In any big city, locals instinctively steer clear of the tourist trail. And while I’m all for off-the-beaten-path hidden gems, I can’t deny that landmarks are iconic for a reason — nothing quite compares to their grandeur. Sure, after countless visits they might not leave you awestruck, but you can always view them from a new angle. So, for those moments when you're rediscovering familiar sights or showing friends around town, I’ve put together a special list of restaurants near London’s main attractions. And trust me, they’ve got more than enough to earn a legendary status, too.
This is The Ritz. I actually could stop here — sometimes, the name says it all, and everything else feels superfluous. But since I’m not one to keep things short, let me share a few more thoughts. An incontestable landmark in its own right, this icon offers meals that feel like a royal reception. With Buckingham Palace next door, dining at The Ritz becomes the natural continuation of the opulent experience.
The Louis XIV-inspired decor sets the bar impossibly high. The staff is so courteous, you might start expecting a crown to magically appear on your head. And the dishes bring premium ingredients to the table, each dressed in their most fashionable attire. You better follow their lead and dress up to match the occasion. I enjoyed every moment of my theatrical three-course meal, with duck liver tartlet as the opening act and sour cherry soufflé delivering a grandiose finale.
3-course menu — £86
Yes, another name that hardly needs an introduction. The Ivy chain knows how to pick prime spots that match its grandeur, whether it’s by Tower Bridge or Kensington Palace. Yet, my favorite branch is in the heart of the West End, brimming with cultural landmarks — a long-time staple for the theater-going elite. If you’re one of them, I’m sure you’re already a regular. If not, here’s a simple formula: grab tickets to the legendary Mousetrap at St. Martin’s and secure a table at this iconic spot for a truly indulgent pre-theatre meal.
Shepherd’s Pie is a local classic, and delightfully old-school baked Alaska is a must with its own little fire show. But don’t shy away from intriguing seasonal dishes — they've never let me down. And with the restaurant's fantastic Art Deco interior, paired with its luxurious cocktails, I wouldn't need any more reasons to visit.
Festive set menu — £68
Just as Tower Bridge is unmissable, so is Le Pont de la Tour. And the best part? You can enjoy both at the same time. There’s something far more satisfying about admiring the majestic architecture while savoring upmarket French fare. Come here in the evening, and those lights will work their magic.
I’m a fan of Le Pont de la Tour’s terrace in summer, with those cocktails on repeat and all. Though it's open in winter too, promising all the warmth you could need as you cozy up with sheepskin blankets and indulge in cheese fondue for two. It’s very romantic, yet as cold-blooded as I am, I still found myself thinking about sneaking inside. Well, wherever you land, the staff will wrap you in care and treat you to luxurious dishes like Golden Oscietra caviar, oysters, and highly coveted Challans duck, all washed down with wines from just about every corner of France.<
Roast Challans duck — £35
Bloomsbury’s Dalloway Terrace is well-known among local foodies — or should I say, those always on the lookout for the next beautiful photo spot. The restaurant has earned its reputation for stunning seasonal makeovers, and this Christmas period is no exception. The terrace now transformed into a winter wonderland, still a blooming garden but now adorned with frosted pinecones, snow-dusted foliage, and twinkling lights.
Just a five-minute walk away is the British Museum, so I’d say it’s the perfect place to gear up for hours of exploration or unwind afterward. If museum-hopping isn’t on your agenda, come for a leisurely weekend brunch. It’s indulgent but with a healthy twist — shakshuka with whipped Greek yogurt is a standout, while sticky toffee pudding with hints of brandy and butterscotch is there to keep things balanced.
3-course weekend brunch — £45
Trafalgar Square is an essential landmark for anyone visiting London. But for a fresh spin, I recommend seeing it from a more interesting perspective — from above. As a bonus, you also get an epic view of the skyline, the London Eye, and a different take on the famous column, one that puts you on equal footing with Nelson (well, almost; at least you can actually see him).
I like to swing by at sunset, snag a front-row seat at a high table, sip on a craft cocktail, indulge in my favorite crispy prawn bao buns, and watch the city play its nightly color-changing act. By the way, don't worry about the weather — here, they have an impressive arsenal to handle whatever tricks it may throw. Speaking of drinks, their mixology is always top-notch, with seasonal offerings that really hit the spot (make sure to try Winter Soul). The menu may not be extensive, but it manages to offer a nice variety: from dry-aged cuts for carnivores to vegetarian gnocchi and even vegan miso-glazed aubergine.
Dry-aged steak — £37