2025 London Food Guide | Amber’s Pick: 3 Must-Visit Restaurants
As a passionate explorer of culinary culture, every visit to London brings the excitement of discovering the city’s latest and most talked-about restaurants. This vibrant and creative metropolis continues to thrive in the dining scene, where bold concepts and visionary chefs shape London’s uniquely captivating gastronomic landscape.
Last Christmas, Foodie Amber’s founder, Amber, embarked on another European journey, exploring some of London’s most iconic dining hotspots. From Dorian in Notting Hill, an artistic and culinary landmark; to Leo’s Bar & Restaurant in East London, a place infused with authentic Italian soul; and finally, Mountain in Soho, a dynamic culinary theatre—each restaurant showcases distinctive flavors and a chef’s relentless dedication to perfection.
This London food adventure was more than just a feast for the palate—it was an exploration of culture, style, and sensory delight. Here are three must-visit restaurants in London for 2025 that should be at the top of your reservation list!
1.
Mountain: Soho’s Most Vibrant Culinary Theatre
London’s culinary rockstar, Chef Tomos Parry, first rose to fame in 2018 with his Michelin-starred restaurant, Brat. In 2023, he launched Mountain in Soho, which quickly earned another Michelin star. Inspired by the flavors of his Welsh heritage and his culinary journeys through Spain, Tomos masterfully blends these traditions with open-fire cooking techniques, delivering a bold and flavorful dining experience.
The open kitchen, crafted from British elm wood, creates an immersive culinary theatre where guests can witness the chefs’ passion and precision up close. Below, the basement bar serves a curated selection of Old World wines and classic vermouths, all accompanied by vinyl records playing in the background—setting a relaxed yet dynamic atmosphere.
Mountain’s menu revolves around seasonal ingredients and wood-fire grilling. Signature dishes include the charcoal-grilled red bream with olive oil and butter sauce, the Iberian lobster rice, and the dry-aged Jersey steak cooked over an open flame to perfection. For dessert, the Mallorcan Ensaimada bread paired with hazelnut ice cream strikes a balance between richness and lightness.
Tomos Parry describes Mountain as more than just an extension of his passion for wood-fire cooking:
“I want every guest to feel the collision of cultures and energy in this space, where bold flavors and creativity take center stage.”
More than just a restaurant, Mountain is a feast of flavors and creativity, offering an unforgettable dining experience for every visitor.
Photo by @mountain.restaurant
Photo by @mountain.restaurant
2.
Dorian: Notting Hill’s Modern Artistic Landmark
Nestled in the charming streets of Notting Hill, Dorian has been a breath of fresh air in the area’s dining scene since its opening in 2022. At the helm is Chef Max Coen, under 30 years old yet already a rising star, having honed his craft at Michelin two-star Ikoyi and the acclaimed three-star Frantzén in Sweden. Combined with the backing of a top seafood supplier, this dream team has made Dorian a standout for modern British cuisine.
Max approaches his cuisine as an artist would a canvas, using vibrant sauces and meticulously plated dishes to turn seasonal ingredients into edible masterpieces. From the crispy potato pancake with fresh crab to the roasted wild duck breast with blackberry sauce, every dish is a sensory delight. Desserts, like the caramelized apple doughnuts with vanilla and lemon curd or the yuzu granita, provide the perfect finishing touch.
Thanks to its refined yet contemporary approach, Dorian earned its first Michelin star in 2024. It has also become a magnet for celebrities—rumor has it that David Beckham was spotted dining here recently.
Today, Dorian is more than just a restaurant—it’s a cultural hotspot, seamlessly blending Notting Hill’s artistic charm with London’s cosmopolitan energy.
Photo by @dorian.nottinghill
Photo by @dorian.nottinghill
3.
Leo’s Bar & Restaurant: East London’s Effortlessly Cool Italian Gem
Located in Clapton, East London, Leo’s Bar & Restaurant has undergone a remarkable transformation under the direction of Chef Giuseppe Belvedere since 2021. Once a laid-back community café, Leo’s has evolved into a stylish Italian bistro-meets-bar, making it a hidden gem for those in the know.
Giuseppe’s cuisine is a fusion of British minimalism and Sardinian soul, resulting in dishes that are both traditional and innovative. Start with an heirloom tomato and ricotta appetizer, then move on to the wood-fired crispy pork belly, where each bite delivers a perfect balance of texture and flavor. To finish, the tiramisu with a hint of toasted nuts offers the ideal sweet indulgence.
Leo’s bar program is equally noteworthy, featuring classic Italian cocktails and a curated selection of natural wines, adding depth to every dish. The restaurant’s warm and relaxed atmosphere makes it the perfect spot for a casual lunch or an intimate dinner, offering an authentic taste of Italy with a modern East London twist.
Photo by @leos.london
