Aesthetic Encounters: London Restaurants for Lovers of Quiet Luxury, Design and Art
- Alla Yaskovets
- Jul 3
- 12 min read
For those who seek more than just flavour on a plate, Visualista presents a curated guide to restaurants where soothing aesthetics meet collectible design, art, literature and architecture. These are sanctuaries of quiet beauty, intended to be savoured as deliberately as the dishes themselves. Each destination on our list feels like a secret — where the creative crowd gathers for dinner under sculptural chandeliers or beside walls flecked with history.
What makes it special: Voted Best New Restaurant 2024 by Wallpaper Design Awards, Pollini is far more than a place to eat — it’s a cultural destination within Ladbroke Hall, a vast west London complex housing exhibitions and performances.
Design and architecture: Pollini at Ladbroke Hall is a bold collision of Beaux-Arts drama and cutting-edge collectible design. Housed in a soaring lobby with marble columns and vaulted windows, it feels more like a gallery than a dining space — a dreamscape for design obsessives.
The interiors by Vincenzo De Cotiis Architects are anchored by a show-stealing chandelier by Nacho Carbonell — part sculpture, part spectacle — setting the tone for a space where art, architecture, and atmosphere collide.
Art and collectibles: The art in the space is co-curated by Carpenters Workshop Gallery, one of the world’s foremost platforms for collectible design. Permanent works by Vincenzo De Cotiis, Ingrid Donat, Rick Owens and others form a gallery-like setting.
Chef and cuisine: Helmed by Emanuele Pollini, one of Italy’s most exciting culinary talents, the restaurant received the rare “three-fork” Gambero Rosso rating. Expect seasonal Italian cuisine and Pollini’s signature dishes that have gained him international recognition.
For whom: Lovers of art, architecture, and haute Italian cuisine. A perfect dinner before an opening night performance.
What makes it special: Hidden behind a discreet red door in a Grade II-listed courthouse, Sessions Arts Club offers a dining experience akin to stepping inside a 19th-century painting — complete with candlelight, aged walls, and a literary backstory.
Design and architecture:The fourth-floor restaurant occupies the former judges’ dining hall in Old Sessions House, with soaring ceilings, distressed plaster, fireplaces, velvet seating, and towering arched windows. The effect is decadent, timeworn, and deeply romantic.
Art and atmosphere:Sculptures, plants, curated art, and eclectic objects define the space. The brand identity pays homage to Charles Dickens, who referenced the building in Oliver Twist. That’s why Soda Studio incorporated nods to 19th-century literature into the visual identity. The meticulous restoration was led by Sätila, who reimagined the entire building over the past six years.
Eclectic artworks by artist Jonny Gent line the walls, while two pairs of plastic mannequin legs dangle from the ceiling, injecting a touch of surrealism. The overall aesthetic evokes a crumbling aristocratic mansion — decadent and irresistibly atmospheric.
Chef and cuisine: Led by Florence Knight, Sessions Arts Club serves elegant, seasonal dishes inspired by British, French, and Italian cuisine. The menu focuses on simplicity and local ingredients — hink grilled friggitelli, fennel-orange pork belly, and apricot ripple ice cream. The wine list, curated by Terry Kandylis, offers thoughtful pairings for every palate.
For whom: Design-literate aesthetes, fashion insiders, architects, and those seeking the ultimate date night will feel at home here. It’s a haven for lovers of discreet charm, quiet decadence, and that irresistible blend of shabby chic and faded grandeur.
What makes it special: Spring brings Skye Gyngell’s ingredient-led cooking style to the heart of London, set within the neo-classical grandeur of Somerset House’s New Wing — an artistic space renowned for its dynamic blend of history, culture, and creativity. Here, seasonal British cuisine is reimagined with poetic simplicity, featuring a daily changing menu that highlights the finest British produce — much of it from Fern Verrow’s 16-acre biodynamic farm.
Design and architecture: The restaurant inhabits a space once used as a tax office, now transformed into a pastel-hued haven. The design delicately balances openness and intimacy, achieved through subtle spatial organisation and high-quality finishes. The project was led by Stuart Forbes Associates, with interior design by Briony Fitzgerald.
Art and atmosphere: Within the soaring, neo-classical rooms, the designers have conjured a delicate, feminine sanctuary where Apparatus’s chandeliers drift like ethereal clouds, perfectly harmonising with Valeria Nascimneto’s exquisite porcelain wall art.
This thoughtful interplay of light and texture breathes life into the space, while the interior masterfully fuses contemporary minimalism with the historic grandeur of Somerset House.
