These are the great restaurants in London, England that we go back to over and over again

We’ve already shared our guide to fun things to do in London for art and history buffs and our list of tried-and-tested best boutique hotels in London, but what about the food?! Well, we’ve eaten our way across England’s capital and present to you this list of great restaurants in London that we keep going back to. We know you’ll enjoy them as much as we do, so be sure to try them all (and wear your comfy pants).

Great restaurants in London that you won’t want to miss

1. Sabor | Soho

Address: 35-37 Heddon Street, London W1B 4BR
Cuisine: Spanish
Best for: Authentic regional Spanish cuisine in the heart of Soho
Signature dishes: Galician octopus, suckling pig, seafood specials
Style: Lively, atmospheric and spread across multiple dining spaces
Price range: £££
Good to know: Book in advance. Counter dining seats are available on a walk-in basis and are highly sought-after.

We are big fans of this Spanish spot founded by Nieves Barragan and José Etura. Offering guests four distinct experiences and menus across the multi-storey space, choose from dining at the Counter, La Mesa, and the Bar on the ground floor or El Asador on the first floor.

The shared counter dining experience is walk-in only, so there is usually a pretty big queue, but serving a daily menu of seafood from the fish counter alongside regional Spanish delights, we think it’s definitely worth the wait.

If you want to secure a table, book for El Asador, which serves a selection of specialities from the Galicia and Castile regions. We always order the octopus (it’s divine!), but if you’re hungry, be sure to try the Segovian Suckling Pig.

La Mesa (translated to the table) is where you want to book for a private group of up to 10. Here, you can order from both menus, and it’s a delightful space for birthdays or anniversaries.

Can’t queue and missed out on a booking? Head to the bar to enjoy a range of Spanish spirits and beers alongside a selection of tapas.

Learn more about Sabor

2. Bubala | Branches across London

Address: 15 Poland Street, London W1F 8QE (Soho)
Cuisine: Middle Eastern (Vegetarian)
Best for: Vibrant sharing plates and vegetable-led feasts
Signature dishes: Burnt butter hummus, confit potato latkes, grilled skewers
Style: Modern, relaxed and sociable
Price range: ££
Good to know: The chef’s selection menu offers excellent value.

If a Middle Eastern feast laden with dips and small plates is your idea of heaven, then get yourself a booking at Bubala. Meaning ‘Darling’ in Yiddish, both branches serve up a menu of moreish delights, each dish as flavourful and unique as the next.

Our tip? Go hungry and order the Bubala Knows Best Menu (£45pp), a blend of top sellers with unlimited (and divine) Laffa bread to scoop all the burnt butter hummus and confit garlic labneh you can get your hands on. The pickle plate itself is a triumph, and the oyster mushroom skewers are the stuff dreams are made of. Did we mention it’s plant-based?

Discover more about Bubala

3. Sale e Pepe | Knightsbridge

Address: 9 Pavilion Road, London SW1X 0HD
Cuisine: Italian
Best for: Classic Italian dining in Knightsbridge
Signature dishes: Cacio e Pepe, seafood pasta, fresh fish dishes
Style: Elegant and refined
Price range: ££££
Good to know: Ideal for celebrations and special occasions.

Having worked in the F&B industry as a server and restaurant manager, I believe there are three key areas for greatness in any restaurant: People, Product, and Place. And at Sale e Pepe, the team hits all three, consistently bringing diners back week after week with their personable service that comes with just the right amount of humour and pizzazz.

No matter what you order, you’ll be delighted here, so the whole menu is a treasure trove of delights just waiting to be curated to your personal tastes. As a pescatarian, I can confirm that the fish and seafood dishes are on point (the Octopus, Cornish crab, and Sea Bream are all exquisite), and as a pasta lover, I will vouch for the authenticity (Bucatini Cacio e Pepe made tableside is a little slice of Roman holiday). There’s a great selection of tasty veggie sides too, with the broccolini, zucchini, and roast potatoes some of my faves.

Having had a bit of a glow-up recently, the moody interiors are perfect for everything from romantic dates to after-work drinks or family celebrations. There’s even a little outdoor spot for lazy evenings.

P.S. The restaurant has recently opened a sister spot at The Langham, which specialises in seafood. Learn more about Sale e Pepe Mare.

Find out more about Sale e Pepe

4. Roe | Canary Wharf

Address: 5 Park Drive, Wood Wharf, Canary Wharf, London E14 9GG
Cuisine: Modern British
Best for: Seasonal British dining and weekend brunches
Signature dishes: Seasonal small plates, seafood and grilled meats
Style: Contemporary waterside restaurant
Price range: £££
Good to know: Particularly popular for Sunday lunch.

