11 of the Most Famous Places to Eat in London

London is filled with incredible eateries, all providing a range of dining experiences to suit every taste.

From hidden gems to quirky spaces, with thousands of venues to discover you’ll be spoilt for choice! For those seeking the most famous restaurants, cafes and diners, we’ve compiled this brief guide to the best of the best!

Hoppers

Soho (49 Frith St, Soho, London W1D 4SG)

One of the best restaurants in Soho, Hoppers offers a diverse selection of dishes, each served in appealingly laid back surroundings.

This strong focus on flavour and choice has helped to make it one of the city’s most beloved eateries, with the curries proving to be a big hit with both locals and visitors to London alike.

Bright

Hackney (1 Westgate St, Hackney, London E8 3RL)

This is one of the most creative restaurants in London, with a menu which is changed daily to help keep the experience fresh. You’ll never get bored of dining here, as there’s simply so much to choose from – everything from pastas with rich sauces to delicious chicken and even elevated new takes on the humble sandwich.

The décor is modernist and simple, reflecting part of an ongoing trend towards focusing on the food on offer, and encouraging diners to take a break from the outside world and create their own tasty idyll for an hour or so.

Hankies Marble Arch

Marble Arch (61 Upper Berkeley St, Marylebone, London W1H 7PP)

Located within the Montcalm, Hankies is an elegant and refined restaurant in Marble Arch. Popular with diners in the West End, the setting is every bit as impressive as the menu. Look out for the incredible décor at Hankies Montcalm, which makes fantastic use of natural materials such as wood and leather.

Here you’ll find a combination of authentic Indian street foods and upscale new takes on classic dishes, served alongside Indian beers and wines from around the world.

Smoke & Salt

Brixton (115 Tooting High St, Tooting, London SW17 0SY)

Smoke & Salt is one of the trendiest restaurants London has to offer, with its small plates giving you the chance to sample many different dishes all at once. Whether you’re in the mood for a tasty vegetarian option or want to experience more carnivorous options, you’ll always find dishes which satisfy your cravings!

In addition, we strongly recommend you take a look at the dessert menu, which is no less impressive. The décor of the restaurant is also effortlessly chic and appealing in its simplicity, giving you a chance to experience all of these yummy dishes in their true glory.

Kiln

Soho (58 Brewer St, Soho, London W1F 9TL)

A Soho favourite which promises exquisite cuisine without the high cost, this is amongst the most popular mid-price restaurants in the city. The venue is a great place to indulge your fondness for strong flavours and exciting dishes, and proves particularly popular with groups.

Expect plentiful curries and a relaxed yet elegant ambiance, providing the ideal low-key way to sample great cuisine while staying at the Montcalm Hotel London.

The Barbary

Seven Dials (16 Neal’s Yard, West End, London WC2H 9DP)

You’ll need to arrive with plenty of time to spare if you want to get a seat at The Barbary, such is its distinctive appeal. The grilled dishes have proven hugely popular, with delicious naan breads and accompaniments helping to complete an already incredible menu.

There’s an adventurousness to many of the treats in store here, too – such as the charred octopus which promises to provide you with new flavour experiences on your trip to the city.

Hutong

London Bridge (33, The Shard, 31 St Thomas St, London SE1 9RY)

With a menu which originated in the first Hutong restaurant in Hong Kong, London’s own version is located in the Shard, one of the city’s most distinctive buildings. This enormous skyscraper provides the ideal backdrop for a delicious meal – promising an intoxicating combination of great views and great food.

The décor is also designed to reflect Hutong’s roots, with classic dishes from Northern China providing meals worth raving about.

Barrafina

Covent Garden (43 Drury Ln, Covent Garden, London WC2B 5AJ)

We strongly recommend early arrival to Barrafina, which frequently attracts long queues thanks to both its fame and the great tastes on the menu.

If you do find yourself in a queue, then this is probably one of the better ones to experience – with staff contentedly serving you snacks and refreshments as you wait.

There’s lots to choose from once you get inside, including tortillas and small plates which have a distinctive flair of their very own. Barrafina is particularly well known for its many seafood dishes, which are cooked to perfection and served to a steady stream of discerning diners who were patient enough to wait for a table.

Smoking Goat Shoreditch

Shoreditch (64 Shoreditch High St, Hackney, London E1 6JJ)

This restaurant tends to attract a particularly trendsetting crowd, thanks in part to its menu of fantastic and indulgent dishes, but also due to its laid back atmosphere and décor.

The Thai barbecue has proven to be a sensation, and all of the meals can be washed down with a few equally indulgent drinks.

Padella

Borough Market (6 Southwark St, London SE1 1TQ)

This popular restaurant attracts crowds throughout the day, thanks to its combination of delicious dishes and affordable prices. If you want to make your money go a little further while enjoying the latest London hotels special offers, then this is a fantastic choice.

The bulk of the menu focuses on pasta dishes, which can be found in almost every variety (including some more obscure shapes and varieties). If you’re a fan of a delicious starter, then you’ll also find lots to satisfy.

An added bonus is the eclectic yet always tasty menu of desserts and puddings, and you can even enjoy a spot of shopping at Borough Market after your meal.

Tandoor Chop House

Covent Garden (8 Adelaide St, Charing Cross, London WC2N 4HZ)

Indian food is a big favourite in London, and this Covent Garden restaurant offers all of the flavour with none of the clichés. Instead, you’ll find an abundance of delicious dishes designed to impress, which includes not only a huge variety of mains but a healthy dose of tasty desserts to choose from, too.

Our favourites include the malted kulfi dessert, which is made with malted ice cream and caramelised banana.