If you do choose to bless yourself by going to Madison, make sure to go at sunset or on a super sunny day. The terrace setting means the views are absolutely unreal – we’re talking straight-up movie scenes. You get the clearest view of the cathedral, and it’s not just a quick snap-and-leave situation because you’re all hangry. Nope, you get to chill for hours, sipping yummy drinks and enjoying great food.

For starters, we had the buttermilk fried chicken coated in a Korean chili glaze. It’s the perfect snack to munch on while sipping a Campari spritz in the sun. For mains, it had to be the garlic shrimp rigatoni alla vodka because, honestly, with a spritz in hand, Italian food just feels right. Don’t forget to order the herby garlic fries too. Such a great grazing snack and a perfect excuse to stay put for hours. And dessert? The soft-baked choc chip cookie with vanilla ice cream was just heavenly. Such a simple classic, yet somehow the one thing we can’t stop craving.

They also have loads of events happening, so check out their website for live DJs at sunset, cocktails, and some sweet deals. Overall, a seriously good vibe.

Have to try: Korean buttermilk fried chicken and campari spritz
Perfect for: Rooftop drinks
Approx price for 2: £80 to £130

Leydi is an elegant and elevated Turkish-Cypriot restaurant that nails sophistication with classic white tablecloths and a vibrant, well-lit atmosphere. It’s the perfect spot if you’re craving an elevated ‘picky bits’ vibe, as they specialize in mezze. And honestly, everything looks so good, you’ll want to order it all.

We started with the hummus (because, duh), the smoked aubergine, and something totally new to us that blew our minds. The Aegean Girit Ezme, a creamy, tangy mix of courgettes, carrot, feta, yogurt, and pistachio. The flavors were fresh, nutty, and just a perfect explosion of tastes, especially when scooped up with their fresh Turkish bread.

If you’re after a solo meal instead of sharing, no worries – Leydi has plenty of options. We’d highly recommend the chicken shish, served with pide bread and a marinated pepper and onion salad. It’s filling but still feels healthy and hearty.

Have to try: Feta, yogurt and pistachio dip with turkish bread
Perfect for: Bougie yet causal lunch
Approx price for 2: £50-£70

Coq D’Argent is the ultimate feel-good spot to hit up on a rare sunny day in the UK and soak up those golden rays. For starters, we had the fromage de chèvre — a pastry parcel filled with tangy goat’s cheese, pepper, and drizzled with honey and basil to balance out the creaminess with a touch of sweetness. For mains, we went for the duck breast, which came with rhubarb, garlic (they absolutely nail that sweet and savory combo), parsnip purée, and an orange-red wine jus. Fancy? Definitely. Worth it? 100%.

Given the restaurant’s name, not ordering a glass (or bottle) of wine would honestly be criminal. Their wine list is huge. We went for a rosé purely because the red and white options were too overwhelming and we wanted a quick drink, but with our meal, a glass of red would’ve been the perfect pairing. So, unless you’re lazy like us, just ask your waiter for their top pick to match your food.

Have to try: Goat’s cheese pastry parcel
Perfect for: Special occasions
Approx price for 2: £90-£130 (starters, mains, and drinks)

We all know and love The Ivy.  Those ethereal green glass floors, cherry blossoms hanging from the ceiling, and that perfect mix of aesthetics and fine dining. But the St Paul’s branch takes it to a whole new level (which you didn’t even think was possible) with a spectacular view of the cathedral framed by huge glass windows. It’s overstimulation in the best way.

We went for the Samurai set dinner menu, which we thought was an absolute steal! £38 for starters, mains, and sides. For starters, we chose the prawn tempura (which honestly feels like a win since it’s our usual go-to and luckily it was included). Mains were the salmon teriyaki — a classic, but done to another level. Guess that’s what happens when your salmon isn’t from Tesco. Our only tiny gripe? You only get one side choice: steamed rice and wok-fried greens. We usually like the cucumber salad or kimchi fried rice, but it still hit the spot.

For just £5 extra, we added dessert and couldn’t resist the warm passionfruit and coconut donuts. Total no-brainer.

Have to try: Prawn tempura with the sakura and lychee martini
Perfect for: Special occasions
Approx price for 2:  £90-£130

Mercer Roof Terrace is another must-go for those sunny, bright days. It’s open, light, and just gives off those good summer feel-good vibes. It’s super pretty in the evenings too, so don’t just limit yourself to lunch. They’ve got fairy lights going on and it’s just so wholesome for hanging out with friends and family.

We’d already decided to treat ourselves with some decadent mains (you’ll see in a sec), so we stuck to a light and refreshing starter to share. It was the burrata, peach and tomato salad – crispy leaves, creamy burrata, and the sweetness from the peach. It had all the key components of a good summer salad.

Now the mains – in our defence, the sun was beaming and we wanted to give off beach vibes right in the heart of the city. So yes, it was fish and chips. But bougie fish and chips, so it’s allowed. High-quality cod, mushy peas, triple-cooked chips, and tartar sauce. The works. Nothing less, nothing more needed.

They also have some fun, unique cocktails that are really worth trying. Our favourite was the Mangifera Indica – rum, mango liqueur, mango syrup. If you couldn’t guess, it tasted like mango and it was delicious.

