15 outstanding London restaurants for special occasions

by Shekha Vyas

Updated 21 November 2023

Long praised for the must-visit museums and can’t-miss theatre that make it an international cultural centre, London is also rich in restaurants of all sorts, including spots to celebrate special occasions.

A chic sushi place in Kensington was made for wooing a special someone. For raucous reunions, there’s a crowd-friendly American grill in Covent Garden. In Westminster, a swanky Indian spot is a no-brainer for milestone birthdays and anniversaries.

London’s most outstanding restaurants for celebrating are highly sought-after destinations—so book your table at one of these 15 places now.

CORE by Clare Smyth

4.9

4.9 (3060)

£41 and over

British

Notting Hill

About the restaurant

With three MICHELIN stars, it’s no surprise that Core offers a truly special occasion-worthy experience. The cosy and colourful dining room is an ideal place to tuck into chef Clare Smyth’s tasting menu spotlighting British bounty. Consider the Core Seasons lineup, which features roast cod and Morecambe Bay prawns or wagyu beef served with Porthilly oysters. For an especially unforgettable feast, gather ten of your nearest and dearest and book the chef’s table. Here, you’ll have an uninterrupted view of the kitchen crew as they prepare your celebratory meal.

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined 2 days ago

The dinner in fact the whole experience was absolutely fantastic. I would recommend this to everyone. Well done the whole Core team

Brasserie Zedel

4.3

4.3 (3448)

£25 and under

French

Piccadilly

About the restaurant

The Art Deco interiors at this Piccadilly gem raise the bar on any occasion. Hidden under [ZL Cafe](https://www.brasseriezedel.com/zedel-cafe/), the elegant Parisian brasserie exudes 1930s opulence with pink marble columns and a dramatic gold ceiling. Kick off your special night with starters such as rabbit rillettes and escargot from a menu of French classics, conceived by chef Charles Hilton. For mains, try the moules marinières (mussels in white wine) and fries or the artichoke heart ragout and couscous. Toast with cocktails including the Hemingway daiquiri (rum, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and maraschino liqueur) or a glass, carafe, or bottle from an impressive French wine list. A house band provides the jazzy soundtrack for your extraordinary night.

Top review

SimonJ

Dined on 23 Nov 2023

Very grand room, great atmosphere, lovely staff (one of our party was very late and they were great about it), we all (party of four) enjoyed what we ordered. What's not to like!

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4.5

4.5 (5055)

£25 and under

American

Covent Garden

About the restaurant

This laidback all-American grill is a special occasion stalwart, especially when it comes to hosting large groups. Maxwell’s has served its signature burgers, fajitas, and wings to families, theatre-goers, and sports fans since 1972. Tried-and-tested favourites include the Cheesebomb Burger, a beef patty sandwiched between crispy bacon, cheese, and a brioche bun, accompanied by a jug of hot melted cheddar. Wash down your decadent meal with a famous Freakshake which comes in playful versions such as rice crispy cake and Oreo cookie.

Top review

KariM

Dined 2 days ago

Great staff, and food. Fun restaurant. Would highly recommend. Our party was made up of Maxwell’s!

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4.9

4.9 (842)

£26 to £40

French

Bloomsbury

About the restaurant

It’s easy to see why Londoners flock to this French favourite for all sorts of celebrations. They’re partly here for tableside theatre from an attention-grabbing duck press that makes Otto’s iconic canard à la presse possible. The hefty contraption extracts juices from the bird which is served three ways: liver atop morels and sweetbreads, slivers of duck breast in that infamous pressed sauce with pommes soufflées, and confit duck leg with foie gras and black truffle (due to avian flu, pigeon à la presse is on offer instead). Other examples of Gallic gastronomy can be found on the a la carte menu, such as lobster soufflé with Oscietra caviar and lobster bisque. The extensive wine list is also worth a punt, boasting a long list of continental hard-hitters.

Top review

MarcK

Dined on 23 Nov 2023

It would be hard to overstate how much my wife and I enjoyed our recent dinner at Otto's. The food was absolutely sensational, the service attentive and entertaining yet not overbearing, the decor is engagingly eccentric, the environment is welcoming and friendly - not snooty or off-putting or uncomfortable in the least - and perhaps best of all, nobody rushed us. It was a two and a half hour long evening out, and we enjoyed it entirely. My only complaint is that I wasn't able to have two main courses, but it's a good reason to return the next time I'm in London [New York is my home base]. It is not an inexpensive evening, but worth every penny and more. As the saying goes, book with confidence [and try the snails cooked in bone marrow, it's a life-changing experience].

Rossella

4.7

4.7 (1165)

£25 and under

Italian

Kentish Town

About the restaurant

Rossella, a cosy, family-run Italian spot in Kentish Town, was made for marking intimate occasions. This slice of southern Italy is steered by Luca Meola who turns out a menu inspired by summers in Naples and his father’s love of cooking. Toast each other over festive but homey dishes such as Neapolitan beef and pork meatballs in a flavoursome tomato sauce and tagliatelle laced with sautéed aubergine, courgettes, and red onion, topped with fresh buffalo mozzarella.

