Tired of endlessly searching for dining options or wandering the city in search of a hidden gem? We consulted our friends and colleagues in London, then personally vetted the top restaurant recommendations they shared. Here are our must-try picks for an exceptional dining experience!
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f you’re a foodie, exploring London’s culinary scene is an adventure you have to take. This city is a melting pot of flavors from every corner of the globe, and trust me, there’s no shortage of places to get your taste buds buzzing.
The best part? Finding the right restaurants doesn’t just elevate your meals – it gives you a real taste of what makes this city’s food culture so damn exciting.
As someone who knows their way around a fork and knife, I’ve put together a handpicked list of top spots that’ll take your dining game to the next level. Ready to eat your way through London? Let’s go.
A. Wong
Photo thanks to A. Wong
€€€ | Michelin | Chinese Food | 10-Course Tasting Menu | Trendy
This is not your typical Chinese restaurant—its two Michelin stars say it all. The acclaimed dining experience here is elevated by a unique story: Chef Andrew, who grew up working in his family’s restaurant at this very location, now leads an extraordinary culinary journey.
The open kitchen offers a mesmerizing view of the master at work, as each dish is introduced with an insightful explanation. The upmarket eatery specializes in exquisite dim sum and a remarkable 10-course “Taste of China” menu, highlighting regional flavors.
Every bite lives up to the restaurant’s stellar reputation, making it a standout in fine Chinese dining. For an unforgettable culinary adventure, this is the place to be.
€€€ | Rooftop Bar | Mexican Japanese Fushion | St. Paul’s Cathedral
Perched atop the City of London, Los Mochis offers a high-end rooftop experience with breathtaking views of the iconic skyline and St. Paul’s Cathedral. This chic venue features multiple rooms, each offering unique perspectives of the city.
Start your day with healthy breakfast options like acai bowls or enjoy a casual meal at the bar, which serves a diverse menu from early morning through late dinner. Experience the vibrant fusion of Mexican and Japanese cuisine, with dishes ranging from fresh sushi to inventive tacos.
Their impressive wine list features international labels, perfectly complementing the bold flavors of their dishes. Whether you’re here for the Agaveria cocktail bar or to catch a sunset on the terrace, Los Mochis is a must-visit destination during your stay in London.
Close to popular tourist attractions, this vibrant Indian restaurant stands out with its dazzling colors and a mirrored glass wall. Renowned for delivering exceptional Indian cuisine at reasonable prices, it has garnered rave reviews from diners.
The “Special Plates” are a must-try, offering unique flavors that set this spot apart from the rest. Don’t miss the mix grill of meats, which has been described as nothing short of extraordinary.
Despite its compact size, the restaurant’s warm and lively atmosphere makes it a memorable dining experience. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, this gem promises an unforgettable taste of India.
Recommended to me by a local as an upscale dining experience to visit when I want to treat myself, BRAT is a rustic Spanish spot that embraces the essence of simplicity. Strong Basque influences come to life through a thoughtfully crafted menu including whole grilled seafood—highlighted by the old English term “brat” for turbot—lamb chops and eggs on toast.
The open wood fire grill adds a unique touch, enhancing the flavors of each dish and each dish can be complimented with a selection of sherries and wines.
Kingly Court is a vibrant three-story dining destination that features a diverse array of bars, restaurants, and cafés.
This charming market offers a selection of small restaurants, each with its own unique flair, and all centered around a lively courtyard that invites you to enjoy alfresco dining during the summer months and a cozy atmosphere when the weather turns cooler.
Whether you’re looking for a casual bite or a more refined dining experience, Kingly Court is the perfect spot to indulge in the diverse flavors of the city.
This restaurant was recommended to me by a local while I was visiting a spot from our best bars in London article. I’m definitely glad I listened because I stepped into this exquisite Grade II Georgian mansion, originally built for the Duke of Brunswick in 1758.
With its antique-filled interiors, Brunswick House offers a unique setting for both lunch and dinner. This place has it all with a cafe, cocktail bar, restaurant, outdoor terrace, intimate private rooms and a historic vault room for private parties. And you can top it all off with interesting menu options and a list of rare wines.
