Quick answers — eating in London
- Best restaurant overall
- Restaurant Gordon Ramsay
- Best value
- Trullo (£40-£60 / $50-$75)
- Strongest cuisines
- British, Modern European, French, Chinese, Spanish
- Dishes to try
- Fish and Chips, Sunday Roast, Pie and Mash, Scotch Egg
- Booking window
- For three-MICHELIN-starred restaurants, book 2-3 months in advance, especially for weekend dinner slots. Be prepared to provide credit card details to secure the booking, as cancellations often incur a significant fee.
The hardest tables release bookings 1-3 months out, usually at a fixed hour (Core opens slots at 9am, three months ahead; set an alarm). A 12.5% service charge is added automatically almost everywhere — no need to tip on top unless service was exceptional. Dress codes are relaxed by global standards: smart casual passes nearly everywhere except the old-school hotel dining rooms. Lunch tasting menus are consistently 30-50% cheaper than dinner at the same restaurant, and several kitchens (including The Ledbury) offer a shorter set lunch that shows the kitchen's style without the full £200 commitment.
British
Best British restaurants in London
Modern British kitchens cook seasonal produce with French technique — and the best value in the category is very often lunch at a starred pub rather than dinner in town.
Core by Clare Smyth
Three MICHELIN StarsModern British · Notting Hill · £195-£245 / $245-$310
Clare Smyth
Clare Smyth's first solo venture delivers an exceptional Modern British experience, rooted in natural, sustainable ingredients. The sleek, contemporary dining room offers a relaxed yet refined atmosphere. Her cooking is a masterclass in elegant simplicity, transforming humble produce into extraordinary dishes that speak of deep understanding and technical brilliance, celebrating British provenance with grace.
Order: Carrot and Lamb with sheep's milk yoghurt, mint; 'Core-tex' Potato with roe, seaweed butter.
The Harwood Arms
One MICHELIN StarModern British Pub · Fulham · £70-£100 / $90-$125
Sally Abé
London's only MICHELIN-starred pub, The Harwood Arms, excels in refined Modern British cooking with a focus on game and wild ingredients. It offers the relaxed ambiance of a proper pub, but with elevated, sophisticated dishes. The hearty yet elegant menu celebrates seasonal produce, presenting robust flavours with delicate execution, making it a beloved spot for exceptional food in a convivial setting.
Order: Deer, Venison & Wild Boar Scotch Egg; Roasted Mallard with confit leg, spiced red cabbage.
Modern European
Best modern European restaurants in London
Modern European is the catch-all for kitchens that borrow technique from France, produce from their own region and ideas from everywhere — usually tasting-menu only.
Sketch (The Lecture Room & Library)
Three MICHELIN StarsModern European · Mayfair · £210-£260 / $265-$330
Gaggan Anand
Within the whimsical Sketch complex, The Lecture Room & Library offers a truly opulent and unique dining experience. The exquisite, gold-hued room provides a lavish backdrop for Chef Gaggan Anand's highly imaginative and precise Modern European cuisine. It's a journey of culinary theatre, where luxurious ingredients meet innovative techniques, creating memorable dishes in a grand setting.
Order: Seasonal tasting menus with dishes like 'The Blue Lobster' or 'Squab Pigeon with Red Beetroot'.
The Ledbury
Two MICHELIN StarsModern European · Notting Hill · £185-£235 / $235-$300
Brett Graham
After a hiatus, The Ledbury has triumphantly returned, reaffirming its status as a London culinary institution. Chef Brett Graham's Modern European cooking showcases incredible seasonal British ingredients, often incorporating game from his own foraging. The bright, contemporary dining room provides a comfortable setting for his precise, harmonious dishes, which are both innovative and deeply satisfying.
Order: Celeriac baked in ash, with truffled emulsion; Pheasant with fig leaf oil, sourdough bread sauce.
French
Best French restaurants in London
French cooking is still the backbone of fine dining almost everywhere — expect sauce work, butter, precise service and set lunch menus that cost a fraction of dinner.
