As a melting pot of people, ideas and cuisines for centuries, London is rightfully considered as a foodies paradise. There are enough culinary options around the city to confuse even the most seasoned gourmand. That’s why we’ve prepared a list with the 30 best restaurants in London, complete with menu recommendations and practical information. What are you waiting for? Dive in!
Camberwell Arms
One word many people use to describe Camberwell Arms is “cosy.” This rustic pub near Brunswick Park is a superb choice for people looking for comfort food in a casual atmosphere. Chefs working at Camberwell Arms take great pride in their high-quality produce and inventive menu options such as roast pumpkin with baked beans & shallots and confit sea trout with purple sprouting broccoli. Be sure to check Camberwell Arms’ schedule beforehand to see if this restaurant will be hosting a comedy show during your visit.
- Price Range: ££
- Cuisine: Pub, Comfort Food, British
- Area: Camberwell
- Address: 65 Camberwell Church St, London SE5 8TR
- Menu & Bookings
- Find it on the map
Palomar
Palomar is one of the most exciting restaurants in London, located just a few blocks from Piccadilly Circus. It’s one of the few restaurants in which finding a seat at the bar is preferable if you want to take part in the fun atmosphere that the staff creates. Apart from the few drinks, you should definitely have, the busy chefs behind the counter are responsible for some of the best food you’ll eat in London. Start with some savoury kubaneh bread, before diving into the beetroot carpaccio, the octo-hummus (octopus and hummus) and of course, the notorious “Jerusalem Mix”. Booking ahead of time is not an option, as the place does get crammed fast.
- Price range: ££
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern, Fusion, Israeli
- Area: Soho
- Address: 34 Rupert St, London W1D 6DN, UK
- Website
- Find it on the map
Kiln
- Price range: ££
- Cuisine: Thai, Noodles, Grill
- Area: Soho
- Address: 58 Brewer St, Soho, London W1F 9TL, UK
- Reservations
- Find it on the map
Kiln is one of the few great quality Thai restaurants in central London. The place takes its name from “kiln,” the oven used to heat pottery or cooking utensils. That’s right: no electricity or gas are used whatsoever in the cooking process! You can even watch the chefs work their magic in the open kitchen. The food is fantastic, with the Burmese curry, lamb skewers and smoked sausage stealing the show. Prepare for long waiting lines if you haven’t booked.
Barrafina
As far as London classics go, Barrafina can easily be induced in the Hall of Fame. Loved by locals and those in the know, this small Spanish restaurant prepares some of the best tapas you’ll eat, period. The joint is quite compact, and you’ll have to sit side by side, so it’s recommended not to go with a large group of friends. The selection is vast, but thankfully, your server will be there to guide you. As far as we are concerned, the carabinero, razor clams, tortilla and lemon sole are the tapas you absolutely have to try while you are there. It goes without saying you should book in advance.
- Price range: £££
- Cuisine: Spanish, Tapas
- Area: Multiple
- Website
- Find all locations on the map.
Tbilisi
Tbilisi is one of the oldest Georgian restaurants in London and still holds up for a very good reason. A hidden gem at the heart of Islington, this laid-back modern Georgian restaurant will immediately win you over with its elegant design and original take on classic Georgian recipes. Try the khachapuri (flatbread filled with feta cheese) and khinkali (traditional Georgian dumplings) and don’t forget to pair your dish with one of the fantastic regional wines.
- Price range: ££
- Cuisine: Georgian, Ethnic
- Area: Islington
- Address: 91 Holloway Rd, London N7 8LT, UK
- Menu
- Find it on the map
Bone Daddies
Bone Daddies is one of London’s first hipster ramen bars, with a unique take on Japanese cuisine and music. Even if you are not the biggest fan of Japanese food, you have to try their duck ramen or chicken wings. Bone Daddies first started in Soho but has quickly expanded to many other locations in London. Do not attempt to visit without a prior booking, especially in the more central parts. You can find a full map with all the locations below.
