Where to eat in London

A Farringdon institution since 1869, pairing a Grade II-listed Victorian room with original wooden booths and seasonal modern British cooking. Known for confit potatoes, house charcuterie and a thoughtful wine list, with an adjoining shop and wine bar.

Address: 88 Farringdon Rd, London EC1R 3EA, UK

A Georgian townhouse in the heart of Soho serving all-day British comfort food in an elegant, buzzy room - roast chicken, fish pie, steak, a celebrated afternoon tea and a traditional Sunday roast. Boutique bedrooms sit above. However, I mainly go for breakfast and the standout dish here is the lorne sausage and tattie scone.

Address: 69-71 Dean St, London W1D 3SE, UK

Really amazing restaurant that includes a bakery, winery and a wine company. There are some dishes you remember for the rest of your life and the bone marrow at St John's is one of those dishes.

Address: 26 St John St, Barbican, London EC1M 4AY, United Kingdom

A London institution since 1828 and historic home of the English roast carved tableside from silver trolleys. Reopened in 2026 under Jeremy King, with the grand Grand Divan dining room, lighter Romano's, and Simpson's Bar.

Address: 100 Strand, London WC2R 0EZ, UK

Probably the best pasta you'll have in London. They make the pasta fresh every day and use seasonal ingredients so the menu does change often. Unfortunately, they do not take reservations so you'll have to queue for around 30 minutes at least but it's worth it.

Address: 6 Southwark St, London SE1 1TQ, United Kingdom

Bocca di Lupo is very difficult to book so you need to really book in advance or try your luck if you're on your own late in the evening to secure a spot on the counter. Amazing food and you can get ice cream from Gelupo across the street. When in season you can also pop over to Gelupo to buy some truffle to add to your pasta.

Address: 12 Archer St, Soho, London W1D 7BB, United Kingdom

A Michelin-starred modern Italian in Clerkenwell, opened in 2016 by the team behind The Clove Club. It celebrates British produce cooked with Italian sensibility - house-made pasta and seasonal dishes - in a handsome dining room with a marble-topped bar and conservatory. The menu changes often so check ahead of booking but I've always enjoyed the food here so you can't really go wrong.

Address: 88 St John St, London EC1M 4EH, UK

One of London's oldest Italian restaurants, going since 1945, on Jermyn Street. Traditional cooking in a smart setting, with an all-day menu from breakfast through to dinner – homemade bread, fresh pasta, fish and meat.

Address: 61 Jermyn St, London SW1Y 6LX, UK

The same geniuses that brought us Padella have a proper sit down and reservation accepting place. More limited in terms of pasta options but everything is delicious and it's a nice cosy atmosphere.

Address: 300-302 St Paul's Rd, London N1 2LH, UK

Angela Hartnett's relaxed Italian restaurant in St James's, one of four Cafe Murano rooms in London. Good food and a cosy setting.

Address: 33 Saint James's Street, London, UK

Gloria is more on the comfort food side with very hearty pasta dishes and delicious pizzas. They have the famously instagrammed ribbon pasta with truffles (which is delicious but heavy). The setting is eclectic and fun but not the most comfortable place to go alone. Great for Sunday brunches with friends. Part of the Big Mama group so if you want to try something similar you can go to Circolo Popolare in Fitzrovia which is more central and does take bookings.

Address: 54-56 Great Eastern St, Hackney, London EC2A 3QR, United Kingdom

Another Venetian restaurant. You might not think of trying it because it's in Victoria, and frankly I hardly think of Victoria as an area filled with great restaurants. Still, Tozi has great food in small sharing plates so it's great to go with friends or colleagues. Sadly I was too busy eating and forgot to take photos. If you have photos you'd like to share please reach out.

Address: 8 Gillingham St, Pimlico, London SW1V 1HJ, United Kingdom

Small restaurant in Covent Garden with bar seating as well as a few tables (not many). They specialise in pasta and have the famous instagrammable Silk handkerchiefs pasta with walnut butter & confit egg yolk. However, I personally don't find this dish filling so I usually go for the meatier options. It's also a comfortable place to dine alone.

