Eat your way through the top restaurants in London! 💂
Once known mostly for its pub classics and Sunday roasts, London now stands as a global dining capital, home to over 70 Michelin-starred restaurants, thriving street markets, and local gems sure to satisfy your belly. In our guide to the best places to eat in London, England, we’ll explore the city’s most exciting restaurants, plus nearby landmarks, tips, and experiences that make every meal an adventure.
Klook Tip: Public WiFi can get spotty when you’re out, so an eSIM UK is worth considering if you want reliable connection on the move. Simply install it on your phone via QR code, without any need to swap out your physical SIM card!
💎 Fine dining in London
1. Restaurant Gordon Ramsay (Chelsea)
Ravioli dish at the Restaurant Gordon Ramsay, Photo Credit: Wikipedia Commons
Located on Royal Hospital Road in leafy Chelsea, this legendary three-Michelin-star restaurant is an institution for fine dining in London. You’ll find beautifully plated dishes like the signature lobster ravioli and iconic roasted lamb.
After lunch or dinner, you can check out the Saatchi Gallery (a 13-minute walk away, or a 2-minute drive) or take a relaxing walk along the Chelsea Embankment (just 3 minutes away on foot!) for views of the Thames River. If you’re looking to explore West London, this is a great route to take.
Klook Tip: London’s transport network makes it easy to plan your foodie adventure. Most of these restaurants are close to Underground stations like Covent Garden (Piccadilly Line), Green Park (Victoria Line), or London Bridge (Northern Line). You can hop from meal to meal with minimal fuss, and even squeeze in a Thames cruise, walking tour, or theatre show in between!
2. Bustronome London
Enjoy a gourmet meal while sightseeing around London city center
Technically not a restaurant, but a fine dining experience all the same, the Bustronome London is a sightseeing experience you wouldn’t want to miss.
This luxurious glass-roofed bus takes you on a scenic route through the city while serving amulti-course gourmet meal, right as landmarks like Big Ben, Tower Bridge, and St. Paul’s Cathedral pass by your window.
You can choose between a four-course lunch or a six-course dinner, both beautifully presented and paired with wine. The menu includes roasted aubergine salad, pan-seared salmon, rack of lamb, and dessert.
3. Ikoyi (St. James’s)
Buttermilk Plantain and Smoked Scotch Bonnet, which has over 36 ingredients, Photo Credit: Lou Stejskal on Flickr
Just a 10-minute ride from Trafalgar Square, Ikoyi is a Michelin-starred restaurant that offers a bold twist on West African flavors. The menu changes with the seasons, using fresh British ingredients in creative ways.
Don’t miss their famous smoked jollof rice; it’s rich, smoky, and packed with flavor. The fried plantain is another must-try, with just the right balance of sweet and savory. Ikoyi’s elegant, modern space makes it perfect for a special night out. The service is top-notch, and each dish is beautifully presented like a work of art!
4. Dinner by Heston Blumenthal (Knightsbridge)
Unique dishes await you at Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, Photo Credit: Wikipedia Commons
Inside the luxurious Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, Dinner by Heston Blumenthal reinvents historical British recipes for the modern palate. This two-Michelin-starred restaurant brings one of the most famous dishes, the Meat Fruit. It looks exactly like a mandarin orange, but it’s actually a smooth and rich chicken liver parfait!
The restaurant’s stylish interior and views of Hyde Park add to the upscale atmosphere, making it a great choice for a special occasion. Every dish comes with a story, inspired by British culinary history from as far back as the 1300s!
5. Brooklands by Claude Bosi (Hyde Park Corner)
The Peninsula London is a 5-star hotel known for its prime location and gorgeous restaurant
On the top floor of The Peninsula London, Brooklands offers a stunning fine dining experience with unbeatable views of Hyde Park. The menu celebrates the best of British cuisine, with standout dishes like native lobster salad and perfectly roasted veal sweetbreads.
The restaurant’s design is just as impressive as the food. Inspired by British engineering and motorsports, the space is sleek and sophisticated, with panoramic windows that overlook Hyde Park and the London skyline.
6. Galvin La Chapelle (Spitalfields)
Saddle of Denham estate venison with braised red cabbage and blackcurrant sauce, Photo Credit: Wikipedia Commons
Inside a restored Victorian chapel in Spitalfields, Galvin La Chapelle is one of the best restaurants in London, England, and the picture of romantic dining. The menu features both French and British dishes like slow-cooked duck, rich beef bourguignon, and irresistible tarte Tatin.
You can pair your meal with a sunset Thames River Cruise, a 30-minute train ride away for stunning riverside views and an unforgettable evening in East London.
7. The Dover (Mayfair)
Central Mayfair taken from the Mayfair House, Photo Credit: Wikipedia Commons
A new star in the Mayfair dining scene, The Dover offers contemporary European cuisine in an intimate townhouse setting. Enjoy refined dishes like seabass carpaccio and duck breast with cherry glaze.
