London restaurants best for... Bragging about scoring a seat
1 Chiltern Street, Marylebone, London W1U 7PA
Andre Balazs boutique London hotel has been a hit ever since it opened and the restaurant attracts both celebrities and foodies alike. Grab a seat at the counter and try not to gawp at who's on the prime private table next door. In warmer months, the secluded terrace is a huge draw too.
127 Ledbury Road, Notting Hill, London W11 2AQ
One of London's legendary restaurants and one that's often raved about by foodies as among the very best in town. Fronted by Brett Graham, it's recently had a complete revamp, returning with a glammed-up redesign and perhaps something of a more high-end feel than before. That change was certainly for the better as it earned the restaurant its third Michelin star.
68 Royal Hospital Road, London SW3 4HP
Of all his restaurants the world over, this is Gordon Ramsay's flagship restaurant, based on Hospital Road. Matt Abé is the man in the kitchen here, in charge of retaining Gordon's three Michelin stars.
53 Lexington St, London W1F 9AS
One of the most successful example of street food vendors going permanent, this is one of the toughest places to grab a seat at in Soho. But when you do, the steamed milk buns that are at the heart of the menu make it all worthwhile.
10 Adelaide Street, London WC2N 4HZ
One thing you know you're going to get at any branch of Barrafina is great food. The counter seats might be gone minutes after service opens, but that only proves that the early bird catches the milk fed kidneys.
Mandarin Oriental Hotel, 66 Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7LA
Heston's only London gaff is still hugely popular. The dishes that captured everyone's attention when it opened - the Meat Fruit (chicken liver parfait shaped like a mandarin) and the Tipsy Cake are still on the menu and are must-order dishes if you haven't got round to trying them yet. Keep an eye out for A-list diners, the hotel is a well-known celebrity haunt.
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