London is a melting pot of global flavors where every corner tells a different culinary tale. From the traditional English breakfast served in centuries-old pubs to the sizzle of modern fusion kitchens, this city's food scene is nothing short of magical.
The late 20th century sparked a food revolution here, with Michelin stars lighting up the dining landscape and chefs pushing creative boundaries. Today, you'll find everything from cozy neighborhood bistros to sleek open-kitchen restaurants. The city's markets, like Borough and Camden, are treasure troves of global street food. It's no surprise that London has earned its stripes as a true foodie paradise, and these restaurants are proof of its culinary excellence.
1. The Ritz Restaurant
Location: Get there
Cuisine: French, British
Price range: £££
If you want to feel like royalty for a night, this is your spot. Housed in the iconic Ritz Hotel, this Michelin-starred restaurant is the epitome of London luxury dining. The dining room looks like a palace with Louis XVI-style decor featuring frescoed ceilings, and the food lives up to the setting. Under Executive Chef John Williams' masterful direction since 2004, this restaurant has consistently delivered exceptional French-inspired British cuisine. Royal families have long favored this historic venue, and it's easy to see why when sampling signature dishes like their native lobster or watching the legendary Crêpes Suzette prepared tableside.
Must-try dishes: Beef Wellington, Vanilla Chantilly Cream, Crêpes Suzette
2. Dishoom Covent Garden
Location: Get there
Cuisine: Indian
Price range: ££
When you step into Dishoom Covent Garden, you’ll feel like you’ve walked into a 1960s Bombay café, thanks to its vintage decor and buzzing atmosphere. Their legendary house black dal, slow-cooked for 24 hours, perfectly represents their commitment to authentic Indian flavors. While the restaurant's popularity means you might wait around 30 minutes for a table, they make the experience pleasant with complimentary chai. Between the shareable dishes, efficient service, and hip ambiance, it's clear why this spot has become a London favorite for those craving genuine Indian cuisine.
Must-try dishes: Gunpowder Potatoes, Garlic Naan, Parsi omelet, Biryani
3. Padella
Location: Get there
Cuisine: Italian
Price range: ££
Want amazing pasta without breaking the bank? This is your spot. With locations in Borough Market and Shoreditch, this Michelin Bib Gourmand recipient specializes in handmade pasta dishes that'll transport you straight to Italy. The counter seating offers a front-row view of the kitchen magic, where chefs craft perfect plates like their famous Pici Cacio e Pepe and Pappardelle with Beef Shin Ragu. Make sure you arrive early to snag a spot on the waitlist!
Must-try dishes: Burrata with Puglian Olive Oil, Cacio E Pepe, Tiramisu, Pappardelle Beef Ragu
4. Tayyabs
Location: Get there
Cuisine: Punjabi
Price range: £
This place is chaos in the best possible way. It's loud, busy, and serves some of the best Pakistani food you'll ever eat. Famous for their lamb chops and aromatic karahi curries, Tayyabs offers an authentic East London curry house experience away from the tourist crowds. The best part is that they have a BYOB policy. Been here since the 70s and still going strong — that should tell you something. Don't forget to save room for their delightful sweet treats!
Must-try dishes: Dry meat curry, Lamb Curry, Paneer Tikka, Seekh Kebab
4. Tayyabs
Location: Get there
Cuisine: Punjabi
Price range: £
This place is chaos in the best possible way. It's loud, busy, and serves some of the best Pakistani food you'll ever eat. Famous for their lamb chops and aromatic karahi curries, Tayyabs offers an authentic East London curry house experience away from the tourist crowds. The best part is that they have a BYOB policy. Been here since the 70s and still going strong — that should tell you something. Don't forget to save room for their delightful sweet treats!
