30 best West End restaurants in London

Franco Manca is your friendly neighbourhood pizzeria and offers authentic Neapolitan Pizzas that remind one of the sun-lit al fresco cafes in Italy. It is one of the best Italian restaurants in West End for grabbing a bite before heading to a show. Unlike the fast food chain pizzas, Franco’s takes its sweet time to create sourdough that ferments for about 20 hours to produce the tastiest pizza crust. The pizza topped with cheesy mozzarella and delicious prosciutto and salami seems like a steal starting from £5!
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Fast food never looked so good or healthy! LEON is changing the fast food restaurant scene with delicious fast food with healthy eating options. If you are looking for West End restaurants for a quick bite before your theatre show or to satisfy those late-night cravings post your show, this is the place to head. LEON has a delectable menu of flavoursome wraps, crunchy salads and even set boxes like the Moroccan Meatballs or Brazilian Black Bean hot box. They have an exclusive kids menu plus yummy treats like mini cupcakes, doughnuts and desserts for indulging your sweet tooth.
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Love all day breakfasts? My Old Dutch is where you head to dig into yummy savoury and sweet pancakes. Arguably among the most popular West End restaurants, My Old Dutch offers filling and tasty meals that won’t hurt your pocket! The restaurant also serves classic Dutch dishes like kaasballen, bitterballen, and kaas soufflé. My Old Dutch is ideal to come back for a dessert post your theatre outing at West End. Choose from traditional sweet pancakes or sample the tiny fluffy poffertjes topped with gooey chocolate sauce and fresh fruits.
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Straight from the farms of Italy to the tables in the heart of London, Rosetta offers classic Italian dishes that are perfect for a quick dinner. The restaurant, counted among the best restaurants in London for Italian fare, uses the choicest cold cut meats and the freshest ingredients sourced straight from family-run farms back in Italy. The crusty ‘Rosetta’ bread makes for an exceptional panini, and the legendary lasagne will leave you with a warm cheesy satisfaction. They also have a great selection of wines that complement the food. Don’t forget to finish with a luscious tiramisu!
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Excite your taste buds at the Shoryu Ramen in Regent Street, before an entertainment-filled night at the West End. Consistently lauded as the best Ramen restaurant in London, Shoryu specialises in the unique ‘Hakata Tonkotsu Ramen’ from the island of Kyushu in Japan. The Tonkotsu Ramen is a soupy delight with a base of rich white pork soup with thin ramen noodles. The ramen comes with an exciting array of toppings like Nori seaweed, Menma Bamboo shoots, Kimchi, and Yuzu. Wash it down with refreshing sake and complete the meal with the ultimate fusion of east & west with a Matcha Cheesecake!
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The warm and elegant atmosphere of Balthazar instantly comforts you and readies you for a delectable French meal. Reminiscent of the original Balthazar’s in New York, the Balthazar London ranks among the favourite West End restaurants in London. With all day brassieres dining, Balthazar’s has a top of the range menu for dinner, ideal for dinner before a theatre visit. Balthazar has a range of hors d’oeuvres along with a variety of oyster platters and even a selection of exquisite caviar. They have a set menu with daily specials that are budget-friendly and come with two or three courses.
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Watch the skilful chefs at Barrafina put on a show for you before you head to catch a theatre show at the West End! One of the best West End restaurants, Barrafina is a Spanish Tapas Bar that serves delightful Spanish appetisers. The selection of cold meats, fried tidbits and succulent cooked meats are perfect accompaniments to a conversation over authentic Spanish Sherry and Cava! Choose to seat at the comfy tables or head to the marble-top bar with stylish stools to watch the chefs work on their magic in the open kitchen.
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The location of Blacklock has a story that is as dramatic as some of the West End plays out there! Set in an old brothel, Blacklock is now converted to a rustic meat eater’s heaven. Hands down among the best restaurants in West End London, Blacklock offers great value for money for its spread of traditional meat recipes. Get the tastiest bits in their ‘All in’ platter with the choicest pre-chop bites of the day’s skinny chops. Or go big with a Cornish Lamb Leg and Middlewhite Pork Loin. Even the bubbly is cheap, and you can get a range of wines and beer for a fiver!
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If you love Asian food, you will like what Busaba has to offer! Busaba ranks among the top London West End restaurants serving Thai cuisine. The restaurant has a subtle oriental ambience with flat bench seating that is both comfortable and harks back to the open-air restaurants in Thailand. Conveniently located in Leicester Square, it is ideal for an evening meal before a theatre visit. Busaba serves all the Thai favourites like stir-fry, wok noodles, spicy curries, and even chargrilled barbeque dishes. Remember to check out their Thai Black Rice pudding and Sticky date cake.

