Now, let’s talk about Legado. I’ll admit, I first questioned it – why Shoreditch? But after getting to know East London properly, I’ve realised I’ve been sleeping on a goldmine of hidden gems. Nieves Barragán described Legado as a “full journey to Spain, bringing Spain to the middle of Shoreditch,” and she absolutely nailed it.
Legado is perfect for a date night or a girl dinner. Wine and tapas at the Taverna, or a cosy table filled with sharing plates that somehow leave you both satisfied and wanting more. Nothing misses here. But since the reincarnation of the chocolate cheesecake, I can confidently say: nothing will ever beat the joy of devouring it at Legado.
Two establishments. Two very deserved Michelin stars.
Moving swiftly on to the two-Michelin-star restaurants. I spoke about Row on 5 last year when it earned its first star, and to absolutely no one’s surprise, Jason Atherton has done it again – securing a second.
I previously mentioned that ROW stands for Refinement of Work, and wow, has the work been refined. Atherton’s vision was to distill British gastronomy into an intimate setting – and he’s succeeded. There’s no hype, no unnecessary theatre. Just impeccable produce, thoughtful service, and effortless style. In a world obsessed with trends, tasting menus, and constant reinvention, Row on 5 proves that old school traditions still go a very long way.
The next two-star restaurant I want to spotlight is Bonheur by Matt Abé, which opened late in 2025 and has gone straight in at two Michelin stars – no small feat. Abé trained for 18 years under none other than Gordon Ramsay, so it feels only fitting that his debut solo venture is taking over the iconic Le Gavroche site.
Bonheur delivers an intricate menu paired with flawless service. It’s clever, modern, and confident – and feels like a very clear signal of what Michelin is looking for right now.
London remains one of the most exciting dining cities in the world. The diversity is unmatched – chefs from all backgrounds, a vast range of cuisines, and restaurants thriving across different neighbourhoods. It’s fascinating how chefs can tell their stories, heritage, and history through what’s on the plate.
Word on the street is that the next big push is late-night dining making a comeback – and the industry is ready.
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