London Belgravia Restaurant Guide

“A candlelit supper for two here first is a surefire route to romance later!” according to fans of this “timeless” Gallic corner of Pimlico, which has “been a favourite for decades” (and which perennially nears the top of our list of London’s most romantic destinations). With its “cosy and intimate” hidden nooks, the “warren-like” interior “oozes rural France”, as do the “charming” and characterful waiters. Its “solid and traditional French bistro-style fare” is entirely in keeping: cassoulet, coq au vin, escargot, onion tart, steak frites, tarte Tatin, all washed down with “vin rouge from the large bottle” (with consumption measured by a dip-stick). “Why would you change anything about it?” Top Tip – in summer, the “good outside tables” come into their own.

“Never lets you down… always fun… always noisy… always great food” – this “buzzy longstanding trattoria” (est. 1974), a short walk from the rear of Harrods, is “always a favourite” for a very loyal fan club, serving a long and traditional menu. “Ideal for date night” too.

“Come rain or shine the rooftop is always buzzing” at this “simply super space” – a gorgeously decorated, 130-seat terrace on top of Belgravia’s landmark Pantechnicon building, complete with retractable glass roof for rainy weather. Although some reporters say you only go for the great location, most accounts give it a thumbs-up all round, and “presenting something ’Nordic’ and different” as its cuisine (from the kitchen at downstairs Eldr) goes down well (as do the “fab cocktails”…).

Dine like royalty in regal surroundingsOpulently designed with a rich royal theme of grandeur with polished silver, beautiful chandeliers and tailcoat waiters offering traditional service at its most welcoming. Experience the finest of dining with a glass wall which all...

2022 Review: A short walk from Sloane Street, this elegantly panelled Belgravia dining room is part of a luxurious five-star hotel. Perhaps because it’s tucked away in such an expensive ’hood, it doesn’t generate a huge volume of survey feedback, but such as there is says it successfully sets a superior standard of Italian cuisine.

“Just part of Chelsea’s culinary ‘furniture’!” – this “always enjoyable Italian stalwart” (est 1994), south of Sloane Square, is an “old favourite” for a dedicated silver-haired following, who’ve patronised it for many years. “The same friendly faces (albeit sometimes masked! in the Covid months)” provide “courteous and amiable service” of “reliable, traditional dishes” (“certainly not cheap but good quality”).

On a most chichi little thoroughfare, this café/bar and all-day restaurant is part of nearby luxury boutique hotel 100 Cadogan Gardens. It charges Chelsea prices from breakfast on, but fans say it’s a “perfect spot to have lunch when on a shopping expedition”.

All agree on the attractive style of this long-established (since 1982) and rather old-fashioned Belgravia stalwart, with nice pavement tables. Not everyone agrees on the value provided by its eclectic international menu (shepherds pie, seared tiger prawns, Dover sole, Belgravia burger…) but it is sometimes tipped for business.

“With its excellent exterior cigar terrace, range of whiskies and food usually with a Scottish twist – there’s always a fun evening” (often buoyed by live jazz too) at Ranald Macdonald’s Scottish-themed Belgravia stalwart, a short walk from Victoria station. Eldest son of the 24th chief and captain of Clanranald, his wine-trade background is evident in a strong list, while the selection of steaks and venison reveal him as an early champion of British ingredients. Critics say the food is only “average”, but for a red-blooded business meeting it’s tailor made for the purpose.

A short walk from the back of Harrods, the bijou dining room of this luxury hotel changed its stripes a couple of years ago. Under chef Chris Prow, it now offers a much less formal dining style – with an all-day menu (majoring in dishes from the Josper grill) showcasing British cuisine – and an outside terrace in summer. Some regret the passing of the former incarnation, but overall ratings are good all round.

Giuseppe & Pamela Turi’s “phenomenal” stalwart was “a long-time favourite even before they moved from Putney to Pimlico” in 2015 (at an age when some couples would be considering retirement). “A place of calm refinement”, they “rode out the pandemic with cheer and great service”; and by providing “precise northern Italian cooking with intense flavours”. The special attraction, though, is Giuseppe’s long term passion project: “one of the best Italian wine lists in London” offering a “to-die-for selection” that “starts at very reasonable price levels” (but “don’t forget your wallet” if you want to do it full justice).

Limited but mostly positive feedback this year at this second-floor dining space, within the gobsmackingly lovely Belgravia Pantechnicon building. Despite the ambition of its Nordic menu (the name means ‘fire’ in old Norse), though, it is still not making many waves. Maybe it’s because a peek up the staircase takes you out onto the gorgeous rooftop…

2022 Review: “Superb dishes, presented wonderfully” win praise for the afternoon tea served in the stylish lounge of this deluxe hotel on Sloane Street (where Oscar Wilde was arrested in 1895 after losing a libel case). Prices, though, are too “aggressive” for some tastes.

For a posh cup of coffee, the chichi, Japanese-inflected patisserie at the foot of this monumental Belgravia landmark (with mezzanine and foyer seating) has a number of fans – grab a brew, take the weight of your feet and nibble on a double-baked matcha croissant or lunchtime sando.