Dining

The 5 Best Restaurants in St James’s

The best restaurants in St James's: where to eat well, chosen on merit.

In short: our top picks are The Ritz Restaurant, Wiltons and Franco's. 5 places in total, chosen on merit, with the full reasoning below.

St James’s is old London at its grandest: gentlemen’s clubs, Jermyn Street tailors and dining rooms that have been setting the standard for centuries. These are the best restaurants in St James’s.

Place Area Price
The Ritz Restaurant St James's ££££
Wiltons St James's ££££
Franco's St James's £££
Aquavit St James's ££££
45 Jermyn St St James's ££££
  1. Editor’s choice

    The Ritz Restaurant

    • St James's
    • ££££

    Why we pick itPossibly London's most beautiful dining room; Michelin-starred haute cuisine under gilt and chandeliers.

  2. Wiltons

    • St James's
    • ££££

    Why we pick itAn institution since 1742 for oysters, game and old-school British fine dining.

  3. Franco's

    • St James's
    • £££

    Why we pick itA polished Jermyn Street Italian and a clubby local favourite.

  4. Aquavit

    • St James's
    • ££££

    Why we pick itRefined Nordic cooking in a handsome St James's Market room.

  5. 45 Jermyn St

    • St James's
    • ££££

    Why we pick itA glamorous all-day brasserie behind Fortnum & Mason.

Before you book

This is the city’s most formal quarter; book well ahead and expect a dress code at the grandest rooms.

Common questions

What are the top picks in this guide?

The Ritz Restaurant is our editor's choice: Possibly London's most beautiful dining room; Michelin-starred haute cuisine under gilt and chandeliers. The Ritz Restaurant, Wiltons and Franco's lead the guide, with 5 places in total, all chosen on merit.

How does Lamplit London choose its recommendations?

Every place is chosen on merit, after first-hand visits where possible, with no pay-for-placement. Read our full method at https://www.lamplitlondon.com/how-we-choose/.