Top review

LilyH

Dined 7 days ago

We had a wonderful dinner and will definitely be back to try more dishes

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4.6

4.6 (6850)

£41 and over

Indian

St. James's

About the restaurant

This renowned restaurant has led the charge in Indian fine dining since opening its doors in 2001. A stately dining room, decked with leather-bound books and blue banquettes, adds a dash of grandeur to any birthday or anniversary. Splash out on modern Indian dishes including chargrilled Obsiblue king prawns in an Alleppey-style curry sauce and Hyderabadi black-spiced lamb escalope from the tasting menu. Or share the Cinnamon Club 20th anniversary special: Old Delhi-style butter chicken, pilau rice, black lentils, garlic naan, and fenugreek butter. Saturdays are extra fun with a jazz brunch, featuring a three-course menu alongside a soundtrack of smooth beats.

Top review

Rafael

Dined 3 days ago

Highly recommended. Incredibly thoughtful staff and food and wine were fantastic. But it obviously comes with a hefty price tag so not for everyone or every day meal.

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Experience

Festive Season Menu

Experience

Legendary Tasting Menu

Experience

Legendary Tasting Menu - Vegetarian

Brawn

4.8

4.8 (1625)

£26 to £40

European

Bethnal Green

About the restaurant

With its contemporary and stylish interiors, Mediterranean restaurant Brawn is well-suited for special dates. The sleek space in a converted warehouse is all about lingering over shared plates. Dishes showcase seasonal produce and are heavy on pork and game. The menu changes constantly, but you might start with parmesan fritters and Nocellara olives before moving on to the pork, pistachio, and liver terrine. If you’ve brought heftier appetites, there are larger dishes such as spaghetti with squid ragu. Stretch out a celebratory evening with a sweet treat such as citrus granita with whipped cream. Brawn also boasts an impressive list of natural and organic wines, influenced by founder and head chef Ed Wilson’s experience at the now-shuttered wine bar, Terroirs.

Top review

JoelK

Dined 7 days ago

Brawn is always a great place due to its more neighbourhood atmosphere and welcoming service.

Fatt Pundit

4.5

4.5 (999)

£25 and under

Chinese

Soho

About the restaurant

Fatt Pundit is the spot for an all-out group celebration thanks to inventive small plates and one especially Instagram-worthy dessert. The Indian Chinese restaurant has an energetic vibe enhanced by street signs and murals. Start the party with a fruit cooler cocktail served in versions including a guava sour and Alphonso mango with Szechuan syrup. The drinks are inspired by vendors in India who serve fresh fruit sprinkled with a variety of spices and salts. Tear into shareable dishes such as Tibetan momos, chilli paneer lettuce cups, and sticky sesame vegetables. Cap off your group feast with a sizzling brownie served with vanilla and chocolate honeycomb ice cream.

Top review

NafiaG

Dined 4 days ago

Overall great experience, service and food was lovely but we were only offered the table for 1 hour, which is a little short for a dinner.

Bistro Union

4.6

4.6 (906)

£26 to £40

British

Clapham

About the restaurant

This date-worthy Clapham restaurant (the sibling venue to MICHELIN-starred [Trinity](https://www.opentable.com/trinity-london?utm_source=blog_restaurant_specific_pages&utm_medium=Feature&utm_campaign=london-special-occasions)) showcases a modern British and French menu under the helm of head chef Adam Byatt. The retro-themed dining room adds a playfulness to the serious flavours of the daily menu. Dishes including Comté gougeres, roast chicken à la suprême, and cured meats provide the right kind of fuel for a sophisticated and standout celebration.

Top review

Bells

Dined on 19 Nov 2023

Really made the feel welcome on entry. Staff made you feel like they wanted you to be there. Excellent value for excellent food. The roast was fabulous and the house red was a perfect compliment to the meal. It will be our Sunday lunch venue of choice going forward!

Savoy Grill – Gordon Ramsay

4.6

4.6 (7353)

£41 and over

British

Covent Garden

About the restaurant

One of London’s most fabulous and famous restaurants has hosted epic evenings for Oscar Wilde, Winston Churchill, and the late Queen Elizabeth II. It’s existed in the iconic Savoy Hotel for more than a century—and is now part of celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay’s empire. The prestigious dining room offers a chance to celebrate in style. A menu focusing on British dishes with a French accent spotlights the talents of executive head chef Michael Turner and his brigade. Feast on succulent beef Wellington, duck à l’orange, and lobster thermidor with fries in a stunning space decked with crystal chandeliers and velvet seats. Elevate the experience by reserving the chef’s table where an eight-course menu includes drama from the live kitchen.