- Price range: ££
- Cuisine: Ramen, Vegan
- Area: Multiple
- Website
Padella
The Borough Market, where Padella is located, has its fair share of choices when it comes to cheap eats. However, few restaurants can nail the combination of affordability, taste and functional design. Padella manages to get top marks in all areas with its homemade fresh pasta and slow-cooked Italian meats. There are usually very long lines at the entrance, so don’t attempt to visit unless you have some time to spare. Unfortunately, there is no booking system available, as the restaurant operates on a “first-come, first-served” basis. Try the beef carpaccio, the famous “pici” and the beef ragu pappardelle.
- Price range: £
- Cuisine: Italian, Mediterranean
- Area: London Bridge
- Address: 6 Southwark St, London SE1 1TQ, UK
- Menu
- Find it on the map
Xi An Impression
Xi An Impression is a no-frills family restaurant near the Emirates stadium that serves authentic food from the Xi’an region of Northern China. There are only about a dozen seats in this tiny eatery which makes up in character what it lacks in size. The staff are incredibly friendly, and the dishes are perfect for giving you a glimpse of what real Chinese food is about. Although Highbury might seem a bit far, the ginger chicken and biang biang noodles alone are worth it!
- Price range: £
- Cuisine: Chinese
- Area: Highbury
- Address: 117 Benwell Rd, London N7 7BW, UK
- Website
- Find it on the map
Paesan
As you have probably guessed, Paesan is all about Italian cuisine. There are currently two locations in London (one in Exmouth Market and one at Crouch End). The philosophy of Paesan is simple: delicacies and antipasti coming from all parts of Italy, served in small plates. Try the fritto misto and the hand-cut pappardelle with ragu if you are starving!
- Price range: ££
- Cuisine: Italian, Pasta
- Area: Clerkenwell/Farringdon
- Website
- Find all locations on the map.
Dishoom
If you don’t mind long waiting times and want to try some of the best Indian food in London, Dishoom is the perfect place for you. Initially opened in Covent Garden in 2010, Dishoom created a sensation with its groundbreaking design and fusion cuisine. Dishoom elevates Indian cuisine classics to new levels with its amazing lamb chops, prawn koliwada and chicken ruby curry. Thankfully, you can grab a stand at the bar as you’re waiting to be seated, so be sure to try one of their house cocktails while you are at it!
- Price range: ££
- Cuisine: Indian
- Website/Locations
The Wolseley
The Wolseley is a classic fancy London eatery, covering everything from daily breakfast to late night cocktails. Located at the heart of the affluent Mayfair neighbourhood, it surely has the decoration to match with its high ceilings, marble pillars and towering arches. Visit during breakfast hours for the best eggs benedict in London and top off your lunch with some traditional English scones and tea. Note that reservations are required, so use the link to their website above if you want to book.
- Price range: £££
- Cuisine: European, Brunch, Afternoon Tea, Vegetarian
- Area: Mayfair
- Address: 160 Piccadilly, St. James’s, London W1J 9EB, UK
- Menus
- Find it on the map
Oi Vita Pizzeria
If you’re searching for authentic Italian pizza in London, look no further than Oi Vita in Stoke Newington. At first sight, this small pizza joint will not tell you much, but it’s what’s baking in the wood oven that counts! The pizzas prepared by Nicola Apicella and Matteo Speziale follow the Neapolitan pizza tradition to the letter. The secret? Thin sourdough with a crispy crust, topped with fresh regional ingredients. Try the nduja and Siciliana, as well as the mouthwatering bocconcini filled with Nutella.
- Price range: £
- Cuisine: Italian, Pasta, Pizza
- Area: Stoke Newington
- Address: 67 Newington Green Rd, Mildmay Ward, London N1 4QU, UK
- Find it on the map
The Albion
The Albion is country gastropub which makes a perfect destination for those (rare) sunny days in London. Especially in the weekends, don’t expect to find a spot unless you have made a reservation. The beef and chicken roasts are great; however, do not try to experiment with the more elaborate dishes. Just keep it simple and enjoy your day!
