We’ve curated a selection of the finest places to dine in London right now, featuring a trendy new restaurant you’ll want to boast about, a casual eatery that welcomes walk-ins, and a great value option.
We also present the Bloomberg DINE Index highlighting top performances on the Bloomberg Terminal’s DINE
New: Kudu, Marylebone
Kudu isn’t entirely new; it spent eight successful years in Peckham, introducing South London to expertly crafted South African cuisine. In 2025, owners chef Patrick Williams and Amy Corbin moved to a more central location near the vibrant shopping areas around Bond Street. The new dining space is elegantly decorated, featuring golden lighting and rose-hued walls that evoke the essence of Cape Town sunsets. The spotlight here is on the South African fire-powered grill called the braai, both physically and in the menu offerings.
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Meals typically start with a delightful bread service: warm rolls served with an assortment of butters, perfectly melted for dipping (try the shrimp butter for £9 or about $12). As an appetizer, savor thick slices of cured sea trout in a coconutty tigers milk (£12). For mains, the poussin with Kashmiri chile crisp is expertly charred and flavorful (£26); the whole black bream for two includes zhoug butter roti (£52). Naturally, the wine list emphasizes South African selections; cocktails also reflect regional influences, such as the Seis martini (£10) made with the mint-like plant buchu. 7 Moxton St.; kuducollective.com
Business: Bob Bob Ricard, City
Similar to its renowned flagship in Soho, this City location features “Press for Champagne” buttons at the tables. Positioned near Liverpool Street station and close to Bank, it attracts many suited diners during lunch, engaging in business discussions while occasionally pressing the Champagne button. (The restaurant is located in a building nicknamed the “Cheesegrater” due to its perforated facade; companies such as global insurer Aon are located here, and employees from the nearby Bank of England often visit.)
The menu features classic Russian dishes, including Champagne-friendly caviar service starting at £45 for a serving of intense Siberian sturgeon. You can also indulge in truffle and potato vareniki served in mushroom veloute (£19). The City location offers prime meats from the Josper grill, like Chateaubriand (£16 per 100 grams) and caramelized slices of free-range Iberico pork. Additionally, there’s an extended wine selection and larger format bottles available. The chicken and Champagne pie (£28) is adorned with the Bob Bob logo, perfectly fitting the luxurious vibe reminiscent of the Orient Express train. 122 Leadenhall St.; Floor 3; bobbobricard.com/city
Value: Med Salleh Kopitiam, Bayswater
On the west side, within the Berjaya Eden Park London hotel, is this outstanding Malaysian café adorned with an array of photographs and national flags. It has received rave reviews from London critics like Giles Coren and Jay Rayner, who appreciate its authentic cooking, beginning with snacks like chicken satay paired with house-made peanut sauce (£10.90; the tofu version is £8.50). Traditional keropek lekor, a spongy fish cake (£9.90), and fried chicken served with roti and curry gravy (£12.20) are clear bargains. In fact, the entire menu is a great value, featuring entrees such as spicy curry laksa noodles with chicken and prawns (£14.90) and a rich, tender beef rendang with rice (£18.90). 35-39 Inverness Terrace; medsalleh.co.uk/med-salleh-kopitiam-1
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No Reservations: Lucky Cat 22 Bishopsgate, City
The panoramic views from the 60th floor of Gordon Ramsay’s Lucky Cat at 22 Bishopsgate are unmatched, offering a unique perspective of London that makes you feel like you’re overlooking the Shard.
The all-day à la carte menu features a selection of Asian culinary favorites at premium prices that match the breathtaking location, beginning with edamame, spicy or not (£7 and £6). The chef’s selection of six sashimi choices is priced at £28; three pieces of nigiri cost £15; and a spicy tuna maki is priced at £22. The bao and dumpling offerings include juicy wagyu gyoza (£19), with a server mixing the £20 egg-fried rice at your table. A significant advantage for diners who haven’t made a reservation: The restaurant operates every day from 11.30 am to 1 am. (On weekends, it opens a bit later; on Sundays, it opens a bit earlier.) 22 Bishopsgate, Floor 60; gordonramsayrestaurants.com/lucky-cat-bishopsgate
DINE: José Tapas Bar, Bermondsey
One of the top tapas venues in London is located at a lively corner on Bermondsey Street. It’s a popular hangout spot, especially on pleasant days. Even during colder weather, chef José Pizarro’s restaurant has a warm, inviting atmosphere that draws in patrons, including DINE users. “Cute and cozy tapas restaurant. They don’t take reservations, so you just have to show up and be lucky. It’s a little cramped and chaotic inside, but the food is excellent and I found the atmosphere wonderfully charming and intimate,” notes one DINE enthusiast. On José’s blackboard menu, you’ll find staples like pan con tomate (£5.50) and premium 5J jamon Iberico (£14) alongside rotating dishes such as fried goat cheese with honey (£10.50), cod fritters (£8), and lamb cutlets with baby potatoes (£21). There’s also an impressive selection of Spanish wines and sherries.
(Edited by : Jerome Anthony)