Little sister to beloved FOWL and Fallow St James’s, Roe serves up seasonal menus from breakfast to dinner. If you need a spot for a breakfast meeting Monday-Friday, go here for great coffee and our favourite Sourdough Toast with Sprouting Broccoli and Smoked Salmon.

Equally, if you’re looking for a great lunch or dinner option in the area, you’ll enjoy a flavourful selection of small and large dishes crafted from exceptionally fresh ingredients. There’s a great wine selection and some tasty non-alcoholic cocktails, plus we hear the weekend brunch is always buzzing too.

Read our guide to the very best restaurants in Canary Wharf, too.

Learn more about Roe

5. Naifs | Peckham

Address: 56 Goldsmith Road, London SE15 5TN
Cuisine: Vegan Bistro
Best for: Creative plant-based dining
Signature dishes: Seasonal sharing plates and tasting menus
Style: Intimate neighbourhood restaurant
Price range: ££
Good to know: Menus change every few months to reflect seasonal produce.

Whether you’re fully vegan or flexitarian, a trip to Naifs guarantees a flavour sensation. This vegan bistro, tucked away in a residential part of south London, is all about good vibes served up in a warm and cosy atmosphere.

Every 8-10 weeks, the set menu, which offers around five creative dishes, changes with what’s in season. You will fall in love with vegetables here, plus they have a great selection of cocktails and mocktails. Book in advance to avoid disappointment.

Read our full review on Naifs.

Find out more about Naifs

6. Laxsa | Soho

Address: 37 Old Compton Street, Soho, London W1D 5JY
Cuisine: Malaysian
Best for: Authentic Malaysian comfort food in the heart of Soho
Signature dishes: Traditional Laksa, Nasi Lemak, Beef Rendang, Roti Canai
Style: Casual, lively restaurant and cocktail bar spread across two floors
Price range: ££
Good to know: The kitchen team uses recipes from Johor, Malaysia, and the restaurant is particularly popular for pre-theatre dining in the West End.

Cheap and cheerful and so, so delicious, Laxsa is a Malaysian restaurant in London that gets it right. The signature Laksa is obviously a must and big enough for two. We always order the Gado Gado and the Mushroom King (grilled oyster mushroom skewers), which are both really tasty.

We love the casual vibes here, along with the friendly staff and the quirky spiral staircase that leads to a second floor. You may need to book to get in here at peak time, though, because it’s always popular.

Read our guide to the best restaurants in Soho, London.

Find out more about Laxsa

7. Persepolis | Peckham

Address: 28–30 Peckham High Street, London SE15 5DP
Cuisine: Persian & Middle Eastern
Best for: Vegetarian feasts and group dining
Signature dishes: Borani Bon-Jon, Halloumi with Sesame and Honey, Daily Hotpot
Style: Colourful and eclectic
Price range: ££
Good to know: There’s also a grocery shop attached to the restaurant.

Long beloved by locals, Persepolis in Peckham is a delight for the senses and for the soul. Serving hearty vegetarian Middle Eastern dishes, the menu is huge, so going for the feast option is an excellent idea if you’re hungry.

Some of our favourite dishes include the pan-fried Halloumi with sesame and honey, Borani Bon-Jon (garlicky aubergines stacked with yoghurt and tomato, and the daily hotpot. You can’t miss out on sweets here; we love the Hot Paklave Meltdown sundae. Plus, there’s also a store attached to the restaurant offering staples from the region as well as cookbooks by the owner, and takeaway food options.

Book ahead to avoid disappointment at this buzzing spot.

Find out more about Persepolis

8. Mauro Colagreco | Whitehall

Address: Raffles London at The OWO, 57 Whitehall, London SW1A 2BX
Cuisine: Modern British / Seasonal fine dining
Best for: Elevated tasting menus, special occasions, and Michelin-level dining in a landmark London setting
Signature dishes: Hyper-seasonal tasting menus built around British produce (vegetables often take centre stage), refined sauces and delicate flavour pairings
Style: Elegant, intimate fine-dining room within the historic Old War Office, combining grandeur with understated luxury
Price range: ££££

Set within the divine Raffles London at the OWO, Michelin-starred Mauro Colagreco is the perfect spot for a special lunch or dinner. The dining room feels bright and fresh, with paintings of plants and vegetables adorning the walls and plenty of light flooding the space. On the menu are seasonal ingredients from across the UK, so guests can expect regularly updated dishes. 

