Let’s clear something up right away. The idea that London is all about overcooked roast dinners and bland food is deader than disco. The truth is, this city is a foodie’s paradise on overdrive.
It’s a thrilling mash-up where centuries-old pubs sit next to modern temples of flavor from every corner of the globe. You could eat somewhere new every day for a year and barely scratch the surface.
So how do you find the real standouts in a city this deliciously overwhelming? You start here.
We’ve handpicked places that deliver more than just a meal—they offer an experience, a story, and a flavor you won’t forget. This is your guide to the absolute best restaurants in London.
1. Dishoom
No list could possibly start anywhere else. Dishoom isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a love letter to the old Irani cafes of Bombay, and London is head over heels for it.
From the moment you smell the warming spices and hear the bustle, you’re transported. Their breakfast naan rolls are legendary, and their black daal is simmered for over 24 hours.
Be prepared to queue, but it moves fast and the vibe is electric. Whether you’re in Covent Garden or King’s Cross, the experience is consistently joyful, welcoming, and packed with flavor. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser and a must visit restaurant in London for a reason.
2. The River Café
A true London institution. For over 30 years, this riverside spot in Hammersmith has set the gold standard for beautiful, simple Italian cuisine. The light-filled space, with its open kitchen and views of the Thames, feels like a special occasion the moment you walk in.
The menu changes daily based on what’s pristine at the market. Think handmade pasta, grilled fish, and vegetables treated with reverence.
It’s a splurge, but for a meal that is both refined and profoundly soul-satisfying, The River Café remains in a class of its own. It’s a benchmark for fine dining in London.
3. Bao
What started as a brilliant street food stall is now a mini-empire, and for good reason. Bao specializes in Taiwanese gua bao—fluffy, steamed buns cradling incredible fillings like classic braised pork, fried chicken, or a brilliant confit mushroom for vegetarians.
The smaller plates, like the trotter nuggets or the scallop with yellow bean oil, are just as creative. The restaurants in Soho, Fitzrovia, and Borough are sleek, buzzy, and always busy.
It’s affordable, inventive, and delivers a massive punch of flavor. For a modern, fun, and utterly delicious meal, Bao is a top London restaurant choice.
4. Rochelle Canteen
Hidden away in the old bike sheds of a Victorian school in Shoreditch, Rochelle Canteen is one of the city’s best-kept secrets.
You ring a bell on a plain gate to get in. What you find is a magical, secluded garden and a dining room serving some of the most straightforward, excellent food in the city.
The menu is short, seasonal, and British to its core. Think a perfect leek vinaigrette, a sublime fish pie, or the most tender roast chicken. It’s unpretentious, focused, and has a calm, insider vibe you won’t find on a busy high street. For a uniquely peaceful and delicious lunch, it’s a gem.
5. Gymkhana
Step into the world of colonial Indian sports clubs, reimagined with incredible style and flavor. Gymkhana, in Mayfair, has earned its stellar reputation. The decor is all dark wood and ceiling fans, but the food is vibrant and alive.
Their game dishes, like the kid goat methi keema, are famous, but the vegetarian thali is equally stunning. The spices are complex but balanced, and every dish tells a story.
It’s an immersive experience that feels both nostalgic and thrillingly modern. For elevated Indian cuisine, this is a premier London dining destination.
6. Padella
The home of London’s most famous pasta queue. Located right by Borough Market, Padella serves exceptional, freshly made pasta at shockingly good prices. Watching the chefs roll and cut the pasta in the open kitchen is part of the fun.
The pici cacio e pepe is a creamy, peppery dream, and the tagliarini with nduja is fiercely good. They don’t take reservations, so go at an off-peak time or embrace the wait—it’s a London ritual for a reason. For incredible value and pasta purity, this is a best place to eat in London.
7. The Palomar
Bringing the vibrant flavors of modern Jerusalem to Soho, The Palomar is a high-energy, delicious party. Sit at the counter and watch the chefs perform magic with a wood-fired oven and a plancha. The kubaneh bread with tomato dip is a must-start.
Their signature polenta and shakshukit are dishes you’ll crave later. The atmosphere is loud, friendly, and utterly contagious. It’s not a quiet dinner; it’s a celebration on a plate. For a shot of Middle Eastern joy, The Palomar is a standout London restaurant.
8. Quilon
This Michelin-starred restaurant in Westminster offers a refined take on coastal South Indian cuisine. The focus here is on sustainable seafood and delicate, intricate spicing rather than heavy sauces. The air is fragrant with curry leaves, mustard seeds, and coconut.