Chef and cuisine: Led by Skye Gyngell, whose culinary journey includes a Michelin star at Petersham Nurseries, Spring’s kitchen showcases a creative yet grounded approach to seasonal British cooking. Gyngell recently launched an innovative three-course £20 set menu explicitly aimed at combating food waste. Called the ‘Scratch Menu,’ the name comes from her Australian roots, where the expression ‘scratch tea’ means to dive into your fridge and create something delicious from scraps that would otherwise have been discarded. The Scratch Menu offers an affordable three-course option using leftover ingredients, while the main menu highlights standout seasonal produce.
For whom: Spring is perfect for design-savvy diners and creative minds who appreciate understated elegance, ingredient-led cooking and spaces that feel thoughtfully crafted rather than trend-driven. With its soft pastel palette and delicate, feminine design, the restaurant evokes the intimate atmosphere of a refined female private club — making it especially appealing to lovers of art, craft, and sophisticated aesthetics seeking a quiet, elegant retreat in the heart of London.
What makes it special: The Campaner brings the vibrant flavours and rich culinary traditions of Barcelona to the heart of London. What sets it apart is its deep commitment to authentic, ingredient-led Catalan cuisine presented with modern refinement, combined with an intimate, club-like atmosphere that feels both exclusive and warmly inviting — offering a uniquely elegant take on Spanish dining rarely found elsewhere in the city.
Design and architecture: Ben Pentreath led the design development of the building, drawing inspiration from the Soane Stable Block at the nearby Royal Hospital. The brickwork is a technical and aesthetic triumph — a true ‘tour de force’ showcasing that traditional masonry craftsmanship is alive and thriving today.
Inside, the restaurant splits into two distinct vibes: a bright, airy space flooded with natural light on the left, and a warm, intimate lounge to the right, with plush banquettes and a dramatic wine wall. Together, they strike a perfect balance of refined elegance and cozy sophistication.
Art and atmosphere: Stepping into The Campaner feels like entering a grand yet inviting sanctuary. The dining space is defined by soaring vaulted ceilings and expansive arched windows that flood the room with natural light. At the center, a sleek island bar with high stools anchors the space, inviting conversation and conviviality. The décor celebrates natural, warm materials and earthy tones, crafting a serene, welcoming vibe. Instead of traditional artwork, the dramatic vaulted ceilings and oversized bespoke textile light shades play with scale and texture, adding sculptural drama that feels both modern and timeless.
Chef and cuisine: Head Chef Antonio Hernandez brings the vibrant spirit of Barcelona to The Campaner — but this isn’t your typical Spanish restaurant. The menu focuses on simple, seasonal dishes crafted from the finest local ingredients sourced from top UK suppliers.
Central to the menu are charcoal-grilled meats, shellfish, vegetables, and whole fish cooked in the Josper oven, including 30 Day Dry-Aged Sirloin Steak. Fans of Terraza Martinez could try Fideuá with Octopus reimagined here with local ingredients.
For whom: For lovers of Spanish cooking who crave more than the usual tapas and gazpacho. The Campaner offers a fresh, elevated take on Catalan flavours that surprises and delights. The Campaner draws in aficionados of classic design, heritage craftsmanship, and ingredient-led cuisine. It is an ideal place for food lovers seeking an elegant, understated space for intimate dinners, business gatherings, or special celebrations.
What makes it special: Café Linea brings the elegance of continental café culture to the heart of Chelsea, just steps from the Saatchi Gallery. Opened at the end of June 2025, it’s already drawing a steady crowd — thanks to its beautifully soothing concept and a menu that offers exactly what locals need. Set in a restored Grade II-listed space, it blends old-world charm with modern global flair. With an on-site bakery, a globally inspired menu, and interiors that blur the line between indoors and out, Café Linea channels the spirit of a European garden party — refined yet effortlessly inviting.
Design and architecture: Designed by Paris-based studio Dion & Arles (known for Chiltern Firehouse’s Louie and 1 Hotel Mayfair’s Dovetale), Café Linea occupies a striking 19th-century space defined by vaulted ceilings, arched alcoves, and elegant neoclassical proportions. Light floods the interiors by day through tall arched windows, while candlelight softens the mood by night. The designers fused soft green and beige tones, natural materials like rattan, soft textiles, and playful patterns to create a harmonious dialogue with the historic setting.
Art and atmosphere: More than just a café, Café Linea feels like a curated retreat — relaxed yet undeniably stylish. The interiors strike a careful balance of charm and clarity, where scale, texture, and form create a soothing visual rhythm. This summer, the atmosphere is enriched by “Food for Thought”, a rotating group exhibition curated by the Art Untamed agency, which transforms the space into a vibrant celebration of food and drink through the lens of art and design. The works explore the rituals and symbolism behind what we eat and drink. The result is a space that feeds both body and imagination — with all pieces available to purchase via the website or the QR code on the bar menu.
