The Libertine Restaurant & Bar

You're walking into the Royal Exchange—that neoclassical beauty on Cornhill—and suddenly you're somewhere that feels properly theatrical. The Libertine has nailed that precarious balance between looking expensive (because it is) and actually welcoming you in. High ceilings, jewel tones, and a bar that actually knows what it's doing. It's the kind of place where you can do breakfast with someone important, lunch with a mate, or swing by for drinks when you've had a day. The kitchen takes itself seriously without being precious about it—exactly what you want from somewhere this polished.