Deep thoughts: Is a restaurant worth going to if it's not Instagram-worthy? Some London foodies would rather their dish go cold while they pinpoint the perfect filter than be served up something that looks totally bland and generic. One day, our smartphones will no doubt come equipped with taste-o-vision. Until then, we're all dead-set on wining and dining at spots with the kind of style that will generate the most taps.
These are those spots. Some of these restaurants made the cut because they're quirky and trendy and everyone covets that check-in. Some have incredible decor that's begging to be photographed. Some present diners with lovingly prepared dishes that look like works of art. Some are just so popular that they're blowing up your feed.
Herewith 30 London restaurants you should be visiting/snapping/following.
Sketch
From the pink walls to the David Shrigley artwork to the egg-shaped toilets, every single detail is begging to be documented. Just try not to drop your iPhone down the loo.
Sketch, 9 Conduit Street; 020 7659 4500.
Photo: via @SketchLondon.
Andina
Turns out Peruvian dishes are really photogenic. No filter is required with these colourful ingredients.
Andina, 1 Redchurch Street; 020 7920 6499.
Photo: via @AndinaLondon.
Duck & Waffle
Each plate is a work of art, and the views from the 40th floor are spectacular. #SoGood.
Duck & Waffle, 110 Bishopsgate; 020 3640 7310.
Bunga Bunga
This Italian pizzeria and karaoke joint won us over with their Berlusconi and Balotelli drinks mugs. Go on, take a selfie.
Bunga Bunga, 37 Battersea Bridge Road; 020 7095 0360.
Photo: via @BungaBungaLDN.
Meat Liquor
Get in some shots of the neon Sin sign before filling your feed with gluttonous burger, BBQ, and fried pickle pics.
Meat Liquor, 74 Welbeck Street; 020 7224 4239.
Photo: @Meatgram.
Compagnie des Vins Surnaturels Seven Dials
Treat your followers to some French-inspired FOMO via gratuitous shots of oysters on half-shell, fancy vino, and scrumptious cheese plates.
Compagnie des Vins Surnaturels Seven Dials, 6 Neal's Yard; 020 7734 7737.
Photo: via @CVS7Dials.
Aubaine
Even your iPhone can't resist these sweet treats. The French chain is also handy for perfecting your poached egg photography.
Aubaine, 31 Dover Street; 020 7368 0955.
Photo: via @AubaineUK.
Cereal Killer Cafe
Queueing for some Lucky Charms for ages will give you plenty of time to snap away. The vintage cereal boxes are hard to resist.
Cereal Killer Cafe, 139 Brick Lane.
Photo: via @CerealKillerCafe.
Sea Containers
Rack up cool points with an Insta shoot here and in the neighbouring bar, Dandelyan. Eye candy abounds.
Sea Containers, Mondrian London, 20 Upper Ground; 020 3747 1000.
Photo: via @MondrianLDN.
Bone Daddies Ramen Bar
What is it about ramen that makes it so fun to photograph?
Bone Daddies Ramen Bar, 31 Peter Street; 020 7287 8581.
Photo: @BoneDaddies.
The Punchbowl
The real jewel here is the upstairs private dining room, which features playing card wallpaper and porcelain parrots. Can we move in?
The Punchbowl, 41 Farm Street; 020 7493 6841.
Photo: via @ThePunchbowlLDN.
The Breakfast Club
Each location has its Insta-worthy charm, but our money's on the My Little Pony wallpaper, neon signs, and '80s decor at the hoppin' Spitalfields location. The pancakes are pretty, too.
The Breakfast Club Spitalfields, 12-16 Artillery Lane; 020 7078 9633.
Photo:
Berners Tavern
Keep your cell handy so you can snap your specialty cocktail and surreptitiously capture the celebrity sitting across the dining room.
Berners Tavern, Edition Hotel, 10 Berners Street; 020 7781 0000.
Photo: via @Berners_Tavern.
