Located in the former site of London’s legendary Le Caprice, revered restaurateur, Jeremy King, has recently opened the hotly anticipated doors of Arlington. The hallowed walls of this iconic restaurant, once frequented by the likes of Diana, Princess of Wales, Mick Jagger and Elizabeth Taylor, remain much the same in terms of its timeless look and feel, while the simple menu is full of old favorites such as bang bang chicken and salmon fishcakes.

More theatrical hedonism can be found at Bacchanalia in Mayfair, the latest opening from Caprice Holdings (Scott’s, J.Sheekey, Sexy Fish) and possibly its glitziest yet. After being greeted by toga-baring hosts, take a seat in a breathtaking dining room, embellished with vast hand-painted murals and enormous statues of winged horses (by British artist Damien Hirst) overhead. The indulgent Greek and Italian menu is designed for sharing, with a focus on luxe ingredients to match the extraordinary interiors. Less of a meal and more of an (unforgettable) experience.

Starting near Tower Bridge, The Bermondsey Beer Mile is a favorite weekend activity amongst beer-loving Londoners. The idea is that you start at one end of this two mile (ish) stretch and work your way to the other, popping into the multitude of railway arches and industrial units that house more than fifteen craft breweries and taprooms, and even two gin distilleries, along the way. It’s a fun way to enjoy delicious drinks and meet those who make them. Start at the Fourpure Brewery Taproom and set off from there.

The grand Beaux Arts/Art Deco interiors by David Collins make this all-day brasserie worth visiting. The huge restaurant, a tamer British version of Paris’s La Coupole, is usually packed with a slightly touristy, less dressy clientele. Night owls can enjoy cabaret at the cozy white, black and red Crazy Coqs cabaret and jazz venue.

There is patisserie, and then there is Cédric Grolet’s patisserie. In his first venture outside of France, the once crowned “best pâtissier in the world” can now be found in between Hyde Park and Knightsbridge at five-star hotel, The Berkeley. Grolet’s intricate creations, which look like works of edible art, also taste utterly superbe. Those with a sweet tooth can embark on a unique seven-course patisserie tasting menu whilst watching the chefs at work, or choose a takeaway treat from the sleek counter. Don’t miss Grolet’s hallmark trompe-l'œil—beautiful “fruits” that change with the season.

Frequently visited by James Bond author Ian Fleming, the legendary bar at luxurious Mayfair hotel, DUKES, has London's most famous martini, which is said to be the inspiration for the classic line “shaken, not stirred.” Not just a drink but an experience, this legendary martini is prepared tableside on a rosewood trolley. Be warned—it is exceedingly strong—hence why the bar has a two-drink limit per person. Book in advance or be prepared to queue.

J. Sheekey in Covent Garden has been a British institution since 1896 when it first started catering to the after-theater crowd. It regained glamour when it was taken over by the owners of the Ivy more than a decade ago. Today, you'll find four clubby, interconnecting rooms decorated with black and white photos and a 30-seat horseshoe bar with classic mirrors and zinc countertops. The effect recreates the authentic Old World oyster bar that Joseph Sheekey first ran and is so convincingly done, you may expect ladies in white gloves and men in bowler hats to appear at the table or barstool next to you.

Goodbye Marylebone, hello Mexico—crossing the threshold of this beautifully designed modern Mexican restaurant is like stepping into an oasis filled with warmth, flavor and stripped back style. Here, chef patron Santiago Lastra and his team offer “memories of Mexico, re-imagined with British produce.” Bright, fresh flavors, endless creativity and an interesting wine list make this an unforgettable dining experience. Allow time for a trip to the Mezcaleria downstairs for cocktails and Mexican spirits.

World renowned cocktail maestro Ryan Chetiyawardana—aka Mr Lyan—has two bars in the capital: Seed Library in Shoreditch, and the award-winning Lyaness on the South Bank. The latter, located conveniently close to the Tate Modern and Shakespeare’s Globe, sits within a hip luxury hotel, Sea Containers, and overlooks the Thames. The exciting, intriguing menu is designed around ingredients rather than cocktail types and uses weird and wonderful flavors to create truly unforgettable libations. Open only for lunch on weekends and dinner on weekdays.

