This place is hot. Literally. Humo really is on fire when it comes to service, presentation, vibes, and most importantly, the food.

It’s located on George Street, and while the menu might seem a bit simple at first glance, don’t be fooled. They know exactly what they’re doing. It’s all about wood-fired perfection.

They do meats and veg so they make sure everyone can indulge in this truly magical experience. The grilled cauliflower and mushrooms were way better than they sound. That smoky flavour is something you’re not getting from your oven at home.

Definitely recommend getting wine with your food – they even offer wine flights if you fancy trying a few. The staff are super helpful and will guide you through the best pairings if you’re not sure and want to ensure you’re getting that first class experience. 

Perfect for when you want a dining experience that feels a bit special but still laid back.

Have to try: Grilled lobster
Approx price for 2: £140–£180
Perfect for: Dating, bougie girls night out!

We all know the Ritz – it’s basically London royalty – so it’s no surprise their Michelin-starred restaurant had to make the list.

Walking in feels a bit like stepping into an Alice in Wonderland tea party… if Alice had a massive budget. The blush tones, crisp whites, chandeliers everywhere, and floor-length drapes let you live your ultimate fairytale fantasies. It’s fancy-fancy, but still cute with it.

The food is proper traditional — not your roast-dinner kind of traditional, but old-school luxe. Think veal, pigeon, beef wellington, that sort of vibe. If you’re indecisive (or just nosey), they’ve got a few tasting menus so you don’t have to settle on just one thing.

It’s definitely a special occasion spot – the prices are up there. But dress up and pretend you’re in a Bridgerton episode for a short while, and it’ll be worth it. 

Have to try: Vanilla and almond praline dulcey served with banana ice cream
Approx price for 2: £250–£300
Perfect for: Formal work lunch, Formal dinner

Akoko, based in Fitzrovia, is serving West African dishes but with a twist. The dishes are super creative, and make already delicious dishes even more memorable.The interior’s got those deep mahogany tones, classy without trying too hard. You know that when a place isn’t overdecorated the food’s about to be serious.

We started with the Mezcalita which combined mezcal, mango, and peach. It was sweet, smokey and just the right level of strong. That specific buzz that lines the stomach perfectly before food.

The waiter recommended the Ojojo (a yam fritter) and we’re so glad we listened. Not greasy at all, paired with some fresh veg, and just really, really good.

Have to try: Yam fritters, jollof and the mezcalita cocktail
Approx price for 2: £180-£220
Perfect for: Dating, dinner with friends

Dosa by Akira Back might just be one of the most intimate Michelin spots we’ve been to. It’s tucked inside the Mandarin Oriental in Mayfair (so yes, already a bit fancy), but the vibe is more of a calm dinner party than stiff white-tablecloth energy.

The menu isn’t massive, but that’s kind of the point. They keep it tight and concise, and every dish that comes out is a little masterpiece. It’s a tasting menu setup, Korean-inspired with the dishes just too pretty to eat (but we definitely did). 

The interiors are all dark and moody, and you are thoroughly taken care of by the staff. You feel looked after the second you sit down – and for those prices, you should be.

It’s definitely a special occasion, but if you’re after a proper dining experience, this is one to have on your list.

Have to try: Melon Bingsoo
Perfect for: Special Occasions
Approx price: £280–£350

Wild Honey St James gives you those proper European flavours with that Michelin star finesse. Just a heads up though – they’re big on the meat. While there are veggie options, it’s definitely one for the meat-lovers. They know what they’re doing, and it shows.

The interior is the perfect combination of grand and chill. You feel like you’re somewhere special, but there’s no pressure to rock up in a ballgown or pretend you know which fork to use. It’s laid-back luxury, which is obviously the best kind.

We kicked things off with pasta stuffed with apples and almonds. Bit of an unconventional starter, but honestly, it was so worth it. Who doesn’t immediately scan for pasta on a menu anyway? And starting with it just meant we got to enjoy it and still have room for mains.

Speaking of, the grilled monkfish was the star of the show — fresh, perfectly cooked, and marinated with lemon and honey. It came with a little bed of watercress that balanced it all out nicely.

Have to try: Pasta stuffed with apples and almonds
Perfect for: Formal lunch or dinner
Approx price for 2: £160–£200

If you’re after a sleek, modern Indian spot that still gives you those deep, proper traditional flavours- Quilon is the one. It’s the kind of place that makes you question everything you’ve ever ordered from your local takeaway (in the best way possible). It’s basically your classic Indian dishes, but just entirely elevated.

