Arlington

You're walking down one of London's most exclusive addresses, past the Georgian townhouses of St James's, when you slip through Arlington's understated entrance. Inside, it's all hushed elegance and considered service—the kind of place where they remember how you like your water. The cooking is technically assured without the unnecessary fuss; expect seasonal British fare with European influences, executed with the precision you'd hope for at these levels. The wine programme is genuinely thoughtful rather than showing off, and staff know their stuff without being precious about it.