Best Restaurants in London: Where to Eat in 2024
London is no longer the city of bland porridge and overcooked beef. It is currently the most competitive food city in Europe. The sheer density of global cuisines stems from a mix of colonial history and modern immigration. You can find authentic regional Chinese food in Soho, Michelin-starred innovation in Mayfair, and high-end Punjabi grills in Whitechapel. The pace of openings is relentless. To find the best restaurants in London, you have to look past the tourist traps in Leicester Square and head toward the neighborhoods where locals actually eat.
Must-try dishes in London
Before you book a table, know what to order. These are the staple dishes that define the current London dining landscape.
- Sunday Roast: A massive plate of roasted meat, crispy potatoes, and a giant Yorkshire pudding smothered in gravy. It is a weekend religion in every neighborhood pub.
- Pie and Mash: A historic East End staple. Beef pie served with mashed potatoes and "liquor"—a green parsley sauce that tastes much better than it looks.
- Chicken Tikka Masala: Often called Britain’s national dish. It’s a creamy, spiced curry found in almost every neighborhood, best paired with garlic naan.
- Salt Beef Bagel: An iconic snack from Brick Lane. Thick slabs of cured beef stacked in a fresh bagel with hot mustard and a giant pickle.
- Fish and Chips: Fresh white fish battered and fried until crunchy, served with thick-cut chips and mushy peas. Look for spots using sustainable cod or haddock.
- Full English Breakfast: A high-protein plate of eggs, bacon, sausage, black pudding, grilled tomatoes, mushrooms, and baked beans.
Best restaurants for a splurge
If you are looking to drop a significant amount of money on a meal, these three spots offer the best return on investment in the city.
The Ritz Restaurant, Mayfair
This is arguably the most beautiful dining room in the world. Expect gold leaf, ceiling frescoes, and impeccable service. The menu focuses on classic French-British techniques with ingredients like Norfolk lobster and Bresse duck. It is one of the few places in London that still strictly enforces a jacket-and-tie dress code for men.
Ikoyi, Strand
Ikoyi offers a unique take on West African ingredients through a high-end, contemporary lens. The kitchen uses spices and produce like jollof rice, plantain, and peppercorns in ways you won’t find elsewhere. It currently holds two Michelin stars. The flavors are bold, heat-forward, and entirely original. It is the definition of modern London fine dining.
Brat, Shoreditch
Brat takes inspiration from the Basque country but uses strictly British produce. Everything is cooked over an open fire. Their signature dish is the whole turbot, grilled until the skin is charred and the collagen turns into a rich sauce. It is loud, smoky, and sophisticated. The wine list is exceptional, particularly the selections from the Jura region.
Best casual restaurants and local favorites
Where to eat in London when you want great food without the white tablecloths. These are the spots locals frequent.
St. John, Smithfield
Founded by Fergus Henderson, St. John pioneered the "nose-to-tail" eating movement. The decor is minimalist and clinical, but the food is hearty and soulful. You must order the roasted bone marrow with parsley salad. It is a legendary London dish. The menu changes daily based on what is fresh and in season.
Dishoom, Various Locations
Dishoom pays homage to the Irani cafes of old Bombay. It is consistently packed for a reason. The Black Daal is cooked for 24 hours and is essential ordering. While there are several locations, the King’s Cross branch is particularly impressive for its scale and design. Expect a queue, but they provide free chai while you wait.
Padella, London Bridge
Located at the edge of Borough Market, Padella serves the best value fresh pasta in the city. The Pici Cacio e Pepe is famous and worth the hype. Everything is handmade on-site every morning. They use a virtual queuing system, so you can grab a drink nearby while you wait for your table.
Manteca, Shoreditch
Manteca focuses on nose-to-tail Italian cooking with a heavy emphasis on cured meats and hand-rolled pasta. The atmosphere is energetic and loud. Order the brown crab cacio e pepe and whatever salumi they have hanging in the aging room. It is one of the hardest tables to book in East London for a reason.
