Everywhere you go in London, you’ll find endless options for your next meal. But in a city where there are restaurants on every corner, how do you know which ones are actually worth a visit? Well, that’s where we come in. This list features our favourite places to dine in London right now, organised by area – North, East, Central, South and West – plus a few new openings you might want to try first.
These are the restaurants in every corner of the capital that we’ve tried, gone back to, and gone back to again, just to be sure they’re worth the rec. Now, all you need to do is secure a table – fortunately, we’ve given you plenty of options.
(Looking for our favourite London pubs? You’ll find those here. And if it’s a drink you’re after, we’re keeping a list of the best wine and cocktail bars in the capital over here. Otherwise, happy snacking...)
First Up: 6 New Restaurants In London To Add To Your List
The Mood: If a 17th-century British tavern and a Hackney small-plate spot got together and set up home in Shoreditch, the result would be Tavern. Its panelled walls, candlelit sconces and mismatched antiques scream tradition, while the menu – bursting with unexpected flavours and a funky natural-leaning wine list – puts it firmly in 2026. We’ll say it: Tavern delivered the best meal we’ve had so far this year.
The Menu: Any menu that opens with a pickleback martini promises a good culinary time. Split into the East London trifecta of small plates, large plates and desserts, the team behind Michelin-starred St Barts and seasonal haven Nest (the space Tavern has taken over) brings their fine dining approach to British classics, with a laidback vibe. The Smoked Cod’s Roe and Pig Skin are, in reality, giant pork scratchings (hurrah). And the Sausage with Ink Mustard blends pork with cuttlefish, of all things, for an umami, what’s-in-this-it’s-great-but-I-can’t-work-it-out spin.
The Must-Order: The sweetbread burger, an off-menu special. Don’t be put off by ‘sweetbread’ – this is a stack of tender meat, house-made American-style cheese and a sharp pickle. After just one bite, we ordered a second. And don’t skip the mini brown butter cake to finish – a teeny bite of caramelly joy.
The Mood: On the end of Wilton Way where The Spurstowe Arms, Binch and Sally Abé’s Teal form a tasty line-up is this new Italian spot where the atmosphere is as relaxed (yet sophisticated) as its buttery exterior. The airy entrance is where you’ll want to spend summer evenings perched in the window seats, while the back of the restaurant overlooks the open kitchen, with cosy tables for two.
The Menu: While Ornella is from the same team as Highbury’s beloved Roman spot Lupa (see below), this menu reflects the food of chef Naz Hassan’s Milanese upbringing – pastas, plenty of dairy and two kinds of cotolette (a Lombard take on schnitzel). Those who’ve sipped on Lupa’s fig leaf martini will be pleased to see it makes an appearance here, along with an (obviously) Italian-led wine menu focused on small-batch producers.
The Must-Order: Milanese cuisine goes big on dairy, so the creamy yet inexplicably light butter and parmesan tagliatelle is a must, as is the onion broth tajarin – pasta served in a rich broth, with some crisp wedges of cheese on toast. So delicious that Service95’s Features Editor Olivia, who’s supposed to be avoiding gluten, devoured both with no regrets.
(Also Notting Hill)
The Mood: There’s a new foodie kid on the Spitalfields Market block. While the tables of the second outpost of Holy Carrot spill out onto the actual market space, we like it in the main restaurant: a bright, airy dining room lined with watercolour-esque mushroom murals (a nod to its veg-led menu). Everyone here has a smile on their face. Once you’ve tried the food, you’ll understand why.
The Menu: Everything here is vegan or vegetarian, with plenty of gluten-free options on the near zero-waste menu. And you don’t miss meat, dairy or gluten one bit. The seasonal plates are inventive, designed to share and packed with flavour – thanks to the live fire cookery from chef Daniel Watkins.
The Must-Order: The starter of koji-cured vegetables with tofu and pickles sets the tone for a menu full of culinary surprises (some of the veg even resembles charcuterie). And you can’t go without trying the pea, courgette and wild garlic pizzette and “sexy” tofu (like chicken wings, but... not).
The Mood: The Mexican restaurant formerly known as Taqueria has had a revamp to mark 20 years since its opening. Jackson Boxer (of Dove – see below, Brunswick House, etc) has teamed up with chef Eduardo Yishima for the newly refreshed Taq – and locals are happy it’s back. If you can get yourself a spot, perch yourself at the bar and chat away with the bartenders as you dine. They’ll make you feel welcome as they shake you up a mezcalita.
The Menu: Classic Mexican flavours, with Jackson’s signature flair. It’s centred around tacos, tostadas and quesadillas, with lots of starter and side options to tailor your meal exactly to your tastes. The drinks menu is agave-focused (naturally), with palomas, margaritas, micheladas and more to try.
The Must-Order: The Dove taco – yes, Jackson’s daily sell-out burger from his booked-out restaurant down the road has been transformed into a smashburger-style taco, basted in beef fat and topped with red Leicester. Unlike said burger, there’s more than 10 of these on offer a day. No disappointments here.
Logma, Hackney
The Mood: By day, Logma is the Hackney-based, Iraqi-Iranian cafe serving up excellent bites that you’ll happily enjoy squished in next to the friends you made in the inevitable queue. Because at Logma, there's always a line snaking down the road. On Wednesday evenings, the space opens for Logma Lates: an evening service bringing to life the original supper club on which Logma was founded. Expect a set menu, communal dining and excellent company. (Read our interview with the founders here.)
The Menu: By day, there’s sticky tahini buns and the best sandwiches you’ll have eaten in a while – from roasted aubergine to a sourdough pitta packed with kofte. By night, it’s a monthly rotating offering that features everything from oysters with herb oil, ancient Persian stew Duck Fesenjoon and fragrant rice piled high in the centre of the table.
The Must-Order: Really, you'll need to go to Logma twice. Once during the day (get the aubergine) and again come evening, where the menu is a surprise (and it’s BYOB – take a bottle of something nice).