During our visit, we were treated to delights such as Scottish lobster, Orkney scallop, and marigold ice cream. Seafood and plants are the stars of the show here, but we also love the Argentine touches of home that Colagreco infuses into his offerings, such as a bread course made from the recipe of his Grandmother. They offer both a boozy and a non-alcoholic drinks pairing, and the alcohol-free version was a complete delight and perfectly matched to the food.

The service here is stellar, plus the restaurant was recently showcased on the semi-finals of MasterChef, so be sure to book a table to avoid disappointment.

Learn more about Mauro Colagreco

9.  Silka | London Bridge

Address: Stoney Street, Borough Market, London SE1 9AA
Cuisine: Indian
Best for: Elevated Indian dining near London Bridge
Signature dishes: Keralan Fish Moilee, Lamb Lucknow Biryani, House Chutneys
Style: Contemporary market restaurant
Price range: £££
Good to know: Tables are limited, so booking ahead is recommended.

If you’re looking for a really good restaurant in London Bridge, then look no further than Silka. Nestled in Borough Market, you can expect fresh ingredients at this elevated Indian joint. We always go for the Moilee (Keralan fish), and the meat eaters love the Lamb Lucknow Biryani. Don’t skip out on the Papadums to start, either, as the homemade chutneys are supreme.

You’ll need to book here as space is at a premium.

Discover more about Silka

10. Mildreds | Branches across the city

Address: 45 Lexington Street, London W1F 9AN (Soho flagship)
Cuisine: Vegan & Vegetarian
Best for: Plant-based comfort food
Signature dishes: Korean Fried Chick’n, Kiri Hodi, Chilaquiles
Style: Vibrant and energetic
Price range: ££
Good to know: One of London’s original vegetarian restaurant groups.

The OG plant-based London hang since 1988, these days Mildreds has spots across the city, but still brings in a huge crowd. Everything on the menu is vegan, and the menus are regularly updated to keep things exciting.

We usually order, whipped f’ta, Korean fried chick’n, kiri hodi, and chilaquiles – yum! There’s a great weekend brunch menu and an interesting selection of cocktails, mocktails, juices, and smoothies, too.

Discover more about Mildreds

11. 2210 by Natty Can Cook | Herne Hill

Address: Unit 12, Station Square, Herne Hill, London SE24 0JW
Cuisine: Pan-Caribbean
Best for: Big flavours and Sunday roasts
Signature dishes: Lobster Rasta Pasta, Signature Oxtail, Fried Fish Roast
Style: Warm and welcoming
Price range: £££
Good to know: Inspired by recipes passed down from Chef Nathaniel Mortley’s grandmother.

Chef Nathaniel Mortley presents an array of Pan-Caribbean delights at this hotspot in South London. He aims to honour his grandmother with every dish, as she inspired his love of food and cooking. The result is an eclectic mix of dishes that pack a punch with flavour and that will have you wanting more.

Be sure to start with the Roti with Scotch Bonnet Butter before digging into the likes of Lobster Rasta Pasta and Signature Oxtail. The Sunday Roast is huge, and we love the Fried Fish or Lobster Tail options, which come with Yorkshire pudding, plantain, and tempura broccoli.

Find out more about 2210 by Natty Can Cook

12. SiNO | Notting Hill

Cuisine: Modern Ukrainian
Location: 7 All Saints Road, Notting Hill, London W11 1HA
Style: Contemporary, intimate and design-led
Chef: Eugene Korolev
Price: ££££
Best for: Modern Ukrainian food, date nights, special occasions, adventurous diners and sharing plates
Tasting menu: Five courses, approximately £95 per person
Lunch: Wednesday–Sunday, 12pm–3pm
Dinner: Wednesday–Sunday, 5.30pm–10pm
Closed: Monday–Tuesday
Vegetarian: Vegetarian and plant-based options available
Private dining: Private dining room for up to eight guests

We were absolutely blown away by our first visit SiNO, a little restaurant close to Portobello Market that focuses on Ukrainian dishes with a modern twist. Opt for the Discovery Tasting Menu, and you’ll get to sample some of Chef Eugene Korolev’s most popular dishes, many of which come directly from his family. 

Every single thing placed in front of us was exquisite, and some of our favourites included Scallop with melon, rose hip and lovage and Catfish with pearl barley. The team also swapped out some of the meat dishes for vegetarian options for me, which I really appreciated. There’s a wonderful selection of cocktails and wines, including non-alcoholic options, and the whole vibe, from the ceiling decorations to the hand-carved dessert spoons, feels really special.

Find out more about SiNO

13. Nopi | Soho

Address: 21–22 Warwick Street, London W1B 5NE
Cuisine: Mediterranean & Middle Eastern
Best for: Sharing plates and Ottolenghi fans
Signature dishes: Seasonal vegetable dishes, creative cocktails
Style: Stylish Soho dining room
Price range: £££
Good to know: A favourite for long lunches and leisurely dinners.