Hoi Polloi
Even the Christmas tree at this Ace Hotel restaurant was the stuff of Instagram dreams, with its burger and steak ornaments. Hint: The floor is particularly good for shoe selfies, should that be your thing.
Hoi Polloi, Ace Hotel, 100 Shoreditch High Street; 020 8880 6100.
Photo: via @HoiPolloi.
Hotbox
This Spitalfields newcomer is that rare combination of attractively appointed date spot, artsy downstairs cocktail lounge, and BBQ joint serving must-be-bragged-about platters of meat.
Hotbox, 46-48 Commercial Street; 020 7247 1817.
Photo: via @HotboxLDN.
Mari Vanna
Nearly every inch of space in this Russian favourite is covered with framed art, chandeliers, upholstered chairs, and everything else you'd expect to find in a rich Russian grandma's home.
Mari Vanna, 116 Knightsbridge, Wellington Court; 020 7225 3122.
Photo: via @MariVannaLondon.
Aqua Shard
A one-two punch of gorgeous dishes and stunning views from the Shard.
Aqua Shard, Level 31, The Shard, 31 Saint Thomas Street; 020 3011 125
Photo: via @AquaShard.
Riding House Cafe
It's not just your imagination. It really does seem like everyone else is having a delicious brunch here on the day you slept in.
Riding House Cafe, 43-51 Great Titchfield Street; 020 7927 0840.
Photo: via Courtesy RidingHouseCafe.
All Star Lanes
You can't beat kitschy '50s diner decor and the chance to indulge Big Lebowski fantasies.
All Star Lanes, multiple locations including Victoria House, Bloomsbury Place; 020 7025 2676.
Photo: via @AllStarLanes.
Bob Bob Ricard
They had us at the pink-lined tableware and "press button for Champagne" feature.
Bob Bob Ricard, 1 Upper James Street; 020 3145 1000.
Photo: via @BobBobRicard.
Beach Blanket Babylon
Whether in Notting Hill or Shoreditch, BBB's decadent digs are an Instagrammer's dream.
Beach Blanket Babylon, 45 Ledbury Road; 020 7229 2907.
La Bodega Negra
C'mon. You can't not take a photo of those naughty signs.
La Bodega Negra, 16 Moor Street; 020 7758 4100.
Photo: via @BodegaNegra.
Circus
Cocktails and cabaret set the scene for some enticing imagery.
Circus, 27-29 Endell Street; 020 7420 9300.
Photo: via @CircusLondon.
The Garrison
The ultimate in rustic-glam pub style.
The Garrison, 99 Bermondsey Street; 020 7089 9355.
Photo: via @TheGarrisonSE1.
Gymkhana
Both the inventive Indian dishes and masculine, colonial-inspired decor are easy on the eyes.
Gymkhana, 42 Albemarle Street; 020 3011 5900.
Photo: via @GymkhanaLondon.
Oslo
By day, it's a chance to snap some adventurous Nordic cuisine. By night, it's a throbbing music venue and setting for blurry concert pics.
Oslo, 1A Amhurst Road; 020 3553 4831.
Photo: via @OsloHackney.
The Clove Club
These dishes belong in an art gallery. Pure Instagram gold.
The Clove Club, Shoreditch Town Hall, 380 Old Street; 020 7729 6496.
Photo: via @TheCloveClub.
Dishoom
No self-respecting foodie's feed is complete without a pilgrimage to this Bombay-style spot.
Dishoom, 12 Upper St. Martin's Lane; 020 7420 9320.
Photo: via @Dishoom.
Ladurée
It's hard to tell which is prettier: the opulent black-walled tea room, or the macarons themselves.
Ladurée, Harrods, 87-135 Brompton Road; 020 3155 0111.
Photo: via @Harrods.
Paradise By Way Of Kensal Green
This West London gastropub and live music venue scrubs up quite nicely, especially if you book the private dining room.
Paradise By Way Of Kensal Green, 19 Kilburn Lane; 020 8969 0098.
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