Hoppers, Shoreditch
(Also Marylebone, King’s Cross & Soho)
The Mood: Step though the doors of what was once Lyle’s and you’ll find it transformed. The once-stark white space is now filled with warm wood, fabric chandeliers and an ornate ceiling for the first East London outpost of Hoppers – the restaurant centred around the Sri Lankan dish after which it’s named. The service is as warm as the decor, and the food surpasses them both.
The Menu: Sri Lankan cuisine is the focus here: karis (curries), dosas, rice dishes and, of course, hoppers – fermented rice pancakes served with a runny egg in the centre. There’s also the option to order The Hoppers Experience – a chef-selected rundown of crowd-pleasing dishes, so you can try a little of everything.
The Must-Order: The bone marrow varuval to start (a flavourful curry paired with soft, flaky roti), followed by jaggery lamb kari (a slow-cooked curry exploding with flavour), with the house sambols on the side.
The North London Restaurants To Note
The Mood: Along Blackstock Road, halfway between Highbury Barn and Finsbury Park, you’ll see a warm glow coming from a steamed-up window. That light comes from the giant candles along the bar top; the steam from pairs gathered together on stools by the glass. Because Giacco’s is the kind of place that gives the ‘intimate restaurant and wine bar’ category its name.
The Menu: It’s ever-changing, thanks to rotating chef residencies. Past menus have included “nomadic neo-izakaya from Akira Sugiura and “Italian methods with Turkish flavours” from Pigs Can Fly. Currently on offer: “reimagined Southern Italian tradition” by Graziano Pagliarulo. Always on offer: intimate vibes, low-intervention wines and a cocktail list to round off your meal on a high.
The Must-Order: It depends on the menu, but you can’t make a bad choice here. As for the constants: order the olives while you peruse the menu (juicy, sharp and a little sweet) and finish with a pisco sour.
The Mood: Sprawling arrangements of seasonal flowers, little nooks to cosy up in and an ever-changing menu written in chalk on the wall – Primeur is, quite possibly, the most romantic spot in London. (Though its long tables are calling out for a group dinner.) This is neighbourhood dining worth travelling for and the atmosphere is always warm and inviting, whether you’re escaping the cold in winter or sitting by the open doors come summer.
The Menu: It changes depending on what’s in season (and what the chefs fancy cooking), but expect classic dishes livened up with unexpected twists, from citrus hot sauce adorning pig’s trotter croquettes to saltfish baked into a gratin. There’s a reason it’s a Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant.
The Must-Order: Everything! But start with a negroni (or a seasonal soda) and let the staff guide you through what’s new. The bread and butter is top tier, the veg dishes are always a standout and you must save room for whatever the chef’s cooked up for dessert. Promise?
The Mood: Prawn on the Lawn has stood the test of time – for good reason. Cosy, relaxed and always humming with conversation, it has the easy charm of somewhere people return to again and again – whether for a quick plate at the bar or a long, multi-course dinner with friends.
The Menu: Fish and seafood done properly. Expect towering platters of prawns, clams and day-boat fish, plenty of oysters and small plates designed for sharing. Even the sides are memorable, like the crushed, spiced potatoes, which somehow manage to complement everything on the table.
The Must-Order: The deep-fried oysters with crème fraîche are not to be missed.
The Mood: Alright, you’ve probably heard about this one because of its founders – Ed Templeton (co-founder of Fitzrovia’s revolving-chef spot Carousel) and Theo James (yes, the Theo James). And while this pair very much deserves all the starry praise, the real star of LUPA is its atmosphere – and what comes out of the kitchen. It’s full of locals chancing a walk-in, who the staff know by name, and those lucky enough to have actually bagged a coveted reservation. (And us, heading there for possibly London’s chicest pre-match meal – the Emirates is around the corner.)
The Menu: ‘Roman comfort food’ is LUPA’s MO. And head chef Naz Hassan delivers this in spades. There’s fried cheese, plenty of pasta (served with chunks of optional bread to ‘fare la scarpetta’ – mop up the sauce), main courses you should leave room for (hello, porchetta) and a simple yet wonderfully satisfying dessert menu. The cocktails and wine are cracking, too.
The Must-Order: The mozzarella in carozza (the aforementioned fried cheese toastie) and some obligatory cacio e pepe, washed down with a fig leaf martini.
The Mood: Trullo is one of those restaurants that’s always on our list of recommendations. This older, wiser sister to the London Bridge’s Padella has the nicest staff, simple-yet-chic interiors and food that feels consistently comforting but at the same time dotted with new surprises. And there’s also Trullo Bar next door, where you can either drop in for a glass of wine or carry on your evening post-dinner.
The Menu: Really, really great Italian cuisine, using locally sourced produce and following the traditional menu of antipasti, primi, secondi (listed here as ‘oven and grill’) and dolci. The pastas are so light, you’re almost fooled into thinking you should have ordered more... Until your mains arrive with all the (necessary) sides, and then you realise that at Trullo, the menu is considered down to the very last detail – so you can fit in as many bites as possible.
The Must-Order: Any of the pastas. A recent highlight included a pistachio pesto that felt just right for the end of summer. Just make sure you save room for dessert – the Amalfi lemon tart means you’ll leave with a zing in your step.
The Mood: We actually got this recommendation from our founder (thanks, Dua!). Just down the road from the very Warwick Avenue station Duffy sang about all those years ago lies the The Hero, from the team behind Notting Hill’s The Pelican and The Bull in Charlbury. Is it the most beautiful pub you’ll ever see? Probably, and the food matches up. Enjoy scotch eggs, elevated cheese toasties and pies downstairs in the main pub, or head up to The Grill to take things up a notch...
The Menu: In the first-floor Grill restaurant, the menu is concise yet full of things you’ll want to order: oysters, short rib and fresh cheese and peas to start, followed by grilled mains of steak, pork chops and fish. This is the exact place you can spend hours catching up with friends or falling in love over a romantic candlelit dinner – all with the comforting vibe of being at your local.