Their tasting menu is a fantastic journey through the region’s flavors. The setting is elegant and calm, providing a sophisticated contrast to the bustling curry houses of Brick Lane. For a special meal that explores the nuanced side of Indian cooking, Quilon is exceptional.
9. Kiln
Tucked away in Soho, Kiln is a no-reservations spot that cooks over open charcoal and clay pots, inspired by the food of Northern Thailand and the Burmese border. The space is narrow and you’ll likely share a table, but that’s part of the charm.
Their clay pot baked glass noodles with crab and brown meat are legendary.
The grilled meats and sour soups are packed with smoky, sour, and spicy flavors. It’s rustic, fiery, and incredibly authentic. For adventurous eaters, Kiln is a must-try place to visit in London.
10. The Wolseley
For the full, grand London experience, you must breakfast at The Wolseley. Housed in a stunning former car showroom on Piccadilly, this European grand café is all soaring columns, black marble, and waiters in white jackets. The hum of conversation is pure theater.
Order the eggs Benedict, the French toast, or a simple pastry with excellent coffee. It’s not cheap, but you’re paying for the atmosphere, the flawless service, and the chance to feel, for an hour, like you’re at the center of the world. It’s a classic London must-do.
11. Bubala
This Spitalfields favorite has completely rewritten the rulebook for vegetarian dining in the city. Bubala (Yiddish for ‘darling’) serves vibrant, shareable Middle Eastern plates that are so good nobody misses the meat. Their halloumi with black seed honey is a modern classic.
The fried aubergine with zhoug and date syrup is pure genius. The space is bright and stylish, and the flavors are bold, fresh, and exciting. It proves that plant-based food can be the star of the show, making it one of the best restaurants to visit in London for everyone.
12. Lyle’s
Located in a light-filled, minimalist space in Shoreditch’s Tea Building, Lyle’s is the epitome of modern British cooking. The set lunch menu is one of the city’s great bargains, offering inventive, ingredient-driven dishes that showcase the best of the UK’s producers.
Dinner is a more extensive tasting menu. The style is clean, precise, and lets the quality of each element shine. It’s intelligent food without a shred of pretension. For a taste of where London’s food scene is heading, Lyle’s is essential.
13. Brat
Inspired by the Basque country’s love of fire, Brat in Shoreditch cooks almost everything over wood. The star is the whole turbot, simply grilled to smoky, flaky perfection. But everything from the smoky tomatoes to the charred leeks is a revelation.
The room is always buzzing, with the scent of the grill hanging in the air. It’s elemental cooking at its very best—simple in concept but extraordinary in execution. For a celebratory, flavor-packed meal, Brat is a shining star.
14. Dishoom (Breakfast Edition)
Yes, Dishoom makes the list twice, because their breakfast service is a completely different and equally unmissable experience. Skip the hotel buffet and dive into their Bacon Naan Roll (with a vegan alternative available) or the legendary Kejriwal (eggs on chili cheese toast).
Washed down with a spicy chai, it’s the most energizing and delicious start to a London day imaginable. It’s a unique culinary ritual and arguably one of the top things to do in London for your taste buds.
15. The Barbary
From the team behind Palomar, The Barbary in Neal’s Yard is a tiny, tavern-like spot inspired by the food of the Barbary Coast.
Sitting at the horseshoe-shaped counter, you watch the chefs work over a small, open kitchen. The hash cake and the octopus mashawsha are unforgettable.
It’s intimate, theatrical, and the flavors are incredibly vivid. Getting a seat feels like winning a prize. For a cozy, immersive, and deeply flavorful experience, this spot is pure magic.
16. Koya
For the most soul-warming, umami-rich bowl in the city, head to Koya. This Soho institution specializes in udon noodles, both in hot broths and served cold with a dipping sauce. The noodles are freshly made each day, with a perfect, chewy bounce.
The simple bukkake udon or the tempura udon are classics for a reason. It’s minimalist, focused, and deeply satisfying. On a drizzly London day, there’s honestly no better restaurant in London to find comfort.
Conclusion
London’s food scene is a living, breathing story of tradition and wild innovation. It’s about finding that perfect corner pub, that tiny counter serving life-changing noodles, and that sparkling room where a meal becomes a memory.
Your table is booked. All you have to do is show up. Use this list of the best restaurants to visit in London as your map, follow your curiosity down a side street, and get ready to eat the most exciting city in the world. Dig in.