If you are a fan of all things Ottolenghi, then be sure to treat yourself to a night at Nopi. The elevated restaurant from chef Yotam Ottolenghi brims with exceptional fare that changes with the seasons.

Vegetables sing on this menu, and we have no doubt that you’ll fall in love with all of the sharing plates here. Be sure to try the restaurant’s selection of house cocktails, which include unique ingredients like aquafaba, beetroot, and activated charcoal.

Learn more about Nopi

14. Mr Bao | Peckham

Address: 293 Rye Lane, London SE15 4UA
Cuisine: Taiwanese-Inspired
Best for: Bao buns and cocktails
Signature dishes: Shiitake Mushroom Bao, Corn Ribs, Bao Diddly Chicken Bao
Style: Casual neighbourhood favourite
Price range: ££
Good to know: A Peckham institution since 2016.

Mr Bao has been a stalwart on the Peckham dining scene since 2016. Touted as Taiwanese, but definitely more fusion than authentic, the buns here are bursting with flavour. My repeat order? 2 x Shiitake Mushroom Baos, smacked cucumber, sesame spinach, corn ribs, all washed down with a Lychee Daiquiri. My meat-eating pals love them some Bao Diddly (fried chicken) and the OG Mr Bao filled with juicy pork belly.

If you’re not Peckham-bound, the group has similar outposts at Daddy Bao in Tooting and Master Bao at both Westfield Stratford and Westfield Shepherd’s Bush.

Find out more about Mr Bao

15. Ganapati | Peckham

Address: 38 Holly Grove, London SE15 5DF
Cuisine: South Indian
Best for: Authentic South Indian cuisine
Signature dishes: Dosas, Biryanis, Seasonal Curries
Style: Friendly neighbourhood restaurant
Price range: ££
Good to know: The house-made chutneys are a highlight.

There’s a reason that this South Indian restaurant is always brimming with customers. Ganapati serves some of the tastiest cuisine in London, and it’s definitely worth booking ahead.

The menu changes quite regularly, and the chefs work with the seasons, so it’s not unusual to see a Brussels Sprouts Curry around Christmas time. We’re obsessed with their house-made selection of chutneys that come with the poppadoms, plus their dosas and biryanis are always a hit. We have to shout out the team here too, who are always so lovely and attentive 🙂

It also makes our list of the best Asian restaurants in London.

Find out more about Ganapati

16. Berenjak | Branches in Soho and Borough

Address: 27 Romilly Street, London W1D 5AL (Soho)
Cuisine: Persian
Best for: Sharing feasts and group dinners
Signature dishes: Ghaimeh Bademjoon, Kebabs, Baklava Ice Cream Sandwich
Style: Inspired by Tehran’s traditional eateries
Price range: £££
Good to know: Also has a larger Borough Market location.

Serving homestyle Persian cuisine, in which you can taste the love, Berenjak is always a good idea. Inspired by the plentiful hole-in-the-wall eateries of Tehran, the Soho branch serves elevated kebabs along with a range of colourful sides, while the Borough outpost offers a taste of different areas of Iran.

Treat yourself to our fave, the Ghaimeh Bademjoon, an aubergine stew served at both restaurants and be sure to load up on hummus and yoghurt dips. Oh, and the Baklava Ice Cream Sandwich at the Soho branch is an absolute gem.

Discover more about Berenjak

17. Calabash | Stratford

Address: 22 Vicarage Lane, E15 4ES
Cuisine: Caribbean
Best for: Authentic Caribbean comfort food
Signature dishes: Jerk Chicken, Vegetable Curry, Roti
Style: Casual and family-friendly
Price range: ££
Good to know: A long-time favourite with East London locals.

If you’re ever in Stratford and are wondering what to eat, we suggest making a beeline for Calabash. Specialising in authentic Caribbean cuisine, this popular joint makes some of the best Jerk Chicken in town. Vegetarians will wonder exactly what goes into the Vegetable Curry that makes it so moreish, and be sure to order lots of coleslaw, hard food, and roti to enjoy with your feast.

Learn more about Calabash

18. Tayyabs | Whitechapel

Address: 83–89 Fieldgate Street, London E1 1JU
Cuisine: Punjabi Pakistani
Best for: Group dining and family feasts
Signature dishes: Lamb Chops, Karahi Fish, Dhal Baingun
Style: Bustling and energetic
Price range: ££
Good to know: Serving Londoners since 1972, the lamb dishes are super popular here.