The Must-Order: Any of the grills needs to be accompanied by all of the salads (honestly, they’re excellent) and, of course, the smoked potatoes.
The Mood: Firstly, everyone you encounter at this North London bakery and restaurant is so nice. It makes sense, really, when catch the scent of fresh patisserie wafting from the open bakery door. (Who wouldn’t be happy when you’re surrounded by pastries every day?) If you’re short on time, pop in for a sweet treat and coffee to take away – otherwise, head into the neighbouring restaurant and settle in to one of the velvet banquettes, watching the chefs craft your meal with a smile from the open kitchen.
The Menu: In the bakery, you’ll find a changing selection of sweet and savoury pastries (think strawberry rice pudding danishes and brown butter hazelnut croissants), plus sandwiches. In the restaurant, it’s an evolving seasonal mix of French and British dishes. The menu is not too big, not too small – just the right combination of small plates (of course), the odd pasta dish, some hearty mains and cracking sides (pommes Anna, we’re looking at you).
The Must-Order: The oxtail crumpet, while you mull over the menu. With a couple of the truffle and cheddar beignets on the side. And one of the house martinis. Oh, and the freshly baked madeleines for dessert – it is a bakery, after all!
Our Go-To Restaurants In East London
The Mood: Mangal II is a Turkish restaurant rooted in family tradition and a deep passion for food passed down through generations. At the heart of Dalston’s culinary scene, this spot buzzes with energy every night. With a killer wine list and a perfectly curated playlist to match, every detail at Mangal II lives up to the well-earned hype – you’ll find yourself wanting to stay for hours...
The Menu: Founded by Ali Dirik when he moved to London in 1987, the restaurant celebrates traditional Turkish cuisine. Since his sons took over the menu, it’s also influenced by their London upbringing. There are plenty of small plates to share, from fluffy sourdough pide to smoked hummus and house pickles, along with larger dishes to really get stuck into.
The Must-Order: Genuinely, everything. But the grilled blooming onion salad is one of our favourite side dishes ever.
(Also Clapham – and special mention goes to Bar Crispin in Soho)
The Mood: Sophisticated simplicity. The space is filled with natural-light, making it a great spot for a lunch to remember, as well as for dinner. Incredible food and wine don’t need to be served with a side of pretentiousness, and Crispin is proof of that. The original Shoreditch location is our go-to, but south of the river you’ll find Crispin at Studio Voltaire, next to a local gallery, where we launched our supper club series Dinner Service.
The Menu: Produce-driven sharing plates, a strong seasonal focus, and low-intervention wines. Need we say more?
The Must-Order: The ever-changing menu spans inventive, imaginative plates. Highlights from our last visit include fried buffalo mozzarella with smoked green tomato ketchup and roasted celeriac with mushrooms, garlic butter and hazelnuts. Heaven.
The Mood: Canary Wharf is not where you’d expect to feel transported to a design haven, but Nora does just that. Peek through the cafe curtains lining the windows and you’ll find the interiors are gorgeous – shelves packed with vinyls and velvet banquettes and statement armchairs to sink into. And the vibe matches up: Nora is a space to bring people together.
The Menu: Istanbul-inspired plates absolutely packed with flavour. Really excellent dips, salads and breads are made to be passed around a group, as well as larger plates of meat and fish grilled until succulent.
The Must-Order: The food will practically order itself (you’ll want to try one of everything), but don’t overlook the drinks menu. There are some brilliant non-alcoholic cocktails, plenty of Turkish wine and, for those in the mood for a digestif, the baklava old fashioned is a sensation.
The Mood: From the moment you step through the doors of the Blue Mountain School building, where the restaurant is housed above the design-led retail and gallery space, Cycene reveals itself as something closer to a carefully choreographed journey than a traditional dinner. The scent of the room shifts subtly as the set courses progress; the soundtrack changes in tone to mirror the rhythm of the meal. The ideal set-up for a meal to remember.
The Menu: The evening unfolds through a sequence of courses that move between the kitchen, the dining room and moments of interaction with the chefs. Some dishes arrive fully formed; others are finished tableside or presented with an explanation of their ingredients and process by head chef Taz Sarhane. The structure encourages diners to slow down and pay attention to every aspect of the ingredients they are eating.
The Must-Order: You don’t need to know what to order, just arrive and the team will show you the way...
The Mood: Situated on the docks of Canary Wharf, this restaurant from the brilliant minds behind Fallow and Fowl is reason alone to travel into the City. Not only does it wow with a sprawling sun trap of a terrace, but the creative approach taken to each dish on the menu is a cut above the rest. There’s a touch of Noma about the place, yet it remains very down to earth, thanks to the most attentive service and a core ethos of sustainability.
The Menu: Roe takes you on a culinary masterclass in good taste, infusing European cuisine with global influences, from its flamed sriracha mussels to their snail vindaloo.
The Must-Order: The spiced lamb shoulder skewer is exceptional, and the baked potato with kombu ketchup is indulgent comfort food at its finest.
The Mood: The perfect way to spend an afternoon or evening. Wind down with an eclectic selection of specially curated music from Bambi’s vast record collection in its new, expanded setting, all while sampling the delicious menu. If you’re there late on the weekends, prepare for dinner to turn into dancing.
The Menu: This is the spot for small plates and wine, from fried feta and BBQ prawns to pork chops with fries. You won’t go hungry. Stuck for choice? Order the chef’s selection for two for a culinary highlights reel.
The Must-Order: First, go for dinner. But then, try the brunch – a small but mighty curation of dishes to start your weekend right. Our pick: the crab crumpet with poached egg and hollandaise sauce, washed down with a garibaldi.
The Mood: Tucked away in De Beauvoir Town, Goodbye Horses is a musical treasure trove. With over 4,000 records on offer, this classy little wine bar will serenade you with its tunes, as well as its dishes.