Must-try dishes: Dry meat curry, Lamb Curry, Paneer Tikka, Seekh Kebab
5. St. John Bakery Neal’s Yard
Location: Get there
Cuisine: British
Price range: £
If you see a line of people in Neal's Yard, they're probably waiting for St. John's doughnuts. Part of the renowned St. John restaurant group, this charming wine shop-bakery has earned its reputation for exceptional pastries, particularly their legendary doughnuts. Available in vanilla, chocolate, and raspberry jam, these fluffy delights are delivered fresh daily from Bermondsey. Their slow-fermented sourdoughs are equally impressive.
Must-try dishes: Chocolate Doughnut, Vanilla Doughnut, Cinnamon bun, Vanilla Donut
6. Itadakizen
Location: Get there
Cuisine: Japanese Vegan
Price range: ££
Located in Kings Cross, Itadakizen is Europe's first organic vegan Japanese restaurant. The spicy ramen here is so creamy you won't believe it's plant-based. Heads up — you'll be sitting on floor cushions, and portions are on the smaller side, so order a few dishes to share. Don't miss their house-made smoothies, especially the mixed berry. Remember to book ahead as this hidden gem fills up quickly!
Must-try dishes: Spicy Miso Ramen, Takoyaki, Miso Glazed Aubergine
7. Lyaness
Location: Get there
Cuisine: Cocktails and Bar Food
Price range: £££
Perched inside the Sea Containers London hotel, Lyaness offers a stunning Thames-side setting for innovative cocktails. The brainchild of acclaimed mixologist Ryan Chetiyawardana (Mr Lyan), this elegant bar shines with its blue and grey interior, with plush seating and marble tables. Grab a riverside table if you can and order some bar snacks (the fish tacos are amazing). It's pricey, but you're paying for some serious cocktail magic here.
Must-try dishes: Fish tacos, Four-cheese croquettes, Diamond Swizzle
8. The Connaught Grill
Location: Get there
Cuisine: Modern British & European
Price range: £££
Warning: Your wallet will feel this one. However, if you're looking for genuine old-school London luxury, this is it. Reopened in 2020 under celebrated chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, the space dazzles with custom woodwork by Mira Nakashima and elegant decor that nods to its 1900s origins. The food's exactly what you'd expect from Jean-Georges — perfectly cooked, beautiful to look at, and well, expensive. Their Scotch egg might be the fanciest bar snack in London, but it's worth every penny.
Must-try dishes: Burgundy wines, Seabass En Croute, Home-Made Scotch Egg, Sirloin Steak and Salad
9. Pavyllon London
Location: Get there
Cuisine: Modern French
Price range: £££
Tucked away in the swanky Four Seasons Hotel, Pavyllon is where French superstar chef Yannick Alléno (who casually has 16 Michelin stars!) works his magic in London. Their afternoon tea is a real treat. The open kitchen lets you watch all the culinary action, and the menu changes all the time, but if the crab tartlets are on there, order them. Actually, order two.
Must-try dishes: Cheesy Choux, Confit Cod Basquaise style, Roasted Duck Magret
10. Dumplings Legend
Location: Get there
Cuisine: Chinese
Price range: ££
Dumplings Legend is exactly what it says on the tin — a true dumpling paradise and a gem in Chinatown! Through large glass windows, you can watch skilled chefs craft an impressive array of 47 different dumplings. Service is fast and sometimes a bit abrupt, but that's how you know it's authentic. Get the xiao long bao (soup dumplings) with delicate wrappers that burst with flavorful broth; it’s highly recommended.
Must-try dishes: Egg Fried Rice, Dim Sum, Spicy Beef, Stir-Fried Chicken Noodles
11. Spice Village
Location: Get there
Cuisine: Pakistani
Price range: ££
Spice Village is a gem for authentic Pakistani cuisine, where aromatic spices and generous portions make every meal memorable. Their skilled chefs work magic with traditional recipes, creating everything from tender lamb karahi to perfectly grilled kebabs. While you might face a bit of a wait, the warm ambiance and impeccable service make it worthwhile. Whether you're craving their freshly baked naan, flavorful biryani, or the must-try butter chicken, this friendly spot brings the true flavors of Lahore to London.
