image
image

Food and wine

Nine warm and cozy restaurants you must visit in London

These restaurants in the British capital provide the perfect setting for an unforgettable dining experience.

image

Guro Holmene

Experiencing some warm and cozy restaurants in London is something many people have on their bucket list when travelling to the big city. And we get it, since a good meal is about more than just high-quality food.

Most of us are seeking first-class service and good location, and a private atmosphere if it's with our partner, lively if it's with friends, and an authentic atmosphere in every case. We have found unique eateries that meet all these criteria.

Here are nine warm and cozy restaurants you'll be telling your friends about afterwards:

Clos Maggiore

Where: 33 King St, London WC2E 8JD, UK

Clos Maggiore calls itself "... the world's most romantic restaurant, with a fireplace and a beautiful flower ceiling in the conservatory".

We at Picolo.com agree. This is definitely the place to go for a warm and cozy date. The restaurant is located in Covent Garden and its interiors and furnishings are inspired by inns in Provence and Tuscany in Italy, which makes for a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

In the summer, plenty of light streams through the glass roof. In winter, the roaring fireplace is quite the centrepiece in both the conservatory and the private dining area. On clear evenings, you can hopefully see the stars. There's plenty of space between the tables, so your visit feels private.

The menu features European cuisine, and you can book a table for lunch or dinner.  Clos Maggiore is also known for its impressive wine cellar with wines from over 18 different countries. Could this be the recipe for a wonderful date? 

7 Saints

Where: 7 All Saints Road London W11 1HA

Located in Notting Hill, a destination which is well worth a visit in itself, with its colourful houses, street art, and alleyways. 7 Saints is a neighbourhood restaurant located right in the heart of the idyllic area. It serves a small, seasonal European menu, which is updated weekly.

You can book a table for lunch or dinner. It's a small and cosy place that can only accommodate up to 20 people.

If you are visiting with your extended family or group of friends, it is recommended to book the private room that is located in the level below the restaurant, where you can also catch a glimpse of the kitchen.

Find exclusive offers from our partners: At this London hotel you have both a sky bar and a short distance to Big Ben and The London

imageCourtesy / Vinegar Yard

Street food


Vinegar Yard is an eclectic mix of drinks, food and flea market.

Vinegar Yard

Where: Vinegar Yard, 72-82 St Thomas St, London SE1 3QU 

This place exudes cosiness all year round. In the summer, you can sit outside in the sun and listen to music, taking inspiration from people passing by, and the art and market nearby.

If the weather is bad in the autumn, you can sit under a roof, and tents and heat lamps are set up in winter. The menu is simple but exciting: you can go for burgers with Indian flavours, Asian street food, or classic Italian pizza. Tables should be booked in advance.

Scott’s Richmond 

Where: 4 Whittaker Avenue, Richmond, Surrey TW9 1EH

This restaurant is located in prosperous and beautiful Richmond, right on the Thames, and is at the top of British GQ's ranking of the most romantic restaurants in 2022.

The atmosphere can be described as regal and sophisticated and is truly unique when the sun flows through the large windows. Its location and warm interior, in addition to a delicious seafood menu, make this a must-visit restaurant. The culinary profile is a nod to the sea and its riverside location.

"Imagine opening a great seafood restaurant right on the river, it's unique," chef Tim Hughes said at the opening in September 2022.

But you also get seasonal meat and an exciting vegetarian menu that includes buffalo mozzarella, mushroom risotto, and more. An absolute must when you're at Scott's Richmond is to enjoy a glass of bubbly in the glittering bar in the middle of the ground floor room.

imageCourtesy / The Harwood Arms

The Harwood Arms


The only Michelin-starred gastropub in London.

The Harwood Arms

Where: Walham Grove, London SW6 1QJ, Storbritannia

The only Michelin-starred gastropub in London. This is of course the place to go for award-winning food, from the kitchen of renowned chef Jake Leach. The focus is on British and local food, sustainability, and natural ingredients, including game.

In fact, vegetables and other ingredients are grown on the roof, including tomatoes and strawberries. You should definitely taste the deer.

The gastropub attracts both locals and visitors who are looking for a quality pub. Despite its renown, the atmosphere at The Harwood Arms is relaxing and downright cozy.

image Daniela Araya / Unsplash

Sketch


Sketch is a destination for food, drinks, music, art and afternoon tea.

Sketch

Where: 9 Conduit, St, London W1S 2XG, Storbritannia

Perhaps not the most obscure tip on the list, as you have probably heard of the place or have already been there. If you haven't been yet, you absolutely must. Simply perusing Sketch's website is enough to inspire a visit.

It's playful, elegant and a place that really stands out.

Sketch is a party in itself with its colourful interior from floor to ceiling. The restaurant has four different rooms, but for this list we think you should go there for Afternoon Tea at The Sketch Gallery. (It's somewhat expensive, but it's worth it for the whole experience.)

imageCourtesy / Bob Bob Ricard

Press for champagne


Equipped with a “Press for Champagne” button at every table, Bob Bob Ricard is famous for pouring champagne.

imageCourtesy / Bob Bob Ricard

Dinner for two


Offers a signature menu of British & French classics.

Bob Bob Ricard

Where: 1 Upper James Street Soho, London, W1F 9DF

This is one of the restaurants in London that appears most frequently on Instagram. The reason for this is its good cocktails, tasty food, and plenty of space - whether you are a party of two or four. In this Soho restaurant, you are seated in bright blue cubicles.

The interior is inspired by the Orient Express, the world's most famous and romantic luxury railway line. The menu features everything from caviar to chicken and Beef Wellington.

As mentioned, everything is super photogenic, including its famous "Press for Champagne" button, which is exactly what the name implies: a button found at every table that you can press to get a glass of bubbly.

Bob Bob Ricard is the place to go for good food and Instagram posts that will give you plenty of likes.

Cozymeal

Where: Search for the city you are going to here.

We cannot have a list of cosy places without including Cozymeal. They offer a variety of culinary experiences in most major cities around the world, so just look up your destination.  

Cozymeals offers so-called food tours, where you are guided through the city by an expert and get to try the best places the city has to offer. It's a great way to avoid the tourist traps and sample genuinely local food. You can also take cooking classes with friends or book your own private chef.


Find exclusive offers from our partners: Stay close to Oxford Street and Covent Garden

imageCourtesy Hill & Szrok

Hill & Szrok


Whole carcass butchery by day and cookshop restaurant by night.

Hill & Szrok

Where: 60 Broadway Market London, E8 4QJ

This is the place to go if you are concerned about the environment, good food and cosiness. Hill & Szrok is a butcher shop during the day and an eatery in the evening. Its vision is to strive for less food waste and to use high-quality ingredients.

The meat is sourced from small, independent farmers. The concept is really simple, with the shop transforming into a charming steakhouse - with high-quality British ingredients - in the evenings.

Find exclusive offers from our partners: Book a stay at Radisson Edwardian in London

Don´t miss out: Eight super cozy restaurants in Buenos Aires