The tableware and utensils in a restaurant aren’t just tools — they’re a window into its philosophy, adding an extra layer to the story behind every dish. And in London, where attention to detail is a craft in itself, there’s no shortage of spots that truly nail this. Let’s take a closer look!
Walking into Lorne, I couldn’t help but admire the ceramics — a collection that feels like stepping into the soul of British craftsmanship. Each plate, sourced from Stoke-on-Trent’s artisanal potteries, carries a story of industrial heritage reimagined. Soft, organic shapes in muted earth tones create a backdrop for dishes that celebrate local ingredients. When the £28 sea trout arrived, it was impossible not to pause and take it all in. Perfectly cooked, with vibrant flavours and presented on a plate so thoughtfully designed it could belong in a gallery. I paired it with their £12 English white wine — it was like drinking a crisp autumn morning in liquid form.
Average bill — £40 per person
In this eight-seat sushi sanctuary, tableware becomes a spiritual practice: handcrafted Japanese ceramics are so delicate they seem to defy physics, bowls look like they've been sculpted by zen monks, and one-of-a-kind plates transform seafood into living sculptures. The chopsticks, carved from rare wood, felt impossibly balanced, as if they were made just for me. Each piece of seafood — whether it's bluefin tuna from Japan or local Scottish scallop — is a meditation. The precision is so extreme that I watched the chef adjust a single piece of fish by millimeters, transforming dining into pure performance art.
Expert’s pick: signature bluefin tuna nigiri for £8 per piece, worth every penny.
A rebellious love letter to Mexican craftsmanship, KOL turns dining into a tactile journey through cultural heritage. Their tableware isn't just a backdrop — it's the protagonist. Hand-thrown clay plates in earthy terracottas and deep browns, crafted by artisans from remote Mexican villages aren't mass-produced, preserving imperfections as a testament to human touch behind each piece. The silverware is delicate yet bold, with intricate engravings that echo pre-Hispanic geometric patterns. I ordered mole with lamb saddle (£28) which arrived in a rustic, artisanal clay bowl and could naturally hear the whispers of distant landscapes.
Pro tip: head to their mezcaleria afterwards and grab the Mountain Main cocktail for £15.
A kitsch trattoria that's become the darling of London's dining scene, Gloria bursts with Italian maximalism. The Big Mamma Group's first UK venture is a time machine disguised as a restaurant — ivy-covered trellises, terracotta pots, and a retro bar that screams 1950s glamour. Their white truffle carbonara (£24) is the show-stopper, finished tableside in a giant wheel of Parmesan. Golden forks catch the light like disco balls, and I half expected Donna Summer to start singing. The one-way mirror bathrooms is a trippy bonus that's become an Instagram sensation.
Drink recommendation: £12 Aperol Spritz that tastes like sunshine in a glass.
From Victorian public toilet to culinary sanctuary — only in London could such architectural alchemy occur. Attendant’s signature smoked salmon Benedict (£16) arrives on porcelain so pure it seems to glow — house-cured salmon draped over toasted sourdough, topped with a perfectly poached egg. Original floor tiles and repurposed urinals tell a story of urban reinvention, and the slate-grey cutlery pieces are a statement that anything can be beautiful with the right vision.
Expert’s choice: coffee that'll resurrect you after a rough night for £4, worth every caffeinated molecule.
