Desserts may not be the first thing we think of when choosing a restaurant, but there’s something wonderfully satisfying about finishing a meal with a spectacular sweet treat. As someone who always saves room for a little indulgence, I enthusiastically set out on a journey to spotlight London’s top venues for the Masterpiece in Dessert Creation award — where sugary delights aren’t just an afterthought but a perfectly orchestrated epilogue to linger over.
I could easily spend hours contemplating the decor of the newly reopened restaurant at the iconic Claridge’s hotel, if the waiters didn’t keep interrupting to serve plates that are equally pleasing to the eye. In such a setting, champagne flows effortlessly, and luxurious bites like truffle shavings on buckwheat crumpets are part of the natural rhythm of the evening.
But well, we’re talking about desserts, and I’m glad I brought along a friend with the sweetest tooth to indulge in not one, but two delights meant to be shared. Baked Alaska is one of my all-time favorite old-school treats, and here, it’s crafted to divine perfection. When the waiter pours gin and sets this beauty on fire, it creates an infectious moment that spreads through the dining room — everyone who sees it feels the urge to try it. Then there’s a mountain of profiteroles with hot chocolate flowing seductively down the sides — a sight that can make even the most steadfast surrender.
Baked Alaska to share — £25
I’m always up for checking out an Italian restaurant, especially when there’s a wildly famous lemon pie on the menu. Gloria welcomes guests with a warm, sunny ambiance and vintage flair. Sitting on those striped sofas next to lace-trimmed lamps and surrounded by greenery, I can’t help but feel as if I’ve stepped into a scene from a Paolo Sorrentino movie. There’s also a stunning area with slightly worn tables and walls lined with wine bottles — a not-so-subtle reminder that the evening would be incomplete without a glass in hand.
From homemade focaccia and potato millefeuille with beef tartare to mafaldine with indulgently creamy truffle sauce — all served on vibrant, ornate plates — each treat was both authentic and memorable. Then arrives the much-talked-about lemon pie — or should I say, the Everest of lemon pies? It features a buttery crust, a layer of tangy, zesty curd, and a 5.9-inch mound of silky meringue. You’ll need an exceptionally strong sweet tooth to take it on alone, or better yet, share it.
Lemon pie — £8
Honey & Co is my regular haunt for a casual, refreshing Middle Eastern breakfast, where everything is so good, you don’t want to break the mood with anything like work. The homey and cozy dining room feels warm and sunlit, even when the gloom and rain are pouring outside behind the glass façade. I’ve never gone wrong with the food here — whether it’s finger-licking mezze spread, my trusty, flavorful shakshuka, or seasonal spiced pumpkin falafel.
Whatever you choose, just don’t leave without trying their legendary feta & honey cheesecake, which looks nothing like you'd expect. It's a cloud of luscious, mousse-like cream, topped with berries, almonds, and a drizzle of honey, all resting on an aromatic nest of kadaif pastry. The result strikes a perfect balance between sweetness, freshness, and crunch. To round off the experience, I’d recommend their invigorating Persian lemon & fennel tea, though the cardamom coffee is a lovely alternative too.
Feta & honey cheesecake — £10.5
I rarely have the patience for queues, but alright, I'm in when it means getting my hands on some pillowy bao buns packed with vibrant fillings. My go-to spot in Soho is small, cute, and undeniably charming, having won the hearts of London foodies, which is great for the restaurant, of course — though I sometimes wish for a more tête-à-tête moment with those fluffy bites of goodness.
The menu is short but streamlined with Taiwanese delights, and I think I’ve tried most of it — my personal standouts being guinea fowl rice, eryngii mushrooms with pickled shiitake, and, well, all kinds of buns. Yet, the one that has everyone swooning is the sweet option, featuring Horlicks ice cream sandwiched between two halves of deep-fried bao. Not exactly rocket science, I know. But this genius pairing of luscious, rich, and creamy scoop with the crispy shell hiding a soft, airy interior is just next-level delicious.
Fried bao — £6.5
I’m pulling this one right from the heart — a gem that focuses on comforting, family-style Italian food rather than any flashy frills. Brutto brings all the coziness and romance of a classic trattoria, checkered tablecloths and candlelight included. The well-known and well-loved Florentine cuisine here is crafted with the warmth and care of a nonna’s kitchen, while the relaxed atmosphere can smooth away any first-date jitters.
Their fried dough balls with prosciutto and stracchino are crisp and addictive, and rabbit pappardelle arrives rich and generous. The dessert menu has some great options, but trust me, go straight for tiramisu — soft, seductive, and melting any day’s worries away. It’s not the kind that blends together into one indistinct piece; you can truly appreciate all the textures and the right balance of boozy, creamy, and cocoa-kissed notes. And since Brutto is renowned for its £5 negroni, there’s really no excuse to skip it.
Tiramisu — £9.5