The Must Try Best Restaurants in London

London, a city steeped in history and culture, is also a global culinary hotspot boasting a vibrant food scene. From traditional British fare to international gastronomic delights, the city offers a diverse range of dining experiences. Here’s a curated list of the top 50 restaurants in London by our Clapham estate agents that promise an unforgettable journey for your taste buds.

1. Café Cecilia

Credit: Jess Hand

Since Max Rocha’s solo venture opened in 2021, it has become a hit. Café Cecilia, a blend of a local bistro and a nod to the chef’s Dublin roots, displays Rocha’s skills from his training at St John and The River Café in London. The cooking is simple but impressive. Whether you’re talking about the onglet, enjoying the Guinness cake, or praising the delightful sage-and-anchovy fritti, there’s much to rave about. The spacious, L-shaped warehouse-style setting with large windows offers a charming view of the Cambridge Heath gas towers while you indulge in mouth-watering fries.

2. Quo Vadis

Credits: Greg Funnell

The recently updated traditional dining space of the renowned ‘great dame of Dean Street’ features one of the world’s most charming chefs, Jeremy Lee in Quo Vadis. His menu is a delight, focusing on seasonal and sensational dishes, and he doesn’t skimp on desserts, often generously topped with custard. It’s an unforgettable Soho experience, offering exceptional British cuisine, a sophisticated bohemian atmosphere, and excellent opportunities for people-watching.

3. Akoko

Credits: Jodi Hinds

In Fitzrovia, Akoko offers a delightful West African tasting menu with around 10 courses crafted by Executive Chef Ayo Adeyemi, who took charge of the kitchen in September 2022. The restaurant provides a relaxed and spacious atmosphere with a touch of sophistication but no unnecessary fuss. The menu features substantial and innovative flavours inspired by traditional family recipes and tastes from Nigeria, Ghana, and Senegal. Opting for the tasting menu is the only choice, but you won’t regret it. Anticipate generous portions of lobster tail, scotch bonnet soup, and incredibly appetizing jollof rice.

4. Tofu Vegan

Credits: Tofu Vegan

At Tofu Vegan, the menu is entirely plant-based, featuring mock-meat, tofu, and beancurd in abundance. What sets it apart is not just its vegan nature, which is theoretically better for the environment, but the fact that it offers genuinely delicious Chinese cuisine. It’s a testament to the rise of vegan options, and Tofu Vegan invites you to savor their delectable offerings.

5. Chet’s

Credits: Anton Rodriguez

Renowned LA chef Kris Yenbamroong, known for his bold Thai flavours and a well-selected natural wine list, has been impressing his hometown for the past decade with his Night Market restaurants. Now, he brings his expertise to London with Chet’s, his first full-time European venture, located at the back of the Hoxton hotel in Shepherd’s Bush. Offering generous portions and a side of immense fun, it’s an appealing option. Not only is it more budget-friendly than a flight to Thailand via California, but being in a hotel means it’s open all day, catering to indulgent breakfasts and lunches as well.

6. St John Marylebone

Credits: St John

The most recent version of the iconic London restaurant, St John Marylebone, may be its best yet. The concise and regularly changing blackboard menu eliminates the potentially intimidating formality associated with the long-standing Smithfield outpost. Instead, it is filled with delightful surprises, ranging from small plates centered around anchovies to substantial fish dishes and exquisite stews. Truly heavenly.

7. Dilara

Credits: SAVAS KOLAN

Dilara, situated on Finsbury Park’s Blackstock Road, may appear unassuming, but it delivers substantial and fantastic servings of Uyghur cuisine. This culinary style combines northern Chinese elements such as noodles and dumplings with kebabs and meat-infused bread. Give it a try, and you’ll likely be hooked for life. It’s a rare find in London for authentic yet often overlooked Uyghur food (Etles in Walthamstow is another spot). Visit for a robust Szechuan kick and some of the finest noodles the city has to offer.