Address: 39 William IV St, Charing Cross, London WC2N 4DD, United Kingdom

The Chinatown branch of the Royal China Group, on Gerrard Street, doing classic Cantonese – dim sum, fresh seafood and a long menu of traditional dishes. Open daily until late.

Address: 30 Gerrard St, London W1D 6JS, UK

A small Cantonese place near King's Cross, run by a chef with more than 30 years' experience. They specialise in handmade dim sum and in-house roast duck, plus classic noodle and rice dishes, and it is very good value. There are only about 20 seats and it is walk-in only, so expect a queue – it is worth it.

Address: 124 King's Cross Rd, London WC1X 9DS, UK

Yauatcha is probably my favourite place for Dim Sum in London. It's a bit of a modern take on Dim Sum though. It was created in 2004 by Alan Yau, who had established the Wagamama and Busaba Eathai chains. More importantly and closely related he also set up Hakkasan so you'll notice some similar items on the menu but I prefer Yauatcha. Yauatcha achieved a Michelin star in 2005 (although they lost it in 2019). Their crispy aromatic duck is still my favourite in London.

Address: 5-17 Broadwick St, London W1F 0DL, United Kingdom

Duck and Rice is this amazing Chinese restaurant in Soho that looks like it's inside a traditional English pub. They do have a pub area and upstairs they have a proper dining area. They are famous for their Duck and I have to say their Crispy aromatic duck is probably one of the best in London. Their signature dish is the duck and rice. Their lobster noodle is also incredible. Make sure you go there hungry as there is a lot to try.

Address: 90 Berwick St, Soho, London W1F 0QB, United Kingdom

A branch of the international chain, Din Tai Fung serves up delicious dim sum and quickly. Originally from Taiwan, where the MICHELIN Guide lists the original branch, and its Hong Kong branches have held a star. There are often long queues as they don't take reservations but if you use the WalkIn app it simplifies things.

Address: 5 Henrietta St, Covent Garden, London WC2E 8PT, United Kingdom

A. Wong is a restaurant with an inventive and new take on classic Chinese dishes from across all Chinese regions. It's not your typical Chinese restaurant don't expect your usual favourites although they might have some with a new twist or innovative tweaks. Everything was delicious. You'll have to book ahead as it isn't always easy to find a table.

Address: 70 Wilton Rd, Pimlico, London SW1V 1DE, United Kingdom

Authentic Japanese restaurant just off Oxford Street, founded in Mayfair in 2002. An izakaya-style experience with a sushi counter, fresh sashimi, robata-grilled dishes and an extensive sake list, in a bright, spacious dining room. Really good quality food and nice variety of options.

Address: 22-23 Woodstock St, London W1C 2AR, UK

There are several branches but the one I've been to the most frequently is the Knightsbridge branch but I'm sure they are all really good. This is a very traditional Japanese restaurant with great sushi and sashimi. They also serve up Makis as I know that is something people comb through menus to make sure of.

Address: 31 Beauchamp Pl, Chelsea, London SW3 1NU, United Kingdom

An omakase counter tucked away in Shepherd Market, about twenty servings long, working largely with British fish, including seafood from Cornish waters. It was such a fantastic experience. Everything was delicious, and the place is small and intimate.

Address: 18 Shepherd Market, London W1J 7QH, UK

A ramen specialist near St Giles, this being the Covent Garden branch. They do rich, slow-cooked tonkotsu with house-made noodles and a deeply flavoured pork-bone broth, plus Japanese sides. It is compact and busy, and they have won awards for it.

Address: 64 St Giles High St, London WC2H 8LE, UK

Another inventive and modern Japanese restaurant serving izakaya style dishes. Their menu is ever evolving and everything is delicious. It's upscale and a little dressy.

Address: 22 Harcourt St, Marylebone, London W1H 4HH, United Kingdom

Engawa is my favourite Japanese restaurant in London. It's tucked inside Ham Yard in Soho (a little oasis inside Soho) and part of the Ham Yard Hotel. A small restaurant with traditional Japanese food and specialising in Wagyu beef. I cannot express in words just how delicious the Wagyu beef is here it's something truly incredible. It's also incredibly expensive but worth it.