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined on 1 Jan 2023

This was our second time visiting the savoy grill and it’s never disappointing , lovely friendly staff, felt welcome and comfortable. Very much a big treat for us ! Food was fantastic! Well done to the chefs and staff . Shall be visiting again with the man I love for such a romantic evening.

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Side Hustle at The NoMad

4.7

4.7 (277)

£26 to £40

Mexican

Covent Garden

About the restaurant

This lively Mexico-inspired spot is in a former police station, but you’d never know its sombre past life thanks to its jewel-toned glow-up, complete with leather booths and a marble-topped bar. The vibes here are unabashedly festive, fueled by eye-catching agave-forward cocktails (conceived by bar director Liana Oster) and shareable dips. Bring a group to do justice to larger plates such as the ribeye with Padrón peppers or order the number of tacos—fillings include wild mushrooms, Baja-style prawns, or pork carnitas—your crew requires.

Top review

ChrisC

Dined on 21 Nov 2023

This is a really fun place, with interesting cocktails and friendly, knowledgeable staff. However, you definitely need deep pockets, and don't go there hungry. Unless you've got a spare £200 for a couple of cocktails and some small snack dishes (which were mostly pretty tasty) I'd suggest this is more of a place to drop in for one drink to get your evening started, rather than somewhere to linger - which is a shame as it's very cosy and comfy. Also, whilst our servers were very good, some of our orders took quite a while to arrive (it was a Tuesday evening, not a weekend).

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Experience

Weekend Brunch

Sachi Restaurant at Pantechnicon

4.5

4.5 (124)

£41 and over

Japanese

Belgravia

About the restaurant

With its ambient lighting and intimate seats, Sachi at Pantechnicon is the ideal place to woo someone special. Snag a seat at the sushi counter to watch fresh seafood prepared before your eyes. Steelhead trout with hazelnut miso and beef short rib with black garlic and fermented mushrooms are just two examples of the chefs’ renowned Japanese techniques. If you’re stumped by the drinks menu, a sake sommelier can help you navigate.

Top review

YumYumvip

Dined on 13 Oct 2023

The food particularly the sashimi is exquisite. The service is also very pleasant and attentive. My only reservations are the background music is too loud and the other tables are slightly too close. Both inhibit conversation.

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Experience

7pm onwards New Year's Eve Menu

Harwood Arms

4.8

4.8 (3342)

£41 and over

Gastro Pub

Fulham

About the restaurant

London’s only MICHELIN-starred gastropub is overseen by Australian-born Brett Graham (chef and owner of the two MICHELIN-starred [Ledbury](https://www.opentable.com/the-ledbury?utm_source=blog_restaurant_specific_pages&utm_medium=Feature&utm_campaign=london-special-occasions)) and head chef Jake Leach. The ever-changing menu at this date-night gem focuses on game, showcasing British meats such as Berkshire fallow deer and wild venison. Enjoy them accompanied with seasonal veggies from the pub’s roof garden while taking in the rustic decor. Harwood Arms is a wildly popular restaurant in Chelsea so be sure to make a reservation for your special day.

Top review

KingaP

Dined 3 days ago

Delicious food, great service, worth to come back

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Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Afternoon Tea at One Aldwych

4.6

4.6 (977)

£41 and over

Afternoon Tea

Aldwych

About the restaurant

This Theatreland hotel sprinkles magic on any milestone moment by channelling a Roald Dahl classic. On its Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Afternoon Tea menu, choose from photogenic savouries such as the salmon and dill quiche and beetroot macaron. Expect sugary treats including sweet scones, “snozzberry” jam, and a box stacked with crafted cakes, candies, mallows, and creams. To wash it all down, there’s chocolate or lemon sherbet tea, fizzy lifting Champagne, and whimsical water-pistol cocktails. With a dedicated children’s menu serving cakes, hot chocolates, and mocktails, One Aldwych is just the ticket for revellers of all ages.

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined on 1 Jan 2023

This was a really fun, unique experience for adults and kids alike. The presentation was just amazing and the taste of everything was top notch.

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Popular dish

Chocolate Noir

The Seafood Bar

4.3

4.3 (135)

£26 to £40

Seafood

Soho

About the restaurant

The Seafood Bar is the only international outpost from the De Visscher family, Dutch fishmongers turned restaurateurs. A reservation at this Georgian townhouse ups the ante on any festive occasion with unique perks: discuss the day’s catch with the chefs at the downstairs seafood counter before enjoying it in the upstairs dining room. Come for award-winning fare such as Nordic Blu salmon, regularly touted as the world’s best and most sustainable, or a fillet of sole sizzled on the huge plancha grill. If it’s an especially noteworthy night, splurge for the pièce de résistance: a colossal seafood platter piled high with clams, oysters, and crevettes.

Top review

Duffy

Dined on 4 Nov 2023

The food was amazing, as well as the cocktails we finished with a lovely Lemon Tart and mint tea. The staff were attentive but not too much, this is definitely a place to come back too.