- Price range: ££
- Cuisine: British, Roast, Comfort Food
- Area: Islington
- Address: 10 Thornhill Rd, Islington, London N1 1HW, UK
- Menu
- Find it on the map
Tramshed
The Tramshed is the brainchild of chef/entrepreneur Mark Hix and specialises in steaks and roast chicken. The restaurant is essentially a transformed tram depot, perfectly conveying the Hackney vibe. As soon as you get over the shock of the huge stuffed cow preserved in formaldehyde in the middle of the room, you’ll find yourself weirdly comfortable in this space. Do not expect anything fancy or elaborate in this restaurant and stick to the basics. And do not look the cow directly in the eye. Just don’t.
- Price range: £££
- Cuisine: Chicken, Steak, Grill
- Area: Shoreditch
- Address: 32 Rivington St, Hackney, London EC2A 3LX, UK
- Menu
- Find it on the map
Lotus Chinese Floating Restaurant
Floating on the eastern side of Millwall Dock, the Lotus Chinese Restaurant is not only an idyllic dining spot, but it also has the dishes to match. Due to its location near Canary Wharf, the restaurant is frequented by nearby corporate workers during the weekdays. Apart from some obligatory “weird” items (such as fish lips and duck’s feet), do not expect any surprises on the menu. One thing this restaurant is rightly famous for, however, are the dim sum dishes (especially with seafood). Worth a visit for that alone!
- Price range: £££
- Cuisine: Cantonese, Dim Sum, Sichuan
- Area: Canary Wharf
- Address: Inner Millwall Dock, 9 Oakland Quay, Isle of Dogs, London E14 9EA, UK
- Website
- Find it on the map
Stick n Sushi
Stick n Sushi are a Danish-based chain that quickly won over the hearts of Londoners with their slick restaurants and eclectic taste. They now count six restaurants all over the city (Covent Garden, Canary Wharf, Chelsea, Greenwich and Wimbledon). The “uber-chic” Danish brand is all about attention to detail: from their stylish menu (which you can check out above) to their customer service. Thankfully, their food is as good as it looks! Dishes like the marinated black cod skewer and the yakitori steal the show, while the sushi selection is large enough to keep you coming back for more!
- Price range: £££
- Cuisine: Japanese, Fusion, Sushi
- Menu
- Find all locations on the map.
Black Bear Burger
Black Bear is a proto-hipster burger joint that became extremely popular in the local community for its sustainable policies. The aged beef meat they use comes from vetted organic farms, and the buns are procured from a local Greenwich bakery. There are currently two Black Bear restaurants in London, at Boxpark Shoreditch and one further east in Canary Wharf. Whichever you choose, the memory of these beefy, juicy burgers will haunt you forever. Make sure to follow their #FoodPorn material Instagram account!
- Price range: £
- Cuisine: Burgers
- Area: Shoreditch
- Address: Boxpark Shoreditch, 10 Bethnal Green Rd, London E1 6GY, United Kingdom
- Menu
Afghan Kitchen
Afghan Kitchen is a cosy, family-run Afghan restaurant opposite Islington Green. This minimalist joint serves hearty portions of home-cooked Afghan food, which you can enjoy in one of the shared tables, provided you have booked in advance. Try the chicken in yoghurt or the fish stew and don’t forget to bring cash!
- Price range: £
- Cuisine: Afghan
- Area: Angel
- Address: 35 Islington Green, The Angel, London N1 8DU, UK
- Bookings: +44 20 7359 8019
- Find it on the map
B&H Garden Room
Offering panoramic views of central London, you would expect this restaurant by Bourne & Hollingsworth Group would be shockingly expensive. However, prices are only above-average, making the Garden Room a perfect place for a Sunday brunch or a romantic dinner. Dishes like the duck confit with potato and cod with braised lentils are worthy of your attention. It would be wise to book before you visit, especially on weekends.
