London restaurants to book for Father’s Day
Don’t fancy cooking this Father’s Day? Neither do we. That’s why we’ve rounded up some restaurants to reserve a table at to treat Dad to something special.
Prince Arthur
A newly refurbished pub and Basque restaurant, Prince Arthur has quickly become one of Belgravia’s most talked-about spots. From the moment you walk in, the fish counter and aromas of the wood-fired grill hint at what’s to come. Here, Chef Adam Iglesias draws on his Basque family heritage to get the absolute best out of top-drawer fish and meats. We say the torrija with Guinness ice cream is a fabulous way to finish. It’s already earned a nod in the Michelin 2026 guide, making it a brilliant choice for a Dad who appreciates serious cooking in a setting that still feels like a proper pub.
Roketsu
For the Dad who deserves something truly special, Roketsu is one of London’s most extraordinary dining experiences. Originally launched as a high-end Kyoto-style kaiseki restaurant in 2022, it has since shifted to a more relaxed and flexible kappo-style format, where you chart your own course through the menu guided by the chefs. At the heart of the space is a seven-metre counter made from a single slab of 300-year-old hinoki cypress, and the chefs prepare each dish in front of you — grilling over binchōtan charcoal, cooking over straw fire, and shaping sushi with quiet precision. Named among Harden’s top 100 UK restaurants, it may be a pricey night out, but it’s a wonderful one for a once-in-a-while treat.
Shrimp Shack
If Dad is more about big, messy, joyful food than white tablecloths, Shrimp Shack is the one. The concept is simple: build your own shrimp platter, choosing the size of shrimp, your dip — lemon butter, garlic butter, or peri-peri — plus your heat level and sides. Celebrating the best in seafood with traditional South African spices, the menu also features seafood boils loaded with prawns, mussels, calamari, cod and crab, and all kitchen products are halal-certified with an alcohol-free drinks menu. Guests consistently praise the flavourful seafood boils, sharing platters, and friendly staff, and the restaurant has a casual, celebratory vibe that suits birthdays and special occasions. The perfect low-key, high-flavour pick for a relaxed Father’s Day feast.
Wahaca
This chain of restaurants was born from a deep love of vibrant Mexican food and culture. Inspired by the bustling markets of Oaxaca and the colourful cantinas of Mexico City, co-founders Thomasina Miers (MasterChef winner, food writer and flavour fanatic) and Mark Selby knew they had to bring that energy home. In 2007, they opened the first Wahaca in Covent Garden, and now have 14 restaurants – three of which are outside of the Capital – but all of which are still chef-led, still full of flavour, and still true to their roots. Why not opt for the Tequila Tasting Experience: sip and savour a tasting board of three Gran Centenario tequilas: Blanco, Reposado and Añejo. All served with homemade Sangrita, a traditional tomato-based drink usually served alongside tequila in Mexico.
AVI
Nestled within The Lowndes Hotel London, AVI Bistrot, Américain is a relaxed all-day restaurant where French technique meets American comfort, with a menu of familiar dishes served with elegance in a setting that feels both stylish and welcoming. The kitchen is headed up by Joshua Conte, whose CV includes The Crown at Bray (when it was part of Heston Blumenthal’s group), Chiltern Firehouse and The Dorchester. Highlights include New York Fried Chicken & Caviar, a LA Brioche Noire Lobster Roll, and their signature Le Big Mac avec Truffle. It’s a fun, crowd-pleasing choice for a Dad who wants something a bit glamorous without taking itself too seriously.
The Brook and Badger
This new gastropub in Fulham is the creation of experienced publican Eamonn Manson, and pop art dealer Adrian Palengat. A pub with benefits, it’s centred on all the core sentiments of a modern-day British pub; great food, drink and a warm welcome but with a chic design, comfortable seating and sound booms. Nibbles to enjoy include anchovies on toast or pumpkin hummus, whilst starters range from the likes of sea bream ceviche, or a perfectly light whipped ricotta. Mains include meat or fish dishes such as whole plaice with dill butter and lemon or pork chop with creamed sprouts, cranberries, chestnuts, bacon proving very popular. A handful of pub classics will never leave the menu, think an elevated hanger steak with chimichurri and fries, as well as battered cod and chips and a chicken and mushroom pie. Sweet finishes are proving popular with seasonal crumble, and sticky toffee pudding being the current bestsellers.