The Menu: It’s the kind of place where you can enjoy a hot cup of coffee during the day and East London’s obligatory small plates and a selection of wines to wind down come evening. The best of both worlds.
The Must-Order: The low-intervention wine list is next-level. Sit back, order anything your server recommends and enjoy.
(Also Shoreditch, Marylebone, Soho, King’s Cross, Borough & Battersea)
The Mood: The City of London is hardly where you’d expect to go for a flavour explosion. Bankers stood outside pubs with a pint? Yes. Taiwanese delicacies? No – until now. The newest BAO space is, perhaps surprisingly, a sexy, retro haven – all dark red banquettes, low lighting and a even wall of whisky.
The Menu: Each branch focuses on a different element of Taiwanese cuisine – for example, Shoreditch is a noodle shop, while the City focuses on heartier large plates (the buttery beef rice bowl is heaven). And, of course, there’s the namesake bao buns: everything from classic pork to fried chicken.
The Must-Order: The Horlicks dessert bao – a crunchy-on-the-outside, fluffy-on-the-inside deep-fried bao bun, filled with a scoop of malty, not-to-sweet ice cream. End your meal on a high by ordering one of those and a Hot Man Margarita, to the karaoke room in the back – and sing the rest of the night away.
(Also Soho, Shoreditch & Brixton)
The Mood: Having grown from a pop-up in Brixton to outposts across the city (with one opening in Shoreditch this March). For now, Canary Wharf is its newest venue, and it’s a welcome break from the grey business district: everything you know and love about Kricket, kicked up a notch with a richly intimate ambience. Slick chrome counters, enveloping red tiles and private linen partitions create the perfect setting for long-overdue catch-ups.
The Menu: British ingredients with the flavours and aromas of India is Kricket’s ethos – and it never disappoints. The menu might change with the seasons, but you’ll always find aromatic curries, that fried chicken and starters so good you’ll need to remember to leave room for your mains.
The Must-Order: The black dal is a classic. Warming, flavoursome and truly comforting – it should accompany every order you make.
The Mood: They pay great attention to detail at Manteca. Pretty much everything is handmade at this Italian-inspired restaurant. The pasta is hand-rolled, the focaccia baked fresh and there’s even an in-house salumeria. Grab a window seat upstairs for golden-hour light and people-watching as you dine, or cosy up downstairs and watch the bustle of the kitchen as you hunker down with a plate of pasta (or three).
The Menu: There’s focus on nose-to-tail dining (hence those delicious pig’s head fritters to start). The menu offers a series of courses: snacks, small plates, pasta and wood-fired meats and fish for mains. Then there’s the wine list: an excellent curation of both low-intervention and classic fine wines from Italy, Europe and beyond – so you can hop between a crisp fizz, funky orange and a plump, juicy red with each course.
The Must-Order: The homemade focaccia is non-negotiable, paired with the smooth, lemony ricotta. More standouts include any ragu that’s on the menu, the crispy potatoes with pancetta and even if you couldn’t possibly squeeze in a dessert, you have to make room for a square of beef fat fudge.
The Central London Restaurants To Avoid The Tourist Traps
The Mood: Town is the kind of place where a 6pm reservation feels every bit as buzzy as an 8pm one. The vibe lingers well past 10pm, with tables still full of people unwinding over late-night cocktails and finishing their plates – even on a week day. Whether you’re ducking in for a post-shopping cocktail at the bar or gathering friends for lively catch-ups, this restaurant always delivers. There’s a constant hum of laughter and clinking glasses, a relaxed yet glamorous atmosphere, and a cosmopolitan crowd that channels pure New York cool right in the heart of London.
The Menu: Chef Stevie Parle’s inclusive menu celebrates the best of regenerative British produce – don’t sleep on the crispy fried sage leaves drizzled in heather honey and chilli, or warm potato sourdough with bone marrow gravy. When it comes to the mains, standouts include the wild farmed sirloin steak or the woodland pork with red cabbage – all perfectly paired with a flawless cocktail menu from the bar curated by Kevin Armstrong of the legendary Satan’s Whiskers.
The Must-Order: On the drinks front, the Somerset Negroni is a standout. When it comes to food, meat lovers should definitely check the specials from the Town Cows – the restaurant’s own herd of Wild farmed cattle grazing in Oxfordshire.
(Also Hackney)
The Mood: A menu so consistently solid, it makes Elliot’s our go-to reservation for catch-ups with friends, family dinners, hot dates and everything in between. (We love it so much, we even hosted one of our supper clubs there). The first outpost is in the heart of Borough Market (reservations should probably be made, but chance a walk-in if you’re nearby), while its second is on Hackney’s Mare Street (making it the younger, cooler sibling by default). It’s nice but not pretentious, sometimes spenny but with options for every budget, and you always, always leave satisfied.
The Menu: Seasonal wood-fired cooking, done so well. Expect grilled meats and vegetables, plates of both small and large varieties and some excellent pizzas. Oh, and they’ve been on the natural wine hype since 2011, so expect smooth, sippable and just-funky-enough tipples to pair with your meal.
The Must-Order: The fluffy, lighter-than-air Isle of Mull cheese puffs should be ordered before your menus have even hit the table – perfect to satiate your ever-growing appetite as you select which plates to fill your table with. The fried potatoes shouldn’t be missed, either.
The Mood: Set inside Somerset House is Aram, the newest restaurant from chef and restaurateur Imad Alarnab. Part Syrian cafe, part restaurant, part deli, it moves effortlessly from a morning coffee spot to a relaxed setting for early evening dinners. Whether you stop in for a lunchtime bite or a more leisurely meal, the warmth of the space is matched by flavours that never disappoint.
The Menu: The menu at Aram is rooted in Syrian cooking and built around generous dishes designed to share, honouring Imad’s heritage and the spirit of bringing people together.
The Must-Order: The trout kabsah, served with aromatic rice and cashews, is one of those dishes you’ll want to finish to the very last bite – comforting, fragrant and reminiscent of the best home-cooked meal you’ve ever had.
