"There’s something lazily obvious about including the Ritz on a list of essential restaurants in London, but credit where credit’s due. The chef in charge comes fully garlanded: John Williams MBE is the master of niche, old-school French fine dining, delivering dishes of exceptional precision, yet never at the expense of deliciousness. Despite much frippery and eye-watering expense, when you get down to the brass tacks of a meal at the Ritz, it’s really quite simple: immaculately seasoned ingredients, assembled into balanced dishes, cooked adroitly. That’s true across the menu, but nowhere more so than in the Dorset crab with creme fraiche and Imperial caviar; filet of veal with white asparagus and lovage; the classic beef Wellington; and the theatrical crepe suzette. Know before you go: The restaurant will make sure you comply with the formal dress code." - Adam Coghlan