Itsy bitsy, teeny tiny Martinis are having a moment in the London drinks scene. The ice-cold, frosted glass cocktails are being shaken, not stirred, and served up to diners and bar dwellers using top-secret martini recipes from our favourite local haunts.

While the sweetness of a Porn Star Martini is saved for those developing their drinking tastebuds and the espresso martini has an afternoon curfew if you care about a good night’s sleep, the classic Martini is taking centre stage.

Martini recipes are becoming dirtier and dirtier – they’re being made with glugs of olive oil poured into the final drink or pickle juice being added to recipes to give it an extra zing. Whether you like it made with vodka or gin, garnished with a twist, or extra filthy, there are lots of options in our capital ready to serve you your next cocktail.

But where can you find the tastiest, or dirtiest – if that’s your thing? These are the best places to get a martini in London.

Rasputin’s Bar

This bar went from being “under the radar” straight to a top spot. Rasputin’s serves hot dogs, cold beers, and a promise of even colder martinis. Rasputin’s Bar is run by the good folk of Dom’s Subs and is found in Hackney. The Martini is a “five olives” version, which means it’s served with a stick of juicy green ones (maybe Perelló, it is East London, after all) poking out the top of the glass. Simple and effective as far as martinis go.

Hackney, E8 | https://www.instagram.com/rasputinsbar

Café Mondo

This Camberwell sandwich shop turns into a dive-bar-esque haunt come nighttime. And, although its cocktail may come in a near thimble-sized glass, Café Mondo’s savoury and filthy “Teeny Weeny MSG Martini” is up there with the best. This Martini is proof that a pinch of MSG only makes things extra tasty. The glass is straight from the freezer, and the drink is best enjoyed with Mondo’s small plates dinner menu. Pair your martini with grilled Taleggio and honey, or extra crispy crostinis.

Camberwell, SE5 | https://www.instagram.com/cafe_mondo_se5/?hl=en

Editor's note: While we couldn't find a picture of their MSG Martini, here is the next best thing: one of their infamous sandwiches.

Quo Vadis

If the Martini were an area of London, it would be Soho. So, drinking the cocktail here feels au natural. The Quo Vadis Martinis come as twins: there is the Belvedere Martini, naked with a twist, or the Grey Goose Martini, which comes wet with an olive. Try both and suss out your fave as you sit back in this members’ club and historic restaurant – it was formerly a brothel and a home to Karl Marx.

Soho, W1D | quovadissoho.co.uk

Parasol

Come here for disco, dancing, and fancy cocktails to the tune of 1980s NYC, where subterranean bars reigned. The Martini at Parasol in Dalston is on the menu as an Umbrella Vesper. It’s made with Grey Goose vodka, Boatyard gin, Kina L’Aero, and Vichy Catalan. Refreshing and very, extremely strong. Parasol also serves a French Martini – made with Remy Marten VSOP Cognac, Monbazillac, raspberry Eau De Vie, and pineapple – for a refreshing glass.

Dalston, N16 | https://parasol-london.co.uk/

The Lower Third

Another Soho space and another disco place. The Lower Third on Denmark Street slings out Martinis regularly, but two from the menu stand out. Their Dirty Martini is filthy in the best way, made with Tio Pepe, olive brine, and Renegade gin, with a three-olive garnish. However, the Blush Martini is something special. It brings together Lillet Rosé, Briottet, lychee, and Baller vodka, and is served with an edible flower floating on top of the deliciousness. Pretty to look at and pretty to taste as well. Order this and you’re guaranteed to order four more. With events happening each weekend, you’ll soon be taking to the dance floor of this Central London spot.

Soho, WC2H | thelowerthird.co.uk

The Drapers Arms

A classic pub that does a good classic martini? A dream combination. While it’s the wine menu of this Islington pub that draws people in, it’s The Drapers Arms’ Martini that will have them coming back again and again. Have yours for starters before tucking into the pub’s standout dish of suet crust pie.

Islington, N1 | thedrapersarms.com

Tayēr and Elementary

If you’re in a rush or want to try something experimental, try Tayēr and Elementary’s “one sip” Martini. It comes in a shot-sized glass, ice cold, and with a juicy blue cheese-stuffed olive inside which takes up almost the whole cup. It’s the ultimate mini Martini on this list, but by no means should be skipped. Will you take it down in one gulp or leisurely sip on the teeny tiny drink?

Old Street, EC1V | tayer-elementary.com

Bar Daskal

A Spanish wine and tapas bar that doesn’t scrimp on flavour, right in the heart of Borough Yards. On the cocktail list as Con Sal y Humo, this Martini is a coming together of Bar Daskal’s nearest and dearest. The drink is composed of a split base of Gin Mare and La Copa extra dry vermouth and is brought together with Rooftop Smokehouse Smoked Pipparra Brine. This Dirty Martini is served straight from the freezer for an extra chill. Pair it with bar snacks as if you were in a taverna of San Sebastián. I’m talking a salty Gilda, Manteca Ibérica, and slices of Manchego cheese.

Borough, SE1 | bardaskal.co.uk*

The Park

There’s no better season than when tomatoes are at their ripest and sweetest, and West London’s The Park brings that depth of flavour to its Dirty Martini. The Martini Pomodoro is made with Belvedere vodka, tomato water, Cocchi Dry Vermouth, basil, and a pinch of black pepper. The tanginess of the martini is like a hint of baby Bloody Mary. The Park also offers a selection of mini Martinis as “sharpeners” for post-dinner, with a shorter pour for a quick aperitif. Enjoy a gin Turf Club Martini, a peachy Sherry Martini, or take it just as Nonno used with The Park’s “Martini del Nonno.” Saluti.

Bayswater, W2 | theparkrestaurant.com

Editor's note: Spot any incorrect information? Or have an article idea for HeadBox.com? Get in touch at submissions@headbox.com