Article

A Guide to the Best Independent Restaurants in London

London is a city that never sleeps. And with a bustling population, it’s no wonder why Londoners are always on the lookout for new and exciting places to eat. Thanks to the abundance of independent restaurants in London, there are plenty of options for hungry locals and tourists alike. So if you’re looking for an alternative to the usual chains, take a look at this list of some of the best independent restaurants in London.

article nav

Acme Fire Cult

Acme Fire Cult

Live-fire cooking

Acme Fire Cult is a live-fire concept from chefs Andrew Clarke & Daniel Watkins. It began in the spring of 2021 after a successful residency at London Fields Courtyard. From their new home in Dalston, vegetables take centre stage here with rare & native breed meat & day-boat fish taking a supportive role.

Cadet

A wine bar in Newington Green

Wine importers of Beattie and Roberts join forces with charcutier George Jephson & chef Jamie Smartto open up Newington Green's latest addition - Cadet.⁠Cadet offers wine, charcuterie and a regularly changing small plates menu in a relaxed, intimate setting. ⁠

Hackney Coterie

Restaurant & wine bar in Hackney Downs

Hackney Coterie is born from a friendship and a shared passion for food, wine and hospitality. Set over two floors, they offer a seasonally driven menu & a carefully curated drinks list.

Firebird

Open fire cooking restaurant and wine bar

Founded by Madina Kazhimova and Anna Dolgushina, two restaurateurs from St Petersburg, Firebird specialises in open-fire cooking techniques with every dish using flames in some form during the cooking process. Their food is complimented by a curated wine & cocktail list.

mu

Robata grill with live jazz

Brought to you by the team behind Brilliant Corners is mu, an intimate restaurant focusing on small plates, wine, cocktails & live jazz.

Nest

Seasonal British set menus using one meat at a time

Started by three very old friends, Nest is a restaurant that is very much produce driven. They work with the best producers/suppliers in the UK & are proud to use only one meat in the kitchen at a time. There is also a curated drinks list with a strong focus on drinks with low-intervention production methods.