Are you planning a trip to London and wondering where to eat? Look no further! London has some of the best restaurants in the world, ranging from Michelin-starred fine dining to trendy street food. In this article, we’ll explore the best restaurants to eat in London, from traditional British fare to international cuisine.
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Best Restaurants to Eat in London
London is a melting pot of cultures and cuisines, and the restaurant scene reflects that diversity. Whether you’re a fan of classic British dishes or experimental fusion cuisine, there’s something for everyone in London’s foodie scene. Here are some of the best restaurants to try:
1. Sketch
Sketch is a quirky and imaginative restaurant located in Mayfair, known for its pink interiors and playful artwork. The menu is just as inventive, featuring dishes like “eggs in purgatory” and black truffle croquettes. Don’t miss the chance to visit the famous “pod” bathrooms, a unique and Instagrammable experience.
2. Dishoom
For a taste of Bombay in London, head to Dishoom. This trendy restaurant chain has several locations across the city, serving up delicious Indian street food in a stylish setting. Don’t miss their famous bacon naan roll for breakfast, or the creamy black daal for dinner.
3. The Wolseley
For a classic British dining experience, head to The Wolseley. This grand brasserie is located in a former car showroom in Piccadilly, and serves up traditional British dishes like fish and chips, shepherd’s pie, and afternoon tea. The art deco interiors and impeccable service make this a must-visit spot.
4. Hoppers
Hoppers is a Sri Lankan restaurant in Soho, serving up delicious and spicy curries, rotis, and hoppers (a type of pancake made with fermented rice flour). The vibrant and bustling atmosphere adds to the experience, as does the extensive cocktail menu.
5. St. John
St. John is a renowned restaurant in Clerkenwell, known for its nose-to-tail cooking and simple yet delicious dishes. The menu changes daily, depending on what’s available at the market, but you can expect dishes like roast bone marrow, braised rabbit, and custard doughnuts.
6. Pidgin
Pidgin is a Michelin-starred restaurant in Hackney, known for its inventive tasting menus and casual atmosphere. The dishes are inspired by global cuisines, with a focus on seasonal and sustainable ingredients. Don’t miss their famous “chicken butter” or the indulgent chocolate dessert.
7. Padella
For some of the best pasta in London, head to Padella. This Italian restaurant in Borough Market serves up freshly made pasta dishes like pappardelle with slow-cooked beef ragu and ravioli with sage butter. The prices are reasonable, but be prepared to wait in line for a table.
8. Gymkhana
Gymkhana is a high-end Indian restaurant in Mayfair, known for its refined and luxurious dishes. The menu features dishes like tandoori lamb chops, butter chicken, and mango sorbet with cardamom shortbread. The ornate decor and attentive service make this a memorable dining experience.
9. Lyle’s
Lyle’s is a Michelin-starred restaurant in Shoreditch, known for its creative and seasonal British dishes. The menu changes regularly, depending on what’s available from their network of farmers and producers. The airy and minimalist dining room is the perfect backdrop for the beautifully presented dishes.
10. The Ledbury
The Ledbury is a two-Michelin-starred restaurant in Notting Hill, known for its innovative and artful dishes. The menu features ingredients from the UK and beyond, prepared with a modern and playful twist. Don’t miss the famous flame-grilled mackerel or the rich chocolate dessert.
11. Kiln
For some of the best Thai food in London, head to Kiln in Soho. This casual and bustling restaurant serves up fiery and aromatic dishes like clay pot baked glass noodles, Burmese-style curries, and grilled meat skewers. The communal tables and open kitchen add to the lively atmosphere.
12. Black Axe Mangal
Black Axe Mangal is a punk rock-inspired restaurant in Islington, known for its bold and meaty dishes. The menu features dishes like lamb offal flatbread, pork belly kebab, and deep-fried pig’s head terrine. The loud music and neon lights create a fun and edgy atmosphere.
13. Barrafina
Barrafina is a Spanish tapas bar with several locations across London, serving up classic dishes like croquetas, tortilla, and grilled octopus. The bar seating and open kitchen create a lively and convivial atmosphere, and the extensive wine list is worth exploring.