€ | Meat Pies | Authentic English Classics | Family Owned
If you’re craving authentic meat pies, a trip to Greenwich is a must. Goddards at Greenwich delivers a genuine taste of English tradition with their no-frills approach to classic recipes. This family-owned establishment has been perfecting their pies since 1890, using the same cherished recipes they started with.
They take pride in baking fresh pies daily with locally sourced ingredients and British meat, supporting the local community in the process. As a family-run business, they aim to offer not only high-quality, fresh food at affordable prices but also a warm, welcoming atmosphere that makes your dining experience truly enjoyable.
Fish and Chips. Name a more iconic casual food duo in England. If you’re hankering for some classic British fare, North Sea Fish Restaurant is the place to be. With over ten varieties of fresh fish delivered daily, each meal is crafted with care.
Established in 1977, this beloved eatery has been serving locals and visitors alike for decades, offering a warm atmosphere to dine in or take away. And if fish isn’t your thing, North Sea Fish still has you covered.
Their extensive menu caters to diverse tastes, offering not just seafood but also a variety of options that highlight seasonal ingredients.
Located beside the historic Smithfield Market, this Michelin-starred gem boasts a unique blend of rustic charm and modern flair. Once a smokehouse, the whitewashed interior now provides a minimalist backdrop that lets the food shine.
Renowned for pioneering the “nose to tail” dining movement, St. John celebrates offal dishes with an inventive twist. The restaurant’s ambiance feels almost alfresco, perfectly complementing its cool, unpretentious vibe.
Each dish is a tribute to chef and founder, Fergus Henderson’s legendary culinary vision, turning humble ingredients into extraordinary fare. With its close proximity to the famed meat market, the restaurant offers a truly authentic London dining experience.
This award-winning Sri Lankan street food restaurant is right in the heart of London’s tourist center. There’s a lot of competition for great restaurants in London’s West End so it’s significant that Hoppers has made a few newspaper headlines because of its unique appeal. Notably, It has a cramped, busy atmosphere—no frills here.
Although the servings are pretty small at the price, the Sri Lankan and Tamil Nadu dining experience are worth the West End prices. Interestingly, the restaurant is modeled on the toddy shops of Sri Lanka, which are roadside bars and kitchens which serve especially spicy curries. Hoppers servings are milder for the international palate.
€€€ | Classy | Rooftop Dining | Business | French Cuisine
This French restaurant is one of the most luxurious rooftop restaurants in London. Despite this, the entrance is a very plain and secretive elevator that takes you a few floors up and opens out into the restaurant. So it’s actually a best-kept secret – a restaurant that sells itself without trying.
Notably, it’s in London’s financial centre so it attracts businessmen and wealthy entrepreneurs. If seeing mainly diners in expensive suits doesn’t put you off then their gourmet-style dishes in elegant and delicious portions are worth the visit. The wine list may seem pricey but the sommeliers are helpful and not snobby about income brackets despite the high-class vibe.
€ | Family-friendly | Outdoor Seating | House of Parliament | River Thames
This is a must-visit for tourists sightseeing in Westminster, the UK’s political center. Above all, this traditional cafe serves the best English breakfast in the area and there are also amazing views over the River Thames towards the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben. In comparison, similar cafes cannot match the combination of great views and tasty food even though they may be closer to the parliament buildings.
It has vegetarian and vegan options and also pasta and pizza on the menu but remember you are really paying for the all-around vibe and amazing atmosphere, not food variety. In addition, It’s run by just one person (sometimes two) but quite cozy and down to earth for this very reason.
€ | Vietnamese Street Food | Casual | Local Favorite
This Vietnamese street food restaurant is located outside London’s main tourist centres but is well worth the visit. One of the obvious benefits of such a location is more affordable dishes but that’s not the main reason it is widely recommended. Notably, Viet Ngon has a great word-of-mouth reputation for value for money, excellent service, and providing a unique gastronomical experience.
