Our Favorite Restaurants in London

When thinking of British cuisine, you probably imagine stews, hearty pies, cool-weather vegetables, fish & chips…and you’d be spot on. However, like many larger cities, London is a mecca of diversity, tradition and vibrancy. You’ll find wooden pubs serving a steaming shepherd’s pie on an age-worn wooden table. Around the corner, you’ll spy a sleek restaurant serving an elevated version of that alongside robust wines and experimental cocktails. 

And, if you’ve been traveling in the United Kingdom for a bit, you may want a break from the more conventional British meals. London is known as a brimming scene for culinary enthusiasts: you’ll find everything from deconstructed tapas to posh Italian restaurants, from curry houses to mouthwatering Greek cuisine. There’s no doubt about it—London is a foodie’s paradise. 

Our team of travel experts came, saw, ate and returned to tell the delicious tales. Below, we’ve served up our list of the best restaurants in London. Let’s dig in.

Petrus by Gordon Ramsey
The epitome of modern French cuisine, Petrus boasts a Michelen-starred team that serves up the finest ingredients in bold, beautifully-presented plates. For €145, you’ll be presented with a seven course menu with everything from scallops from Scotland’s Isle of Skye to lamb over the finest cheese from France. You can elect to forego the Prestige menu and order a traditional starter (or two) and a main course. Their expert sommelier is on stand-by to help you perfectly pair wine, too. Whatever you choose, plan for the evening to be an experience for all of your senses.

The Swan
Located at the iconic Shakespeare’s Globe, Swan is a beautiful two-story bar and restaurant with incredible views of the Thames River and St Paul’s Cathedral. They’re open all day serving modern British food and are available for everything from morning breakfast to evening cocktails. Have a few hours to kill in the afternoon? We recommend stopping in for afternoon tea where you’ll be met with delicious treats like cheddar scones, black pudding and berry tartlets. What’s more fun? Starting August 15, they’ll be serving a new Macbeth Tea with the ingredients and treats inspired by Shakespeare’s famous tragedy.

Chelsea Potter 
A great pub nestled in the heart of London on King’s Road (which, by the way, used to be called the trendiest street in the world), Chelsea Potter is a traditional English tavern and has a long history that made it a favorite with the likes of Jimi Hendrix and the Rolling Stones. You’ll find traditional English fare and pub food, with light bites, burgers, roasts and crisp, freshly-tapped beers. We recommend giving their steak & ale pie a taste! If you’re looking for a laidback place to relax and people watch, this is the place.

The Duck & Waffle 
We recommend stopping by for brunch! They also offer a mouthwatering Sunday roast. Duck & Waffle gives a creative spin to traditional British fare and incorporates an array of European influences. Their dishes are comprised of local and seasonal ingredients, and are intended to be sampled and shared. Interested in a cocktail to boot? You’re in good hands with their inventive and original menu with drink names including Waffle on the Rocks, Duck & Stormy and Porridge Punch. Another great perk—they’re open 24/7, but you do need a credit card deposit to reserve a table.

Brigit’s Bakery
For those with a sweet tooth out there, Brigit’s is located in the Covent Garden area and offers everything from smoothie bowls to Eggs Benedict to afternoon tea. If you’re planning to hit the shops in the area, this is a nice place to come, sit down for a few minutes and taste their delicious macarons. It’s well worth coming in just for the experience. 

Some other notable mentions from our team: 

Rucoletta: Amazing Italian fare with more traditional plates, always presented beautifully. 
The White Hart: The oldest licensed place in London! It’s also associated with Jack the Ripper.
Poppie’s Fish & Chips: A classic English experience with fun decor inside—lots of memorabilia and an old-timey feel. 
Balthazar: A brasserie with hearty soups and delicious mains courses—always a must-stop! 
The Founder’s Arms: A great spot for a drink with a cozy yet buzzing atmosphere. Located on the south bank of the Thames River.

Hungry yet? Let’s start planning your food (or wine, or honeymoon…) tour of England! Browse our inspirational itineraries below to start planning your trip.