You’re wandering through the bustling streets of London, your stomach’s rumbling, and your Instagram is thirsting for something extraordinary.
Forget the usual tourist traps—you’re on a quest for those hidden gems, the places where locals smirk and say, “Oh, you’ve got to check this out!”
See our guide to London’s top 10 Instagram-worthy restaurants. These places will have your followers double-tapping faster than a foodie spots’ free samples.
Image Credit and Location: Paul Winch-Furness, Bob Bob Ricard, London, England
1. Bob Bob Ricard (Soho)
Nearest station: Oxford Circus (London Underground)
Ever dreamt of a “Press for Champagne” button? Well, pinch yourself, because Bob Bob Ricard in Soho is serving up that bubbly fantasy on a silver platter. This place is a dazzling mash-up of Russian opulence and British refinement, wrapped up in a shiny Art Deco package. And yes, there’s an actual “Press for Champagne” button—it’s not just for show!
Hint: Try their signature Beef Wellington for a classic British experience. Best visited during evening hours for that glamorous, glittering ambiance.
Image Credit and Location: Ed Dabney, Sketch, London, England
2. Sketch (Mayfair)
Nearest station: Oxford Circus (London Underground)
Welcome to Sketch, home of London’s most Instagrammed bathroom. Yes, those egg-shaped pods are real, and so are the newly decorated golden-yellow interiors. Perfect for an artsy afternoon tea snap.
Hint: Afternoon tea here is a must-try. For the full experience, visit in the late afternoon when the light is perfect for photography.
Image Credit and Location: Steven Joyce, SUSHISAMBA, London, England
3. SUSHISAMBA (The City)
Nearest station: Liverpool Street
Get ready to enjoy sky-high dining at its best at SUSHISAMBA. Located on the 38th and 39th floor of the Heron Tower, it mixes Japanese, Brazilian, and Peruvian flavors. The panoramic views of London are unbeatable, and so is their sushi.
Hint: Visit during sunset for a mesmerizing view and try their signature Samba Rolls.
4. Chiltern Firehouse (Marylebone)
Nearest station: Baker Street (London Underground)
This former fire station turned celeb magnet in Marylebone has it all—chic courtyard, open kitchen, and star-spotting opportunities. Keep your camera ready for those unexpected celebrity encounters.
Hint: Their crab dishes are unmissable. Early evening is ideal for a relaxed atmosphere and potential celebrity sightings.
5. Bacchanalia (Mayfair)
Nearest station: Bond Street (London Underground)
Step into Greek mythology at Bacchanalia. With stunning art and a setting of Ancient Greek elegance, it’s like dining on Olympus. The Mediterranean cuisine here has an unexpected twist.
Hint: Their lamb dishes are highly recommended. The interior lighting in the evening adds to the mythological ambiance.
6. The Ivy Chelsea Garden (Chelsea)
Nearest station: South Kensington (London Underground)
The Ivy Chelsea Garden is a real-life floral fantasy. This botanical oasis in Chelsea offers a “lost in nature” vibe right in the city. Perfect for a brunch or cocktail surrounded by blooms.
Hint: Their brunch menu is exceptional; try to visit on a sunny day to make the most of the garden setting.
7. Duck & Waffle (The City)
Nearest station: Liverpool Street
Why limit yourself to daylight dining? Duck & Waffle offers 24/7 London views from the 40th floor of the Heron Tower. Whether it’s city lights at night or a sunrise breakfast, visiting this panoramic modern European restaurant is a treat for your senses (and your camera).
Hint: For a special experience, visit in the early hours to capture the sunrise over London.
Image Credit and Location: Carol Sachs, Clos Maggiore, London, England
8. Clos Maggiore (Covent Garden)
Nearest station: Covent Garden (London Underground)
Often dubbed London’s most romantic restaurant, Clos Maggiore is a fairy light and blossom haven. It’s like dining in a Shakespearean dream, perfect for that lovey-dovey Instagram post.