8. Rochelle Canteen

Credits: Emma Louise Pudge

Located in the garden of a former school off Arnold Circus in Shoreditch, Rochelle Canteen, run by Melanie Arnold and Margot Henderson, is a charming retreat that embodies simplicity and careful sourcing. Imagine the style of St John (Fergus Henderson, Mr. Margot) without the noisy wine-fueled commotion and with a bit less emphasis on offal.

9. Mount St Restaurant

Credits: Mount St

Dine within an art gallery? Absolutely. The recently opened Mount St Restaurant in Mayfair, launched in late 2022 by Hauser & Wirth, features an impressive collection worth £50 million, showcasing masterpieces by artists like Lucian Freud and Pablo Picasso. The cuisine, offering a traditional British menu with a touch of Victorian influence and a graceful twist, is equally noteworthy.

10. Cafe Deco

Credits: James Nelson

Cafe Deco, situated on a charming side street in Bloomsbury, is a snug and stylish spot with a notable culinary background. The kitchen is led by the skilled Anna Tobias, who honed her expertise at the renowned Rochelle Canteen. Additionally, the team from 40 Maltby Street is also part of this chic establishment. Being essentially the trendiest National Trust café you’ve ever visited, it offers elevated Euro cult classics focused on high-quality ingredients. Picture delightful toppings on toast, substantial yet stylish soups, and rustic yet creative salads.

11. Bouchon Racine

Credits: Simon Brown Photography

Bouchon Racine, the cherished French bistro by Chef Henry Harris, originally in Knightsbridge and closed in 2015, made a comeback in late 2022 atop a 300-year-old pub in Farringdon. The response from the crowd was enthusiastic, to say the least. Indulge in a menu that proudly embraces its French heritage, rooted in simplicity and featuring hearty dishes. If you’re a fan of butter and cream, this is your moment.

12. The Counter at Sabor

Credits: The Counter

The Counter at Sabor, led by Nieves Barragán Mohacho, formerly of Barrafina, is her independent venture. Sabor is a two-part restaurant, with a more relaxed Counter and bar on the ground floor, and a more upscale El Asador on the first floor. Both floors offer Spanish cuisine with exceptional flair, but if a choice must be made – and it must – the Counter is the preferred option. It boasts fantastic tapas and an exceptionally friendly, almost lively service.

13. Noble Rot

Credits: Juan Trujillo Andrades

Noble Rot, initially a bar project associated with a wine magazine, has evolved into one of London’s esteemed restaurants, nestled in Bloomsbury. Whether you’re stopping by for a solo glass of wine at the bar or enjoying a leisurely lunch with old friends, this place offers a warm welcome. Speaking of lunch, the set lunch menu stands out as one of the town’s best deals.

14. Brunswick House

Credits: Alexander Baxter

In Vauxhall, a proud yet weathered Georgian mansion stands defiantly amidst the towering and ever-increasing blocks, sharing its space with the antique brand Lassco. Since 2010, it has been under the culinary stewardship of chef Jackson Boxer, who crafts delightful meals with a nostalgic touch. Brunswick House boasts one of London’s most atmospheric dining rooms, capturing hearts with its bohemian elegance. The food is equally impressive, featuring renowned potato bread to begin, followed by offerings like devilled eggs, hearty pasta dishes, and a superb wine list.

15. Sune

Credits: Ania Smelskaya

Complain as much as you want about the abundance of bohemian bistros with a focus on small plates and natural wines in East London, but when executed well, it remains an unbeatable combination. Sune, located just over the bridge from Broadway Market in Hackney, exemplifies this formula to perfection.

16. Bibi

Credits: BiBi Mayfair

A modern Indian restaurant in upscale Mayfair, this place transforms British produce into innovative versions of subcontinental classics. Chef Chet Sharma, both a skilled cook and a trained physicist, merges these disciplines in cleverly presented dishes. Don’t miss the audacious house variation of yoghurty Lahore chicken – it’s a standout.