Mayfair is also a shopper’s paradise. You can do a quick visit to Bond Street or the Royal Academy of Arts. Afterward, hop aboard the London Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour to explore nearby highlights like Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament at your own pace.
🍽️ Popular local spots
8. Dishoom (Covent Garden)
The Big Bombay, an Indian twist to the classic English breakfast, Photo Credit: Wally Gobetz
No list of the top restaurants in London, England, would be complete without Dishoom. Inspired by Bombay’s old Irani cafés, Dishoom Covent Garden serves soulful Indian comfort food.
Lots of people rave about the black daal, it’s slow-cooked for over a day and tastes creamy and rich. Their bacon naan roll is a must for breakfast, and the chicken ruby curry is packed with spice and super satisfying. Even the sides and chai are worth talking about.
Located a 5-minute walk away from Covent Garden Market, it’s the perfect pre-theater dinner spot before catching a show in the West End (which is just a 1-minute walk away).
9. Barrafina (Soho)
Barrafino’s cozy teal exterior
Tapas lovers, this one’s for you! Barrafina along Dean Street in Soho offers authentic Spanish small plates made for sharing. The vibe is lively and fun, with an open kitchen and counter seating that puts you right in the middle of the action.
You’ll find classics like pan con tomate, grilled prawns, and crispy croquetas (all made with super fresh ingredients!). The tortillas are legendary too, it’s soft, runny, and totally delicious. Barrafina doesn’t take reservations, so be ready to wait a bit. But trust us, it’s worth it!After dinner, you can take a walk down Carnaby Street or enjoy the nightlife in Soho Square. Want to discover more amazing places to eat nearby? Join a Soho food tour and explore hidden gems, local favorites, and sweet treats you might have missed on your own.
10. The Wolseley (Piccadilly)
Enjoy authentic British high tea, Photo Credit: Liana Dangerfield on Flickr
An elegant café-restaurant on Piccadilly and one of the top restaurants in London, The Wolseley channels the glamour of 1920s Europe.
The menu is a mix of British and European favorites. You can order everything from eggs Benedict to schnitzel, and the food is always high quality. Their afternoon tea is a big hit too, with warm scones, finger sandwiches, and delicate pastries served on silver trays.
If you want to explore the area, you’re just a 2-minute walk away from Green Park and The Ritz London, perfect for a relaxed afternoon out.
11. Hawksmoor Seven Dials (Covent Garden)
Hawksmoor is a popular chain restaurant serving steak, seafood, and cocktails, Photo Credit: Wikipedia Commons
If you’re into steak, Hawksmoor Seven Dials is a must. This place is known for serving some of the best steak in London, and it totally lives up to the hype.
They use grass-fed British beef, juicy, tender, and full of flavor. The triple-cooked chips are crispy on the outside and fluffy inside, and the sticky toffee pudding? It’s rich, gooey, and worth saving room for.
The restaurant sits just off Seven Dials, surrounded by boutiques and theaters.
12. Flat Iron (Multiple Locations)
The exterior of Flat Iron’s Kensington branch in London, Photo Credit: Wikipedia Commons
If you want great steak without breaking the bank, Flat Iron is the spot. It’s one of those London restaurants everyone’s always talking about, and for good reason.
Their signature flat iron steak is tender, juicy, and cooked just right. It comes with a simple green salad, and you can add tasty sides like dripping-cooked chips or creamed spinach. The best part? The prices are super affordable for the quality you get.
Flat Iron doesn’t take reservations, so there might be a bit of a wait. But it moves fast, and they sometimes offer free popcorn or samples while you wait.
FAQs about top restaurants in London
What is the must-eat food in London?
Fish and chips is a classic you’ve got to try. It’s crispy, comforting, and a local favorite. Other must-eats include a full English breakfast, Sunday roast, and anything from London’s amazing Indian food scene.
What are the best areas to eat in London?
Some of the top foodie spots include Soho for trendy restaurants and international eats, Borough Market for fresh street food, and Shoreditch for cool, creative dining. Covent Garden and Mayfair also have great options for everything from casual bites to upscale meals.
What to eat in London for the first time?
Start with fish and chips or a hearty Sunday roast to get a true British taste. Don’t miss out on afternoon tea, and definitely try a curry. London's Indian food is some of the best outside of India.
What is Kate Middleton's favorite restaurant in London?
Kate Middleton is said to enjoy dining at Bluebird in Chelsea, a stylish and relaxed spot with British-European fare. She’s also been spotted at Clos Maggiore, a romantic Covent Garden restaurant known for its dreamy atmosphere.
What is the etiquette for eating in London?
In London, it’s polite to keep your elbows off the table and wait until everyone is served before eating. Tipping around 10–12.5% is standard at restaurants if service isn’t already included. And yes, locals do love to queue, so waiting your turn is a big deal!
Your London food adventure starts here🍴
Great meals and great memories go hand in hand, and in London, you’ll find both around every corner. Use this list of the best places to eat in London, England as your foodie guide to the city. If you're into fancy tasting menus or casual bites, there's always something delicious waiting. Your next favorite meal might just be steps away from a must-see sight. 😉
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