Get into a relaxed mood by sipping on the finest wines and champagnes at the Cork & Bottle. Founded by the pioneer of British wine bars, Don Hewitson, Cork & Bottle has been around since 1971 and is as much a legendary institution as the West End theatres. Here the food is created to revolve around the wines they offer! Fine wine goes best with cheese, and they have an array of cheeses including blue stilton, brie, smoked cheddar, and chaumes to satiate your exquisite tastes. They also have a couple of vegetarian options so everyone can have a good time.
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Fine French cuisine and ‘affordable’ rarely go in a sentence together! But Côte Bistro is one of the best value restaurants in West End London, frequented by theatregoers. The restaurant sources its ingredients fresh from small producers in Paris and the English countryside. The best features, however, are the exclusive gluten-free and vegetarian menus that cater to a diverse palate. It is a great place to come back here for a nightcap with a scrumptious dessert and wine.
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At Dishoom you will discover there is more to Indian food than curry. An ode to the cafes of Bombay, Dishoom serves the cosmopolitan flavours of the Indian city of Mumbai. Most popular among the dinner restaurants in the West End London, Dishoom offers a warm ambience with Indian accents without going over the top! Just the right place for dinner before a theatre show, the must-have dishes include Pav Bhaji, House Black Daal, Dishoom Chicken Roll, and the Chicken Berry Britannia Biryani. Finish the meal with a Gulab Jamun or a Kulfi on a stick.
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The star of Flat Iron is their signature dish – The Flat Iron Steak. The succulent steak is kept simple and is a real bargain. It is accompanied with a delicious salad and sauces that compliment the steak perfectly. The Flat Iron has super quick service and a cosy ambience that makes for a perfect pit stop before heading to a show at the West End. Counted among the best budget London West End restaurants, Flat Iron has great value for money. Don’t forget to pick up the free ice cream at the end of your meal!
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Gordon’s Wine Bar is set inside an underground wine cellar outfitted with ancient-looking furniture that provides the unique old-school ambience that you will love. It also has an alfresco seating that is just right for those special clear London nights. One of the best restaurants in West End London, Gordon’s Bar is ideal to sample excellent wines and an array of nibbles including a curated menu of cheese platters, salads and tapas. Ideal for couples and small groups, Gordon’s Wine Bar is best for a pre-show dinner.
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Forget grabbing a takeaway at the office before catching that evening show at the West End! Head down to the Gourmet Burger Kitchen for a burger treat, one unlike anything you have ever had. It is one of the restaurants in London located a stone’s throw away from many West End theatres. Diners vouch for their beef burgers including the house favourite ‘GBK Cheese and Bacon’ and the unique Prawn star with tempura wasabi prawns! The service is quick, and the ambience is casual and friendly.
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Joe Allen sets the mood right away for a sterling theatre experience! Popularly known as ‘West End’s canteen’ the restaurant caters to the West End theatre community and has the best collection of West End memorabilia. In fact, the restaurant sponsors the WhatsOnStage Best West End Show Award as well as the Stage Best Newcomer Award. The restaurant is more than just its West End connection; it serves up an authentic American dining experience. The steaks and house specials like slow-cooked ribs, chicken parmigiana and the Joe Allen Hot Dog are a must have!
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Lime Orange is where you will learn there is more to Korean food than kimchi! This family-run Korean restaurant is an ideal place for a casual and quick dinner stop before a theatre show. Their extensive menu is loaded with Korean specialities like bibimbap, udon noodles, and bulgogi. There is an abundance of fresh vegetables, and succulent meats include beef, pork and chicken. The functional decor is suitable for groups of up to four, and ideally requires a reservation as it’s a big hit among tourists and theatregoers.
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Hunger gnawing at your insides but not much time left before your West End show? Then rush to the Patty & Bun in Soho. A delightful burger joint, it has both takeaway options as well as compact seating, ideal for a quick bite. They are among the best fast food restaurants in London this side of the town and a favourite of theatregoers. The menu is no-frills and has a variety of burgers with sides and number of types of drinks including beers, wines, cocktails, and milkshakes.
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The soulful notes of jazz that ring through Ronnie Scott’s urge you to lose yourself in the musical extravaganza. Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club is more than just a restaurant; it is a jazz club where some of the best jazz musicians have performed. Open till wee hours of the morning, Ronnie Scott’s is where theatregoers come for an after-show dinner to prolong their night out on the town. The intimate space is decorated in hues of red and gold, creating an elegant ambience for a night of music and fine dining. The delicious British fare includes the best lamb and steak.
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Visit Sartori with an appetite because with so many delicious options on the menu, you will want to get them all! Crafted by the best chefs from Napoli, Sartori offers the best wood-fired pizza that even the Italians in London vouch for! If you are planning for a night out at the theatre, you can choose from their set pre-theatre menu that has a collection of their best dishes. One of the best West End restaurants for Southern Italian cuisine, Sartori serves more than pizza; they have an array of antipasti, creamy pasta, and desserts to die for.
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Bang in the middle of Soho, The Duck and Rice offers authentic Chinese dining in a classic English pub experience. A great place to catch up on dinner before a West End show, The Duck and Rice is undoubtedly among the best restaurants in the West End London. The modern yet comfortable decor is reminiscent of an English pub waft with the flavours of traditional Chinese Cooking. It is the signature dish of Cantonese roasted duck that gets patrons salivating! They have a vast selection of single plate dishes for varieties of dim sum, chop suey, and vegetables with rice and noodles.
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The cosy yet sparse ambience of The Oystermen can be truly deceptive! The restaurant serves the best oysters that can compete with Michelin star restaurants. Light on the pocket and heavy on the taste, The Oystermen is among the best restaurants in West End London. A favourite of theatre-goers, the restaurant is known for its Tempura Oyster, Sea Bream, and Dorset Crabs. You can also sample from a selection of wines that suit the cuisine on offer. It’s a high-end culinary experience with budget-friendly prices, served by an excellent staff.
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Located in the heart of the theatre district, The Palomar serves up an exotic fare of fusion that comprises of cuisines from Southern Spain, North Africa, and the Levant. Inspired by the streets of Jerusalem, The Palomar has become a hit with theatre-goers and rates among the top London West End Restaurants. Their appetisers include a rich variety including their specialities – the Octo Hummus, Moroccan Fish Tagine, and the Tel Aviv mix of Octopus with Maghreb spices. Fresh ingredients create flavourful salads that linger on your taste buds.