17. Real Beijing Food House

Credits: Elaine Zhao

Dining at Chinatown’s Food House presents a choice between two distinct universes. The first option involves a family-style sharing experience with an extensive menu of Northern Chinese dishes. The second option offers an all-you-can-eat hotpot adventure. Embark on a culinary journey at one of Chinatown’s top restaurants, with a massive 19-page menu to explore. However, the Sichuanese classics are truly commendable, with generously seasoned lamb skewers and standout barbeque chives bathed in soy sauce, delivering an addictive salty goodness.

18. Mangal 2

Credits: Time Out/Laura Gallant

Despite its reputation as the top spot for kofte in Hackney, Mangal II faced financial challenges and the threat of closure post-Covid. Sertaç Dirik took over the grill from his father Ali and, without much fanfare, transformed Mangal II into a somewhat more upscale establishment. The food, always excellent, became more refined while retaining its indulgent charm. The cull yaw kofte, using sheep meat from a trendy Cornish farm, is a successful twist on the classic kebab. Also, be sure not to overlook the sophisticated mushroom manti and the impressive tahini-and-apple tart.

19. Koya

Credits: Ben Rowe

In the last decade, head chef Shuko Oda’s Koya has established itself as a Soho classic, alongside iconic establishments like L’Escargot, Quo Vadis, and Andrew Edmunds. With its blond-wood counter, Koya captures the essence of a traditional Japanese udon-ya, offering a blend of Tokyo and London vibes. The main attraction is the innovative bowls of udon and rice porridge. Notably, Koya’s breakfast is exceptional, emphasizing the importance of the first meal of the day with an out-of-this-world version.

20. Sessions Arts Club

Credits: Jess Hand

This elegant former courthouse transformed into a pseudo-Palladian villa stands out as one of London’s most beautiful restaurants. When it comes to romantic date spots, Sessions is a surefire choice. The food is equally enticing, featuring head chef Florence Knight’s straightforward, ingredient-focused menu that reads like poetry. Picture a single brown shrimp croquette or a dish combining lamb, champagne, celeriac, and lovage. Needless to say, we are completely enchanted.

21. Kolae

Credit: Harriet Langford

Kolae, the much-anticipated sibling to the cult east London Thai restaurant Som Saa, finally arrives. While both establishments serve Thai cuisine and are located in iconic London markets (Kolae in Borough and Som Saa in Spitalfields), Kolae is not simply Som Saa 2. Nestled in a former coach house, Kolae exudes an ambiance reminiscent of a sophisticated New York neighborhood eatery. The prevalent theme revolves around slow cooking, with many dishes being roasted for hours on end.

22. Planque

Credits: Jess Hand

Situated in a pair of Hackney railway arches, this members’ club revolves around wine, boasting a public restaurant led by Seb Myers, formerly of P Franco. The establishment serves incredibly tasty French-influenced dishes, including calf’s brains on toast and monkfish with camomile and leeks. And, naturally, there’s an excellent selection of wines.

23. Chishuru

Credis: Chishuru

A vibrant two-story West African restaurant, previously located in Brixton and now in Fitzrovia, is known for its lively atmosphere and bold flavors. Chishuru, under the charismatic chef Joké Bakare, transitioned from a pop-up to a permanent establishment in just a few months. The Fitzrovia location, opened in autumn 2023, is truly exceptional, featuring phenomenal cuisine that spans Igbo, Hausa, and Yoruba influences.

24. Sambal Shiok

Credits: Tim Atkins, Dispatch Team

Discover the splendor of Malaysian cuisine on Holloway Road at Sambal Shiok. This enduring neighborhood joint, owned by chef Mandy Yin, specializes in soupy bowls of laksa noodles, with crunchy sides of irresistible fried chicken and nutty gado gado salad.

