Discover London's Best Places to Eat | London Food Guide

St. JOHN, Smithfield

Location - 26 St John St, Barbican, London EC1M 4AY

Since 1994, Fergus Henderson's St. John, located in a former smokehouse near Smithfield Market, has championed the ethos of "Nose to Tail Eating." Celebrated as one of the world's top 50 restaurants and adorned with a Michelin Star in 2009, St. John prides itself on utilising every part of the animal. Here, alongside traditional dishes like roast beef and lemon sole, adventurous diners can sample specialties such as rolled pig’s spleen and ox heart. The restaurant’s signature dish, Roast Bone Marrow & Parsley Salad, epitomises its commitment to British produce and straightforward cooking. At St. John, the lack of ceremony enhances the dining experience, inviting you to indulge in the pure joy of seasonally inspired, boldly simple cuisine.

Berners Tavern, Fitzrovia

Location - 10 Berners St, London W1T 3NP

Stepping into Berners Tavern, guided by Michelin-starred maestro Jason Atherton, is like entering a realm where British cuisine meets unparalleled sophistication. Housed within The London EDITION in vibrant Fitzrovia, the venue captivates with its blend of historical elegance and modern flair. From breakfast through dinner, guests engage in a culinary journey, enjoying meticulously crafted dishes. The ambience, a mix of dim lighting and genuine atmosphere, suits both business encounters and romantic dinners. Here, the extensive wine list and innovative cocktails heighten the dining experience, making each visit a grand affair. Dress to impress; the memorable experience will offset the bill.

Llewelyn's, Herne Hill

Location - 293-295 Railton Rd, London SE24 0JP

Located just a stone's throw from Herne Hill station, Llewelyn’s commandsattention as a vibrant neighbourhood hub, where large windows blur theline between diners and passers-by. This charming restaurant boasts aMediterranean-tinged menu that celebrates the pristine freshness of itsingredients, served with youthful, engaging charm. Main courses rangefrom hearty Hereford beef shin ragú with rich polenta, reminiscent of anUmbrian feast, to a uniquely delectable rabbit niçoise adorned withpickled onions and a lush orange egg, proving a standout saladexperience. Inside, the restaurant transitions seamlessly from a sunnylunch spot to a cosy, wine-infused evening retreat, enhanced by stylishmid-century decor and a floral-scented terrace courtesy of the next-doorflorist, perfect for those cherished sunny days.

Randall & Aubin, Soho

Location - 16 Brewer St, London W1F 0SQ

From a former butcher's shop to a shimmering Anglo-French brasserie, Randall& Aubin on Brewer Street has been a Soho staple since 1996,enchanting diners with its 18th-century French chandeliers andmarble-topped bars. This seafood haven, famous for its oysters, lobster,and champagne, embodies a luxurious and vibrant atmosphere that hascaptivated foodies, celebrities, and locals alike for over two decades.The establishment offers a masterful blend of British and Frenchculinary traditions, serving beloved dishes like Moules Marinière andFrench Onion Soup, alongside hand-picked Devon Crab. With a firmcommitment to quality and sustainability, Randall & Aubin sourcesseasonal produce from local suppliers, ensuring that each dish not onlytantalises the taste buds but also supports environmental stewardship.Stepping into Randall & Aubin is like walking into a scene from NewYork or Paris; it's small, loud, and unapologetically bold.

Casa do Frango, London Bridge

Location - 32 Southwark Street, London, SE1 1TU

Steps from the vibrant Borough Market, Casa do Frango occupies a 19th-century industrial warehouse transformed into a haven of culinary delight. Inside, vaulted ceilings and arched windows highlight a space where past and present merge beautifully, creating an atmospheric setting for what The Sunday Times heralded as 'the best chicken and chips in town'. Across its two floors, exposed brick and verdant skylights set the stage for a memorable dining experience. Above this bustling restaurant, you'll find the Green Room bar, a speakeasy styled with casual elegance, hidden behind an unmarked door on the first floor. It's the ideal spot for a pre-dinner cocktail or a lingering nightcap. Casa do Frango channels the spirit of Southern Portugal, drawing inspiration from leisurely summer evenings in the Algarve, sharing Piri-Piri chicken with family and friends. The restaurant embodies a shabby chic aesthetic effortlessly, with nature seemingly weaving back into the brickwork and foliage hanging from the glass-ceilinged roof, offering a glimpse of the Algarve in the heart of London.

Brasserie Zédel

Location - 20 Sherwood St, London W1F 7ED

In the pulsing heart of Piccadilly, Brasserie Zédel stands as a beacon of Parisian charm. This grand brasserie not only serves up traditional French fare at excellent value but also encapsulates a slice of Paris with its relaxed, vivacious ambiance. Beyond its celebrated cuisine, Zédel houses the casual ZL Café, the sleek American Cocktail Bar Américain, and the lively Crazy Coqs, a venue for live music and cabaret. With its art deco splendour and a menu spanning from snails to steak haché, Zédel offers an immersive cultural experience, making it a must-visit for both the culinary and the culturally curious.

Scott's Mayfair

Location - 20 Mount St, London W1K 2HE

Since 1851, Scott's has been a beacon of culinary excellence in Mayfair, renowned for its superior seafood and elegant ambiance. This iconic restaurant combines a glittering history with contemporary glamour, offering a sophisticated dining experience. The grand oyster bar is a highlight, where patrons indulge in exquisite fines de claires and sip premium Gaston Chiquet champagne. Dishes like bass ceviche with avocado and jalapeño, and halibut in lemon herb butter, showcase the menu's innovation and quality. Though the prices are premium, a visit to Scott's, with its terrific clubby atmosphere and first-class cuisine, promises an unforgettable indulgence.

Milk Beach, Soho

Location - 14 Greek St, James Court, London W1D 4AL

Stepping into Milk Beach offers a serene escape from the vibrant chaos of Soho, transporting diners to a sunlit slice of Sydney. The interiors, adorned with cream tiling and palm trees, and staff in spa-like white uniforms, set a refreshing scene. The culinary journey begins with Jersey rock oysters, elegantly paired with sake and a Thai cucumber consommé. Delights like kingfish crudo with strawberry kosho and adventurous vegetable dishes add to the eclectic mix. While some dishes might need refining, the standout offerings—like intensely flavoured BBQ pork dumplings and charred prawns with fermented chilli butter—confirm Milk Beach's prowess. The finale, a reimagined 'Golden Gaytime' dessert, perfectly encapsulates the Australian vibe. At £35 per head, Milk Beach crafts a unique, though occasionally inconsistent, dining experience worth exploring, especially for its desserts and innovative seafood.

Daroco Soho

Location - Manette St, London W1D 4AL

Since 2016, the DAROCO group has been crafting a delightful fusion of Parisian charm and Italian flair within their iconic restaurants in Paris’s 2nd and 16th arrondissements. Now, they're bringing this enchanting blend to London’s vibrant Soho. The new venue dazzles with a Renaissance-inspired design by architect Olivier Delannoy. The spacious dining area, dominated by a striking pizza oven adorned with blue butterflies, seats 120, while a 60-seat terrace offers a sublime outdoor experience. Inside, the energy is palpable, with exuberant colors and dynamic textures that invigorate every corner, creating a space where one might wish to linger indefinitely. The decor is a visual symphony of refined elegance and spirited expression, complemented by intoxicating music that elevates the atmosphere. At the helm in the kitchen is Executive Chef Daniele De Luca, who delights diners with baroque-named pizzas and artisanal pasta dishes bursting with bold flavors and textures.