Restaurant Gordon Ramsay
Three MICHELIN StarsModern French · Chelsea · £200-£300 / $250-$380
Matt Abe
Helmed by Matt Abe, this flagship establishment offers a sublime Modern French culinary journey. The intimate, elegant dining room provides a refined backdrop for classic techniques reinterpreted with contemporary flair and exceptional ingredients. It remains a pinnacle of London fine dining, renowned for its meticulous service and exquisite execution of every dish.
Order: Dover Sole with ratte potato, capers, brown butter; Ravioli of Lobster with langoustine, celeriac, truffle.
Chinese
Best Chinese restaurants in London
Chinese fine dining is regional: Cantonese seafood and dim sum, the chilli and numbing pepper of Sichuan, the delicate soups of Shanghai. Larger tables see more of the menu.
A Wong
Two MICHELIN StarsChinese · Victoria · £150-£200 / $190-$255
Andrew Wong
Andrew Wong's A Wong is a masterclass in modern Chinese cuisine, celebrating the diverse regional culinary traditions of China with extraordinary skill. The contemporary, stylish dining room provides a chic backdrop for an ambitious menu that pushes boundaries while respecting heritage. Each dish is a revelation, showcasing complex flavours and exquisite presentation, a true gastronomic journey through China.
Order: 'Taste of China' menu featuring dishes like 'Crispy Chilli Beef' and 'Peking Duck' with modern twists.
Spanish
Best Spanish restaurants in London
Spanish dining runs late and sociable: tapas standing at the bar, then a proper sit-down at 9pm or later. Basque kitchens in particular sit among the best in Europe.
Brat
One MICHELIN StarBasque-inspired · Shoreditch · £60-£90 / $75-$115
Tomos Parry
Brat, meaning 'turbot' in old English, channels the rustic, wood-fired cooking traditions of the Basque Country. The open kitchen and relaxed, industrial-chic setting create a vibrant atmosphere. Chef Tomos Parry focuses on exceptional quality ingredients, primarily seafood and meat, cooked simply over fire to bring out their natural flavours. It's an unpretentious yet deeply flavourful dining experience.
Order: Whole Turbot (cooked on the bone over coals); Chopped egg, smoked cod's roe and potato.
Seafood
Best seafood restaurants in London
Seafood restaurants live or die on the day's catch — the shortest menus are usually the best sign, because the kitchen is cooking what actually came in.
Bibendum Oyster Bar
MICHELIN SelectedSeafood · Chelsea · £60-£100 / $75-$125
Matthew Harris
Located within the iconic Michelin House, the Bibendum Oyster Bar offers a sophisticated yet relaxed seafood experience. It's celebrated for its pristine oysters, market-fresh fish, and classic seafood preparations. The bright, airy room with its stained-glass windows provides a charming backdrop for a menu that prioritises quality and simplicity, making it a perfect spot for a refined lunch or dinner.
Order: Freshly shucked oysters from around the British Isles; Grilled Dover Sole.
Italian
Best Italian restaurants in London
Italian kitchens abroad split into two camps: the classic trattoria doing pasta, fish and a short wine list, and the modern dining rooms treating Italian produce with tasting-menu precision.
Trullo
Bib GourmandItalian · Highbury / Shoreditch · £40-£60 / $50-$75
Tim Wilson
Trullo serves superb, unpretentious Italian food, focusing on fresh, seasonal ingredients and handmade pasta. The lively, trattoria-style atmosphere is warm and inviting, perfect for a casual yet delicious meal. Their menu changes regularly, ensuring seasonal excellence, with hearty, flavourful dishes that feel authentic and comforting, making it a beloved local spot for genuine Italian fare.
Order: Pappardelle with Beef Shin Ragù; Freshly made seasonal pasta dishes.
Budget
Where to eat cheaply in London
Bao
Known for its irresistible Taiwanese steamed buns (gua bao) with various fillings like classic pork belly or confit pork. Expect queues, vibrant atmosphere, and small, flavour-packed plates. Mains are around £6-£12.
Padella
Consistently praised for its fresh, hand-rolled pasta dishes, served in a bustling, no-frills setting near Borough Market. The Cacio e Pepe and Tagliarini with Nduja are standouts. Pasta dishes typically £8-£14.
