Amuse-bouches land before you — delicate, artful, setting the mood for what’s to come. As the courses unfold, time slows, and you find yourself searching for the message and inspiration behind every bite, engaging in a silent dialogue with the plate: “Is that a hint of bergamot?” You’re hooked into the narrative, eagerly waiting to see what will be unveiled next. Yes, I’m talking about tasting menus — the purest expression of a chef's art. And the most exciting part is that like any form of art, it doesn't have to please everyone; instead, it invites you to explore the unexpected, stirring emotions and pushing boundaries. With that in mind, I’m thrilled to share my top picks for the finest restaurants in London serving well-curated degustation sets, each recognized with a special award for its unique excellence. These spots promise to surprise you in the best possible way, offering a sense of the new, the challenging, and the adventurous.
A meal at Akoko whisks you away on a long-distance journey with unusual flavors that play outside the lines, making it truly worthy of the Ultimate Gourmet Tasting Menu award. Because isn’t stepping out of the ordinary exactly what we seek from those special dinners? At Akoko, the experience is integral and thoughtfully crafted on multiple levels. The low-lit, intimate dining room is wrapped in colors that evoke various shades of wood, with textures that offer both visual depth and tactile pleasure. There’s nothing pompous — just a quiet, sleek interpretation of luxury that makes me feel connected to something beautifully raw and unfiltered. This environment is certainly no accident — it perfectly reflects the culinary concept, which aims to showcase an elevated take on West African cooking traditions. Visionary founder Aji Akokomi and executive chef Ayo Adeyemi bring together the essentials from different regions, allowing them to interact and evolve in their creations, all while giving prominence to live-fire techniques.
Whether you opt for the full or short version of the menu, you'll be treated to the star of the show: jollof rice with beef, flavorful hot sauce, and purple carrot. Spicy bean pudding, or moimoi, with mackerel balances an intriguing texture with heat, and oxtail surprises with its intense taste and utter tenderness. I’d say the soul of those dishes lies in the mastery of spices and umami-rich sauces. While there is a wine-only pairing option, trust me and go for the unique Akoko selection, which unexpectedly blends wine, beer, and cocktails.
Full menu — £120
Akoko pairing — £80
Vegetarian and vegan menu — available upon request
Exclusive, beautiful, and decidedly upmarket, Evelyn's Table rightfully earns the Exquisite Tasting Menu award. Nestled within an authentic Georgian-style building in Soho, which also houses the well-known Blue Posts pub, the intimate room accommodates just 12 guests. I believe this would make a lovely option for a private gathering with family or friends. Otherwise, you can sit at the counter alongside fellow gourmets, watching the chefs prepare dishes and give them pre-service treatment with the precision of surgeons — always a hypnotizing sight. The dinner at Evelyn's Table is meant to be a theatrical experience, complete with proper presentations. Yet, I would enjoy a bit more engagement from the staff to enhance the overall interaction and perhaps a little more space between us, the spectators.
Aside from this, the five-course meal is outstanding, with Chef James Goodyear highlighting British produce while drawing inspiration from around the globe. In particular, you can clearly recognize his affinity for Japanese influences. The menu rotates with the seasons, and currently, you might find on your plate treats like native Scottish lobster tail finished with yuzu glaze, dry-aged rainbow trout served with Sichuan chili oil sweetcorn, or farm pork garnished with fermented blackcurrants and beetroot. Suggested off-the-beaten-path pairings are sublime and refreshing, accompanied by a nice introduction to the producers. Shots of sake will also work well, though.
5-course evening dinner — £135
The Path Less Trodden wine pairing — £80
Vegetarian and pescatarian substitutions — available upon request
How about 14 beautifully crafted courses blending unexpected Japanese-Italian fare, all for less than £100? In my view, with an offer this impressive, Angelina has unquestionably earned the Best Value Tasting Menu award. The combination of flavors flirts with the line between weird and exciting, and I love how the team calls their journey a "surreal exploration" — it’s the perfect term.
The cuisine concept revolves around a traditional kaiseki dinner, where small plates arrive in sequence, each one more intriguing than the last. The dishes change with the seasons, but under the creative eye of Head Chef Usman Haider, who's clearly up for a challenge, they remain consistently elaborate. I know some may grumble about portion sizes here — a common sticking point with tasting menus — but for me, it was well-balanced, enough to indulge in variety without feeling too full. Among my personal highlights are farinata with wagyu beef, chawanmushi that brings together rabbit, chanterelles, and ikura, and caprese elevated with black sesame. The wine pairings have a distinct Italian accent, showcasing indigenous grape varieties from artisan producers and being pleasantly priced for discovery. If you’re in the mood for something a bit fancier, they've got some great suggestions for aged vintages too. With such an imaginative approach comes warm hospitality that wraps you in the cozy vibes of a neighborhood gem, all while maintaining just the right touch of service.
Kaiseki menu — £64
Kaiseki pairing — £55
Dietary requirements — accepted with 72h notice
I hope you thoroughly enjoy dinners at these award-winning restaurants and, like me, eagerly await the new evolutions of the tasting menus. After all, they know their job well: sparking conversations and leaving a lasting impression long after the plates are cleared.