London is the place to find world class cuisine, narrowing down the field to only ten top 5 star restaurants is rather problematic. Nearly 50 restaurants in London boast at least one Michelin star leaving behind the stereotypical reputation of poor food in England.
Not on our list as they are technically not in London, but definitely worth noting are two of the four UK Michelin 3 star restaurants: The Fat Duck and The Waterside. Both are located in the village of Bray just 40 minutes west of London and owned by renowned chef Heston Blumenthal, the father of molecular gastronomy. It's not just a meal rather a bona fide dining experience.
London's two shining 3 star Michelin restaurants: Gordon Ramsay and Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester bestow the international celebrity chef's names and are both French. Ramsay has 10 additional restaurants in London. Newcomer Aussie chef Brett Graham has placed The Ledbury in Notting Hill on top of Harden's list of best restaurants in London.
Fiztrovia's Hakasan was the first Chinese restaurant to be awarded the prestigious Michelin star. Read the menu online before dining as many of the choices need to be ordered in advance.
For British or Modern European cuisine Rhodes 24 in the City's Gherkin building has stunning views of London while Wild Honey in Mayfair offers a pleasantly affordable menu. English born Tom Aikens is known to attract members of the royal family at his self titled restaurant in Chelsea as well as at his two smaller Tom's Kitchen locations, in Chelsea again and at Somerset House.
It probably goes without saying, but along with the five star rating comes a heftier bill. Pre-booking any of the top five star restaurants in London on our list is not only compulsory, it is advised to reserve a table several months in advance to avoid disappointment.
Great Smith Street
The Old Westminster Library
A gastronomic journey to India...
22 Park Lane
London Hilton
French dining with a view...
25 Old Broad Street
Level 24, Tower 42
Best dining views plus Michelin stars, 24th floor of the Gherkin...
Park Lane
On the lobby level of the Dorchester Hotel, Park Lane, W1
3 Michelin Stars in The Dorchester Hotel...
110-112 Draycott Avenue
South Kensington
Italian in South Ken...
67-77 Charterhouse Street
4 floors of food...
28-32 St Martin's Court
Legend of the sea...
Stoney Street, Borough Market
The Floral Hall
British through and through...
23-25 Leadenhall Market
Seafood in a Victorian covered market...
Rainville Road
Thames Wharf
A-list Italian eatery...
20-24 Shaftesbury Avenue
Eat with Tarzan...
33 King Street
Covent Garden
A place for all seasons!...
Motcomb Street
Halkin Arcade, Motcomb St., SW1X
Experience the very best of Modern Indian cuisine...
33 King Street
One of Covent Garden's most romantic restaurants...
135 Portland Road
Holland Park
A beloved Bohemian dining institution...
11 Stoney Street / Borough Market
Borough Market
Friendly local eatery...
159 Brick Lane
24-hour bagel fix at East End institution...
Flawless Michelin stars...
19 Blandford Street
Marylebone
International nuances...
25 Swallow Street
Elegant Argentine steakhouse...