Chef and cuisine: Helmed by Argentine chef Carolina Ferpozzi, Café Linea’s menu is a worldly blend of continental favourites and creative dishes. Mornings begin with still-warm pastries and savoury allumettes (puff pastry filled with ham, cheese, or miso) baked on-site and best enjoyed with artisan coffee.. Later in the day, the menu stretches across borders — from airy ricotta dumplings with mushrooms to a gently spiced, golden-crusted curried chicken pie, each dish rooted in seasonality. The drinks list complements the café’s pâtisserie-first soul, favouring effervescent and lightly sweet wines.
For whom: Café Linea is made for design lovers, gallery-goers, and locals seeking a serene yet stylish escape from King’s Road bustle. It’s ideal for slow mornings with a flat white and croissant, leisurely lunches after a Saatchi exhibition, or candlelit dinners with a bottle of sparkling wine.
What makes it special: Wildflowers brings relaxed fine dining to one of London’s most design-forward corners: Newson’s Yard, just behind Pimlico Road. Housed in a sleek, multi-brand arcade of interior boutiques, the restaurant is the brainchild of Aaron Potter, formerly head chef at Trinity and Elystan Street. Opened in late 2024, it offers the sort of quietly elegant experience locals had long dreamed of.
Design and architecture: Studio Found collaborated closely with chef Aaron Potter and stylist Laura Hart to realise their vision. The design draws on Mediterranean influences. Natural materials — rough plaster, aged oak, terracotta, and linen — are layered with luxurious elements like marble and velvet. Original Victorian brickwork was preserved to add texture and depth, while an open kitchen invites diners into the heart of the culinary experience.
Upstairs, the wine bar evokes the intimacy of Italian and Spanish cicchetti bars, anchored by a dark-wood counter and bronze shelving.
Art and atmosphere: Pimlico Road is known as a meeting place for designers, craftspeople, curators, and collectors — and Wildflowers offers the perfect pause amid it all. Rather than competing with its artistic surroundings, the restaurant leans into something more soothing and refined: a swish, quietly confident space ideal for a glass of wine after exploring the design treasures of Newson’s Yard. The atmosphere is soft and natural, with artwork that complements rather than dominates. Subtle and reflective pieces by Saskia Portman echo the wild, understated spirit of the restaurant — more poetic than curated, more instinctive than styled.
Chef and cuisine: The chef at The Wildflowers restaurant is Aaron Potter, who previously worked as the executive chef at Maria G's and head chef at Elystan Street.
Mediterranean with a British sensibility, the menu is precise and seasonal, built around open-fire cooking. Mains include standout dishes like grilled sugar-pit Iberico pork presa, chalk stream trout, and rabbit & cuttlefish paella. Everything is balanced, unfussy, and made for sharing.
The wine list focuses on approachable European bottles, while the upstairs bar offers a sharper cocktail selection. Don’t miss the “Nearly Dirty Martini” or Campari Sour — both best enjoyed with the cheese plate Romeo and Juliets.
For whom: Design lovers, local foodies, and anyone who appreciates thoughtful cooking in a beautiful setting. Ideal for a quiet date, a solo glass of wine post-Pimlico Road browsing.
What makes it special: Just launched at the end of spring, Twenty8 is the bold new dining destination inside Covent Garden’s NoMad London hotel. Dreamed up by Martin Brudnizki Design Studio in just four weeks, it reimagines the hotel’s former Atrium restaurant as a glamorous, jazz-age bistro inspired by 1920s New York.
Design and architecture: Martin Brudnizki brings his signature flair and creates what he describes as a "modern take on The Palm Court." Gone are the pastel velvets — in their place, polished lacquer finishes, rattan details, marble tabletops, and honed sandstone bars. Earthy hues and recycled Burmese teak floors set the tone, while eclectic antiques and storied artworks provide layers of visual intrigue. Napoleon Sarony’s 19th-century portrait photography (featuring icons from Oscar Wilde to Sarah Bernhardt) lines the walls, offering witty and theatrical nods to the venue’s storied past.
Art and atmosphere: Set beneath a soaring glass atrium, Twenty8 is effortlessly light-filled by day and seductively moody by night. The atmosphere channels Gatsby-era glamour without a hint of stuffiness. It’s theatrical but relaxed, thanks to the layering of textures, eras, and unexpected details. There’s a rhythm to the space that encourages guests to linger.
Chef and cuisine: Executive Chef Zak Gregoire, alongside Food & Beverage Director Vanessa Mosca, brings a deeply nostalgic sensibility to the menu. Expect American classics with a London twist: the decadent NoMad burger comes topped with lemon caper vinaigrette; a grilled flatbread uses a secret dough recipe from Little Italy. There’s a beautifully curated martini menu — available in mini and full sizes — including the house Twenty8 Martini with a smoked-olive-and-blue-cheese garnish. For dessert, the tiramisu adds a final Italian-American flourish.