Must-try dishes: Afghani Chicken Curry, Chicken Tikka Masala, Lamb Biryani, Pani Puri
12. Otto's French Restaurant London
Location: Get there
Cuisine: French
Price range: £££
This place is old-school French with zero apologies. The intimate dining room, with its vintage decor and just a handful of tables, makes you feel like you've stepped into a cozy Parisian bistro. Watch in delight as they prepare beef tartare right at your table! While the prices might make a French native raise an eyebrow, the excellent wine list, generous portions, and authentic dishes like their prawn avocado salad make it a special destination for French food lovers.
Must-try dishes: Cheese Souffle, Beef Tartare, Roast Goose, Tournedos Rossini Sauce Périgord
13. Darby's
Location: Get there
Cuisine: American
Price range: ££
Darby's is a gem that's sheer delight. Their Sunday roast is absolutely legendary — we're talking melt-in-your-mouth lamb, perfectly cooked beef, and unreal pork belly that'll have you thinking about it for weeks. The space itself is gorgeous, with high ceilings and a buzzing open kitchen. Don't miss their fresh oysters, house-baked sourdough, or creative cocktails.
Must-try dishes: Sunday Roast Beef, Charcuterie Board, Dexter Beef and Bone Marrow Pie, Crispy Beef Fat Potatoes
14. Bentley's Oyster Bar & Grill
Location: Get there
Cuisine: British Seafood
Price range: £££
A London institution since 1916, Bentley's is a seafood lover's paradise spread across three distinct areas —a buzzing downstairs with its marble-topped oyster bar, a cozy heated terrace, and a quieter upstairs dining room. From its humble beginnings as an oyster barrow in Clacton-on-Sea, it's now home to London's freshest oysters and Chef Richard Corrigan's legendary fish pie (trust us, skip the sides — it's huge!). With impeccable service, silver platters, and well-coiffed waiters, Bentley's perfectly balances traditional English elegance with warm hospitality.
Must-try dishes: Dressed Crab, Pan-Seared Turbot, Fish and Chips, Rooftop Smoked Salmon, Lobster Thermidor
15. Fallow
Location: Get there
Cuisine: Modern British
Price range: £££
Fallow is a sustainability-focused restaurant that proves eco-conscious dining can be absolutely delicious. From their famous cod's head to their magical mushroom parfait and mouthwatering corn ribs, every dish shows incredible care and creativity. The kitchen bar gives you a front-row seat to watch the culinary magic happen, while the industrial-chic interior with living walls perfectly matches their minimal waste philosophy.
Must-try dishes: Fried Chicken Royal, Mushroom Parfait, Smoked Beef Ribs, Chocolate Mousse
16. Rudy's Pizza Napoletana - Soho
Location: Get there
Cuisine: Neapolitan
Price range: ££
Bringing a taste of Naples to Soho, Rudy's Pizza Napoletana is a Manchester-born spot that's mastered the art of authentic Italian pizza. Their dough, made fresh daily with imported Italian flour, transforms into perfectly charred, pillowy-soft crusts after just 60 seconds in their blazing wood-fired oven. While the ambiance might feel more British than Italian, the pizzas are absolutely spot-on – huge, delicious, and true to their Neapolitan roots.
Must-try dishes: Pizza Margherita with Olives, Pepperoni Pizza, Burrata, Tiramisu
17. BRAT Restaurant
Location: Get there
Cuisine: Bar & Grill
Price range: ££
BRAT is a cozy spot that's mastered the art of wood-fired cooking with a Basque twist. Their signature whole turbot is a showstopper grilled over open flames for that perfect smoky flavor. Don't miss their surprisingly amazing olive oil ice cream. The menu features shareable plates from mini to large, and the burnt onion butter bread is absolutely divine. With an open kitchen adding to the buzzy atmosphere, it's a fantastic place to settle in for a relaxed meal.
Must-try dishes: Grilled Bread and Anchovy, Langoustine, Bread & Burnt Onion Butter, Basque Cheesecake, Bread & Burnt Onion Butter, Duck Rice
