Whether you're a fan or a skeptic of food photos on social media, I bet your hand instinctively reaches for your phone to capture a stunning dish, just as you would for a picturesque landmark. After all, aesthetic appeal is undeniably a key element of the dining experience. That’s why I’ve put together a selection of London’s top spots, awarded for unmatched artistic presentation of their culinary creations.
The Cocochine, a recent gem in Mayfair's dining scene, impressed me on many levels. Housed in a four-story Bruton Place mews house, it offers a discreet, intimate experience with a choice between a cozy room, filled with soft lighting, and the chef’s counter. It also boasts a superb wine cellar featuring rare, highly coveted vintages. The ambiance is sublimely elegant, the kind that whispers rather than shouts. With gallerist Tim Jefferies as co-owner, I wasn’t surprised to discover an exceptional collection of photographs adorning the walls.
Award-winning chef Larry Jayasekara continues the legacy of artistry in the kitchen. This means that top ingredients, like hand-dived scallops from Tanera Island and Rowler Farm's rack of venison, transform into masterpieces on those pristine white plates. Each dish resembles a landscape painting, inviting you to contemplate its intricate details. All in all, The Cocochine makes you feel utterly pampered, so give yourself this treat before it’s booked up for months.
3 courses — £145
HUMO is created by folks who are passionate about fire — not just as a cooking method, but as a philosophy and a symbolism it embodies. I love how the experience here evokes a wonderful forest gathering around the fire, as you can genuinely feel the warmth radiating from the oven filled with different types of wood for various dishes. You can even grab a front-row seat to watch the chefs work with the flames. The food at HUMO is a bold fusion of British fine produce and Japanese techniques, all infused with distinctive smoke and ember flavors.
Speaking of presentation, it goes beyond just being pretty. True to the concept, some delights are artfully presented on tree bark, while others are enhanced by pine benches, with each plate always crafted in a multi-layered, artistic manner. Make sure to order Orkney scallop served in its shell and grilled over whisky barrels — it was a revelation for me. Aged turbot paired with Jerusalem artichoke is not one to miss either.
4-course lunch menu — £66
I’ll admit, I came across this place in a viral video, and I knew I had to check it out. It seems this is exactly the effect the team at Beans & Bites in Hackney aims to create — their breakfasts and brunches are designed to be shared on social media. Sure, those stacked pancakes, overflowing with berries and drizzled in syrup, or Nutella waffles topped with an ice cream cone, look simply irresistible.
But if you’ve got the willpower, you can definitely go for healthier and less sugar-laden treats instead. For instance, their Mediterranean breakfast is hearty and packed with vegetables, quality protein, and healthy fats. And it’s still beautifully arranged on your plate, making it as visually appealing as it is delicious. Otherwise, there's an impressive selection on the menu, ranging from poached eggs covered with hollandaise sauce to indulgent Turkish menemen.
3 berry pancakes — £12
Opulent and elegant, with a hint of decadence, this hidden gem beckons you to indulge in high-end Italian cuisine crafted by the renowned chef Alfredo Russo. You can already feel the weight of those words and the high expectations they bring. I can assure you, The Franklin Restaurant knows how to exceed them. Some might call it pretentious, but when you're in the mood for something a little extra, this venue is a good choice, and it’s not overly hyped. The small dining room strikes you with sophisticated design, draped in gray hues, accentuated by golden touches and an abundance of églomisé mirrors.
The menu features enticing flavors from Northern Italy and prime ingredients. When your dishes arrive, you'll want to take a moment to contemplate them and tip your hat to the talent behind the creations. Turbot filet served with refreshing green apple and rhubarb, along with exquisite veal tortelli and tiramisu, are absolute must-haves.
Veal tortelli — £25
Middle Eastern cuisine, with its vibrant colors, has always been visually captivating to me. But Fait Maison goes a step further adding an extra layer of beauty. Whether it’s bagel with smoked salmon, waffles topped with cheese, figs, and a drizzle of truffle oil, or Turkish simit crowned with a free-range poached egg, each dish is a picture-perfect delight, garnished with delicate flowers, leaves, and sprinkles. Plates with ornate edges and floral patterns make everything look irresistibly cute.
The interior leans into a lavish Marie-Antoinette vibe, which is admittedly not my favorite aesthetic, but I still love popping in here for a lively brunch. My go-to choices are classic shakshuka or falafel plate, and I never miss out on their cakes — highly suggest you do the same! My top recommendations are red velvet and pistachio gâteau, paired with Moroccan tea.
Shakshuka — £15.95