For whom: Twenty8 is for those who love their dining with a side of drama. It’s perfect for fashion insiders, theatregoers, and anyone nostalgic for the glamour of golden-era New York.
What makes it special: Occupying the historic former ticket hall at St Pancras station, Booking Office 1869 is a triumphant new restaurant and bar within the Gothic Revival grandeur of the St Pancras Renaissance Hotel. This venue encapsulates the layered history of London’s most dramatic train station.
Design and architecture: Designed down to the last detail by architect Hugo Toro, the space sits at the intersection of opulence and intimacy. Chandeliers with 3D-printed flourishes hang above burnished metal tabletops, while custom upholstery and abstracted Renaissance motifs play against the drama of arched windows and cathedral-height ceilings. The interiors blur retro elegance with contemporary craft — you might not know if it was designed last week or 40 years ago, and that’s precisely the point. Toro describes it as a place of "roots and memory," where each surface and shadow has a story to tell.
Art and atmosphere: Booking Office 1869 is a masterclass in mood-setting. Toro plays with light and time, evoking a sense of arrival and anticipation — as if you’ve paused en route to somewhere else, or someone. Each zone flows into the next: plush booths for intimate conversations, open bar seating for chance encounters, and grand dining tables that echo the theatrical scale of the architecture. The design speaks quietly but emotionally, triggering nostalgia without pastiche.
Chef and cuisine: The menu at Booking Office 1869 is a punchy explosion of flavour, co-authored by Executive Chef Julien Maisonneuve and Head Chef Jack Hazell. It’s a culinary journey that nods to the past while keeping things playfully current. Expect a retro-tinged array of sweet-and-sour canapés, puy lentil "caviar", and a raw fish bar. Quintessentially British roasted meats take centre stage.
Bar manager Jack Porter brings equal verve to the drinks menu. Cocktails draw on Victorian botanicals and station-era traditions, reimagined with contemporary flair. Espresso martinis are served on tap with a shimmering gold powder finish, a nod to the glittering chandeliers above and the golden-age glamour below.
For whom: It’s made for design lovers, romantics, and the culturally curious — the kind of people who notice the patina on a brass table or linger over a cocktail just to admire the chandelier above. Ideal for stylish Londoners, international travellers, and anyone nostalgic for the golden age of luxury travelling.
What makes it special: Tucked away in a leafy corner of Holland Park, Belvedere has returned — and it's even more ravishing than before. Once a glamorous haunt run by Marco Pierre White, the restaurant had slipped into obscurity over the years. Now, after a stunning revival by co-founders George Bukhov-Weinstein and Ilya Demichev, it’s firmly reclaiming its place as one of London’s most enchanting dining destinations. Grand yet intimate, theatrical yet grounded in charm, Belvedere is where soaring ceilings and Sardinian-inspired cuisine come together in one impossibly romantic setting.
Design and architecture: Set within the grand former ballroom of Holland House, Belvedere channels the romance of old-world architecture with a fresh, contemporary edge. Redesigned by London-based studio Archer Humphryes, its interiors strike a balance between stately and soulful — stained glass windows, vaulted arches, and original features are softened by earthy textures and a warm palette. There’s a cinematic feel to the space: upstairs, the dining gallery overlooks Holland Park’s greenery, where Kyoto Garden’s famous peacocks occasionally make a surprise appearance. Natural materials like rattan, red brick, and wrought iron set the stage for Sardinian chef Lello Favuzzi’s bold, sun-kissed take on Italian cooking.
Art and atmosphere: With a storied past stretching back to the 17th century, Belvedere is steeped in the layered history of Holland House — once a hub for poets, artists, and high society. Here, modern art meets traditional gobelins, and Belvedere feels more like a decadent country house than a city restaurant. It’s a space where architecture, art, and atmosphere work in quiet harmony — elegant, timeless, and touched by a little magic.
Chef and cuisine: At the helm is Sardinian-born chef Lello Favuzzi, formerly of L’Anima, who brings an exuberant, ingredient-led approach to the menu. Expect vibrant contrasts. Summer highlights include a starter of grilled artichoke, Apulian burrata, and hand-dived grilled scallop. There’s a range of pastas and pizzas, including the restaurant’s trademark: truffle pizza. Desserts lean classic Italian, with house-made ice creams and sorbets. The wine list is proudly Italian, featuring greats like Sassicaia and Barolo.
For whom: Belvedere is made for aesthetes, lovers of Italian cuisine, and anyone seeking a little everyday magic. It’s ideal for West London locals rediscovering a classic, or curious diners drawn by beauty, history, and firelight. While the heart of the menu is proudly Italian, there’s something to please every palate — making it a perfect setting for long-overdue catch-ups, romantic dinners, or refined gatherings with friends.
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