The Mood: An intimate, candlelit spot for Moorish tapas and mezze, where the huge windows steam up as the place inevitably fills up, blissfully muting the chaos of London for a few hours. All you have to do is prop yourself up on a stool by the window or at the bar and prepare for all the flavour.
The Menu: While big sister Moro serves up wood-roasted Moorish cuisine on Exmouth Market, little sibling Morito showcases those flavours with a more experimental, tapas-style menu next door (there’s also Hackney outpost further east). Expect a series of small plates defined by North African influences (think labneh, za’atar flatbread and baba ghanoush). It’s all fantastic.
The Must-Order: Make sure to get a mix of all the culinary influences in there – the salt cod croquetas are made to be dipped in creamy labneh, while the vinha d’alhos (slow-cooked pork sandwich) is perfect with a little whipped feta.
The Mood: At this second outpost by Santiago Lastra, the chef behind Michelin-starred KOL in Marylebone, what else can you expect aside from perfection? This contemporary Mexican spot offers a fine take on classic cuisine – in fact, Fonda hits on every level: spicy food, spicy drinks and a delightfully spicy atmosphere.
The Menu: Moreish small plates of everything from crudo to crisp tostadas, sharing taco joy (including some excellent carnitas, all accompanied with a tower of homemade hot sauces), rounded off with churros to finish. And the drinks menu is excellent.
The Must-Order: The fish tacos! We ordered a second plate. Oh, and the frozen margs –though, a warning: the cherry-tinged pink concoctions will turn you giggly with joy. And you will likely order several. Enjoy!
The Mood: Tucked away in Neal’s Yard, just moments away from the bustle of Covent Garden, you’ll find The Barbary. Diners sit on high stools around a curved countertop, with the servers and chefs preparing dishes in the centre – creating plenty of room for great conversation, always accompanied by a killer playlist.
The Menu: Sharing dishes inspired by the Barbary Coast, taking culinary cues from Southern Europe and Northern Africa – think succulent grilled meats and fish, a killer fattoush salad and the best spread of dips we’ve had in years (everything from creamy labneh to richly spiced harissa).
The Must-Order: Our new favourite dessert? The Barbary’s hash cake (no hash involved, but plenty of pistachios).
The Mood: This atmospheric little space is part restaurant, part cocktail bar. We love the relaxed vibe, exposed brick and wood interiors and the feeling of sanctuary from the mayhem of Borough Market, just steps away.
The Menu: Kolae is named after a cooking style from southern Thailand, where the meat, fish and vegetables are coated in a curry-like coconut marinade and grilled over an open flame. Each dish is an explosion of Thai flavours. The menu is ever-changing with the seasons (both here and in Thailand) – think red kuri squash with ajhaad relish, southern gati curry of stonebass and mango and cucumber salad with coconut and shrimp.
The Must Order: The kolae grilled mussel skewers with calamansi lime. Not an ingredient you’d expect to find on a skewer, but these tiny bites are the perfect curtain raiser to your Thai feast. Especially when accompanied by a salak gin sour.
The Mood: Step into Elsa on Marylebone’s Charlotte Street and you'll feel instantly welcome. It might be in the heart of London, but this restaurant and wine house feels a million miles from the chaos of Oxford Circus, which is just a few minutes away.
The Menu: This seasonal bistro serves hearty dishes influenced by the Alsace region of France – all full of flavour, presented in an elegant small-plate style. Perfect for sharing. Tip: between lunch and dinner, the restaurant serves up an ‘apero’ menu of wine, cocktails and snacks. The perfect pitstop.
The Must-Order: Leave room for dessert – the fried blackberry turnovers are the perfect end to your meal.
The Mood: Walking down the staircase to Nina’s dining room feels like stepping into a hidden world below the streets of Marylebone. The room curves round into a space that’s intimate enough to feel private, stylish enough to impress, where soft lighting glints off textured walls and warm accents give the place a lived-in elegance. And then there’s the food.
The Menu: Nina’s menu is contemporary Italian – with a wink. These arh dishes you’ll be talking about for weeks. After a ’tini to set the tone, starters range from the flavour-packed cured wagyu to bluefin tuna e melone. But here, pasta (of course) steals the spotlight: house-made shapes arrive slicked with sauces.
The Must-Order: The tomato pasta is pure, vibrant comfort, while the duck ragu delivers slow-cooked richness in every bite. As for dessert, the tiramisu is pure luxury, while the lemon semifreddo cuts through with a bright, zesty finish.
The Mood: All the joy of a countryside pub with all the refinement of a London bistro – that’s what you’ll find at this Soho spot from the Gladwins, the family behind Service95-favourite pub The Pig’s Ear (read us ramble on about it here). Take a seat at one of its intimate booths for two and work your way through a host of British classics.
The Menu: Like if your best friend was a chef – fine dining, with a comforting twist. Think pork chops with mash and red wine jus, Scottish scallops and the signature starter: a mushroom marmite eclair (a generous mouthful of culinary joy).
The Must-Order: Really, you need to get the beef wellington. It’s one of the best we’ve had – and if you keep an eye on the website (or are willing to book the downstairs private room for a one-off experience), you might just get the chance to learn how to make a wellington from the chefs themselves. A truly special (and delicious) experience.
The Mood: Believe it or not, London hasn’t had a fine-dining Chilean restaurant – until Mareida. Founded by Prenay Agarwal and Benjamin Figari, everything about this space feels authentic: the chefs are Chilean, the décor is Chilean (Prenay sourced the tiles that line the bar and brought the rocks that line the walls back from Chile himself), and even the hot sauce has Chilean roots, made by Benjamin’s family.
The Menu: So. Much. Flavour. Whether you’re there for a full evening exploring the à la carte menu or sitting down for the set lunch option (a reasonable £28 for two courses or £32 for three), you’re in for a treat. Expect classic dishes alongside experimental flavours, such as scallops served with parmesan foam and crab cake gratin.
