London is a gastronomic paradise, boasting a vibrant culinary scene that caters to all tastes and preferences.
From international cuisine to innovative culinary creations, the city offers an array of exceptional dining establishments.
In this guide, we present the 9 best restaurants in London, each offering a unique and unforgettable dining experience.
Indulge in exquisite flavors, impeccable service, and stylish ambiance as we take you on a culinary journey through the gastronomic gems of the city. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds and discover the best of London's dining scene!
The Best Restaurants in London: 9 Top Picks
No matter your budget or taste, you'll find restaurants in London to suit you. The entire city has so many different cuisines and inventive cooking on offer you could eat out every night for weeks and still not get bored.
To help narrow your choices, we've put together a list of the best London restaurants. Get ready for a tasty ride!
1. St John Restaurant in London
The Michelin Star restaurant is famous for offering a nose-to-tail eating experience, so it's the place to be if you like something other than the obvious classics.
The loud, noisy dining room is perfect for a meal with friends or family. The show's real star, however, is the bar downstairs, where you can enjoy some exceptional culinary delights.
Try the cassoulet if you are craving comfort food on a cold evening. An egg mayonnaise sandwich is also an excellent option for a light bite.
Wash it down with a glass of natural wine from the well-stocked bar, and you're in for a real treat.
The roast bone marrow with parsley salad is a particular highlight on the menu. The marrow is cooked to perfection, and the addition of sourdough and parsley makes for a unique and delicious dish.
Website: https://stjohnrestaurant.com/
Address: 26 St John Street, London, EC1M 4AY
2. The Clove Club
Credit: thecloveclub / Instagram
It's a not-to-be-missed spot in the London restaurant scene. This modern British restaurant offers a frequently changing menu of inventive dishes that are too hard to resist. No wonder it has grabbed two Michelin Stars.
From the beautifully presented starters to the perfectly cooked main courses, everything about the restaurant is designed to tantalize your senses. And trust us, the food lives up to the hype.
There are six- and ten-course tasting menus of absolute deliciousness. Plant lovers can enjoy an exclusive vegetarian tasting menu. And the fine wine list pairs up with everything pretty nicely.
Website: https://www.thecloveclub.com/
Address: Shoreditch Town Hall, 380 Old Street, London, EC1V 9LT
3. Caravel Best Restaurant in London
It's not just the food that makes Caravel exceptional–it's the whole experience. The Spiteri brothers (their dad co-founded the Sessions Arts Club, and their mom co-owns the Rochelle Canteen) have created a fun and inviting atmosphere.
The floating restaurant offers seasonal ingredients with an ever-changing menu, but you can't go wrong with guinea fowl skewer or squid salad. The dishes are beautiful to look at and even better to eat, with each flavor complimenting the next.
Go there on a Friday night or weekday to avoid the crowd.
Website: https://www.caravelrestaurant.com/
Address: 172 Shepherdess Walk, London, N1 7JL
4. Native London Restaurant
After cementing their legacy in the Covent Garden and Borough Market, Ivan Tisdall-Downes and Imogen Davis have done it again with their new restaurant, Native. They've taken their inventive zero-waste cooking in a Mayfair townhouse this time.
The menu features inventive takes on traditional dishes, like crab risotto and apple and seaweed sorbet.
You will also love the seasonal small plates, including British produce, fish trim toast, wood pigeon kebab, and other delicacies. Native also has a curated cocktail and wine menu.
Website: https://www.nativerestaurant.co.uk/
Address: Native at Browns, 39 Brook Street, London W1K 4JE
5. Brawn
Brawn is a cozy little restaurant tucked away on the corner of Columbia Road. It's a place you could easily miss if you weren't looking for it, but it's worth seeking out.
The entire menu is designed around heartwarming meals. You can enjoy seasonal food items with delectable small plates and tasty natural wines.
Enjoy radicchio with feta and salted almonds before moving to the mains, including duck legs and gurnard fish.
The food quality is impeccable, which earned them a Bib Gourmand from the Michelin Guide folks.
Whether you're stopping in for a quick bite or spending an evening trying some popular items on the menu, you won't be disappointed with Brawn. This is one of East London's hidden gems.
