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You’ll be spoiled with choice, thanks to the myriad of restaurants all over London. The capital city has a strong street-food culture as well as a plethora of Michelin starred restaurants. The restaurants here give impetus to craft and preparation, whether it’s making fish en papillote or sous vide chicken. Be sure to book ahead – and where you can’t, prepare to wait. But we promise you; it will all be worth it. Here’s a list of the best restaurants in London.
1) Padella, London, UK
Padella has garnered a reputation of being one the finest Restaurant in London thanks to its in-restaurant handmade pasta dishes like Beef Shin Ragu, Pici Ciaccio e Pepe and Tagliarini with olive oil and parmesan. They have consistently maintained a high quality of food and a modern Italian bistro ambience. It also holds the distinction of being the “No 1. Cheap Eat for Under a Tenner”
- Special dish – Pici Ciaccio e Pepe
- Unique features – Their signature dish Pici Ciaccio e Pepe won the best dish at the 2016 London Restaurant Festival Awards.
- Location – 6 Southwark St, London SE1 1TQ, United Kingdom
- Transport – London Bridge train station,
- Nearby attractions – The London Bridge, The Crown Jewels
- Opening hours – Monday – Saturday 12 pm to 3.45 pm, 5 pm to 10 pm, Sunday 12 pm to 3.45 pm, 5 pm to 9 pm
2) Kitty Fisher’s Mayfair
Kitty Fisher’s Mayfair will serve you some of the best modern European dishes in the whole of London. They offer a variety of dishes that include their Smoked Eel Terrine, Stout Mousse, Cod and Cabbage, Piccalilli and Ham Hock Croquettes. They also have an attractive beverage menu comprising of “Rattle Snake” – Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Lemon, Egg White & Absinthe and “Papa Doble” – Plantation 3 Star, Maraschino, Grapefruit, Lime. This is one of the best restaurants in London.
- Special dish – Iberico Presa, Cheek, Carrot, Almonds & Plum
- Unique features – Vegetarian-friendly and Gluten-free options
- Location – 10 Shepherd Market, Mayfair, London W1J 7QF, United Kingdom
- Transport – Piccadilly Circus train station
- Nearby attractions – Buckingham Palace, The National Gallery
- Opening hours – Monday – Saturday 12 pm to 2.30 pm, 6 pm to 9.30 pm
- Phone number – +44 20 3302 1661
3) Core By Clare Smyth, London
Once helmed by celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay, this restaurant is now the baby of Clare Smyth, who has forged her own vision for this restaurant. The restaurant is gorgeous, but people come here for the food. Patrons of the restaurant are smitten by Core’s carte and tasting menu. Their French-led wine list is a real head-turner.
- Special dish – Crab three ways
- Unique features – Received two stars as a new entry in the 2019 Michelin Guide. Clare also received the World’s Best Female Chef Award by the World’s 50 Best Restaurants.
- Location – 92 Kensington Park Rd, Notting Hill, London W11 2PN, United Kingdom
- Transport – Holland Park train station
- Nearby attractions – Richard Young Gallery, Kyoto Garden
- Opening hours – Tuesday – Wednesday 6.30 pm to 10 pm, Thursday – Saturday 12 pm to 2.15 pm, 6.30 pm to 10 pm
- Phone number – +44 20 3937 5086
4) Roganic, London
Roganic started in the year 2011 as a temporary pop-up restaurant and is now a Michelin star restaurant. 5 years since the restaurant’s inception, many more outlets have been introduced. This restaurant has received critical praise from bloggers, chefs, writers and food enthusiasts because of owner Simon Rogan’s brilliantly conceptualised menu and the restaurant staff’s excellent service. This is the place, restaurant blogs are written about.
- Special dish – Truffle Pudding
- Unique features – Roganic holds four AA Rosettes and was awarded it’s first Michelin star in 2018 after ten months of opening.
- Location – 5-7 Blandford St, Marylebone, London W1U 3DB, United Kingdom
- Transport – Bond Street subway station
- Nearby attractions – Madame Tussauds London, BT Tower
- Opening hours – Tuesday – Thursday 12 pm to 2 pm, 6.30 pm to 9.15 pm, Friday – Saturday 12 pm to 1.30 pm, 5.30 pm to 9.15 pm
- Phone number – +44 20 3370 6260
5) Sabor, London
One thing that sets Sabor apart from other restaurants in London is the sheer size of the restaurant. This sprawling 2-storey restaurant also has a counter-seating facility. They specialise in Spanish cuisine and serve dishes like Blood Orange Sorbet, Setas y Gambas, Honey Saffron Ice Cream, Caches, Morcilla de Burgos and Txistorra. Be sure to get your reservations made beforehand. Even in spite of the ginormous size of this restaurant, there’s no guarantee you’ll get a table!
- Special dish – Beetroot salad
- Unique features – Sabor was awarded a coveted star by the Michelin Guide in 2018.
