TheFork: I'm So Fancy! Ten restaurants that take your fancy in London

London's fine dining scene is renowned all over the world, with numerous top-tier restaurants offering a unique take on a global range of cuisine. From the aromatic spices of India to the refined flavours of France, the exotic tastes of China, and beyond, London's fancy restaurants are destinations in their own right. Join TheFork to embark on a culinary tour of some of the city's most distinguished eateries, guided by the vision of some of the world’s most talented chefs.

Yaatra, Westminster

In the centre of historic Westminster, Yaatra presents an innovative Indian dining experience under the guidance of Chef Amit Bagyal. The menu is a vibrant celebration of India's diverse culinary traditions, reimagined with a contemporary twist.

Highlights include the roasted beetroot cutlet, a delightful combination of earthy flavors balanced with a tangy fennel and green apple yoghurt chutney. The lobster thokku masala, accompanied by chilli lime avocado crema and flaky Malabar parantha, offers a luxurious take on coastal Indian cuisine. The grilled freshwater tiger prawns, served with aromatic turmeric and lemon rice and a rich Malabar sauce, showcase the Bagyal’s ability to combine flavours and textures in perfect harmony.

Cord, Fleet Street

Located on the famous Fleet Street, is Cord, a sanctuary of French culinary excellence led by the visionary Chef Karl O'Dell. The menu is a testament to the timeless elegance of French cuisine, with each dish crafted to perfection.

The veal sweetbread, paired parsnip, lemon, and wood sorrel, is a delicate yet flavorful start to this tasting journey. Lobster and sea urchin ravioli, served in a quince, spinach, and shellfish broth, is a hearty taste of the ocean. For a dish from the land, the Highland venison, accompanied by farci, beetroot, blackberry and juniper, is a rich and complex dish that captures the essence of the French countryside. The opulence of French cooking is epitomised by the black truffle chicken supreme, with its luxurious accoutrements.

Yauatcha City, Broadgate

Yauatcha City offers a slice of modern Chinese cuisine in the bustling Broadgate Circle. Under Chef Andrew Yeo's stewardship, the restaurant serves up an array of dim sum and other Chinese delicacies with a cool, contemporary flair.

The classic baked dim sum platter is a must-try, featuring sesame prawn toast, venison puff, crispy duck roll, and mushroom spring roll. The cheung fun, prawn and bean curd with cloud ear, and the honey roasted pork char siu are other standout dishes, each offering a unique taste of China's rich culinary heritage. The soft shell crab bao, with its spicy mayo sauce, provides a delightful fusion of soft textures and fresh flavours.

Studio Franztén London, Knightsbridge

Led by Chef Marcus Rohlen, Studio Franztén brings the essence of Scandinavian cuisine to London. The menu is a tribute to the purity and simplicity of Nordic flavours, with a focus on seafood and seasonal ingredients.

The roasted Orkney scallop, with its carrot ‘hot sauce’ xo, finger lime, and ikura, is a harmonious blend of sweet and spicy flavours. The tartar of tuna and red deer, enhanced with vendace roe, wasabi cream, fermented plum, and warm ginger butter, is an innovative dish that marries the sea and the land. The grilled oysters, with their smoked butter sauce, herring caviar, and seaweed oil, are a testament to the restaurant's skill in turning simple ingredients into special culinary masterpieces.

La Bibliotheque, Kingsland Road

La Bibliotheque, situated on Kingsland Road, is a celebration of Mediterranean cuisine's passion and vibrancy. The menu features dishes that are both comforting and sophisticated, with a focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients.

The braised lamb shoulder, with its accompaniment of onion and seaweed, is a hearty and flavorful dish. The squid with egg yolk and dashi offers a delicate balance of flavours, while the baked potato ravioli, with leek, black truffle, and egg yolk, is a luxurious take on a classic comfort food. The soy-glazed chicken, paired with caramelised celeriac, winter greens, and black garlic, showcases their kitchen team’s ability to infuse traditional Mediterranean dishes with contemporary flair.

Sussex Bar and Restaurant, Soho

Sussex Bar and Restaurant, led by Chef Oliver Gladwin, is a celebration of British cuisine, with a menu that pays homage to the country's rich agricultural heritage.

The Sussex wild yeast bread, served with garlic butter, sets the tone for a meal rooted in rustic tradition. The South Downs venison croquettes, with homemade chilli mayonnaise and chives, offer a decadent take on a classic game dish. Chargrilled goat cheese, with cranberry jam, black onion seeds, and watercress, is a tasty blend of textures and flavour. The Sussex Mallard breast, served with candied beetroot, celeriac puree, endive and duck sauce, is a succulent showcase the best of British cooking.

Gymkhana, Mayfair

Gymkhana, inspired by the elite clubs of India, offers a contemporary interpretation of their cuisine, and a modern take on some famous classics. Their expertly curated menu is a blend of traditional flavours in dishes that are familiar yet innovative.

The venison keema naan, served with cucumber and cumin raita, is a luxurious take on a classic street food. The Punjabi samosa, with saunth chutney, and the duck egg bhurji, with lobster and Malabar paratha, are other highlights that showcase the chef's skill in elevating dishes to gourmet status. The Goan cafreal salmon tikka and the tandoori chicken, with their respective chutneys, reimagine traditional flavours for a contemporary palate.

Jeru, Mayfair

Jeru, located in the heart of West London’s Mayfair, is a celebration of Mediterranean cuisine with a menu that combines diverse flavours modern flair. Under the guidance of Chef Roy Ner, the restaurant offers a dining experience that is refined yet accessible.

The wood-fired potato bread, with truffled honey and chickpea miso butter, is a hearty start to the meal. The tuna ceviche, with its vibrant combination of orange, tamarind, and rainbow radish, is a refreshing and flavorful dish. The confit chicken and foie gras shawarma, served with butter bread, tahini, and dates, is a luxurious take on a classic street food. The charcoal roast aubergine, with spiced lentil ragu and pine nuts will delight vegetarian diners, while the herb-crusted Welsh lamb rack with mint dressing shows the chef's versatility in elevating Mediterranean cuisine to the level of fine-dining.

Mint Leaf, Bank

Located in the financial heart of London, Mint Leaf, offers a contemporary take on Indian cuisine, with a menu that reinvents India's culinary traditions in a way that will wow the most discerning of diners.

Under the direction of Chef Rajinder Pandey, the restaurant serves a range of dishes that are both innovative and rooted in tradition. The chilli calamari, with its crisp texture and spicy cumin and green chilli seasoning, is a delightful start to the meal. The lamb seekh kebab, spiced with ginger, chilli, and mint sauce, is a familiar favorite. The Malabar tiger prawns, cooked in a fragrant curry leaf, ginger, mustard, and coconut sauce, is a highlight that offers a taste of India's rich culinary heritage.

Zafferano, Belgravia

Zafferano, in the upscale neighbourhood of Belgravia, is a premier destination for Italian cuisine in London. With dishes that celebrate the simplicity and quality of Italian cooking, the restaurant's menu is a homage to Italy's diverse culinary regions.

The pappardelle with wild boar ragu is a rich and rustic dish that will satisfy lovers of red meat dishes. The spaghetti with clams and bottarga offers a taste of the sea, with umami-rich flavours. The seared scallops served with cauliflower cream and red pepper powder, and the pan-roasted cod fillet, with cannellini beans, are other standout seafood dishes that demonstrate an excellent understanding of the subtleties of good fish. Back on land, the braised veal cheek with mashed potato, is a comforting end to a meal that gives you the very best of Italian cooking.