The London restaurants with the royal seal of approval

Quaglino’s

This St James’s restaurant famously hosted the Queen after her coronation in 1952 which instantly propelled it to fame since it was the first public restaurant to ever host a ruling monarch. Today, it still has an impeccable reputation, serving up top-notch British brasserie-style food like Cotswolds chicken breast and Hereford ox cheek beef bourguignon which we’re sure Her Majesty would very much enjoy.

Bluebird Chelsea

Café, restaurant, bar, food store, wine cellar, florist and bakery: is there anything this place doesn’t do? Coming here is all about casual dining and the Duchess of Cambridge has often been spotted dining here with sister Pippa. They’re big on brunches and pasta — made sure you try the lobster spaghetti.

Daphne’s, South Kensington

This little Italian bistro, billed as a ‘neighbourhood local’ doles out seasonal Italian country cooking of the likes of beef carpaccio with rocket and parmesan. The place was frequented in the 1960s by film stars and royalty – so much so, it created quite the reputation for the then owner, Mogens Tholstrup. Dai Lwellyn, the brother of Roddy, Princess Margaret’s former boyfriend, commented that Tholstrup (who sold the place in 1998) became quite a staple on the exclusive international house party circuit. With its spectacular location on Draycott Avenue in Chelsea, it is just a hop and a skip from Buckingham Palace.

Bellamy’s

Sometimes considered the most civilised restaurant in London with a French-bistro menu that has attracted not only Her Majesty, but also the Princess Royal and Princess Alexandra. It’s discreetly tucked away on Bruton Place which means this is anything but a flashy choice, just very understatedly charming. The lobster soufflé and sliced entrecôte of beef are favourites here.

34 Mayfair

34 is a top restaurant pick of the caring, sharing kind with the likes of USDA Prime and Australian Wagyu beef, alongside crispy duck salad and lobster mac ‘n’ cheese on offer, it’s no wonder the restaurant has lured in the Duchess of Cornwall, Sarah, Duchess of York and the Duke of York numerous times.

The Ivy

It doesn’t get more iconic than the Ivy in Covent Garden and it’s definitely got the royal seal of approval since the Queen was spotted dining here in May 2017 – not something that happens very often at all. Sadly, no one got to see what Her Majesty was tucking into since she was there for a friend’s party and the whole restaurant was shut to the public that night. What we do know is that they do seriously good shepherd’s pie.

Chiltern Firehouse

The leafy, red-brick courtyard at the Chiltern Firehouse has a Parisian feel with its own oyster cart (which is there all year round) and twinkly fairy lights. The Duchess of Sussex was seen enjoying cocktails here the summer she was introduced to Prince Harry, then later on in 2018 Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank were spotted here celebrating their engagement. Getting a table here is near impossible if you aren’t famous.