Top London Restaurants

London, a town known more for its bridges and clock towers, its monarchy and dreary weather, has stealthily become one of the word's dining destinations. Any restaurant that could be called one of London's best is also probably one of the world's best. For those planning a week in cosmopolitan London for shopping, sightseeing, or even seeing some oddities, here are five top London restaurants you shouldn't miss:

La Becasse: Chef Will Holland has put La Becasse on the map and has also earned it some Michelin Red Book praise by using local ingredients (much of which come from the town of Ludlow). Tucked away in a quaint market town, the warm dining space belies the high-tech kitchen in which Holland's team works. Classics here receive an upgrade: escargot gets a lift in the form of bone marrow beignets and sauce gribiche. Save room for the ginger panna cotta dessert with thubarb and yogurt sabayon.
17 Corve Street, Ludlow, Shropshire, SY8 1DA; +44 1584 872 325

L'ortolan: Sister restaurant to La Becasse and also Michelin-starred itself under the helm of Chef Alan Murchison, this is one of London's most popular restaurants. There is an a la carte menu here, but trust the one who knows best and let the chef surprise you in ten courses. After discussing your dietary requirements, the season's best ingredients made into timely dishes will be delivered your way at this top London restaurant.
Church Lane, Shinfield, Reading, RG2 9BY; +44 1189 888 500

Gordon Ramsay: From the famous (or, infamous, as some would have it) Gordon Ramsay, some people forget that this television celebrity is still a genius in the kitchen. If you have cash to spare, go big with the truffle menu which starts with carbonara with confit quail's egg and ends with a white chocolate and hazelnut mille feuille. The menu prestige is filled with things hugely decadent: foie gras with Madeira jelly and a lobster ravioli which suit Ramsay's larger than life persona.
Brook Street, London, United Kingdom W1K 4HR; +44 20 7499 0099

Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester: Another Michelin top-rated restaurant, from acclaimed chef Alain Ducasse, this is French at its most refined. The sleek, bright dining room and attentive but not overwhelming service makes this a casual-feeling upscale restaurant. Ducasse, who has several other restaurants around the world, does not disappoint. Famous for its Cookpot of vegetables and mushrooms, the menu also favors seafood, offering lagoustines in a spicy consomme or scallops with Jerusalem artichokes and salsify.

Park Lane, London, W1K 1QA; +44 20 7629 8866

The Mall Tavern: Home to BBC's Celebrity MasterChef and 2007 Time Out Best Chef, Jesse Dunford Wood, The Mall Tavern doesn't receive nearly as much hype as it deserves. Though the menu changes daily, stop by on a Sunday when they always serve an all-day roast. The Feast menus, served for groups, all start with warm Irish soda bread and can include things such as a whole roast suckling pig. If you're dining a la carte, the chef is famous for his Kiev. Perfect for a cozy evening, and for settling in over a bottle of Cabernet.
71 Palace Gardens Terrace, London, W8 4RU; +44 20 7727 3805