Modern European is the catch-all for kitchens that borrow technique from France, produce from their own region and ideas from everywhere — usually tasting-menu only.
In London the modern European list is led by Sketch (The Lecture Room & Library) in Mayfair (Three MICHELIN Stars, £210-£260 / $265-$330 per person). If you want the same cooking for less, The Ledbury at £185-£235 / $235-$300 is the value pick.
- 1.
Sketch (The Lecture Room & Library)
Three MICHELIN StarsModern European · Mayfair · £210-£260 / $265-$330
Gaggan Anand
Within the whimsical Sketch complex, The Lecture Room & Library offers a truly opulent and unique dining experience. The exquisite, gold-hued room provides a lavish backdrop for Chef Gaggan Anand's highly imaginative and precise Modern European cuisine. It's a journey of culinary theatre, where luxurious ingredients meet innovative techniques, creating memorable dishes in a grand setting.
Order: Seasonal tasting menus with dishes like 'The Blue Lobster' or 'Squab Pigeon with Red Beetroot'.
- 2.
The Ledbury
Two MICHELIN StarsModern European · Notting Hill · £185-£235 / $235-$300
Brett Graham
After a hiatus, The Ledbury has triumphantly returned, reaffirming its status as a London culinary institution. Chef Brett Graham's Modern European cooking showcases incredible seasonal British ingredients, often incorporating game from his own foraging. The bright, contemporary dining room provides a comfortable setting for his precise, harmonious dishes, which are both innovative and deeply satisfying.
Order: Celeriac baked in ash, with truffled emulsion; Pheasant with fig leaf oil, sourdough bread sauce.
Booking a modern European table in London
- · For three-MICHELIN-starred restaurants, book 2-3 months in advance, especially for weekend dinner slots. Be prepared to provide credit card details to secure the booking, as cancellations often incur a significant fee.
- · Many top London restaurants offer tasting menus at lunch, which can be a more accessible (and often more affordable) way to experience their cuisine. These often need to be booked several weeks ahead.
- · Be aware of strict cancellation policies. Most high-end establishments charge a full menu price per person for no-shows or cancellations within 48-72 hours. Confirm your attendance punctually to avoid charges.
- · Consider dining on a weekday evening or for an earlier lunch sitting if availability is tight. Some restaurants release additional tables closer to the date, so it's worth checking back periodically or joining waitlists.
And the local dishes in London
Fish and Chips
This quintessential British dish consists of battered and deep-fried white fish, typically cod or haddock, served with thick-cut fried potatoes. Often accompanied by mushy peas, tartare sauce, and a sprinkle of vinegar, it's a comforting and satisfying meal found in pubs and dedicated chippies across London. Try it at Poppies Fish & Chips for an authentic experience.
Sunday Roast
A traditional British meal served on Sundays, featuring roasted meat (beef, lamb, chicken, or pork), roasted potatoes, Yorkshire puddings, vegetables, and gravy. It's a hearty and communal meal, best enjoyed in a classic pub setting. Many London pubs offer excellent Sunday Roasts, like The Churchill Arms in Notting Hill, for a truly immersive experience.
Pie and Mash
A working-class London staple, this dish features a savoury meat pie (often beef or eel) served with creamy mashed potatoes and a vibrant green 'liquor' sauce, traditionally made from eel cooking water and parsley. It's hearty, affordable, and deeply rooted in East End history. Goddards at Greenwich is a renowned spot to experience this authentic dish.
Scotch Egg
A hard-boiled egg encased in sausage meat, coated in breadcrumbs, and deep-fried or baked. While often found in pubs as a snack, gourmet versions with quality ingredients are elevated treats. It's a surprisingly filling and flavourful item, perfect for a quick bite. Seek out artisanal versions at Borough Market for a superior taste.
Other cuisines in London
Seven days in London
Pair these modern European tables with the full itinerary: neighbourhoods, museums and what to skip.
Read the London travel guide