- Location – 35-37 Heddon St, Mayfair, London W1B 4BR, United Kingdom
- Transport – Oxford Circus Underground Station
- Nearby attractions – Piccadilly Circus
- Opening hours – Monday – Saturday 12 pm to 2.30 pm, 5.30 pm to 10.30 pm, Sunday 12.30 pm to 4 pm
- Phone number – +44 20 3319 8130
6) HIDE
The HIDE Restaurant provides you with a contemporary setting, three-storey resto-bar. It was developed by Innovators to get the best interiors possible. HIDE has slowly become the go-to spot for special occasions. It’s the perfect venue for a candlelight dinner and even a grand party. Don’t miss this one of the best restaurants in London.
- Special dish – Amazaki Mochi
- Unique features – The restaurant is spread across 3 floors.
- Location – 85 Piccadilly, Mayfair, London W1J 7NB, United Kingdom
- Transport – Green Park subway station, Nearby attractions, St James’ Palace, Buckingham Palace, Wellington Arch
- Opening hours – Monday – Friday 7.30 am to 1 am, Saturday 9 am to 1 am, Sunday 9 am to 11.30 am
- Phone number – +44 20 3146 8666
7) Emilia
A Restaurant situated in the heart of Mayfair, Emilia is inspired by the culinary styles of Emilia-Romagna, the culinary hub of Italy. It tries to mimic the cultural food of this region. Because of its originality, people love going at Emilia and digging into their Italian style food. Their menu comprises of a bunch of modern Italian dishes, which are not only delicious but also reach your table really quickly.
- Special dish – Pappardelle and Venison Ragu
- Unique features – Their private dining room can seat up to 30 guests.
- Location – 7 Haunch of Venison Yard, Mayfair, London W1K 5ES, United Kingdom
- Transport – Bond Street subway station
- Nearby attractions – Speakers’ Corner, The Cartoon Museum, The Wallace Collection
- Opening hours – Monday – Saturday 12 pm to 2.30 pm, 6 pm to 10 pm
- Phone number – +44 20 7468 5868
- Website – http://emiliarestaurant.co.uk/
8) Leroy, London
They say that simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. The team at Leroy have taken this quote to heart, which can be reflected in the simple yet classy decor at the restaurant. The restaurant specialises in British and European food. Their dishes show inventiveness as many cooking techniques are blended with new European mixes, which elevates the food to a whole new level.
- Special dish – Christian Parra
- Unique features – Leroy was awarded a star in the 2019 Michelin guide.
- Location – 18 Phipp St, Hackney, London EC2A 4NU, United Kingdom
- Transport – Shoreditch High Street train station
- Nearby attractions – Museum of London, London’s Roman Amphitheatre, Brick Lane
- Opening hours – Monday 6 pm to 12 am, Tuesday – Saturday 12 pm to 2.30 pm, 6 pm to 12 am
- Phone number – +44 20 7739 4443
9) Lyle’s
Lyle’s is a well-crafted restaurant in Shoreditch, London. James Lowe, the owner of Lyle’s, was inspired by the concepts of British restaurants and decided to build his own restaurant at an early age. In no time his restaurant caught the eye of reviewers and lo and behold, Lyle’s is now one of the most popular restaurants in London. It’s safe to say that the food at Lyle’s will make you wanting for more!
- Special dish – Razor clams
- Unique features – They sell gift vouchers and their own line of tote bags at their restaurant
- Location – Tea Bldg, 56 Shoreditch High St, Hackney, London E1 6JJ, United Kingdom
- Transport – Shoreditch High Street train station
- Nearby attractions – Brick Lane
- Opening hours – Monday – Friday 8 am to 11 pm, Saturday 12 pm to 11 pm
- Phone number – +44 20 3011 5911
10) Kiln, London
The Kiln specialises in Thai cuisine, which instantly sets it apart from the plethora of restaurants in Soho. They serve a variety of noodles and use wood-burning ovens and grills for cooking. Kiln beautifully marries ancient Thai dishes with modern cooking techniques. The end result? Passionate restaurant patrons who don’t mind waiting in line to get a table!
- Special dish – Pork belly and jasmine brown rice
- Location – 58 Brewer St, Soho, London W1F 9TL, United Kingdom
- Transport – Piccadilly Circus train station
- Nearby attractions – The National Art Gallery, National Portrait Gallery, Buckingham Palace
- Opening hours – Monday – Thursday 12 pm to 3 pm, 5 pm to 11 pm, Friday –Saturday 12 pm to 11 pm, Sunday 12 pm to 10 pm
11) Wolseley, London
The interior of the Wolseley is phenomenal, which is aptly complemented by the delicious European inspired dishes. It is very popular for late-night dinners. This used to be Joan Rivers’ favourite place to dine whenever she was in London. Explore one of the best restaurants in London.
- Special dish – Their breakfast menu
- Unique features – It is considered to be London’s first grand cafe
- Location – 160 Piccadilly, St. James’s, London W1J 9EB, United Kingdom
- Transport – Green Park subway station
- Nearby attractions – Wellington Arch, Buckingham Palace
- Opening hours – Monday – Friday 7 am to 11 pm, Saturday – Sunday 8 am to 11 pm
- Phone number – +44 20 7499 6996
12) The River Cafe, London
The River Cafe is a classic Italian restaurant. It serves you with the finest wines in the entire riverside location. The outdoor dining area is reminiscent of the quaint Italian by-lanes, that takes your dining experience to a whole new level. The burbling sound of the river with a picturesque view makes this place a must-visit.