Hint: Book a table in the conservatory for the ultimate romantic setting. Their tasting menu is a delightful journey through contemporary European cuisine.
Image Credit and Location: Coppa Club, London, England
9. Coppa Club (Tower Bridge)
Nearest station: London Bridge | Tower Hill (London Underground)
Coppa Club’s got these snazzy riverside igloos (yes, igloos!) that make you feel like an Arctic explorer. It’s like your own little snow globe scene, minus the shake-up and with London’s Tower Bridge doing its majestic thing in the background. Cozy as your grandma’s living room and with views that’ll make your Instagram followers green with envy, that’s Coppa Club for you.
Hint: Reservations for the igloos are essential, especially during winter. For a special treat, try their rare, seared yellowfin tuna and seasonal cocktails.
10. Sexy Fish (Mayfair)
Nearest station: Green Park (London Underground)
Plunge into the deep end at Sexy Fish, where the vibe is less “sleepy goldfish” and more “party-loving mermaid.” This is where an underwater kingdom meets an art gallery, with Damien Hirst pieces that’ll have you wondering if you’ve had one too many of their fancy cocktails. And their Asian-inspired dishes are so photogenic, you’ll want to frame them instead of eating them.
Hint: Make sure to book your table a few weeks in advance, especially if you’re eyeing the second half of the week. And hey, when you’re there, don’t miss out on their ramson miso-glazed Chilean sea bass—it’s the catch of the day, every day.
Image Credit and Location: Paul Winch-Furness, Bob Bob Ricard, London, England
London’s Instagrammable restaurants: FAQs
What are some of the most Instagram-famous restaurants in London?
London’s culinary scene is buzzing with photogenic eateries. Bob Bob Ricard, known for its “Press for Champagne” button, and Sketch with its iconic décor and egg-shaped bathroom pods, top the list. Other favorites include the panoramic SUSHISAMBA and the floral paradise of The Ivy Chelsea Garden.
Which restaurants in London are known for their beautiful interiors?
For the prettiest interiors, Sketch stands out with its artsy rooms. Clos Maggiore in Covent Garden, often dubbed the city’s most romantic restaurant, enchants with its fairy lights and blossoms.
Image Credit and Location: Coppa Club, London, England
What are some Instagram-worthy restaurants in London?
Check out Duck & Waffle for stunning high-rise views, Coppa Club for its unique riverside igloos, and Sexy Fish for its vibrant underwater-themed décor. Each offers a perfect backdrop for your Instagram shots.
Where should I go for an Instagram-worthy lunch in London?
Fancy a lunch that’s as delicious as it is photogenic? Visit The Ivy Chelsea Garden for its picturesque garden setting, or Sexy Fish for its eye-catching aquatic ambiance and art installations.
Are there any Instagrammable Italian restaurants in London?
Yes, try Gloria or Circolo Popolare by Big Mamma Group. Both restaurants offer a flamboyant Italian setting with an abundance of plants, quirky décor, and delectable Italian fare, perfect for your Instagram feed.
What was the most expensive restaurant to build in London?
The title of the most expensive restaurant built in London is often debated. However, one notable mention is Bacchanalia, which reportedly cost 75 million British pounds to construct.
Where do celebrities eat in London?
Celebrities are often spotted at chic and exclusive spots like Chiltern Firehouse in Marylebone and The Ivy in the West End. Sexy Fish in Mayfair is also a popular haunt for the rich and famous, known for its luxury seafood and stylish interior.
There you have it—a feast for your eyes and your feed. From pressing for Champagne at Bob Bob Ricard to sipping tea at Sketch, we’ve dished out the most Instagrammable restaurants in the United Kingdom’s capital. So, once you’ve tried the best fish and chips in town and start wondering where to dine for that perfect Instagram lunch in London, you already know where to go.
Header Image Credit and Location: Rob Whitrow, Sketch, London, England