Mercato Mayfair
A stunning food hall set within a converted church, offering diverse street food from around the world – Neapolitan pizza, fresh pasta, gelato, vegan options, and craft beer. Great for groups and varied tastes. Dishes from £10-£18.
Dishoom
Inspired by the Irani cafés of Bombay, Dishoom offers delicious, approachable Indian comfort food. Famous for its bacon naan rolls at breakfast and Black Daal at dinner. Expect queues, lively ambiance, and flavorful dishes from £8-£15.
Koya
Specialises in handmade udon noodles, served hot in broth or cold with dipping sauces, alongside small Japanese dishes. Simple, authentic, and incredibly satisfying, particularly on a cold day. Udon bowls from £12-£18.
Local dishes
What to eat in London
Fish and Chips
This quintessential British dish consists of battered and deep-fried white fish, typically cod or haddock, served with thick-cut fried potatoes. Often accompanied by mushy peas, tartare sauce, and a sprinkle of vinegar, it's a comforting and satisfying meal found in pubs and dedicated chippies across London. Try it at Poppies Fish & Chips for an authentic experience.
Sunday Roast
A traditional British meal served on Sundays, featuring roasted meat (beef, lamb, chicken, or pork), roasted potatoes, Yorkshire puddings, vegetables, and gravy. It's a hearty and communal meal, best enjoyed in a classic pub setting. Many London pubs offer excellent Sunday Roasts, like The Churchill Arms in Notting Hill, for a truly immersive experience.
Pie and Mash
A working-class London staple, this dish features a savoury meat pie (often beef or eel) served with creamy mashed potatoes and a vibrant green 'liquor' sauce, traditionally made from eel cooking water and parsley. It's hearty, affordable, and deeply rooted in East End history. Goddards at Greenwich is a renowned spot to experience this authentic dish.
Scotch Egg
A hard-boiled egg encased in sausage meat, coated in breadcrumbs, and deep-fried or baked. While often found in pubs as a snack, gourmet versions with quality ingredients are elevated treats. It's a surprisingly filling and flavourful item, perfect for a quick bite. Seek out artisanal versions at Borough Market for a superior taste.
Full English Breakfast
A substantial breakfast featuring fried eggs, bacon, sausages, baked beans, grilled tomatoes, mushrooms, black pudding, and toast. It's a hearty way to start the day, often served with tea or coffee. Many cafes and pubs across London offer a hearty full English, providing ample energy for a day of sightseeing. Look for local cafes.
Afternoon Tea
A refined British tradition involving a selection of finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and an assortment of delicate pastries, all accompanied by tea. It's an elegant experience, perfect for a special occasion. Reservations are typically required at upscale establishments, such as The Orangery at Kensington Palace, for a memorable setting. Fortnum & Mason's Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon is the classic splurge (from about £75); for a less formal version, the Wallace Collection's courtyard restaurant serves an elegant tea under a glass roof.
Curry
London boasts some of the best Indian, Pakistani, and Bangladeshi food outside of the subcontinent, thanks to its diverse population. Brick Lane in East London is particularly famous for its 'Curry Mile,' offering a huge range of restaurants serving everything from mild kormas to fiery vindaloos. It's a must-try culinary adventure. Dishoom (Bombay-style Irani cafés, several locations) is the modern benchmark — expect queues at peak times, but they move fast.
Roast Beef and Yorkshire Pudding
While often part of a Sunday Roast, roast beef and Yorkshire pudding can also be a standalone meal. Tender slices of roasted beef are served with crispy, airy Yorkshire puddings and rich gravy. It's a quintessential British comfort food, often found in traditional pubs, like The Eagle in Farringdon, which champion classic British fare.
Salt Beef Beigel
A East End institution: hot salt beef piled into a chewy 24-hour bagel with English mustard and a pickled gherkin. The classic stop is Beigel Bake at 159 Brick Lane, open around the clock, where a salt beef beigel costs roughly £6. Go late at night after a Shoreditch evening for the full experience.
