London Restaurants

British food hasn't always had the best reputation, but nowhere in the country is that reputation being completely upturned more than in London. The city has zoomed up the global gastro charts, and can now seriously compete with the world’s top culinary heavyweights. The truth is that no other city—barring New York—has the immense range of global cuisines that London has to offer. Standards have rocketed at all price points, and every year it seems like the London restaurant scene is better than ever.

Feel like eating the most-tender Kagoshima Wagyu beef on planet Earth? It can be yours for £150 at CUT at 45 Park Lane. Want to try old English gastronomy from the time of Henry VIII with an ultramodern twist? Ashley Palmer-Watts is your man at Dinner by Heston Blumenthal. Do you only eat Sri Lankan hoppers? No worries, we’ve got just the thing: Hoppers in Soho will give you a taste of the Sri Lankan pancake, for £4.50 a pop. Can’t stand any more snobby culinary nonsense? The low-key British wild game is so good at The Harwood Arms in Fulham that they’ve earned London’s first gastro-pub-based Michelin star.

To appreciate how far London has risen in the food game, just look back to the days of Somerset Maugham, who was once justified in warning, "To eat well in England you should have breakfast three times a day." Change was slow after World War II, when it was understood that the British ate to live, while the French lived to eat. When people thought of British cuisine, fish-and-chips—a greasy grab-and-gulp dish that tasted best wrapped in yesterday's newspaper—first came to mind. Then there was always shepherd's pie, ubiquitously found in smoke-filled pubs, though not made, according to Sweeney Todd, "with real shepherd in it."

These days, standards are miles higher and shepherd’s pie has been largely replaced by the city's unofficial dish, Indian curry. London’s restaurant revolution is built on its extraordinary ethnic diversity, and you’ll find the quality of other global cuisines has grown immeasurably in recent years, with London becoming known for its Chinese, Japanese, Indian, Thai, Spanish, Italian, French, Peruvian, and west African restaurants. Thankfully, pride in the best of British food—local, seasonal, wild, and foraged—is enjoying quite the renaissance, too.

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  • 1. Hullabaloo

    $ | Greenwich | Vegan

    This pint-sized eatery, which specializes in vegetarian Indian street food, is one of the very few independents in a neighborhood dominated by pubs and chain restaurants. Start with crisp samosas before indulging in a creamy dal or curry. The mouthwatering mango lassis are also made fresh.  

    10 Greenwich Church St., London, Greater London, SE10 9BJ, England

    Known For

    • Welcoming family atmosphere
    • Good range of vegan dishes
    • Filling thali meals
  • 2. The Old Brewery

    $$ | Greenwich

    Right next to the Old Royal Naval College Visitor Centre, The Old Brewery is a great spot for a laid-back summer drink with a view of the river and the grand buildings of the college. The all-day menu is mainly British pub classics, but with a focus on locally sourced ingredients. Inside, there's an artful, high-ceilinged dining room with a more sophisticated feel—its past life as a brewery is evident in the copper brew tanks lining one wall. Brunch is also served. 

    King William Walk, London, Greater London, SE10 9LW, England
    020-3437–2222

    Known For

    • Attractive, walled garden
    • Terrace with buzzy vibe in good weather
    • Nice Sunday brunch
  • 3. The Oystercatcher

    $$ | Greenwich

    Stroll west along the Thames, past the interesting architectural remnants of the Greenwich Steam Ferry, to this bright, friendly, waterside pub. Downstairs, you'll find upmarket pub fare—think fish pie with lobster or artichoke and mushroom hotpot with hispi cabbage—while there's a fancier, fine dining menu upstairs.

    7 Victoria Parade, London, Greater London, SE10 9FR, England
    0746-6993–061

    Known For

    • Terrific Thames views
    • Bottomless Sunday brunch
    • Heated terrace dining
  • 4. The Pavilion Café

    $ | Greenwich | Coffee

    Healthy snacks and lunches are served at this bright café next to the Royal Observatory. Homemade soups and sandwiches are good for a quick refuel, or try one of the delicious stone-baked pizzas for something more substantial. Check out the fancy weather vane on the roof of this quirky octagonal building, which depicts Lord Nelson looking through his telescope.

    Charlton Way, London, Greater London, SE10 8QY, England
    020-8305–2896

    Known For

    • Family-friendly atmosphere
    • Large garden seating area
    • Ideal location at the top of Greenwich Park
  • 5. Ilirian Cafe

    $ | Greenwich | Coffee
    Closed Permanently

    One of a handful of independent businesses in the midst of food chain–dominated Greenwich, this Greek-run café serves filling savory baked goods (the spinach and feta is a winner), generous slices of cake, and good coffee, all in bright and friendly surroundings. 

    21 Greenwich Church St., London, Greater London, SE10 9BJ, England
    020-8858–2858

    Known For

    • Traditional Greek pastries such as baklava
    • Central location
    • Homemade cakes

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No dinner
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