We’ve compiled our selection of the top dining options in London right now, featuring a trendy new restaurant worth mentioning, a place that accommodates walk-ins, and a fantastic value option.
We’ve also rolled out the Bloomberg DINE Index highlighting what’s trending on the Bloomberg Terminal’s DINE
New: Kudu, Marylebone
To clarify, Kudu isn’t entirely new. It spent eight years in Peckham, educating South Londoners on exquisitely crafted South African cuisine. However, in 2025, husband-and-wife duo chef Patrick Williams and Amy Corbin moved to a more central location near the vibrant scene — and shopping — around Bond Street. Their new dining space is elegantly styled, featuring warm lighting and rose-colored walls designed to evoke the sunsets of Cape Town. The centerpiece of the area, both in design and menu, is the South African fire-powered grill known as the braai.
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Every meal starts with a bread service: warm rolls paired with a selection of butters that are melted for ideal dipping (try the shrimp butter, £9 or around $12). As an appetizer, you can enjoy thick slices of cured sea trout in coconutty tigers milk (£12). For mains, the poussin with Kashmiri chile crisp is wonderfully charred and flavorful (£26); whole black bream for two is served with zhoug butter roti (£52). As expected, the wine list is focused on South Africa, and cocktails are also inspired by the region, including the Seis martini (£10), made with the mint-like plant buchu. 7 Moxton St.; kuducollective.com
Business: Bob Bob Ricard, City
Much like its renowned flagship in Soho, this City location comes with “Press for Champagne” buttons at the tables. Situated near Liverpool Street station and even closer to Bank, you’ll spot numerous diners in suits at lunch, engaged in discussions and occasionally tapping the Champagne button. (The restaurant is housed in the building informally known as the “Cheesegrater” due to its perforated facade; it’s home to companies like the global insurer Aon, and employees from the nearby Bank of England also frequent the venue.)
The menu specializes in classic Russian dishes, including Champagne-friendly caviar service, starting at £45 for a dollop of intense Siberian sturgeon. You can also savor truffle and potato vareniki in mushroom veloute (£19). At the City venue, premium meats are grilled on the Josper, such as Chateaubriand (£16 per 100 grams) and caramelized slices of free-range Iberico pork. (Additionally, there’s an extensive wine selection and more large format bottles available.) The chicken and Champagne pie (£28) showcases the Bob Bob logo; it fits the upscale, Orient Express train ambiance of the restaurant. 122 Leadenhall St.; Floor 3; bobbobricard.com/city
Value: Med Salleh Kopitiam, Bayswater
Located on the west side of town within the Berjaya Eden Park London hotel, this excellent Malaysian café features walls adorned with photographs and flags from the country. It has received praise from London critics like Giles Coren and Jay Rayner, who admire the authentic dishes, starting with snacks like chicken satay with house peanut sauce (£10.90; the tofu version is £8.50). Keropek lekor, a traditional spongy fish cake (£9.90), and fried chicken accompanied by a couple pieces of roti and curry gravy (£12.20) are great deals. In fact, the entire menu is reasonably priced, including main courses like 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
For breathtaking views of London, there’s no better spot than the panoramic vistas from the 60th floor of Gordon Ramsay’s Lucky Cat at 22 Bishopsgate, offering a perspective that makes you feel like you’re towering over the Shard.
The a la carte menu, served all day, features a showcase of Asian cuisine classics with premium prices that reflect the lofty location, starting with edamame, spicy or non-spicy (£7 and £6). The chef’s selection of six sashimi options costs £28; three pieces of nigiri are £15; and a spicy tuna maki is priced at £22. The bao and dumplings section includes succulent wagyu gyoza (£19), and a server will prepare the £20 egg-fried rice for you at your table. A major advantage for diners who haven’t made reservations: The venue opens every day starting at 11:30 am until 1 am. (On weekends, it opens a bit later; on Sundays, a bit earlier.) 22 Bishopsgate, Floor 60; gordonramsayrestaurants.com/lucky-cat-bishopsgate
DINE: José Tapas Bar, Bermondsey
One of London’s premier tapas venues resides on the corner of fashionable Bermondsey Street. This is where crowds tend to gather, especially on pleasant days. However, even in chilly weather, chef José Pizarro’s establishment exudes a welcoming buzz that attracts visitors, including DINE users. “Charming and cozy tapas restaurant. They don’t accept reservations, so luck is key. It may feel a bit cramped and chaotic inside, but the food is excellent, and I found the atmosphere quite charming and intimate,” shares one DINE enthusiast. On José’s blackboard menu are staples like pan con tomate (£5.50) and top-quality 5J jamon Iberico (£14), along with rotating offerings such as fried goat cheese with honey (£10.50), cod fritters (£8), and lamb cutlets with baby potatoes (£21). There’s also a wide selection of Spanish wines and sherries.