Chicken Tikka Masala
Often described as Britain's true national dish, this creamy tomato-based curry was popularised in the UK's Bangladeshi-run curry houses. For a refined version book Dishoom (the Shoreditch and King's Cross branches have the shortest queues); for old-school curry-house atmosphere, walk Brick Lane and check which restaurants are actually busy rather than trusting the touts.
Borough Market Grazing
London's oldest food market (trading on this site for around 1,000 years) is a meal in itself: a free-range sausage roll from The Ginger Pig, a wild mushroom risotto, a doughnut from Bread Ahead, and a coffee from Monmouth. Go Wednesday-Friday mornings to avoid the Saturday crush, when it becomes nearly impassable.
Jellied Eels
The original Cockney fast food: eels poached in spiced stock that sets into a savoury jelly, served cold with mash and 'liquor' (parsley sauce). Try them at M. Manze on Tower Bridge Road, a pie-and-mash shop open since 1902 with its original marble counters and green-tiled interior. An acquired taste, but pure old London.
How to book a table in London
- · For three-MICHELIN-starred restaurants, book 2-3 months in advance, especially for weekend dinner slots. Be prepared to provide credit card details to secure the booking, as cancellations often incur a significant fee.
- · Many top London restaurants offer tasting menus at lunch, which can be a more accessible (and often more affordable) way to experience their cuisine. These often need to be booked several weeks ahead.
- · Be aware of strict cancellation policies. Most high-end establishments charge a full menu price per person for no-shows or cancellations within 48-72 hours. Confirm your attendance punctually to avoid charges.
- · Consider dining on a weekday evening or for an earlier lunch sitting if availability is tight. Some restaurants release additional tables closer to the date, so it's worth checking back periodically or joining waitlists.
FAQ
London restaurant questions travellers ask
What is the best restaurant in London?
Restaurant Gordon Ramsay in Chelsea is the benchmark table — Modern French, led by Matt Abe, three michelin stars, around £200-£300 / $250-$380 per person. Order the Dover Sole with ratte potato, capers, brown butter; Ravioli of Lobster with langoustine, celeriac, truffle.
Where is the best British restaurant in London?
Core by Clare Smyth in Notting Hill is the British table to book in London (£195-£245 / $245-$310 per person). Other strong options: The Harwood Arms.
Where is the best modern European restaurant in London?
Sketch (The Lecture Room & Library) in Mayfair is the modern European table to book in London (£210-£260 / $265-$330 per person). Other strong options: The Ledbury.
Where is the best French restaurant in London?
Restaurant Gordon Ramsay in Chelsea is the French table to book in London (£200-£300 / $250-$380 per person).
Where is the best Chinese restaurant in London?
A Wong in Victoria is the Chinese table to book in London (£150-£200 / $190-$255 per person).
Where is the best Spanish restaurant in London?
Brat in Shoreditch is the Spanish table to book in London (£60-£90 / $75-$115 per person).
Where is the best seafood restaurant in London?
Bibendum Oyster Bar in Chelsea is the seafood table to book in London (£60-£100 / $75-$125 per person).
Where can I eat well in London without spending a fortune?
Trullo is the best-value table on this list at roughly £40-£60 / $50-$75 per person. Beyond fine dining, locals point to Bao, Padella, Mercato Mayfair.
How far in advance should I book restaurants in London?
For three-MICHELIN-starred restaurants, book 2-3 months in advance, especially for weekend dinner slots. Be prepared to provide credit card details to secure the booking, as cancellations often incur a significant fee. Many top London restaurants offer tasting menus at lunch, which can be a more accessible (and often more affordable) way to experience their cuisine. These often need to be booked several weeks ahead.
What food is London famous for?
Fish and Chips, Sunday Roast, Pie and Mash, Scotch Egg, Full English Breakfast — the dishes most worth eating where they come from. This quintessential British dish consists of battered and deep-fried white fish, typically cod or haddock, served with thick-cut fried potatoes. Often accompanied by mushy peas, tartare sauce, and a sprinkle of vinegar, it's a comforting and satisfying meal found in pubs and dedicated chippies across London. Try it at Poppies Fish & Chips for an authentic experience.
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