Wahaca is just the place to bring in the zest for your fun-filled theatre evening! One of the top Mexican restaurants in London, Wahaca stirs up a carnival in its kitchen. Inspired from traditional Mexican cuisine, Wahaca serves an array of tacos, quesadillas, and tostadas that will have you smacking your lips. Best for groups of friends or family, chat and let the excitement of the upcoming show build up over a DIY Taco Board. They have a cute kids menu and don’t forget to indulge in crunchy churros with a decadent chocolate sauce on the side.

One of the most premium restaurants in the West End London, you will be lucky if you can get a reservation here! Chotto Matte is a part of the culinary revolution that is sweeping the world. The restaurant serves Nikkei cuisine, which is a mix of Japanese and Peruvian cuisines. The menu is dominated by distinct flavours and bold visual presentations that make dining here an unforgettable experience. A favourite spot on the itinerary of theatregoers, a meal at Chotto Matte deserves time and attention. Start your meal from mild appetisers to the spicy mains and end with delicious sushi!
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Set your alarm for your show because you might just lose track of time at the Circus! An inventive mix of cabaret, cocktail bar, and restaurant, Circus serves up amazing Pan-Asian cuisine. The restaurant offers live entertainment in the evenings where you can expect anything from aerialists, contortionists, acrobats, and fire-breathers to burlesque and drag. One of the most unique restaurants in London, you will probably come back after your show for a cocktail and some dancing. You can choose their pre-theatre menu for finishing up in time or choose their premium chef’s tasting menu, ideal for a date night.
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Indigo is one of the most accessible restaurants in Theatreland and has more than twenty theatres just a short walk away. The restaurant serves an exclusive pre- and post-theatre dinner menu, which means you can choose to have a leisurely dinner discussing the merits of the latest show you watched! It is also hailed as one of the best gluten-free restaurants in London and serves both a healthy and hearty menu of classic British dishes. The seared halibut and vanilla and elderflower pannacotta are a must-have.

It’s chic, it’s happening, and it’s a gourmet’s delight! The Leicester Square Kitchen is a fantastic restaurant that offers Mexican and Peruvian small plates. It offers a select set pre-theatre menu that is perfect for theatregoers at West End. The modern and subtle ambience contrasts the colours that pop out of the plates! The small plates are a sensory treat that are as beautiful to look at as they are to taste. Leicester Square Kitchen also has an elaborate a la carte menu with a variety of tacos, ensaladas, ceviche, anticucho, and salsas. An excellent collection of margaritas complements the spicy cuisine.
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Rules is a quintessential British dining experience and if you manage to get a table here, don’t miss out on it! The oldest of restaurants in London, Rules opened in 1798 and has consistently offered the best of British cuisine. The decor screams elegance and takes you back in time, from the bustling raucous streets of London today to the slow pace of erstwhile London. Their specialities are classic dishes along with oysters, pies, and puddings. The steamed steak & kidney suet pudding and roast squab pigeon are excellent. It might be a travesty if you go without tasting their sticky toffee pudding!
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Reserve this one for a special outing! Simpson’s in the Strand is a landmark on the London culinary landscape and has been around since 1828, making it one of the oldest and most exclusive restaurants in London. A visit to Simpson’s followed by a show at the West End is one of the most British experiences in London! Right from the serving staff to the interiors everything is sophisticated, and you do not want to be underdressed here! While their signature dishes and carving trolley will keep you occupied, reserve your appetite for their mouth-watering desserts.
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