25. Singburi

Credits: Singburi

Choosing a dish at Singburi, the beloved Thai eatery in Leytonstone, is foolproof. Chef Sirichai Kularbwong has rightfully gained a loyal following over the years. While the standard menu of noodles and curries brings the heat, the blackboard specials unveil the true treasures. Securing a table at Singburi is notoriously challenging, but once you succeed, you’ll want to share the bragging rights with everyone. Keep in mind its limited opening times (Thurs-Sun) and the cash-only policy.

26. Manteca

Credits: Anton Rodriguez

In a nutshell, Manteca combines the expertise of Trullo/Padella in crafting ‘proper,’ hand-rolled fresh pasta with St John’s commitment to nose-to-tail minimal waste. The menu is excellent, striking a balance between refined and rugged. Who wouldn’t want to pair brown crab cacio e pepe with a stuffed pig’s snout? Manteca caters to those with a tough exterior, a mean streak, yet a conscientious concern for sustainable dining. You’re a force to be reckoned with, but you also care, man.

27. Brat

Credits: Ben McMahon

Brat, a flame-kissed British restaurant influenced by Basque cuisine and helmed by Welsh chef Tomos Parry, is a standout. The menu, almost comically simple with dishes like spider crab toast, roast duck rice, and beef tartare, is flawless, with no disappointments. Since its establishment in 2018, Brat has steadily gained acclaim, securing its position among London’s esteemed kitchens. Noteworthy chefs are often spotted here, savoring exceptional fish. Post-lockdown, Brat expanded with an indoor/outdoor offering at Climpson’s Arch in London Fields.

28. Trullo

Credits: Trullo

A fixture in Highbury since 2010, this two-floored contemporary trattoria has been buzzing since the day it opened. Renowned for its fresh pasta, charcoal grilling, and delectable fruit tarts, Trullo has become an institution. The Pici cacio e pepe, a staple since the early days, continues to be a substantial delight. If everyone had a neighbourhood pasta place as excellent as Trullo, the world would undoubtedly be a better place. Fortunately, you don’t have to be a local to treat yourself here.

29. Upstairs at the French House

Credits: The French House

The hobs at The French come with a rich history. While Neil Borthwick currently leads the kitchen, in the 1990s, the upper echelons of The French were occupied by Fergus and Margot Henderson before they ventured off to establish St John and Rochelle Canteen, respectively. Despite the changing of hands, the tradition of a retreat for a hearty Soho lunch endures in Borthwick’s robust culinary offerings.

30. Kiln

Credits: Rob Greig

Kiln, a lively Isaan (northeastern Thai) eatery, promises to pleasantly overwhelm your taste buds and have you craving more. The raw beef laap with castelfranco and the sour mussel curry boldly showcase the rich flavors of the region. The energetic atmosphere around the counter by the open kitchen perfectly complements the exceptional cooking skills on display. If you’re seeking intense heat and flavors, Kiln is the place to be.

31. Mystic Burek

Credits: Caitlin Isola

Chef and owner Spasia Dinkovski, drawing inspiration from her grandma’s recipes, has been crafting traditional Macedonian filo pies since lockdown. These pies, with semi-psychedelic swirls of pastry, are filled with ground meat, gooey cheese, and a generous amount of butter that might just make you see into the future. Now, she has opened her first cafe, and it has quickly become an obsession.

32. Akub

Credits: Edmund Dabney

Chef Fadi Kattan’s Palestinian restaurant, nestled on a quiet Notting Hill backstreet, is a visual delight inside. Adorned with olive branches, the ambiance feels like unlocking the door to a secret garden. This confident newcomer expresses creativity freely, offering a storytelling experience through its culinary delights. You can savor perfect flaky pastry and musakhan, the chicken, sumac, and sweet-onion jewel of Palestinian cuisine.

33. Quality Wines

Credits: Quality Wines

While the Quality Chop House is undeniably great, the upstart sibling next door has managed to outshine it. Chef Nick Bramham presents a concise list of Italo-Spanish gems from a couple of hot plates. Conclude your meal with a pork-fat cannolo. This place is perfect for adding some candle-lit drama to a casual meetup with friends.