Have to try: Burrata, peach and heritage tomato salad
Perfect for: Casual lunch in the sun
Approx price for 2: £70-£90

If you want to keep that historic, cultural vibe going after a day in St Paul’s, Taberna Entrusca is the spot for you. Open since 1967, they’ve kept the dome ceilings and that old-school charm without turning it into some slick, modern space. It’s casual, classic, and full of character.

For starters, we indulged in the arancini, and we mean indulged!! These little golden balls were deep-fried decadence packed with saffron rice, buffalo mozzarella, and came with a spicy, smoky tomato sauce for dipping. Honestly, still dreaming about them. For mains, we went for the lobster ravioli, swimming in a rich lobster bisque and topped with fresh, vibrant basil. They also serve fish and meat, ticking all the boxes for a proper Italian meal — just no pizza, so heads up if that’s a dealbreaker.

And of course, you can’t end an Italian meal without tiramisu. It’s culture, after all. 

Have to try: Mozzarella arancini with tomato salsa
Perfect for: Casual lunch/ dinner
Approx price for 2: £70–£90 (+ drinks)

Brigadiers is one sexy, elevated spot with mahogany and deep burgundy tones flowing throughout. Believe it or not, it’s also a sports bar- probably the bougiest sports bar we’ve ever been to. There’s no way we’re rushing back to our local after this one.

They specialise in BBQ, so get ready for a treat. We love the irony of how sophisticated and beautiful the place is when really it’s a sports bar and grill. We kicked off with the cheese and onion bhajis – perfect drinking snacks. If you want to keep it chill, grab a beer; but if you’re feeling fancy (and you will with this place), go for the masala margarita or the lychee martini. Both absolute winners.

They put a fun twist on classic bar snacks and the Indian flavours we love. One of our faves was the BBQ butter chicken wings. These were creamy, decadent, with that smoky punch still coming through.

And if you’re craving a proper Indian meal, they’ve got you covered with classics like chicken tikka masala. Pro tip: order it with the chilli cheese naan – absolute perfection.

Have to try: BBQ butter chicken wings
Perfect for: Lunch/ dinner with friends
Approx price for 2: £70-£90

Terra Rosa is a more casual spot (and we say that relatively speaking). But it still has that elevated, refined feel — just so you don’t forget you’re in St Paul’s.

To start with, because we needed some substance immediately, we went for the homemade focaccia with tomatoes and olives. Honestly, it was a rash decision made out of pure starvation… but it turned out to be truly special. Could have happily been our whole meal, no regrets.

They’re known for their stone-baked pizzas, so obviously we couldn’t resist. Sometimes it’s not worth pretending to be an adult and choosing grilled meats or fish at an Italian — you’ve gotta live a little. We went for the Ortolino, which had mozzarella, goat’s cheese, onions, olives, and roasted peppers. The peppers were the perfect sweetness to balance out the tart, savoury olives and goat’s cheese — and the texture of the pizza base was just chef’s kiss.

We wrapped things up with a homemade limoncello. Yes, £7 is daylight robbery… but when in an Italian in St Paul’s, you just do it.

Have to try: Homemade focaccia and stone baked pizza
Perfect for: Casual lunch
Approx price for 2: £50–£70

Goodman City is an elegant, classic steakhouse. Even though they’re serving the highest quality everything, they keep the interiors understated. No overly fancy frills, just a confident, timeless vibe.

For starters we went for the prawn tempura, which came with avocado and gochujang mayo. Yes, it’s a little random for a steakhouse, but who doesn’t love a fried prawn? Then came the main event — the Australian 140-day grain-fed ribeye. Honestly… no words. You just have to come and try it for yourself. They know their steak, and they take it very seriously.

If steak isn’t your thing (which, fair enough, but also… why are you here?), there are burgers, rich sides, and indulgent starters to fill up on. Think truffle fries, mac and cheese, and other classics done properly. But really, if you’re at a steakhouse, give it the justice it deserves.

Have to try: Australian ribeye and truffle fries
Perfect for : Business lunch
Approx price for 2: £120–£160

When we saw Caravan City, we were expecting low-key, super casual vibes. But the interiors here are sleek, sophisticated, dimly lit — yet still holding onto that perfect level of not-too-over-the-top elegance you want in central.

We went for brunch and kicked things off with a Chef’s Margarita. This was tequila, agave, pink grapefruit, and cumin salt. Hey, it’s 5 o’clock somewhere. And something we rarely see in the UK but should absolutely be mainstream? Cornbread. Theirs was a jalapeño version with chipotle butter. It was spicy, sweet, rich, and just way too easy to keep picking at.

Now for the main event. They clearly don’t believe in sticking to a “breakfast rules” book here. Sure, you can order the classics like pancakes and avo toast, but right next to them on the menu you’ll find things like buttermilk fried chicken with kimchi pancakes. Obviously, we had to. Topped with a fried egg, it’s the kind of decadent brunch we all secretly (or not so secretly) crave – different enough to make you feel adventurous but still comforting in all the right wayss.

Have to try: Korean style buttermilk fried chicken with kimchi pancakes
Perfect for: Brunching with friends
Approx price for 2:  £50–£70 with drinks