The Must-Order: The Mareida Sour cocktail will convert anyone to pisco, while the beef empanadas feel like they’ve been made in a Chilean grandma’s kitchen. Oh, and the express lunchtime churrasco (sandwich), served with fries and a drink for £15? One of the best lunches we’ve had in ages.
The Mood: If you’ve ever walked around between London Bridge Station and Bermondsey Street in search of a great pub (The Rose and The Horseshoe, we see you), then you’ll have strolled right past Trivet. Despite its two Michelin stars, this spot is so wonderfully lowkey that you probably will miss it. Step inside and you’ll be met with the warmest welcome you’ve ever had from a fine dining spot – and a meal to remember.
The Menu: Trivet is the city’s only two-Michelin-star restaurant that is solely à la carte – a refreshing break from the usual tasting menu format. Here, guests are free to make their own way through playful spins on classics, such as ‘Drunk lobster’ with noodles or ‘Not a crispy duck’ served with sweet melon. That’s another joy of Trivet: how it brings Michelin star dining to everyone. Mondays see the space transformed into a wine bar offering cheese boards, while its lunch menu has a concise offering that’s perfect enjoyed outdoors on the compact but very lovely terrace.
The Must-Order: If you’re going at lunch, the crispy chicken wings are a must (consider this our official plea to add them to the evening menu). Come evening, the roast lamb deserves a spot on your table and leave room for a dessert of British strawberries with goat’s cheese – a savoury-sweet sensation.
The Mood: The finest dining, immaculate vibes, zero pretence. OMA might be the first Greek restaurant in London to win a Michelin Star, but it’s also the kind of place you can settle in for an evening of fun. Sat atop popular souvlaki spot Agora, think of OMA as its older, more refined sister. Go for the food, stay for the after-dinner cocktails and try your best to get a coveted spot on the covered terrace, overlooking Borough Market.
The Menu: An elevated take on traditional Greek cuisine. Start with the homemade crisps and tiny cocktails, before moving on to obligatory breads and dips (the labneh is next-level). Then, delve into the small and large plates, perfect for sharing. And save room for dessert – even if it’s for a spoon or two of the creamiest vanilla ice cream doused in olive oil.
The Must-Order: Aside from the homemade crisps (we could eat them all day), standout dishes are the lamb belly with hummus and the oxtail giouvetsi with bone marrow – rich yet moreish. The perfect main to dive into after a glass or two of Greek wine. Trust the team to recommend every glass.
(Also Notting Hill)
The Mood: Located off Shaftesbury Avenue in London’s West End, Speedboat Bar is the fourth restaurant from chef Luke Farrell – labelled a ‘Bangkok Chinatown restaurant and bar’. It’s all the fun, with none of the fuss. Pull a few tables together and bring all your friends for a very fun evening – continued in the upstairs bar with a few rounds of pool, fuelled by the happy hour that runs every night from 10pm.
The Menu: Chinese dishes infused with unmistakable Thai flavours, and one thing is certain – this menu doesn’t hold back on the heat.
The Must-Order: The chicken skins should be mandatory with your first drink (vegetarians, there’s sweetcorn fritters for you) and the minced beef with holy basil is everything you could want from a stir fry.
The Mood: London’s Borough Market is known as a foodie mecca, and in an unassuming spot just outside the market you’ll find this gem, where chef and author Cynthia Shanmugalingam presents her Sri Lankan menu. On sunny days, the front of the restaurant opens up for a welcome breeze. On any day, we recommend perching at the counter, to dine while the chefs prepare meals right in front of you.
The Menu: Tamil dishes with a twist: small plates, large plates, sides (the butter roti and pear, daikon & lime leaf sambol are a must), dips, cocktails and homemade sodas (including a cream soda, joy!). Everything is delicious, so it’s probably safest to just order the feasting menu and let a curation of dishes make their way to your table.
The Must-Order: If there’s one dish you should order, please make it the Swaledale lamb red curry: a savoury, spicy flavour explosion.
The Mood: Providing yet another excellent reason for foodies to visit Borough Market in London Bridge is the always buzzy Agora (underneath fine-dining spot OMA), where you’ll often see queues snaking down the street from its front door. On warm days, the front of the restaurant opens up completely for a full indoor-outdoor dining experience. When it’s cold, settle in at one of the high tables and warm up by the wood-fired oven.
The Menu: A Greek-inspired souvlaki bar with a modern twist, where traditional Greek salad gets an upgrade via carob husks and galomizithra and grilled meats are so tender, they fall off the skewer.
The Must-Order: The spicy pork sausage, spit-roast pineapple and hot honey wood-oven flatbread converted the biggest hater of Hawaiian pizzas!
The Mood: Beneath a railway arch in Borough Yards, you’ll find a surprisingly serene oasis: all exposed brick, light wood furniture and soft lighting, with an open kitchen showcasing perhaps the most chilled group of chefs you’ll ever see. Though don’t be fooled – you’ll be anything but chilled about the delicious food you’re about to be served.
The Menu: The restaurant takes its name from the Nigerian dish akara osu, a black-eyed bean fritter – a version of which is known in Brazil as acaraje. The menu is centred around a unique fusion of the two: its akara are crisp fried bean patties filled with an array of toppings (prawn, crab, marinated tomato and more), ready to dip in one of the most moreish sauces you’ll taste.
The Must-Order: Of course, the akara. But don’t dismiss the larger plates of succulent meat and fish, grilled in front of you on an open flame – and, of course, mandatory plantain. Even the after-dinner coffee is next-level.
The Mood: Looking for somewhere special that doesn’t feel pretentious? Try Bocca Di Lupo. The Italian restaurant might be racking up awards in the middle of London’s West End, yet it retains all the comfort of a classic trattoria. The food is simple yet perfect and you won’t find a bad glass of wine here.
