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. Halepi

    $$ | Bayswater

    Run by the same Greek-Cypriot family since 1966, this friendly taverna is a local institution and is considered by many to be the best Greek restaurant in the whole country. With its rustic interior and a mouthwatering menu of Greek culinary classics, it's the perfect spot for a leisurely lunch or a memorable evening out. The grilled meats are a must, as are the extensive selection of cold and warm mezze.

    18 Leinster Terr., London, Greater London, W2 3ET, England
    020-7262–1070

    Known For

    • Authentic Greek food, perfectly done
    • Relaxed, informal vibe
    • Excellent oven-cooked lamb
  • 2. Hereford Road

    $$ | Bayswater | Coffee

    A Bayswater favorite with the well-connected Notting Hill set, Hereford Road is renowned for its pared-down, pomp-free, and ingredient-driven seasonal British fare, with an emphasis on well-sourced regional British produce. Work your way through uncluttered combos like smoked mackerel, potato, and horseradish; braised ox cheek and carrots; or buttermilk pudding with blueberries. Their set lunches on Fridays and Saturdays are arguably the best lunch deals in town.

    3 Hereford Rd., London, Greater London, W2 4AB, England
    020-7727–1144

    Known For

    • Pared-back Modern British nose-to-tail dining
    • Deceptively simple-sounding dishes like salt beef and mash
    • Famously affordable two- and three-course set lunches

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon., Reservations essential
  • 3. The Prince Bonaparte

    $ | Bayswater

    A laid-back, airy, art deco--inspired gastropub serving up quality Modern British food, The Prince Bonaparte offers a fine selection of ales and carefully chosen wines. A stone's throw from Portobello Market, it's the perfect place for a drink or a bite to eat.

    80 Chepstow Rd., London, Greater London, W2 5BE, England
    020-7313–9491

    Known For

    • Super-helpful wait and bar staff
    • Relaxed and friendly atmosphere
    • Legendary Sunday roasts
  • Recommended Fodor’s Video

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