Skip to content
GQ British Lifestyle
Fashion

Real Talk: These Are the 9 Restaurants That'll Fill Both Your Appetite and Fashion Content

By Kevin Harson

Real Talk: These Are the 9 Restaurants That'll Fill Both Your Appetite and Fashion Content

London's restaurant scene has always had a certain allure. Whether it's the old-world glamour of Mayfair's fine-dining institutions, the cool, experimental charm of East London's culinary hotspots, or the effortlessly stylish haunts of Soho, dining out in this city is as much about the aesthetic and atmosphere as it is about the food. And in 2025, it's clear that the capital's most fashionable restaurants aren't just serving impeccable dishes—they're shaping the culture of what it means to dine in style.

The most fashionable London restaurants today aren't necessarily the ones with the most elaborate interiors or even the highest Michelin stars (although a few do hold that accolade). Instead, these are the places where you're likely to spot fashion editors catching up over dinner after a runway show, where designers host intimate gatherings, and where the lighting, decor, and location all tell a story. Some are Instagram-famous; others are more discreet, known only to those with a finger firmly on the pulse of the industry. But what they all have in common is an undeniable cool factor—the kind that turns a meal into an experience.

Take the storied River Café, for example. A longstanding institution with a reputation for attracting the likes of Kate Moss and Victoria Beckham, it has the kind of enduring style that doesn't rely on trends. Then there's Kol, which has redefined what a fashionable Mexican restaurant in London looks like, blending fine dining with a bold, contemporary vision. And while places like Sessions Arts Club and Hide have become go-to spots for those in the know, newer additions like Carlotta in Marylebone are proving that a sense of fun is just as important as a refined aesthetic.

From elegant Italian trattorias to buzzy South African-inspired eateries, these nine restaurants define what it means to be stylish in London right now. Whether you're planning a dinner before a fashion week party or just want to know where the industry's most well-dressed are dining, these are the spots to have on your radar.

The 9 Most Fashionable Restaurants in London:

Carlotta, Marylebone

Jerome Galland

Cuisine: Italian
Location: Marylebone
Website: www.bigmammagroup.com/en/carlotta

If there's one thing fashion loves, it's a little nostalgia, and Carlotta delivers just that. This Italian eatery in Marylebone, with its glossy red banquettes, vintage signage, and moody lighting, feels like it’s been plucked straight from a scene in The Talented Mr. Ripley. The vibe here is playful yet refined—think classic dishes like cacio e pepe served with a side of retro glamour. It's already attracting a well-heeled crowd, proving that a restaurant doesn't need to be minimalist or hyper-modern to be stylish. Sometimes, a touch of old-school Italian romance is all you need.

Berenjak, Soho

Cuisine: Iranian
Location: Soho
Website: www.berenjaklondon.com

More Fashion