As a photographer, living in London offers endless inspiration. Iconic landmarks, picturesque mews, green spaces and secret spots galore... There's always something to capture. It's also, despite the slanderous claims that British food is rubbish, a great foodie destination. There's an incredible restaurant scene to discover, with cuisine from all across the globe represented in the Capital.
Conveniently for gluttonous aesthetes like myself, there's plenty of aesthetic restaurants to enjoy amazing food in photogenic surrounds. I've dined at a fair few over the years, so I've compiled some of my favourites into this list of ten of the best Instagrammable restaurants in London. There's a bit of something for everyone, from feminine florals to out and out opulence. Let me know your top picks, and any spots I've missed in the comments!
Circolo Popolare
Fitzrovia
Restaurant behemoths Big Mamma came to London with serious fanfare. Bringing their playful space and distinctive style of Italian cuisine, they've since opened 5 branches in the Capital. Whilst each has it's own unique aesthetic, the second opening, Circolo Popolare, is in my opinion the prettiest. It takes their Italian trattoria blueprint and gives it a romantic spin. Reams of fairy lights hang from a canopy of foliage, and over 20,000 bottles line the walls to show-stopping effect. The food itself is equally photo-worthy. Order their signature truffle pasta, or the tower of fluffy meringue that makes up the lemon tart. Of all the Instagrammable restaurants in London, this is easily one of the very best.
Top Tip: It's dimly lit, and very popular, which makes it a little tough for photos. Visit at opening or between services to avoid the crowds. I'd recommend leaning into the moody ambience with the edit, as it looks more natural and compliments the space.
Bacchanalia
Mayfair
It's honestly hard to know where to start when describing London's latest and most opulent dining addition, Bacchanalia. The Greek Mediterranean Mayfair spot is named after the Roman festival of Bacchus, the Greco-Roman God of wine, freedom, intoxication and ecstasy. Which kind of tells you everything you need to know. It's also by the same folks as London staples The Ivy, Sexy Fish, and Annabel's, all of which are known for extravagant decor.
Bacchanalia occupies a vast hall, flanked by pillars, a balcony, and three grandiose Damian Hirst sculptures surveying diners from above. Painted frescos line the walls, and Roman-esque busts intersperse tables. It's like stepping into another world. Make sure to take a trip to the toilets too - the woman's are spectacular. Oh, and it's not all style, no substance - the food is genuinely decent.
Florattica
Aldgate
Admittedly, this one is arguably more of a bar than a restaurant, but it's so pretty I'm hoping you'll let that slide. One of London’s newest rooftops, Florattica sits pretty atop Canopy by Hilton in East London, serving up cocktails and small plates. The space is inspired by the textile heritage of the area, in particular the design work of the local 17th century French Huguenots. Everything is floral themed, from the dried flower installation hanging from the ceiling to the lush printed soft furnishings.
The theme extends to the cocktails, which complex floral-infused creations. There’s a selection of sharing bites including dishes such as lobster roll and prawn dim sum. Views-wise, the outdoor terrace looks out over St Paul’s and The City’s surrounding skyscrapers. It's not the most impressive view you'll find in London, but for the aesthetic interiors, it's still well worth a visit.
The Ivy
Chelsea
The Ivy chain of restaurants are well established in London, with branches across the city. Whilst they're all similarly aesthetic, the Chelsea branch is arguably the most beautiful. The vast interiors are filled with the usual maximalist Ivy tropes - floral chairs, framed prints lining the walls, and plenty of pops of colour. But there's more besides. Head to the rear of the restaurant to discover the cosy orangery and picturesque garden space. These have more natural light so tend to be better for photos. Food-wise, the menu is classic British and international fare, and the cocktails are often very photogenic.
Top Tip: Look out for seasonal displays on the exterior of The Ivy, particularly around Christmas. They're very popular for photos, so arrive early to beat the crowds!
Sucre
Soho
Some of the Instagrammable restaurants in London are extravagant, some are pretty, some are honestly a bit of an eyesore but make for a good shot. Former concert hall turned Argentinian restaurant Sucre, is simply beautiful. The space is refined, and undeniably impressive, but just subdued enough to not feel gimmicky or over the top.
Weathered nude panelling lines the walls, providing a backdrop from South American-style printed soft furnishings and cosy green booths. The standout is the chandeliers, made up of glass bottles. Visit at lunchtime for clear shots, and to experience the delicious set lunch menu.
Eve
Kensington
If I was designing my dream restaurant, it would probably take it's cues from Eve. This new London spot can be found inside Ember Locke, a serviced apartments meets co-working space meets bar and restaurant in Kensington, a few minutes walk from Earls Court tube station. Every single space is immaculately designed, brought together with an overarching eclectic, colourful aesthetic with just a touch of nostalgia.
The menu itself is well worth visiting for, offering up a fusion of Middle Eastern flavours. Vegetables take centre stage with zaatar fried cauliflower and a positively meaty charred mushroom skewer, whilst lamb and stonebass are given punch with lashings of herbs, spice and citrus.
Brasserie of Light
Oxford Street
Another one from the aesthetic restaurant connoisseurs, Caprice Holdings. Set in Selfridges department store, Brasserie of Light is a swish all day spot in the heart of London. The Art Deco era is reflected in mirrored fixtures surrounding navy and mustard booths, overlooked by a glamorous pink and gold bar. The standout, however, is the 24ft tall crystal encrusted Damian Hirst unicorn soaring over diners. Also make sure to check out the pink-hued toilets!
Top Tip: Brasserie of Light is busy all day, so aim for opening for your best chance of clear shots, or embrace the crowds.
Sushi Samba
Bishopsgate
Another rooftop for you, and this one is all about the view. Sushi Samba (and it's neighbour, Duck & Waffle) can be found at the top of Heron Tower in East London. The restaurant, serving up a Japanese meets Latin American fusion, offers unparalleled views across London. It's also right next to one of London's most striking buildings, affectionately known as The Gherkin (pictured), which makes for a great shot.
As well as an interior dining room (pictured), Sushi Samba also has an outdoor terrace, the highest of it's kind in Europe. Head up here at sunset on a clear day, and it's pretty spectacular.
Linnaean
Vauxhall
There's honestly not a huge number of reasons to visit Vauxhall, but this is a good one. Cafe meets restaurant meets spa meets apothecary is a bit of a mouthful, but that's what's on the bill at multi-hyphenate hotspot Linnaean. The restaurant is an Instagrammer's dream. Florals hang from the ceiling alongside festoons, but done so tastefully that it doesn't feel gimmicky. The pastel palette of mint walls and dusty pink soft furnishings is elegantly muted, paired with further foliage dotted around the space.
The predominantly plant based menu is equally picturesque, including options such as bottomless brunch and afternoon tea for an oh so aesthetic experience.
Dalloway Terrace
Bloomsbury
The craze for all things floral has died down somewhat since it's heyday in 2018, but there's still a few good spots for an Instagrammable floral display in London. A personal favourite is Dalloway Terrace, a picturesque covered dining terrace at the Bloomsbury Hotel. The space is given seasonal makeovers, with bright blooms in Spring and Summer, and more moody Autumn foliage and Winter wonderland vibes.
Top Tip: It's quite a narrow space, which can make getting shots trickier during peak hours. Therefore I usually aim for opening or outside main meal times. Also check out The Coral Room bar in the next room, another picturesque spot and great for a tipple.
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