London Restaurant Festival returns in 2025 with new events, hidden gems, and citywide culinary celebrations

The London Restaurant Festival (LRF) returns for its 17^th edition from the 29^th May to the 30^th June 2025. Taking place across the capital, the month-long festival will feature over sixty events at a variety of restaurants, aiming to showcase the breadth and vibrancy of London’s dining scene.

Organised in partnership with American Express, the annual culinary celebration offers opportunities for both diners and industry professionals to explore new venues, cuisines, and experiences.

The festival begins on Thursday, 29^th May with Food Fest, a one-night-only street food event at Hackney Bridge. Tickets, priced at £16, include a welcome cocktail, a savoury dish, and a dessert. The opening feast sets the tone for a packed schedule, which includes chef-hosted dinners, masterclasses, restaurant tours, and wine tastings throughout June.

A key part of this year’s programme is the Hidden London series, which highlights lesser-known dining destinations. Among the offerings are dinner at Khao Bird, set in a recreation of Bridget Jones’s apartment, and an evening combining art and gastronomy at Larry’s, located in the old coal vaults of the National Portrait Gallery. Fortnum & Mason’s historic crypt will also serve as a venue for one of the festival’s experiences.

Wine enthusiasts can look forward to tastings and paired menus hosted by Cloudy Bay and Minuty at Michelin-starred restaurants such as Pavyllon London, The Ninth, Angler, and Caractère. The popular Restaurant-Hopping Tours are making a comeback, allowing attendees to visit four restaurants in a single evening, while the Top Ten Cuisines series comprises a stellar line up of chefs including José Pizarro and Josh Angus, who will each present four-course menus accompanied by a welcome drink.

New to the programme this year is Mexican Moments, a celebration of Mexican cuisine at venues such as Los Mochis in Notting Hill and Madera at Treehouse London. Other masterclasses include a wellness-themed event in Canary Wharf and a pizza-making workshop at Berberè on Tottenham Court Road.

St Katharine Docks, London’s only marina, will host several events, including a wine masterclass at Trader’s Wine and a screening of Day One at Wimbledon from the Floating Pontoon. Connaught Village will also participate with its own restaurant tour and tasting experiences.

Chris Wright, Managing Partner of LRF, commented: “This year’s London Restaurant Festival once again celebrates the incredible diversity of London’s dining scene, with this year playing host to some of the most unique and exciting events in the 17 years of the festival.”

Throughout June, OpenTable will offer Festival Menus at participating restaurants, featuring exclusive set menus such as The Cinnamon Club’s special at £55 per person and 3 Gorge’s five-course menu at £39 per person. 

American Express cardholders will have access to premium events, including backstage tours at BAFTA Headquarters and exclusive menus at Michelin-starred establishments. The festival continues to highlight sustainability with The Green Stars series, focusing on Michelin Green Star restaurants such as Silo, Apricity, and St Barts.

Food Desk

For further information and tickets, visit LRF’s website here.