Best cheap eats and street food
You don’t need a massive budget to find the best restaurants in London. Some of the highest-quality food comes from stalls and counter-service spots.
Beigel Bake, Brick Lane
This is a 24-hour institution. It has been serving hot salt beef bagels and classic smoked salmon and cream cheese since 1974. It is cheap, fast, and legendary. There is almost always a line, but it moves quickly. It’s the ultimate late-night food stop after a night out in Shoreditch.
Roti King, Euston
This basement spot near Euston station is world-famous for its Roti Canai. The roti is stretched and fried to order, served with a bowl of rich, spicy dhal or mutton curry. It is cramped and no-frills, but the food is world-class. It’s one of the best value meals in the entire city.
Borough Market Stalls
Borough Market is a must-visit for any food lover. While there are sit-down restaurants, the street food stalls are the draw. Look for Kappacasein’s toasted cheese sandwiches or the wild mushroom risotto. It gets incredibly crowded on Saturdays; try to go on a Thursday or Friday morning for a better experience.
Crisp Pizza W6, Hammersmith
Operating out of the back of a pub called The Chancellors, this is currently the most talked-about pizza in London. It is thin, ultra-crispy, and reminiscent of the best New York-style pies. They often sell out of dough by mid-afternoon, so check their social media before making the trek to West London.
Best breakfast and brunch
Londoners take brunch seriously. Forget the hotel buffet and head to these spots instead.
The Breakfast Club, Hoxton
This is the quintessential London brunch spot. It’s colorful, nostalgic, and serves massive portions. Their "Full Monty" fry-up will keep you full until dinner. Many locations have a "secret" bar hidden behind a fake fridge door. It’s a fun, high-energy way to start a day of sightseeing.
Caravan, Various Locations
Caravan was at the forefront of the London coffee revolution. Their menus are global and eclectic, featuring dishes like baked eggs with spiced tomato and jalapeño cornbread. The coffee is roasted in-house and is some of the best in the city. Their King's Cross location in a restored granary building is particularly scenic.
Towpath Cafe, Regent’s Canal
This is a seasonal, outdoor cafe located right on the canal in De Beauvoir Town. There is no phone and no reservations. The menu changes daily but usually features incredible eggs, sourdough, and seasonal preserves. It’s the most peaceful place in London to have breakfast while watching cyclists and ducks go by.
Best rooftop or view dining
When you want a view of the skyline with your meal, London has several high-altitude options that actually serve good food.
Duck & Waffle, Heron Tower
Located on the 40th floor, this restaurant is open 24 hours a day. The glass elevator ride up is an experience in itself. The signature dish—crispy duck leg confit and a fried duck egg on a waffle—is a perfect balance of salt and sugar. It offers some of the best sunrise views in the city.
Decimo, Kings Cross
Located at the top of The Standard hotel, Decimo offers a mix of Spanish and Mexican cuisine from chef Peter Sanchez-Iglesias. The space is floor-to-ceiling glass with 360-degree views of the city, including a direct look at the Gothic architecture of St. Pancras station. It is glamorous, vibey, and the food holds its own against the view.
Best food neighborhoods to wander
If you don't have a plan, head to these areas and you are guaranteed to find something excellent.
- Soho: The highest concentration of restaurants in London. From high-end dim sum to tiny ramen shops and classic French bistros. Walk down Dean Street or Old Compton Street and pick whatever looks busy.
- Shoreditch: The heart of East London’s food scene. This is where you find the most experimental cooking and the best craft beer. Great for Turkish mangal grills and modern British small plates.
- Bermondsey: Start at Maltby Street Market for street food, then walk the "Bermondsey Beer Mile." The area is packed with artisan producers, cheesemongers, and high-quality Italian spots like Flour & Grape.
- Peckham: A hotspot for South London locals. Head to Rye Lane for incredible West African food, or the rooftop of the Bussey Building for drinks and pizza with a view of the South Bank.
Note: Hours and reservation requirements shift frequently; always check the restaurant’s official website before visiting.