Illustration of a luxury hotel reception desk (illustrative artwork, not the actual Ritz)

Booking Guide · The Ritz London · October 2026

Booking Guide

Both the restaurant and afternoon tea at The Ritz are bookable directly with the hotel — and both can sell out, especially at weekends. Here's how to reserve, how far ahead to plan, and the rules to know before you arrive. Facts from the official Ritz pages, checked October 2026.

At a glance

Restaurant reservations
Via the official Ritz site; phone +44 (0) 20 7300 2370
Afternoon tea reservations
Via the official Ritz site; phone +44 (0) 20 7300 2345
Restaurant hours
Lunch daily 12:30–2:00 PM; dinner daily 6:30–9:00 PM
Tea sittings
Daily 11:30 AM, 1:30 PM, 3:30 PM, 5:30 PM, 7:30 PM
Dress code
Jacket and tie for gentlemen; no jeans or sportswear
Address
150 Piccadilly, London W1J 9BR

How to book the restaurant

Reserve through the official Ritz website's dining pages or by phone on +44 (0) 20 7300 2370. The restaurant serves lunch daily 12:30–2:00 PM and dinner daily 6:30–9:00 PM. Note the Epicurean Journey tasting menus are only available before 1:45 PM at lunch and 8:45 PM at dinner — book an early enough table if you want the tasting menu.

How to book afternoon tea

Reserve through the official afternoon tea page or by phone on +44 (0) 20 7300 2345. Five sittings daily (11:30 AM, 1:30 PM, 3:30 PM, 5:30 PM, 7:30 PM). This is one of the hardest afternoon teas in London to get into — book as far ahead as your plans allow, especially for weekends. Tell the hotel about dietary needs (vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free options exist) before your visit.

The dress code

The Ritz enforces it — this is not a suggestion:

  • Gentlemen: jacket and tie required.
  • Everyone: no jeans, no sportswear, no trainers.
  • Children under 16 are exempt from the dress code.

Arrive underdressed and you risk being turned away — when in doubt, overdress.

Good to know before you go

  • Friday/Saturday restaurant surcharge: £58 per person entertainment charge on à la carte and Epicurean menus — factor it into the budget (see our price guide).
  • Service charge: 12.5% discretionary on the restaurant bill; prices include VAT.
  • Tableside dishes need time: the Arts de la Table dishes (Dover sole, Beef Wellington) serve two and need ~40 minutes' preparation.
  • Live music: entertainment on Friday and Saturday evenings in the restaurant; a musical ensemble plays throughout afternoon tea.
  • The room matters: lunch and dinner are served under the restaurant's famous glass roof — widely called one of the most beautiful dining rooms in the world.

Official links

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