They say we eat with our eyes first, and in London’s finest restaurants, this takes on a whole new meaning. Here, top chefs are pushing the boundaries of creativity, transforming each plate into a masterpiece. That said, I’m excited to share with you the best establishments that have earned the prestigious “Noble Artistry in Plating” award.
A chic, atmospheric restaurant tucked inside the Town Hall Hotel keeps things understated in the best way. Traditional herringbone flooring, low lighting, and warm gray walls adorned with vibrant abstract art come together beautifully to frame the crisp white round tables. The open kitchen seems to be a natural fit for the relaxed yet refined vibe.
Chef Rafael Cagali brings his Brazilian and Italian roots to life in a tasting menu that’s as inventive as it is bold. Each delight tells a personal story, starting with strikingly good entrées, moving through indulgent chicken dishes and soulful moqueca, and landing on the poetic Romeo & Juliette dessert. I felt like the presentations were crafted not just for beauty, but to shift your whole perception of the dish. Even the simplest rustic bread, with its delicate floral pattern, arrives on a perfectly matched plate, in good company with egg-shaped olive oil and bone marrow, paired with a sweet little bouquet.
Tasting menu — £245
Frog, the brainchild of celebrity chef Adam Handling, BBC’s “Champion of Champions,” is a fine-dining spot where the vibe is effortlessly chill. There are no curtains between guests and chefs, who genuinely seem to enjoy interacting with diners. Yes, open kitchens are everywhere, but the connection this team fosters made my experience here feel so much more personal. The menu revolves around sustainable British fare, served in a space drenched in soothing, warm tones, with elegant plants adding pops of life. Foraging, local farmers, and fishermen are the stars when it comes to sourcing.
My advice is to go with their degustation set — it surprised me in the best way with some adventurous flavors, mostly thanks to the no-waste concept. Expect each course to be a little masterpiece, with culinary smoke swirling around, flowers and twigs bringing nature to the table, and beautifully considered colors dancing across the plates.
Tasting menu — £195
This stalwart of Fitzrovia is a reliable choice that never fails to impress, offering aesthetic pleasures not just in its setting but in the elegant, refined plating. Here, French cuisine is served in all its glory, sticking to the classics without over-the-top experiments — perfect for more conservative gourmets. At the same time, the restaurant’s venture into plant-based fare is impressive, making it one of those rare spots for vegans looking for something special on occasion.
That said, the menu spans from a flavorful bouillabaisse and Orkney scallop tartare to pumpkin and sage agnolotti and lion’s mane with barley. Honestly, I’d recommend omnivores give the no-meat tasting set a try too — it’s surprisingly exquisite and well-conceived. As for drinks, the sommelier’s wine pairings are a must, but don’t skip Kir Royal for apéritif.
Dinner tasting menu — £125
I’m not usually the type who loves surprises, but when it comes to the culinary kind, I’ve learned to embrace them over the years. If you’re also up for a bit of gastronomic spontaneity, Restaurant Story should be on your foodie list. Fret not, you’re in expert hands — Tom Sellers’ hands, to be precise.
With a love for seasonal British ingredients, the chef weaves narratives onto plates, all delivered through a nine-course blind tasting menu. Dining here feels like a conversation with the artist behind the creations, which I find endlessly fascinating. And in a concept this poetic, the visuals are naturally front and center. You will not see over-the-top theatrics, though; instead, expect a subtle interplay of textures and colors, with stones, grass, and flowers artfully woven into the composition. I don’t want to ruin the surprise, but let’s just say an edible beef-fat candle served with bread might be the most weirdly brilliant reason to book a table.
9-course tasting menu — £250
The Clove Club holds its spot proudly among London’s top food destinations, staying refreshingly unpretentious when it comes to its interiors and offering more of a refined, homey vibe than the usual polished fine-dining look. And honestly, with its location in the Grade II-listed Shoreditch Town Hall, that stripped-down charm is all it really needs. The highly professional staff guides diners to the seats, where they can observe the kitchen while enjoying a soirée that unfolds with the best of Britain’s seasonal produce and a touch of Japanese inspiration.
The already legendary buttermilk fried chicken is served on a fragrant bed of pine branches. Veal sweetbreads arrive sizzling on a miniature barbecue, releasing a delicate wisp of smoke, while Orkney scallops sit on a contrasting dark truffle purée, topped with paper-thin chestnut mushrooms. The wine list is impeccable, but the sake collection is bound to win you over.
Full dinner tasting menu — £225