This beloved East End restaurant has been serving Punjabi cuisine in one way or another since 1972! Famed for its lamb chops, we’ve never been disappointed by anything that we’ve ordered at Tayyabs. The Dhal Baingun is so good, and the Karahi Fish is a must-order. Finish it off with some Gulab Jamun, and you’ll be done and dusted.

Find out more about Tayyabs

19. Evi’s | Dulwich

Address: 24 Grove Vale, East Dulwich, London SE22 8EF
Cuisine: Greek
Best for: Relaxed neighbourhood dining
Signature dishes: Grilled Squid, Courgette Fritters, Homemade Dips
Style: Bright, intimate and welcoming
Price range: ££
Good to know: The homemade cakes and desserts are worth saving room for.

This neighbourhood Greek restaurant is an absolute must-visit if you’re ever in Dulwich. Small, yet perfectly formed, the interior is bright and breezy with a few outdoor tables available too.

On the menu is a range of Greek favourites, all made with love and served with a smile. We recommend the grilled squid, the courgette fritters, and a mixture of homemade dips to go with the fluffy flat bread. There’s a daily sweet treat, and we recently tried a syrupy orange cake, which was exquisite.

Read our full story on the best restaurants in Dulwich, South London.

Learn more about Evi’s

20. Beza | Elephant & Castle

Address: 92–94 Walworth Road, London SE1 6SW
Cuisine: Ethiopian
Best for: Vegan dining and sharing platters
Signature dishes: Shuro Wot, Mung Beans, Injera Platters
Style: Casual and welcoming
Price range: ££
Good to know: Most dishes are naturally vegan and ideal for sharing.

Another fully vegan resto, Beza delights with its flavourful Ethiopian menu. Working with fresh, local ingredients, expect delicious dishes here, along with a team of wonderful staff. Our recommendations? Shuro Wot: ground chickpeas with garlic and ginger; Mung Beans: kidney beans with red onions, garlic, red onions, and turmeric; or order a platter with a selection of vegetables alongside rice or injera (teff pancake) – yum!

Learn more about Beza

21. Mukbap | Shoreditch

Address: 5 Phipp Street, London EC2A 4PS
Cuisine: Vegan Korean
Best for: Korean comfort food
Signature dishes: Fat Gimbap, Tteokbokki, Kimchi Pancake
Style: Casual and compact
Price range: ££
Good to know: Seating is limited but takeaway and delivery are available.

While the chances of getting a table at Mukbap are slim, they only have a few, and it fills up quickly around mealtimes, you can sample the delights by delivery on Deliveroo. Crafting vegan Korean food, this is one of the most legitimate Korean restos I’ve visited outside of the country itself.

Dip your Fat Gimbap in your Tteokbokki while munching on Kimchi Pancake, and you can’t help but be happy. Be sure to order all the vegetable sides, including my favourite: Kong Ja Ban (sticky sweet and savoury beans).

Find out more about Mukbap

Elodie | South Croydon (Now closed)

Nestled away in Birch, Selsdon is a brand new restaurant that we can’t get enough of. Helmed by Michelin-starred Chef Lee Westcott, Elodie serves up farm-to-fork delights with many ingredients grown on property.

Offering a six-course seasonal menu for just £69, you’ll enjoy exceptionally creative dishes that are big on flavour. The service here is truly exceptional, as are the cocktails and wine selection. Grab a table while you still can!

Read our review on our stay at Birch, Selsdon.

Learn more about Elodie

London Stock | Mayfair (Now closed)

If you’re on the hunt for fine dining in the heart of the city, make a beeline for London Stock. Awarded 3 AA Rosettes, this modern European eatery puts an emphasis on local produce and unique flavour pairings. A good choice for both vegetarians and meat eaters, we heartily recommend the smoked burrata and the wonderful ceviche.

Don’t skip out on dessert either as the sweet treats they create are some of the best in town.

Read our full review of London Stock.

Learn more about London Stock

Andina | Spitalfields (now closed)

Every. Single. Thing. Every single thing on the menu here is a divine slice of Peruvian heaven, and that’s the reason we are regulars at Andina, a Picanteria and Pisco Bar near Spitalfields Market. Great for vegetarians and vegans as well as those who love some seafood, the vibe is bright, and the staff are just gorgeous.

Our faves include the Crunchy Corn to start, followed by Ceviche Andina made with seabass, sweet potato, and amarillo tiger’s milk. Be sure to order the Grilled Octopus and the Corn Cake and wash it all down with a Classic Pisco Sour or a Virgin variety.

Looking for a weekend brunch fix? We love the Peruvian twist they put on classic eggs and pancakes.

Learn more about Andina

Frequently asked questions: best restaurants in London, England