The Menu: Stripped-back, Italian cuisine, specialising in food and wine from across all of Italy’s 20 regions – from classic ragù to sea bream carpaccio and roast sucking pig. The chefs make as much as they can in-house, and you can tell – the bread, salami, pickles and pasta (to name just a few) are as fresh as they come. Everything else is sourced directly from Italy, of course.
The Must-Order: If you aren’t full of all the savoury delights, it would be remiss of us to not mention that Bocca Di Lupo’s founders are also behind cult gelato spot Gelupo – which just happens to be across the road. If you have room straight after dinner, order a scoop (or three) for dessert at your table. Or, you could take a stroll through the theatre district while you let your meal settle, and stop off at Gelupo for a cone of the ricotta sour cherry on your way home.
The Mood: Located in a Grade II listed building in Farringdon (which survived the Great Fire of 1666), lies Cloth. The décor is all low ceilings, antique crockery and candlelit tables, making it the most perfect date spot – romantic or otherwise. Perfect for a special occasion.
The Menu: It’s a restaurant founded by a chef and two wine merchants, so the menu is as good as you’d expect – beautiful, considered small plates that change weekly.
The Must-Order: The wine list is built mostly from small, independent, sustainable producers – order any glass (or bottle) and you won’t be disappointed.
The Mood: Just off Charlotte Street, Lima strikes the ideal balance between relaxed and refined – the kind of place that feels special without being extravagant. All in all, it’s the kind of restaurant where you can settle in, unwind and get a sense of the vibrancy and flavours of Peru.
The Menu: Lima has been open since 2012 but marked a fresh chapter with the arrival of new head chef, Diego Recarte. The menu now delivers a fresh evolution of their style, from rib-eye tartare with crispy corn and Parmesan to lamb rump with pistachio and turnip chalaquita. It’s an experimental blend of standout UK produce and South American flair.
The Must-Order: We’re still thinking about the Ibérico pork pluma with cabbage and plum chimichurri...
The Mood: Punjabi maximalism at its finest. Slip past the plush velvet curtains and you’ll arrive at a stunning central bar – a perfect spot to watch the night unfold. If you’re planning to stay a while, you can go down to the basement, where it feels like you’ve stepped straight into a space that would host one of those exclusive poker parties from Casino Royale.
The Menu: Arrive with an appetite – you will leave full. Be sure to reserve ample space for the kebabs: the salmon tikka is a winner, with the butter chicken following closely behind. The menu is designed for sharing, allowing you to explore a dish from every corner of the kitchen. The curries are the true stars – especially the Ranjit Shahi Lobster. If you can manage a little more, the banana, peanut and dark chocolate kheer is a must.
The Must-Order: The Punjabi margarita selection is the stuff of dreams green chilli shaken with ginger, coriander and a hint of chaat masala; or the Tandoori version, infused with pineapple tikka and mezcal. It’s worth trying a few.
The Mood: Next door to his permanently packed tapas spot José on Bermondsey Street, you’ll find José Pizarro’s latest restaurant, Lolo. It’s bright, buzzy and easy going – all warm terracotta tones, tiled walls and counter seating around an open kitchen. It feels like a Mediterranean cafe dropped into south London: lively at lunch, softer and more intimate once the evening rolls in.
The Menu: The menu reflects José’s Spanish roots but embraces the ingredients and dining culture of London. Comforting Spanish food is given a modern, playful twist, with seafood and meat dishes being the heroes.
The Must-Order: The cuttlefish meatballs with squid ink are an absolute highlight, and as delicious as they sound.
The South London Restaurants That Never Disappoint
The Mood: Looking for a local gem? Then you're looking for Mr Bao. Down by Peckham Rye (the park bit, not the station), you'll find this Taiwanese restaurant serving up fluffy bao, plus a host of delicious extras. The vibe is always great: full of locals returning time and again. Ideal for everything from a birthday dinner with friends to a table for two.
The Menu: The aforementioned bao dominates the evening menu, while small plates include handmade dumplings, excellent fried chicken and a specials board packed with ever-changing delights. Oh, and they do brunch! At the weekend, try a scrambled egg bao – it'll be your new go-to.
The Must-Order: The beef brisket bao is the perfect mix of tender meat and fluffy bun, with a fresh hit of pickle for added crunch, while the crispy tofu will convert even the staunchest carnivores.
(Also Southbank & Soho)
The Mood: Is there a better view of London than the full expanse of the city’s skyline, as seen from the terrace of Forza’s Peckham outpost? Arguably, only the up-close shot of Big Ben through the London Eye from Forza’s second outpost above the National Theatre. Pair those optics with cracking small plates, an incredible wine list (with impressive by-the-glass and also by-the-litre selection) and, of course, those cocktails, and you’re in for a good time. Forza is always, always fun. And it always, always delivers.
The Menu: Self-described, daily changing ‘Italian-ish’ sharing plates and snacks (think generous servings of cauliflower fritti, fried spuds and gilt-head bream with salsa verde) – with an option to order the whole menu (you should), with special soft serve or Custardos for dessert (a must).
The Must-Order: The Custardos – yes, an espresso-custard dessert-shot hybrid that really should be mandatory for anyone who visits.
The Mood: Good food, good drinks, good music, good vibes. Literally steps from the entrance of Peckham Rye station, you’ll find Hausu, where a meal there feels like you’re out with friends. Since the team took over the space, the chic interiors feel all the more inviting, the sound system has had a major upgrade and even the coffee shop at the front has had the Hausu touch, serving up killer sandwiches alongside the usual strong-in-a-good-way coffee.
The Menu: A very refreshing take on the usual snacks-starters-small-plates-mains-sides menu du jour. Highlights include ‘Dad’s Broth’ (the very recipe chef Holly’s dad would serve at home) and a next-level nectarine, mozzarella and basil salad to start, while mains vary from grilled meat and fish to share to dedicated large plates of slow-cooked lamb. The wine list is also excellent and the cocktails deliver. Round off the night with a Honey Orange Old Fashioned.