34. Mambow

Credits: Caitlin Isola

This modern Malaysian restaurant made a move from Peckham to Clapton at the end of 2023, with chef-owner Abby Lee leading the way. The intensely flavoured dishes are presented in a welcoming, casual style and are impossible not to swoon over. Visit to indulge in seriously inspired cooking and pay your respects to the lovely people who bring it to life.

35. The Tamil Prince

Credits: Anton Rodriguez

Housed in a small former pub, The Tamil Prince is a chic South Indian eatery run by two individuals who previously collaborated at the popular Malay-Singaporean canai-and-curry basement spot, Roti King. Head chef Prince Durairaj draws inspiration from what makes Roti King a sensation – bold, flavorful cooking, with a spiritual focus on billowing, pliable roti – and elevates the dining experience to new heights.

36. Fallow

Credits: Lisa Tse

Sustainability is a buzzword in the foodie scene, and for good reason. Practices like local sourcing and waste reduction have an undeniable allure! Led by Dinner by Heston Blumenthal alumni Will Murray and Jack Croft, Fallow takes it a step further by growing its own produce and conducting whole-animal butchery. The result is a menu that celebrates nose-to-tail, root-to-stem cooking, showcasing the beauty of modest British ingredients.

37. Ekstedt at the Yard

Credits: Ekstedt at the Yard

Chef Niklas Ekstedt, renowned for his signature ‘old Nordic’ analogue techniques at his Michelin-starred restaurant in Stockholm, brings the same approach to his long-awaited UK outpost. The restaurant relies entirely on wood-fired cooking, eschewing electricity or gas. Dishes like smoked monkfish in hay, mackerel baked in embers, and oysters flambadou-ed in a metal cone showcase cavemen-style cooking done with a touch of class.

38. Xi’an Impression

Credits: Britta Jaschinski

Situated at the base of the Emirates Stadium, this modest and reasonably priced restaurant is renowned for its Xi’an (home of the Terracotta Army) street-food offerings and hand-pulled noodles. Try the juicy ru jian mo (pork burgers) and the crimson-red fiery big-plate chicken. It’s a cult favorite, and the food is more than just good. Consider yourself a London foodie only if you’ve savored a meal here at least once.

39. Speedboat Bar

Credits: Speedboat Bar

Speedboat Bar, one of Chinatown’s recent additions, has swiftly earned a reputation for itself. Vibrant and lively, it offers playful Thai food inspired by the canteens in Bangkok’s Chinatown. The sweetcorn fritters provide a crunchy pop-in-the-mouth experience, while the chicken skins with zaep seasoning are the epitome of zingy. And, did we mention there’s a pool table upstairs? This is a haven for those who enjoy a good drink, with cocktails like the Magic Inhaler, a shot-glass version of St John’s notorious Dr Henderson – a potent Fernet-Branca/Crème de Menthe mash-up that defies expectations and works brilliantly.

40. Claridge’s Restaurant

Credits: Claridge’s

Reclaiming the name it last used 20 years ago, chef Coalin Finn leads the kitchen at Claridge’s Restaurant, the in-house dining room of London’s most quietly charming hotel. The cuisine, much like the ambiance, is firmly rooted in classic elegance and comes with a price tag that reflects its comfortable, conscious luxury.

41. Rasa

Credits: Rob Grieg

For decades, this pink palace on Stoke Newington’s main street has been a vibrant symbol of Keralan cuisine, serving delightful veggie curries and impressive dosas since the mid-1990s. Remarkably budget-friendly, with no dish exceeding ten pounds, Rasa is renowned not only for offering the finest South Indian food in town but also for its endearing decor, featuring a shade of pink that predates the millennial pink trend.

42. Nandine

Credits: Nic Crilly-Hargrave

Nestled in Camberwell, this family-run establishment offers some of the finest Kurdish cuisine in the city. Helmed by chef Pary Baban and her sons Rang and Raman, it’s a flavorful experience with hints of smoke, sumac, and sweet baklava. And if you’re a fan of their dishes, Pary also conducts local cooking classes, allowing you to learn the secrets behind her delicious creations.