- Price range: £££
- Cuisine: Modern, Brunch, Breakfast
- Area: Charing Cross
- Address: 10th floor, above Assembly Hotel, 31 Charing Cross Rd, London WC2H 0LS.
- Menu & Bookings
- Find it on the map
Slaw
Slaw is a vegan restaurant in Islington, committed to creating dishes that satisfy both your palate and inner environmentalist. Their mentality is as bare bones as possible, with only a handful of dishes made out of responsibly sourced ingredients. Even though the food is strictly vegan, you will find that it’s surprisingly filling too. Try the butternut squash with kale curry, as well as the purple beetroot dahl with cucumber raita.
- Price range: £
- Cuisine: Vegan
- Area: Islington
- Address: 149 Upper St, Islington, London N1 1RA, UK
- Menu & Bookings
- Find it on the map
The Lighterman
The Lighterman is a tastefully designed modern British pub, located right next to the Regent’s Canal. The outdoor seating makes it a perfect choice for pleasant summer days, although it tends to get crowded. Food-wise, expect British classics, such as scotch eggs, fish & chips and burgers. Great for a weekend out with friends. Just don’t forget to book in advance to avoid disappointment, especially during the summer months.
- Price range: ££
- Cuisine: British, Burgers, Fish and Chips
- Area: King’s Cross
- Address: 3 Granary Square, Kings Cross, London N1C 4BH, UK
- Menu & Bookings
- Find it on the map
Caravan
Caravan is a London brunch classic that started in Exmouth Market and quickly caught on. With five locations all over the city, Caravan remains the city’s best-kept secret for high-quality coffee and brunch. Perfect choice for a lazy weekend with friends, but it would be wise to book ahead of time to avoid long waiting lines.
- Price range: £
- Cuisine: Brunch
- Areas: King’s Cross, Exmouth Market, Bankside, City, Fitzrovia
- Website
- Find all locations on the map.
Granger & Co
Granger & Co is an Australian brand with four restaurants in London, featuring delicacies from the land down under. Known for its stylish decor, Granger & Co has everything you’d find in an Australian cafe, from shrimpburgers to ricotta hotcakes. Like with most London venues, booking ahead of time will save you from frustration.
- Price range: ££
- Cuisine: Australian
- Area: Chelsea, Clerkenwell, King’s Cross, Notting Hill
- Website
- Find all locations on the map.
Picture
Initially opened in Fitzrovia by a group of seasoned restaurateurs (Alan Christie, Colin Kelly and Tom Slegg), Picture is a local classic. Its sister restaurant is only a few blocks away and offers the same small-plate menu and low prices combination that made it a favourite among Londoners. The beef fillet, lamb bites and smoked haddock brandade come as highly recommended for sharing among your group.
- Price range: ££
- Cuisine: British, Tapas
- Area: Fitzrovia, Marleybone
- Website
- Find all locations on the map.
Lahore Kebab House
Established in 1972, the Lahore Kebab House is one of London’s oldest and most respected Pakistani eateries. Guests adore this restaurant’s authentic curries, kebabs, and biryani dishes as well as its affordable prices. Almost all of the dishes at Lahore Kebab House are only £0.90 each, which makes this a great place for large groups on the hunt for cheap grub. Please keep in mind this restaurant doesn’t serve alcoholic beverages, but you could BYOB.
- Price range: £
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern, Pakistani
- Area: Whitechapel
- Address: 2-10 Umberston Street, Whitechapel, London E1 1PY, UK
- Website
- Find it on the map
Hawksmoor
Founded by two East London chefs in the early 2000s, Hawksmoor is one of London’s most elegant steakhouse chains. Anyone planning on trying Hawksmoor’s legendary cuts should visit with a big appetite because steak portion sizes are incredibly generous. Although steak is Hawksmoor’s main attraction, this restaurant also has an extensive cocktail menu and seafood options like grilled monkfish and lobster with garlic butter sauce. Keep in mind these restaurants can get pretty busy, especially after the West End theatre crowd gets out. The original Hawksmoor is in Spitalfields, but you’ll also find restaurant locations near the following Tube stations: Knightsbridge, Moorgate, Covent Garden, London Bridge, and Piccadilly Circus.