- Special dish – San Daniele ham with figs
- Unique features – Their Private Dining Room seats up to 18.
- Location – Thames Wharf, Rainville Rd, Hammersmith, London W6 9HA, United Kingdom
- Transport – Hammersmith subway station
- Nearby attractions – Furnivall Gardens, Stamford Bridge
- Opening hours – Monday – Thursday 12.30 pm to 11 pm, Friday – Saturday 12.30 pm to 11.20 pm, Sunday 12 pm to 5.30 pm
- Phone number – +44 20 7386 4200
13) Ikoyi, London
With the influx of people from all over the world, London needs to cater to the gastronomical demands of all sorts of people. This is where Ikoyi swoops in and saves the day by bringing a dynamic twist to African cuisine. Ikoyi is an authentic African restaurant situated in St. James, London. They bring you a modern twist in the African flavours, which will surely surprise you.
- Special dish – John Dory with crispy collard greens and chilli oil
- Unique features – They use ingredients such as scotch bonnet, grains of Selim, ndolé leaves
- Location – 1 St James’s Market, St. James’s, London SW1Y 4AH, United Kingdom
- Transport – Piccadilly Circus Station
- Nearby attractions- Trafalgar Square, The National Gallery, National Portrait Gallery
- Opening hours – Monday – Saturday 12 pm to 2.30 pm, 5.30 pm to 9.30 pm
- Phone number – +44 20 3583 4660
14) Barrafina, London
Barrafina is a Spanish restaurant and bar, located at Soho’s Dean Street, London. There is a total of 4 outlets. The other two are in Covent Garden and Adelaide Street. And the fourth one is in Coal Drop’s Yard, London. Barrafina is a very popular restaurant which has its unique style. It has expertise in food flavours and cooking style. This Restaurant has delicious food, fine wine and excellent service.
- Special dish – Octopus “A Feira”
- Unique features – It has 3 restaurants in London
- Location – 10 Adelaide St, Charing Cross, London WC2N 4HZ, United Kingdom
- Transport – Charing Cross train station
- Nearby attractions – The London Eye, The National Gallery, National Portrait Gallery
- Opening hours – Monday – Saturday 12 pm to 3 pm, 5 pm to 11 pm, Sunday 1 pm to 3.30 pm, 5.30 pm to 10 pm
- Phone number – +44 20 7440 1456
15) St. John, London
St. John’s restaurant is a whitewashed ex-smokehouse, where Fergus Henderson learnt the art of perfecting offal dishes. Situated on St. John’s Street, London, this restaurant doles out delicious food in its tastefully done up interiors.
- Special dish – Squash and goats curd sharing platter
- Unique features – Listed as one of the 13 Classic London Restaurant by Eater
- Location – 26 St John St, Barbican, London EC1M 4AY, United Kingdom
- Transport – Farringdon train station
- Nearby attractions – Museum of London. St Paul’s Cathedral
- Opening hours – Monday – Saturday 12 pm to 3 pm, 6 pm to 11 pm, Sunday 12.30 pm to 3.45 pm
- Phone number – +44 20 7251 0848
16) Rochelle Canteen at the ICA
Rochelle canteen serves you with a sleek and contemporary art form of food. It is a cafe-bar which keeps hip and arty cocktails with a global menu. Rochelle entertains you in terms of ambience and food. It is not good to compare Rochelle with other restaurants.
- Special dish – Blood pudding
- Location – The Mall, St. James’s, London SW1Y 5AH, United Kingdom
- Transport – Charing Cross train station
- Nearby attractions – The National Gallery, National Portrait Gallery
- Opening hours – Tuesday – Sunday 12 pm to 11 pm, Friday – Saturday 12 pm to 12 am
- Phone number – +44 20 7766 1424
17) Hoppers Soho
Hoppers Soho is a Sri-Lankan Restaurant and epitomises traditional cooking techniques. They also have innovative cocktails which are offered in vibrant and relaxed surroundings. Its specialities are Bone Marrow Varuval, Black Pori Kari, Hot Butter Devil Shrimps and their paper-thin pancakes, also known as hopper or egg-hopper. This restaurant also serves you with Indian cuisine with Sri-Lankan mixes. It brings you a small part of Asia’s culinary styles.
- Special dish – Hopper pancakes
- Unique features – Proceeds from the restaurant goes to an NGO called The Foundation of Goodness (FoG) which is based in Sri Lanka
- Location – 49 Frith St, Soho, London W1D 4SG, United Kingdom
- Transport – Tottenham Court Road subway station
- Nearby attractions – The British Museum, Dominion Theatre
- Opening hours – Monday – Thursday 12 pm to 2.30 pm, 5.30 pm to 10.30 pm, Friday – Saturday 12 pm to 10.30