43. The Portrait by Richard Corrigan

Credits: The Portrait

Under the guidance of Michelin-starred chef Richard Corrigan and situated at The National Portrait Gallery, The Portrait is a haven of understated opulence with stunning skyline views. It offers all the delights without any unnecessary extravagance. This harmonious blend of decadence and restraint is evident in Corrigan’s delightful menu, featuring dishes such as artichoke smothered with crab, pig trotter ballotine, halibut with borlotti bean puree, and unbelievably tender lamb chops.

44. Shankeys

Credits: Shankeys

A highly appealing Indian-Irish fusion eatery, the name may evoke images of an ‘Irish pub in a small European capital’, but once you move past that, courtesy of the talented chef Sacha Henry and the friendly front-of-house mixologist Eoghan, you’re in for a series of delightful treats. The warm atmosphere is just as enticing as the food. Eoghan is the kind of person who pulls up a chair to explain the menu, while Sacha, emerging from the former bookies’ office kitchen, personally describes each dish.

45. Chuku’s

Credits: Andrew Crowley

London’s first and only Nigerian tapas restaurant, no less. Operated by the brother-and-sister duo Emeka and Ifeyinwa, its London-via-Lagos twists on classic dishes, from jollof quinoa to plantain waffles, are highly vegan-friendly (though meat and fish options are also available).

46. The Parakeet

Credits: Justin DeSouza

A recent addition to the scene, this pub-restaurant provides an ambience surrounded by the hallowed sight of stained glass windows, saintly portraits, and the heavenly aroma of meat and fish being cooked over an open fire. In this setting, the kitchen takes on the role of an altar, and guests, seated on dark wooden pew-like benches, eagerly await their communion.

47. Acme Fire Cult

Credits: Steve Ryan

Situated in a lively live-fire setup within a dusty car park adjacent to 40FT Brewery and Dusty Knuckle bakery, this place redefines barbecue with a spotlight on veggies. Anticipate enticing shared plates featuring grilled leeks with pistachio and strangely appealing charred cauliflower adorned with guindilla chillies. The seasonal changing menu leans towards responsible sourcing, with not much emphasis on meat but ensuring what is there meets ethical standards.

48. Lahore Kebab House

Credits: Lahore Kebab House

Reigning as the king among London’s curry houses, Lahore Kebab House, a family-run establishment, presents excellent Punjabi-style tandoori grilled meat, generous servings of ghee-laden curry, heaps of sweet onion bhajia, and heavily spiced lamb chops. With bargain prices, attentive service, and a BYOB policy, Lahore Kebab House stands out as one of the notable choices in the city.

49. Jikoni

Credits: Jikoni

Jikoni, the brainchild of food writer Ravinder Bhogal, offers a delightful blend of Asian, African, and Middle Eastern cuisines. Located in the posh Marylebone area, the restaurant surprises with culinary delights like a prawn toast scotch egg with banana ketchup. Despite its upscale setting, Jikoni exudes an atmosphere that is neither prissy nor pretentious. While the price tag may be substantial, Bhogal’s homely and joyful cooking ensures that you leave more than satisfied.

50. The Barbary

Credits: Andy Parsons

This beloved Neal’s Yard restaurant offers a delightful modern-day Jerusalem menu served at a horseshoe-shaped counter bar. The menu is charmingly divided into ‘land’, ‘sea’, and ‘earth’. Dessert appropriately falls under ‘heaven’; give the Knafeh a try, and you’ll understand why.

The London’s top restaurants not only showcase the rich cultural tapestry of flavours but also exemplify innovation, creativity, and a commitment to quality. From Michelin-starred establishments to hidden gems tucked away in its eclectic neighbourhoods, London’s dining landscape offers a delightful journey for food enthusiasts.