Website: https://www.brawn.co/
Address: 49 Columbia Road, East London, E2 7RG
6. Dim Sum and Duck
Dim Sum and Duck is here at your service if you want a delicious Cantonese meal. The dumplings are at their finest, and the cheung fun is not to be missed.
But the show's real star is the roast duck—it's absolutely delicious. And wash it all down with a refreshing grapefruit or orange sparkling—you won't be disappointed.
If you are confused with the variations, try the prawn-and-chive dumplings. These are delectable and so beautifully presented that they could easily be mistaken for a work of art.
Be warned! The tiny joint is always packed. You may have to wait for a while before getting a table.
Website: https://dimsum-duck.business.site/?hl=en
Address: 124 King's Cross Road, London, WC1X 9DS
7. The French House
The French House is an amazing place that makes you feel like you've been transported to another time and place.
The moment you step through the upstairs dining room, you're enveloped in the sights, sounds, and smells of a Parisian bistro serving French classics.
The menu is short and changes daily, but each dish is executed with precision and deep respect for the classics.
The deep-fried oysters are savory, the lamb navarin is slow-cooked to perfection, and the madeleines are as light and fluffy as a cloud.
But it's not just the food that makes the restaurant so unique. It's the atmosphere.
It has a relaxed, bohemian vibe that makes you feel like you're in the heart of Montmartre. The staff is friendly and welcoming, making you feel right at home.
Website: http://www.frenchhousesoho.com/
Address: 49 Dean St, Soho, London W1D 5BG
8. Roti King
The eatery is a true hidden gem worth seeking out if you're in the mood for some good food, aka, delicious Malaysian cuisine.
This unassuming basement spot is famous for its buttery roti, perfect for soaking up all the delightful flavors of meat, fish curries, and daal.
The dining room is nothing fancy, but who cares when the food is this good? And the Londoners don't care either. You can tell by looking at the queue out the door.
Order a chocolaty Milo or refreshing iced drink to accompany the spicy curry, and you'll be in Malaysian dining heaven.
Website: https://www.rotiking.com/
Address: 40 Doric Way, London NW1 1LH
9. F.K.A.B.A.M. (Formerly Black Axe Mangal)
Credit: fkablackaxemangal / Instagram
Head chef Lee Tiernan is a master of his craft, so his domination over the city's food scene for over 15 years makes complete sense. His cuisine is inventive and tantalizing, packing serious flavor into every dish.
The flatbreads are a must-try—the squid ink and smoked trout roe combo are heavenly, and the lamb offal is a true delight. The grilled meats are also perfectly cooked, and the seasoning is spot-on.
The only drawback of F.K.A.B.A.M. is that it's only open for lunch and dinner. We would love to see it open for breakfast as well. But even without breakfast, it's an excellent restaurant that we highly recommend.
Website: https://www.blackaxemangal.com/
Address: 156 Canonbury Rd, London N1 2UP
FAQs: Exploring London's Culinary Scene
What is the most popular thing to eat in London?
London is known for its diverse culinary offerings, but one popular dish that stands out is the traditional fish and chips.
This iconic British meal consists of battered and deep-fried fish served with crispy chips (French fries). It's a quintessential dish that can be enjoyed at various fish and chip shops throughout the city.
Which street is famous for food in London?
One of the most famous streets for food in London is Brick Lane.
Located in the vibrant neighborhood of Shoreditch, Brick Lane is renowned for its diverse range of culinary delights, particularly its vibrant curry houses and Indian cuisine.
Exploring Brick Lane offers a delightful journey through the flavors and aromas of international cuisine.
What is a full English breakfast in London?
A full English breakfast is a hearty meal that typically includes fried or scrambled eggs, bacon, sausages, baked beans, grilled tomatoes, mushrooms, and toast.
It's a classic breakfast option in London and is often accompanied by black pudding (a type of blood sausage) and hash browns.
This substantial breakfast will keep you energized for the day ahead.
Do you tip in London?
Tipping in London is customary, but it is not obligatory. In restaurants, it is common to leave a gratuity of around 10-15% of the total bill if you were satisfied with the service. Some restaurants may include a service charge, so it's worth checking the bill. Tipping is also appreciated in bars, cafes, and for services like taxis or hotel staff, but it is ultimately at your discretion based on the quality of service received.
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