- Price range: £££
- Cuisine: Steakhouse, Seafood
- Area: Multiple
- Website
- Find it on the map
Ledbury
For a romantic dinner, you’ll never forget, you can’t go wrong with reserving a table at Ledbury. Created by two Michelin-starred chef Brett Graham, Notting Hill’s Ledbury is often listed as one of the best exceptional dining experiences in the British capital. Chef Graham is best known for his dedication to fresh, seasonal cuisine with a focus on wild game. A few of the more inventive menu options on Ledbury’s set menu include white beetroot with smoked eel & caviar salt and Chantilly of oyster with frozen wasabi. Yeah, when you see something like “caviar salt” on the menu, you’d better expect to pay top dollar. Be sure you book your reservation at Ledbury’s well in advance because this restaurant almost always fills.
- Price range: ££££
- Cuisine: European, Fine Dining
- Area: Notting Hill
- Address: 127 Ledbury Road, Notting Hill, London, W11 2AQ
- Website
- Find it on the map
Morley’s
Grabbing a box of fried chicken from Morley’s is one of London’s great “guilty pleasures.” This fast-food chain has been serving up its golden fried chicken to delighted patrons since 1985. Besides the famed fried chicken, Morley’s also cooks up finger-licking good ribs, a triple burger, and a few chicken sandwiches. Don’t tell your cardiologist about this one! You’ll find most of Morley’s roughly 20 locations mostly in South London.
- Price range: £
- Cuisine: Fried Chicken, Sandwiches, Ribs, Burgers
- Area: Multiple
- Address: Multiple
- Website
- Find all locations on the map.
Smokehouse
The Smokehouse in Islington is a relatively new restaurant that focuses on all things BBQ. If it’s grilled or smoked, you’ll most likely find it on the Smokehouse’s eclectic menu. A few tantalising items you could choose from here include Korean pulled pork, pan-fried cod with ‘nduja and coriander yoghurt, and a leg of lamb with anchovies and purple broccoli. The Smokehouse also has its wine garden as well as a beautifully maintained outdoor eating area. Seriously consider visiting this restaurant on a rare sunny day.
- Price range: £££
- Cuisine: BBQ, Grilled, International
- Area: Islington
- Address: 63-69 Canonbury Rd, Islington, London N1 2DG, UK
- Website
- Find it on the map
Basement Gallery
You’ve spent many mornings and evenings in the London underground. Now, it is time to dine in it! Basement Gallery is a popular London pop-up restaurant, operating in a 1960s decommissioned tube carriage. It’s a bit far from central London, but the food is well worth the 30-min journey. Although the novelty value wears off fairly quickly, the plates are excellent and ultimately justify the slightly jacked up prices. Do not expect a traditional restaurant experience, since you’ll probably end up dining in a social table with other patrons. You can book a VIP booth though if you want privacy.
- Price range: £££
- Cuisine: European, Fine Dining
- Area: Walthamstow
- Address: S Access Rd, Walthamstow, London E17 8AX, UK
- Website
- Find it on the map
Store your luggage in London with Stasher
Bear in mind that almost all of the restaurants listed above have quite long waiting for lines and often operate in small spaces. Therefore, it would be a good idea to store larger bags in one of our London StashPoints to enjoy the best restaurants in the city without having to worry about your stuff. Carry less, eat more!
Best restaurants in London by area
Searching for places to eat in London’s most popular areas? Check out our in-depth guides below:
- Stasher’s Guide to the Best Bottomless Brunch in London
- Places to Eat in London: 10 Best Italian Restaurants in London
- Places to Eat in London: 17 Best London Bridge Restaurants
- Places to Eat in London: 17 Best King’s Cross Restaurants
Our London guides
Need more help navigating the streets of London? Here are some more of our detailed guides!
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Hi! I am George and I am the Content Lead for Stasher.com. I love travel, writing, making music and meeting new and interesting people.