14. Kricket
Kricket is an Indian-inspired restaurant in Soho, serving up small plates with big flavors. The menu features dishes like Keralan fried chicken, spiced lamb chops, and burnt butter ice cream. The colorful and eclectic decor adds to the fun and vibrant atmosphere.
15. Hawksmoor
Hawksmoor is a steakhouse with several locations across London, known for its juicy and flavorful cuts of meat. The menu also features classic British dishes like fish and chips and sticky toffee pudding. The elegant and dimly lit dining rooms make this a popular spot for special occasions.
16. The River Cafe
The River Cafe is a legendary Italian restaurant in Hammersmith, known for its elegant and sophisticated dishes. The menu features fresh and seasonal ingredients, prepared with a light touch and presented beautifully. The serene and riverside setting is the perfect backdrop for a romantic dinner.
17. Yauatcha
Yauatcha is a high-end Chinese restaurant in Soho, known for its delicate and artful dim sum. The menu also features dishes like crispy duck salad, stir-fried prawns, and mango pudding. The chic and modern interiors and impeccable service make this a popular spot for business lunches and special occasions.
18. Lina Stores
Lina Stores is a beloved Italian deli and restaurant in Soho, known for its fresh and authentic pasta dishes. The deli counter is stocked with cured meats, cheeses, and fresh pasta, while the restaurant serves up dishes like spaghetti carbonara and lasagna. The colorful and charming decor adds to the old-world charm.
19. Duck and Waffle
Duck and Waffle is a sky-high restaurant located on the 40th floor of the Heron Tower, offering panoramic views of the city. The menu features dishes like confit duck leg with waffles and maple syrup, and foie gras crème brûlée. The 24/7 opening hours make this a popular spot for late-night dining.
20. Ottolenghi
Ottolenghi is a popular deli and restaurant with several locations across London, known for its fresh and flavorful Middle Eastern-inspired dishes. The deli counter is stocked with colorful salads, grilled vegetables, and sweet treats, while the restaurant serves up dishes like roasted cauliflower with tahini.
FAQs
Q: What is the best restaurant to eat in London for a romantic dinner?
A: The River Cafe is a legendary Italian restaurant in Hammersmith, known for its elegant and sophisticated dishes, and the serene and riverside setting is the perfect backdrop for a romantic dinner.
Q: What is the best restaurant to eat in London for a special occasion?
A: Hawksmoor is a steakhouse with several locations across London, known for its juicy and flavorful cuts of meat, and the luxurious and upscale atmosphere is perfect for a special occasion.
Q: What is the best restaurant to eat in London for vegetarian and vegan options?
A: Mildreds is a vegetarian and vegan restaurant with several locations across London, serving up flavorful and creative dishes like smoked tofu and peanut gyoza, and Sri Lankan curry. The casual and laid-back atmosphere make this a great spot for a relaxed meal.
Q: What is the best restaurant to eat in London for a traditional English breakfast?
A: The Breakfast Club is a casual and fun restaurant with several locations across London, serving up classic British breakfast dishes like full English breakfast, and bacon and egg sandwiches. The colorful and retro interiors add to the playful and lively vibe.
Q: What is the best restaurant to eat in London for seafood?
A: Wright Brothers is a seafood restaurant with several locations across London, known for its fresh and sustainably-sourced seafood dishes like oysters, crab, and lobster. The rustic and cozy interiors create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Q: What is the best restaurant to eat in London for Japanese cuisine?
A: Dinings is a stylish and modern Japanese restaurant in Marylebone, known for its creative and contemporary dishes like sushi, sashimi, and wagyu beef. The intimate and upscale atmosphere is perfect for a special occasion.
Q: What is the best restaurant to eat in London for a view?
A: Hutong is a Chinese restaurant with a stunning view of the London skyline, located on the 33rd floor of The Shard. The menu features dishes from northern China, and the elegant and stylish interiors create a sophisticated and upscale atmosphere.