Don’t expect your usual kormas or dansaks here- and trust us, that’s a good thing. The menu is full of authentic dishes, all cooked with seriously high-quality ingredients and a lot of love. We went for the lamb biryani, and oh wow. The flavours were endless. The kind of rich, layered spice that just keeps getting better with every bite. And the lamb just melts in the mouth.

They also absolutely kill it on the drinks front. No basic cocktails here. We loved the Last Zing—a spicy watermelon cocktail that was sweet and had just the right kick. 

Have to try: Green peppercorn prawns
Perfect for: Special Occasions
Approx price for 2: £220–£250

Brat is another one of those spots that proves simple doesn’t mean boring. It’s all about traditional wood-fired cooking here, but wow do they elevate it. Every dish has that deep, smoky flavour- the kind you wish you could get from your garden BBQ but absolutely cannot.

It’s almost like an elevated pub. Like, if your favourite local got a serious glow-up and started serving plates worthy of a Michelin star. 

Now, you’d expect us to rave about the fish or meat (which, yes, are exquisite), but the surprise winner had to be the bread and burnt onion butter. The butter alone was reason enough to go back. Smoky, salty, sweet and it literally melted onto the warm bread like it was meant to be. Lurpak who? We’d happily take a tub of this to-go.

Have to try: Bread with burnt onion butter
Perfect for: Lunch or dinner dates
Approx price for 2: £140–£180

Evelyn’s Table isn’t just dinner, it’s a full-on experience. It is located beneath The Blue Posts pub in Soho, which we definitely recommend paying a visit either before or after your meal. But before is definitely the smarter choice, you will be stuffed by the end of this!  This hidden gem seats just 12 people at the counter — yep, just 12. So if you’re looking for something intimate, low-key, and kind of exclusive without being pretentious, this is it.

The set menu changes regularly and takes inspiration from British, Japanese and Southern European flavours. It might seem daunting for the fussy eaters or the commitment-phobes, but honestly, it’s a dream for anyone who gets stressed about choosing between seven mains. You just sit down, trust the process, and let the magic happen.

The wine list is incredible. It’s split into categories like “firm favourites” and “the path less trodden” so even if you know nothing about wine, you won’t feel out of your depth. But don’t be shy — ask the staff for recommendations. They actually want to help and know their stuff inside out.

Have to try: 2019 Renaissance Cabernet Franc (red wine)
Perfect for: Special Occasions
Approx price for 2: £180–£220

If the name didn’t already give it away, Angler is the place to go when you want top-tier seafood. We know this is a big claim with the thousands of seafood restaurants in London. But trust – this spot delivers.

The vibe is very much ocean-meets-city chic. Think big windows, clean interiors, and that kind of breezy, bright feeling that makes you feel like you’re dining on a yacht.

To start, we had the native lobster ravioli. Even though the menu mentioned it, the notes of Thai basil were still an unexpected twist but unreal. Then came the steamed turbot with brown butter potatoes. Sounds simple, but might’ve been the best potatoes we’ve ever had. Cooked to absolute perfection. 

Obviously, we couldn’t not get dessert. The strawberry pavlova was light, fresh, with a hint of lemon and vanilla that just tied everything together. Proper end to a proper meal.

They also offer a 5 or 8 course tasting menu if you’re feeling extra. 

Have to try: Caramelised parmesan gnocchi
Perfect for: Friends catch up, special occasion
Approx price for 2: £220–£250

We’ve all heard of 5-course tasting menus, maybe even stretched to 12 if you’re feeling fancy — but 17? . This Mayfair spot is serious about omakase. Every dish is an absolute work of art, and the freshness is absolutely unmistakable.

The setup is sleek and simple — a clean counter with just a few seats, giving you that real-deal sushi bar feel. No distractions, just you, the chef, and bite after bite of perfectly balanced fish, rice, veg, and the rest is history

As for the drinks, the wine and sake list reads more like a novel. Unless you know your stuff, we’d say skip the scroll and just ask the staff – they’re super helpful and means you can get straight down to business

Worth every single course!

Have to try: Sharaku Usunigori (sake)
Perfect for: Anniversaries
Approx price for 2: £340–£400