Wine lovers should make a beeline for London’s “shrine to the vine,” Noble Rot. Its third restaurant is in the atmospheric alleys of Shepherd Market and feels like something of a secret. There are two cozy wood-paneled bars, both for walk-ins only. Browse the extensive, award-winning wine list, and choose one of the many sub-£40 finds or splash out on a rare vintage. Whether a casual drinker or an obsessive oenophile, it’s the stuff of any wine drinker’s dreams.

The tranquil setting of this restaurant, on the banks of the Thames, is outdone only by the quality of its contemporary Italian dishes, where “fresh and seasonal” is the kitchen mantra. Opened in 1987, by Ruthie Rogers and Rosie Gray, the River Café still attracts a sophisticated artsy crowd, despite its noncentral, Hammersmith location. Reservations must be booked far in advance, and during the summer, ask to eat outside. Check the monthly menus on the website to really work up your appetite.

Located in the the landmark 1782 Middlesex Sessions House court building, Sessions Art Club is one of London’s most refined hot spots.

Fresh from the kitchen of Fergus Henderson’s highly acclaimed St John restaurants, St John’s famous doughnuts have reached cult status in the capital and sell out in a flash. Every Friday through Sunday in southeast London, the shutters of St John’s industrial Bakery Arch fly open to reveal piles of freshly baked loaves and trays of fluffy, sugary doughnuts, loved not only for their brioche-y consistency but for their heavenly fillings (the vanilla custard is our favorite). Still peckish? Take a stroll through the nearby food lover’s paradise that is Maltby St Market.

St John’s doughnuts can also be found at St John Bread and Wine in east London (Friday and Saturday), Borough Corner in south east London (daily) and Neal's Yard in Covent Garden (daily).

Packed night after night, this London spot caused a sensation upon opening in late 2023, and for good reason. Brought to life by renowned London publican Oisín Rogers and Flat Iron founder Charlie Carroll, this hot ticket Soho gastropub is a proper London “boozer,” famed for serving the very best pints of Guinness in the capital. Upstairs is an ambitious wood-fired restaurant with experienced chef Ashley Palmer-Watts at the helm (former head chef at Heston Blumenthal’s famous Fat Duck). It has an in-house butchery, bakery and a handwritten menu that changes daily. If you visit just one London pub, make it The Devonshire.

When it comes to character and a sense of history, pubs don’t come much more atmospheric than the historic Mayflower in south east London. This is the oldest pub on the Thames, surrounded by cobbled streets in the heart of Rotherhithe. Inside is a cozy, candlelit mishmash of dark wood, old photos and maritime curios, whilst outside a large terrace sits over the water. From here, diners can see the original 1620 mooring point of the Pilgrim Father’s Mayflower ship. Sit back with a pint of local ale and soak up the historic atmosphere.

Housed in a former bank building, the Wolseley was transformed by starchitect David Collins into the quintessential European grand café in 2003 and has been the place for high-powered breakfasts and see-and-be seen lunches ever since. The imposing room with its high-ceilings, marble columns and massive arches is softened by the always convivial atmosphere. Breakfast at the Wolseley will brighten the grayest of London days. The onetime car showroom and then Barclay’s Bank branch has a vibe similar to La Coupole in Paris. Take refuge and sip a charged Lapsong tea or a thimbleful of espresso with a perfect cap of crema. Fill up on the birchermüesli —a cereal with grated apple, raisins, dried cranberries, hazelnuts, honey, milk and cream. Or for those who would rather have a traditional start, try the porridge with brown sugar. Hedonists should go for the heavenly pancakes with caramelized bananas or the rich eggs Benedict; the extra calories never felt so worth it. The Dover sole at lunch is a crowd pleaser. Up a staircase is a lovely private dining room for groups up to 12 in size.