The Must-Order: Standouts are the lemon butter noodles (light and incredibly moreish) and the generous portions grilled hispi cabbage and ratte potatoes with miso confit garlic. And the toasted rice ice cream is the perfect not-too-sweet finisher.
The Mood: Lai Rai fits right in with its effortlessly cool neighbours. From the outside, it has all the charm of a retro cafe – but step inside and it feels like you’ve been transported somewhere futuristic, with stainless steel stools sleek bar tops, and bold red walls. It’s casual, playful, and the perfect spot to kick off a night out in Peckham Rye.
The Menu: Vietnamese food, but not as you know it – this menu is playful, experimental and designed to push you out of your comfort zone. Service95’s Creative Producer Pia went in claiming to be a pescatarian and left having eaten beef jerky... So that says it all.
The Must-Order: The rice paper salad is delicious, as are the lollipop prawns. But if you’re in the mood to try something a little unexpected, don’t skip the Laughing Cow dessert. If you grew up in the UK taking packed lunches to school, prepare to be hit with a wave of nostalgia.
The Mood: A cosy, intimate neighbourhood bistro from the team behind Peckham Cellars (just down the road), with just a handful of high tables window seats that glow with warm candlelight come evening – perfect for a relaxed dinner or a quiet drink with a friend or partner.
The Menu: A banging selection of sharing plates, with portions that are actually made for sharing. Highlights include the rich confit artichoke and giant, succulent prawns, all perfectly paired with a standout wine-by-the-glass list curated from the in-house wine shop.
The Must-Order: The menu is short but sweet – nothing misses the mark. The Pink Fir potatoes are absolute showstoppers.
The West London Restaurants That Deliver Both Vibes & Flavour
The Mood: This beautiful West London restaurant is that rare example of style and substance: elegant marble bar tops, muted murals scattered across the walls, natural textiles and a natural light-filled space provides a serene setting for some seriously good food.
The Menu: Chef Fadi Kattan weaves Palestinian flavours with locally sourced, seasonal British produce at this beautiful West London space. Go with friends and load up your table with sharing plates – we loved the red lentil moutabal, grilled nablusi and mafghoussa – and glasses of Middle Eastern wine.
The Must-Order: Leave space for the za'atar ice cream – it’s unlike anything you’ll have had before.
The Mood: There’s something in the air in London right now. Neighbourhood restaurants are really doing their thing, making us want to travel across the city to spots that feel like well-kept secrets. Acre is very much one of those: a day-to-night spot with a more subtle link to its founder than the main attraction Straker’s down the road (Str-aker, Acre, get it?). Take a seat at the bar and feel like you’re in your coolest friend’s home as they whip you up a pre-dinner cocktail. (Make ours a filthy ‘Pond Water’ from the £10 Martini Menu.)
The Menu: At first glance, it looks like your typical London small-plates-and-a-few-mains sort of menu (in a good way): a pasta here, some fun salads there, a meaty large plate or two for if you’re really hungry. But they’ve thrown in a few fun surprises (note the deep-fried guinea fowl with sweet chilli dip), and even the most classic dishes (such as a duck confit that’ll transport you to a Parisian bistro from the first bite) are packed with flavour.
The Must-Order: If the chilli smash cheeseburger is on the menu, get it. Pillowy bun, crisp meat, just enough chilli and a slab of pickle on the side – it’s comfort food at its finest.
The Mood: From a quick glance at The Abingdon, just off Kensington High Street, you’d think you were about to step into a small pub. But don’t be fooled, there’s an expansive dining space off to one side – a line of tables-for-two lit by candlelight, plus rows of glossy red booths for crowding in as many friends as possible. Because while you can sit in the front for a drink (or outside on its cute curb-side tables, weather permitting), at this family-run spot, it’s all about the restaurant.
The Menu: British classics (and a few surprises) done so well – made using seasonal ingredients, with a rotating list of crowd-pleasers that return, time and again (hello to those Sunday Roasts and the sticky toffee pudding!).
The Must-Order: Honestly, one conversation with the warm staff and you’ll be charmed to order everything. Make sure that includes the homemade focaccia to start (pillowy-soft) and if you’re a red meat eater, a steak is a must.
(Also Soho)
The Mood: Whether you’re on the picturesque streets of Notting Hill or need a moment of calm amid the chaos of Soho (its latest location), Ria’s is on hand to quell all ails with slices of gooey, deep-dish pizzas, a short-but-oh-so-sweet drinks menu and interiors that will make you want to revamp your own home. (All linen cafe curtains and colourful painted wood, of course.) It’s wonderfully welcoming, and nice, but not so nice you don’t feel like you can pick up those giant slabs of pizza with your hands) needs must).
The Menu: Deep dish pizzas, stunning sides (hello, crispy potatoes on a bed of whipped feta), natural wines, sippable cocktails and soft serve for dessert. Go with a big group, so you can split the full pies and try a bit of everything.
The Must-Order: There’s a battered Mars Bar dessert. We repeat: battered. Mars. Bar. Oh, and the special Soho-branch-only slice (cheesy, nduja-y joy) is a must.
The Mood: If you enjoyed a visit to Jackson Boxer’s Notting Hill seafood spot Orasay before it closed, you won’t be disappointed by its reinvention. The London chef – also behind Brunswick House, located further south of the river – has transformed the restaurant into Dove. It might have a new menu, but the space has retained its original serene, laid-back charm – think calming neutral tones, rattan chairs and terracotta cushions. It’s a beautiful spot to linger during the day, just steps from Portobello Market.
The Menu: The focus here is on the very best of British ingredients, with Boxer cooking the kind of food he genuinely loves to eat. The result: succulent roast chicken with fennel, juicy beef burgers (get in early to order these – they only serve up 10 per day) and a whole menu of unfussy dishes that deliver on flavour every time.
The Must-Order: While you mull over your mains, start with the Iberiko tomatoes with sour cream and chilli crisp. And if you’ve got room for dessert, don’t miss the olive oil soft serve.