Address: 2 Ham Yard, London W1D 7LT, United Kingdom

Modern Israeli food with influences from across the middle east. Truly delicious and inventive dishes. The menu changes seasonally.

Address: 34 Rupert St, London W1D 6DN, United Kingdom

Nopi Soho is a great Mediterranean/Israeli restaurant and is a sister restaurant of the famous Ottolenghi. I especially like their breakfast but all their food is delicious.

Address: 21-22 Warwick St, West End, London W1B 5NE, United Kingdom

This is one of my favourite restaurants in London so I can't recommend it enough. The menu changes periodically but everything is good. It's North African inspired Israeli food. It's a small place so better book in advance but I find if you're on your own they can usually squeeze you in for an early lunch.

Address: 16 Neal's Yard, Seven Dials, London WC2H 9DP, United Kingdom

Described as Russian-inspired modern British, the food at Bob Bob Ricard is well prepared and delicious. The place is beautifully designed and they have a button on each table you can press to ask for champagne.

Address: 1 Upper James St, London W1F 9DF, United Kingdom

Lovely restaurant for dinner and lunch as well but I love going here for breakfast. They are one of the few places that still serve crumpets and they have some really tasty smoothies.

Address: 45 Jermyn St., Jermyn Street, St. James's, London SW1Y 6DN, United Kingdom

The Soho outpost of Rudy's Pizza Napoletana. Slow-proved dough, San Marzano tomatoes and fior di latte, blistered in a wood-fired oven for a soft, charred crust. Casual and lively - a member of the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana.

Address: 80 Wardour St, London W1F 0TF, UK

Delicious pizza in a lovely setting in Soho. From Soho House, the group behind Cecconi's.

Address: 19-21 Old Compton Street, London, UK

A Spanish restaurant just off Regent Street from chef Nieves Barragan Mohacho, spread over three settings that run from an Andalucian tapas bar to a Castilian asador. The upstairs El Asador grill is the one people go for, for suckling pig and seafood. It holds a Michelin star.

Address: 35-37 Heddon St, London W1B 4BR, UK

One of my all time favourite restaurants in London. Everything is delicious but don't miss the ribs. They don't take reservations and seating is on the counter. Get there early or be prepared to wait.

Address: 10 Adelaide St, London WC2N 4HZ, United Kingdom

An all-day counter bar and kitchen in Mayfair with a luxe American-diner spirit. Feel-good favourites - tuna melts, burgers, lobster, pasta - plus margaritas and classic cocktails, in a glossy, late-night setting.

Address: 31 Dover St, London W1S 4ND, UK

The best Austrian restaurant in London. Really delicious Wiener schnitzel. The place is really lovely as it is made to look like a Viennese café.

Address: 50 Marylebone High St, London W1U 5HN, United Kingdom

A barbecue restaurant on Sclater Street in Shoreditch, where they smoke the brisket low and slow overnight. Rich and flavourful barbecued meat. The ribs were particularly delicious.

Address: 35 Sclater St, London E1 6LB, UK

Absolutely delicious food at this branch of Temper. I especially love the cheeseburger tacos. Sitting downstairs can get a bit stuffy though and you might end up smelling like the food you're eating but it's worth it.

Address: 25 Broadwick St, London W1F 0DS, United Kingdom

Great casual steakhouse with a very delicious burger. The flatiron burger. Very large beef patty with onions and cheese. Very delicious very filling but not a traditional burger if that’s what you’re after. They also give you a little ice cream to enjoy on your way out.

Address: 17-18 Henrietta St, London WC2E 8QH, United Kingdom

Delicious food and this is coming from someone who isn't that partial to Thai food. Don't miss the noodles order oodles of these. Most dishes are crazy spicy. One important tip for anyone going to Kiln, ask to be seated on the main floor and not downstairs. Especially if you are dining at night. It can get very noisy and very smelly downstairs. You'll leave smelling like the kitchen and your throat will be sore from trying to shout above everyone else when having a conversation.

Address: Cafe Rio, 58 Brewer St, West End, London W1F 9TL, United Kingdom

The original Buns from Home bakery in Notting Hill, just off Portobello Road. It started in 2020 with cinnamon buns baked in a home kitchen and grew from there. The buns and pastries are soft and generously filled, baked fresh daily, and they do speciality coffee.

