, W1D 7PW
website: www.paradisesoho.com
Kol
Bringing an authentic taste of Mexico to London is Marylebone’s KOL. The restaurant reimagines the flavours and culture of its homeland and brings it to life through local, British ingredients. The World Restaurant Awards recently named it the best in the UK, which isn’t a bad accolade to have.
“I’ve been really excited to visit KOL – not just because it’s at #17 on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list this year. The restaurant champions British ingredients, with Mexican flavours and the menu looks fresh, exciting and super seasonal. Plus, chef Santiago Lastra is one to look out for – he brings an authentic, simplicity to his methods that makes every dish feel like it has its own literature. And who doesn’t love a restaurant that’s just pouring with great stories to tell?” – Andrea, Food, Culture and Lifestyle Writer.
I’ve been really excited to visit KOL – not just because it’s at #17 on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list this year
where: 9 Seymour Street, Marylebone, W1H 7BA
website: WWW.kolrestaurant.com
Luca
Tucked away in Clerkenwell, the space is beautifully decked out, complete with red leather banquette seating, exposed brickwork and atmospheric lighting. The menu doesn’t disappoint either, with highlights including roast Orkney scallops with Jerusalem artichoke and ‘nduja; ravioli with sheep’s ricotta, winter greens, kale pesto, chilli and hazelnuts; and Scottish halibut with Cornish mussels, whipped salad cod and braccicas.
“Luca has been at the top of my list for quite some time. It frequently pops up on my feed and I can’t help but save every mention. Italian cuisine is my absolute favourite, and the indoor-outdoor decor only adds to the appeal. Plus, with a Michelin star to its name, it’s really a no-brainer” – Sydney Smiley, Social Media Manager.
It frequently pops up on my feed and I can’t help but save every mention
where: 88 St John Street, EC1M 4EH
website: www.luca.restaurant
Restaurant Story
Tom Sellers’ Restaurant Story serves a tasting menu of delicate dishes inspired and led by the British seasons and the very best produce available, in an intimate, 10-seater table. Each course tells a story: it could be inspired by a moment in Tom’s life or the provenance of an ingredient. The menu is known for breaking convention with some unique flair – such as an edible candle made from beef tallow that melts to be eaten with bread.
“This is one of the most unique culinary experiences in the city, and I would absolutely love to get a booking – not easy, as it has two Michelin stars and is top of the bucket list for lots of Londoners” – Elly, CEO and Founder.
This is one of the most unique culinary experiences in the city, and I would absolutely love to get a booking
WHERE: 199 Tooley St, London SE1 2JX
WEBSITE: www.tomsellers.co.uk
Manteca
The famed pop-up from Chris Leach opened its doors to its first brick-and-mortar restaurant in 2019 to rave reviews. Known best for focusing on nose-to-tail cooking, this new permanent site sees Chris’ team install an exciting glass-panelled hanging room for all of their in-house butchery and salumi. The menu is inspired by Chris’ travels in and around Italy.
“Mine would be Manteca, really hard to get a table but the food looks insane and not overly fussy” – Elle, Venue Partnerships Manager.
It’s really hard to get a table but the food looks insane and not overly fussy
WHERE: 49-51 CURTAIN ROAD, EC2A 3PT
WEBSITE: WWW.MANTECARESTAURANT.CO.UK
