London’s Mediterranean dining scene has never been more exciting. Over the past decade, the capital has seen a surge of refined, modern restaurants drawing inspiration from the flavours of Israel, Greece, Turkey, Spain and Italy — all while adopting the techniques of contemporary European gastronomy. Whether diners are seeking elegant tasting menus, meticulously curated wine pairings or innovative plates driven by seasonal produce, London offers a remarkably diverse and sophisticated Mediterranean offering. This guide explores some of the leading establishments, including celebrated Israeli chefs who have reshaped the city’s culinary landscape.
The Rise of Modern Israeli Fine Dining in London
In recent years, Israeli cuisine has evolved from fast-casual staples to serious fine dining, and London has been at the forefront of this shift. Israeli chefs have brought vibrant spices, Levantine traditions and a philosophy of shared dining to the capital, blending them with refined techniques and artistic plating.
One of the pioneers of this movement is Yotam Ottolenghi, whose restaurants, particularly NOPI in Soho and Rovi in Fitzrovia, offer a polished interpretation of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean flavours. While not strictly tasting-menu venues, both restaurants deliver dishes with the flair and precision expected in fine dining. At NOPI, diners can experience elegant plates such as seared scallops with burnt butter and Middle Eastern herb blends, while Rovi focuses on fire and fermentation, producing imaginative vegetable-forward dishes that pair beautifully with wines from Israel, Lebanon and Greece.
Another key name is Zahav-trained chef Eran Tibi, whose restaurant Bala Baya in Southwark is inspired by the energy of Tel Aviv. Tibi’s tasting menus frequently change with the seasons, showcasing dishes like slow-cooked octopus with date-molasses glaze, or lamb shoulder with smoky aubergine cream all served in a setting that blends the warmth of Mediterranean hospitality with contemporary flair.
Greek Sophistication: London’s Hellenic Stars
Greek cuisine has undergone a renaissance in the capital, shedding its reputation for rustic simplicity and embracing refined, modern interpretations.
One of the leading names in this space is Opso in Marylebone, whose fine-dining approach balances traditional Greek flavours with elegant presentation. Dishes such as melting lamb kleftiko served with truffle potato cream or delicate sea bream carpaccio with citrus oil reflect a kitchen that honoursheritage while elevating technique.
Nearby, Estiatorio Milos — with its reputation for sourcing exceptional seafood — offers a premium Mediterranean experience with a polished Greek backbone. The restaurant’s signature whole grilled fish, carved tableside, pairs wonderfully with crisp white wines from Santorini, while the tasting menus often feature raw preparations such as paper-thin sea bass drizzled with olive oil that highlight the purity of the ingredients.
Innovative Italian Tasting Menus with a Mediterranean Soul
Italian cuisine is often thought of as comfort food, but London’s fine-dining Italian establishments demonstrate a level of sophistication that rivals the city’s top French restaurants.
Luca in Clerkenwell brings a modern British sensibility to Italian flavours, resulting in tasting menus that might include ricotta agnolotti, hand-rolled in-house, paired with roasted Scottish langoustine or truffle-infused veal jus. The wine pairing is a highlight, drawing from boutique producers across Sicily, Sardinia and Tuscany.
Equally impressive is Murano, Angela Hartnett’s Michelin-starred Mayfair restaurant, where Mediterranean influences are woven subtly into an Italian foundation. Hartnett’s tasting menus are known for dishes such as roast quail with artichokes, or lemon-infused tagliolini topped with decadent lobster. The sommelier team offers pairings that span the Mediterranean basin, including fragrant Israeli whites and full-bodied Greek reds.
Spanish Flavours Reimagined with Fine-Dining Precision
Spain’s gastronomic influence continues to grow in London, with several restaurants elevating tapas-style dining into a refined, structured tasting experience.
At the forefront is Barrafina, long considered one of the capital’s most reliably excellent Spanish establishments. Although known for its bar-style seating, the execution rivals full fine-dining restaurants, particularly in dishes like milk-fed lamb with cumin or perfect croquetas. While not a formal tasting-menu venue, it is ideal for diners who appreciate meticulously crafted small plates.
For a more structured fine-dining journey, Sabor by Nieves Barragán Mohacho offers a combination of Basque and Castilian influences, including wood-grilled fish, whole suckling pig and intricate tapas served across multiple dining spaces. Wine pairing highlights include sherries and bold Riojas that complement the smoky, earthy notes of the dishes.
Turkish and Levantine Elegance: A Growing Force
London’s Turkish and broader Levantine restaurants have embraced a more elevated style in recent years, blending the bold spices and grilling traditions of the Eastern Mediterranean with modern plating.
One of the most celebrated examples is Oklava in Shoreditch, where chef Selin Kiazim’s tasting menus showcase refined versions of Anatolian dishes. Expect plates such as chilli-butter prawns, lamb heart pides, and delicate burnt-butter cakes spiced with mahlep. The wine list includes unique Turkish varietals rarely found elsewhere in London.
Similarly, Myrtle in Chelsea incorporates Levantine and Mediterranean influences into Irish-led fine dining. Chef Anna Haugh often draws upon Middle Eastern herbs, oils and grilling techniques to create hybrid dishes that remain grounded in high-quality British produce.
Where Mediterranean Wine Pairings Truly Shine
One of the distinguishing features of London’s top Mediterranean fine-dining restaurants is their imaginative and wide-ranging approach to wine pairing. Sommeliers are increasingly looking beyond the classic Italian and Spanish selections to embrace bottles from Israel, Lebanon, Greece and Turkey, reflecting a broader curiosity about the region’s winemaking traditions.
Restaurants such as Rovi, Opso and Oklava regularly highlight lesser-known Mediterranean varietals, from the crisp Assyrtiko of Santorini and the deep, structured reds of Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley to citrus-bright Israeli Colombardblends and the mineral-rich Turkish Narince. These thoughtful pairings not only elevate the flavours of the tasting menus but also demonstrate the remarkable diversity and rising calibre of Mediterranean wine producers.
A Mediterranean Landscape Rich with Innovation
London’s Mediterranean fine-dining scene is defined by creativity, diversity and a respect for tradition. Israeli chefs and restaurants have played a crucial role in the evolution of this culinary landscape, helping bring Levantine flavours into the fine-dining mainstream. Alongside them, Greek, Italian, Spanish and Turkish establishments continue to push boundaries with innovative tasting menus and thoughtful wine pairings.
Whether diners are seeking seafood delicacy, spice-driven Israeli plates, contemporary Italian artistry or refined Greek minimalism, London offers an abundance of world-class experiences — making it one of the most exciting cities for Mediterranean cuisine anywhere outside the region itself.