Address: 128 Talbot Rd, London W11 1JA, UK

A cake and cupcake bakery at Kingly Court in Soho, from the team behind Cupcake Jemma. Easily the best cupcakes in London.

Address: 1 Kingly Ct, Carnaby, London W1B 5PW, United Kingdom

Lovely little Scandinavian bakery specialising in cinnamon rolls. Not much place to sit unless you're lucky and one of the three tables there is empty.

Address: 8 Earlham St, London WC2H 9RY, United Kingdom

Hawksmoor Guildhall is the only Hawksmoor that serves breakfast. It is a really heavy but delicious breakfast and a must try if you're trying to tick all the best breakfasts in London off your list.

Address: 10 Basinghall St, London EC2V 5BQ, United Kingdom

A modern British restaurant on Haymarket in St James's, serving breakfast from half past seven, with a nose-to-tail kitchen known for its smoked cod's head. Their breakfast sandwich is not to be missed.

Address: 52 Haymarket, London SW1Y 4RP, UK

Was conflicted about where to put The Wolseley as they also have fantastic food for lunch, dinner and afternoon tea. However, for me I particularly love going there for breakfast. It's also a beautiful art deco building that used to be a car show room.

Address: 160 Piccadilly, London W1J 9EB, United Kingdom

Cute little breakfast place in Kensington with various egg dishes but also breakfast staples like pancakes. Back when I went (pre-pandemic) you had to wait a bit for a table.

Address: 30 Uxbridge St, London W8 7TA, United Kingdom

Still my favourite place to have breakfast in London. It's not hip, cool or instagrammable but it's a nice quiet place with delicious options for breakfast (which by the way includes British options too). They have great service and excellent tea.

Address: 55 Aldwych, London WC2B 4BB, United Kingdom

I have had lunch here as well but honestly I would recommend Breakfast here above everything else. The queues for Dinner are massive and exhausting but I've heard the dinner is great too but I've never wanted to queue. I love the breakfast here especially the bacon naan roll (get it with extra bacon or with a runny egg). Warning: if you sit inside (which is the only option most of the year) you will smell like the food.

Address: Dishoom Covent Garden, Upper St Martin's Lane, London, UK

Porridge shop inspired by the ones found in Copenhagen. In a cosy little setting in the middle of Neal's Yard.

Address: 1 Neal's Yard, London WC2H 9DP, United Kingdom

The most delicious hot chocolate. They have all kinds of yummy desserts as well but I go for the unbelievable hot chocolate.

Address: 41 Broadwick St, Carnaby, London W1F 9QL, United Kingdom

A Japanese patisserie on Newport Court in Chinatown, open late every night. Lovely little Japanese cake shop serving the famous Matcha Crepe Cake.

Address: 20A Newport Ct, London WC2H 7JS, United Kingdom

My favourite ice cream in London. The place is small and you'll rarely find a spot to sit but it's on new row so it's pleasant to walk around and eat your ice cream.

Address: 27 New Row, London WC2N 4LA, United Kingdom

The Chin Chin ice cream group's dessert room on Greek Street in Soho. Great desserts especially the hot chocolate.

Address: 54 Greek St, London W1D 3DS, United Kingdom

This is my all time favourite place to have dessert in London and I can't recommend it enough. They have soft serve sundaes with Japanese flavours. My favourite is the green tea (Matcha) with mochi. It's also in this cute road off china town with many different Japanese and Korean stores.

Address: 33 Newport Ct, London WC2H 7PQ, United Kingdom

They actually serve meals as well but I go here for the desserts especially the Green tea soft serve ice cream sundae with red bean paste.

Address: 29 Thurloe Pl, South Kensington, London SW7 2HQ, United Kingdom

Probably the best afternoon tea you can have in London but it's a bit touristy. Also, you need to book ahead. However, it's the only tea room, I know of, that has a savoury afternoon tea option which I love.

Address: The Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon at Fortnum & Mason, Fortnum & Mason, 181 Piccadilly, St. James's, London W1A 1ER, United Kingdom