There’s a wide selection of main dishes but also a focus on the Vietnamese specialty of salads and soups. Every dish is delivered with care, mouthwatering simplicity, and Southeast Asian authenticity. Price-wise, everything is well within most budgets, with prices ranging from £11- £20.
€€ | Mediterranean | Quiet and Cozy | Indoor/Outdoor Seating
If you’re around Kensington, there’s a sweet little street with a handful of restaurants not far from the South Kensington Station. Eli’s Restaurant might not be an exciting name, but there’s a lot to be excited about in terms of the food and the ambiance. You can sit out on the patio if the weather’s nice, or stay inside under the flowering ceiling that’s oh, so cozy.
The food is fresh and the menu has quite a number of tasty options. And there are more options than you’ll find on their website, too! I recommend the lamb couscous dish that comes packed with flavor and tender chunks of lamb. Or try any of their famous rotisserie chicken dishes. You won’t leave hungry!
Movie icons like James Dean, Marilyn Monroe and Marlon Brando once ate here and it is famous for its celebrity and royal diners. However, the less-star struck amongst you will appreciate this is a Michelin-star restaurant, regardless of whether it is run by celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay. It’s based in The Strand, in Central London which is ideal if you want tourist sites, nightlife and West End shopping close by.
Expect high-end English and French dishes with a regal quality. Specials-wise, overseas visitors might seek out the high-class English game such as venison, pheasant and grouse but are more likely to find steak mains or roasts on the menu. Their signature dish is the Beef Wellington.
€€ | Seafood | Family-friendly | Michelin | Covent Garden | West End | Theatreland
Despite the name, it’s not just Oysters served up by this Michelin-starred, Italian-owned restaurant but a wide variety of seafood. But the restaurant is not known for its other comforts and has basic bench seating. Despite this, it has a warm and welcoming family vibe and is close to the West End’s theatreland.
Their sea bass, sea bream, and Devon brown crab dishes are customer favorites – and also their headline Oyster dishes. And to top this, there’s the added benefit of watching these Michelin-starred chefs preparing the meals before your eyes.
€€ | Family-friendly | Caribbean | Nightlife | Live Music | Camden Town
This small restaurant in a quiet secondary street has popular appeal despite being in a competitive tourist district like Camden. Fortunately, it is close to Camden’s famous nightlife therefore it is an ideal stop-off point before clubbing or seeing a band.
They serve Caribbean specials such as curried goat, oxtail soup and cassava mash. Budget-wise, it’s competitively priced and you’ll find none of their mains cost over £16.
This multi-award-winning restaurant is so dignified and sophisticated it can seem a little off-putting for those with limited budgets. If you are seeking that dining experience to impress someone special then this is the place for you.
The dishes come in small gourmet proportions and are prepared with an expert touch, also there’s an impressive wine selection. All this considered, the high prices are no surprise but it is a match for the quality.
€€ | Harbor Views | English Breakfast | St. Katherine’s Docks
Imagine starting your day with a classic English breakfast while soaking in the morning sunlight and enjoying the view of St. Katherine’s Harbor. If this sounds like your ideal breakfast, you’ll want to visit Côte. This charming spot offers traditional English breakfast fare as well as healthier options like avocado toast and granola.
For the best experience, sit outside and bask in the sunlight while overlooking the docks. The sunrise over the marina creates a truly magical atmosphere, making it a perfect place for breakfast or lunch. The surrounding St. Katherine’s Marina area is also worth exploring.
Deciding where to stay at a great hotel in London can take some effort since it’s a massive city. Make your decision easier with our list of the best neighborhoods and hotels in London.
Angel Castellanos, www.AngelsTravelLounge.com , is a multi-media travel expert and travel journalist that has appeared on BBC News, Los Angeles Times, Fox News, ABC, NBC, CBS, Univision, Frommers Radio, USA Today. Angel is also an acclaimed speaker appearing as a featured travel expert with the Travel & Adventure Show and New York Times Travel Show. 80+ Countries, 5 Continents and counting. He's passionate about travel to Europe, especially to Italy & France, countries he's visited every year of his adult life.
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