When you're looking for more than just a gourmet meal, chef's tables can elevate dining to an art form. In these intimate spaces, featuring a handful of exclusive seats, narratives unfold, revealing the personality and passion of the culinary maestro while inviting you to become part of the creative journey. I've rounded up a selection of the finest restaurants in London awarded the Best Chef's Table, where service is attentive, artistry is paramount, and the overall experience is stellar — never rushed and guaranteed to impress on your special occasions.
Swedish chef Niklas Ekstedt clearly thrives on challenges. He’s brought true Nordic cuisine to London, and by “true” I mean he didn’t just pack the recipes — he brought a fire pit, too. Embracing the concept fully, there’s no gas or electric setup in sight. A massive oven takes center stage in the rustic yet refined dining space, making you feel like you’re about to join a Viking feast.
You can pop in for a regular visit or book the chef’s table, which accommodates seven guests and offers an enchanting show. The experience is truly one of a kind — flavors are bold, robust, and untamed, with delightful ember undertones. And the presentation is nothing short of spectacular, as if you’ve foraged for your meal in the forest and adorned it with nature's treasures, like wood pieces, moss, and flowers, all executed with sublime artistic flair. A special mention goes to the unique preparation of oysters — visually stunning and absolutely divine to taste.
Chef’s table — £150
At Counter 71, the name says it all: there’s really just a counter. This sleek, curved green marble surface is the only thing you will find in the room, bringing together 16 people for an evening of exquisite dishes prepared by chef Joe Laker. He puts farm-grown produce front and center, paying homage to the British Isles.
While the 10-course menu features mostly classic combinations, I was still amazed at how the chef, like an artist, highlights different aspects of ingredients. With very subtle seasoning, it’s clear he wants the pure flavors to speak for themselves. The team works seamlessly, and there was not a hint of rush that could distract me from enjoying my meal. Curated wine pairings are available, but feel free to browse the list, which includes some options by the glass. And don’t think twice about making a post-dinner detour to the bar downstairs for spot-on cocktails.
Chef’s table — £130
I know Simon Rogan from his exceptional three-star establishment, L’Enclume in Cartmel. Deeply committed to sustainably sourced ingredients, he is running a farm, which is “designed by chefs, for chefs.” So, I was all the more excited to attend an intimate dinner at his newly reimagined London space, Aulis. It features a 12-seat table in a beautifully styled room with warm tones and thoughtful lighting. Head chef Charlie Tayler is at the helm of a beautiful farm-to-fork experience.
As you might expect, the menu rotates, with the main idea being to introduce guests to hyper-seasonal produce. For me, truffle pudding with cheese and their signature mousse dessert were truly special. The wine pairings looked excellent, but I went with the non-alcoholic options, intrigued by the names, like cucumber juice with preserved wild garlic. And I was genuinely blown away by the creativity and how perfectly each drink matched the dishes.
Chef’s table — £185
Yuma Hashemim, the chef and owner of Tehran-Berlin, is known for being the perfect host, and you can definitely feel that warmth when you step into his stylish restaurant. It's not about a buttoned-up atmosphere; instead, this place welcomes you like a dear guest, as if saying, “Come as you are.” Expect a modern twist on Persian family recipes, lovingly crafted by a master who has traveled the globe, picking up international culinary techniques along the way.
When you visit a friend’s house, you don’t get handed a menu, right? The same approach applies here — you’re just promised a memorable and delicious experience through a tasting set. Without giving too much away, let me highlight a few unusual and flavorful dishes: noon-panir-sabzi platter, fragrant herb stew ghormeh sabzi, and classic tahdig — browned crispy saffron-infused rice. I opted for the chef’s table, which is actually a kitchen counter by huge windows, and it was a very special interaction with the enthusiastic maestro that left me feeling genuinely inspired afterward.
Chef’s table — £160
First, be prepared for a bit of a treasure hunt to find the unassuming façade of Maru at lively Shepherd Market. There’s no flashy signage — just a nondescript door adorned with a simple black circle logo. So, entering feels like joining an exclusive secret club. Once the door clicks shut behind you, it marks a departure from the outside world, inviting you to focus your senses during an exquisite omakase journey.
Here, the team embraces the philosophy of omotenashi, which translates to “wholeheartedly looking after your guest.” This commitment means that every detail — from the decor to the cutlery you touch — is intentionally selected by chefs Yasushiro Ochiai and Taiji Maruyama. They weave a narrative of Japanese traditions and mastery while utilizing hyper-seasonal, farm-to-table British produce. I can assure you that time slows down as the immersive experience allows you to delve deeply into a sequence of approximately 20 plates, featuring their extraordinary in-house dry-aged fish.
Omakase dinner — £210