Michelin stars don’t mean everything – at least that’s what those who don’t have one say.
But the award does an outstanding job at highlighting the industry leaders of fine dining across the globe. And the City of London has always done well in this area.
These include some of the gastronomical institutions in the Square Mile which have continuously earned the prestigious Michelin stars for years on end, while newer restaurants just outside the City’s borders have continued to make it on the rankings. It’s a proper mixed bag of delicious Michelin-starred goodies.
So, check out our favourite few dining destinations which have secured their spot on the rankings. See why they are so celebrated!
Brat
Brat represents the new wave eateries taking over the Michelin rankings. They are creative, fun and also relatively laid-back locations. This is where the cool food lovers with a pocket full of cash come to treat themselves. Indulge in some Basque-inspired food and plenty of meaty dished straight from their open wood-fired grill. The menu doesn’t give much away in terms of what you’ll actually be eating but order what sounds nice, ask for recommendations and prepare for a rollercoaster of surprising tasty delights. And if you’re fans of Brat, then also check out the nearby Lyle’s and Leroy for more modern Michelin-starred fun.
4 Redchurch Street E1 6JL
La Dame de Pic
Anne-Sophie Pic is one of the very best chefs in the world, and the City of London is all too lucky to have her running La Dame de Pic at the Four Seasons Hotel in Ten Trinity Square. She has her three-starred restaurant in France (Maison Pic) but her London home has moved up the rankings, from one to two stars. It is a testament to her unrestrained creativity and ability to balance many kinds of competing flavours on just one plate. She is also a refreshing personality in the kitchen, denouncing the traditional masculine ego and bringing some joy to the pass.
10 Trinity Square EC3N 4AJ
Mãos
This 16-seater Shoreditch site just picked up its very first star at the awards this October and is set to sky rocket in popularity. They welcome up to sixteen guests for a single sitting at dinner throughout the week, and ‘matinée’ afternoon services on Saturdays, all gathered around the communal table. Getting a seat isn’t the easiest feat. The menu features 14 courses of progressive cooking, drawing influence from Europe, Asia and the wider continents, yet free from classical distinctions. Any food loving Londoner should add Mãos to their dining wish list – we certainly have!
41 Redchurch Street E2 7DJ
City Social
Jason Atherton’s dark and moody restaurant with an art deco twist, set on the 24th floor of Tower 42 has secured itself the highly coveted Michelin star again this year. The views here are famous (hence why it was used in Killing Eve Season 2) but the food is just as special. When booking, try you darndest to get a seat in one of the booths looking out over the City of London’s cityscape. It makes the entire experience that much more exhilarating.
25 Old Broad Street EC2N 1HQ
The Clove Club
We tried out The Clove Club’s famous tasting menulast year and were totally bowled over by the whole thing. Especially all of the top-notch wine pairings. You get a hyper-personalised dining experience here, delighting in some expertly created modern British food within the Shoreditch Town Hall. And one of the greatest draw cards is the unstuffy atmosphere. Too often are Michelin-starred haunts a bit clinical and overly formal. Here, diners can relax a little and feel at home as they truly treat themselves for an evening – or even lunch.
380 Old Street EC1V 9LT
St John
St John is so quintessentially British. Walk into the white room full of a smattering of tables covered in white tablecloths. It’s St John’s blank canvas. No fuss is needed when it comes to the décor. Just let the food and drink show off instead. Get all the best British classics done to perfection all the while feeling good in the fact that these guys are highly sustainable and ethical when it comes to the entire cooking process. Being sustainable is sexy now – and St John’s has always been ahead of the game in this sense.
26 St John Street EC1M 4AY
