Discover the best restaurants in London as recommended by some of our city’s top foodies
Despite what some may argue, there’s no lack of a good meal in London. This great melting pot of a city brings together cultures and cuisines from every corner of the world, delivering outstanding food at every level – from a century-old East End institution famous for its salt beef to a tiny family kitchen quietly preserving nonna’s Italian recipes and a Michelin-starred restaurant serving a multi-course tasting menu.
Curated by some of our city’s sharpest food-loving Instagrammers, this guide celebrates the full spectrum of great eating here. Use it as your starting point. The real adventure happens when you step out, follow your nose and let the city surprise you.
Yuki Leung @yukimaryrosel
“West African food is a rarity in Hong Kong, but has long since taken London by storm. Sister restaurants Akara and Akoko by Aji Akokomi are outstanding and will be a delight and surprise to those who have never tasted the delicious delicacies of West Africa.
Dishoom has been around for year and we go every time we’re in London. Breakfast is the standout for me here. Somehow, no matter how many times my husband and I go, we can’t get enough of the Chicken Keema (with liver), Kerjwal (Chilli cheese eggs on toast) and Bacon Naan Roll, washed down with hot Chai!
With the largest Italian population of any city outside Italy, you know there is great Italian food in London and Padella is one of the very best, with to die for past dishes.
Whilst there are so many great bars in London, Bar Termini is such a perfect experience. You show up in the late afternoon to early evening for a classic approve of bitter cocktails, fresh cut hams and warm bread and cheese. What could be better?”
Where: Akaro – Arch 208, 18 Stoney St, London SE1 9AD; Akoko – 21 Berners St, London W1T 3LP; Dishoom – 12 Upper St. Martin’s Lane, London WC2H 9FB; Padella – 6 Southwark Street, Borough Market, London, SE1 1TQ; Bar Termini – 7 Old Compton St, London W1D 5JE
Alfie @where_is_alfie
“Core by Clare Smyth is one of those places I’d happily go back to again and again. Chef Clare’s cooking is an ode to the seasonal ingredients from British farmers and producers. Her Isle of Harris hand-dived scallop is a perfect showcase of the excellent produce from the region. ‘Potato and roe’ is a signature dish where you can instantly taste why it has stood the test of time. Even as I visited Core while battling jet lag, the dessert – pear, verbena and Poire William sorbet – left a lasting impression. It was also a privilege to have master sommelier Gareth Ferreira guide us through one of the most memorable wine pairings I have ever experienced.
The restaurant also houses Whiskey & Seaweed, a cocktail bar where guests can enjoy a drink while perusing the evening’s menu. I will be returning to London this July for the Formula 1 British Grand Prix, and I am already looking forward to more dining adventures at Hélène Darroze at The Connaught, Ikoyi and Mountain (Beak Street).”
Where: Core by Clare Smyth – 92 Kensington Park Rd, London W11 2PN; Whiskey & Seaweed – Notting Hill Brasserie, 92 Kensington Park Rd, Greater, London W11 2PN; Hélène Darroze at The Connaught – The Connaught, Carlos Pl, London W1K 2AL; Ikoyi – 180 Strand, Temple, London WC2R 1EA; Mountain – 16-18 Beak St, London W1F 9RD
Gary S. @g4gary
“We always try to drop by Kitchen Table at the posh Fitzrovia neighbourhood whenever we are in London. The husband-wife team of James Knappet and Sandia Chang has turned the place from a hidden annex to their original champagne and hot-dog bar (amply named Bubbledogs) in a culinary institution on its own. The restaurant has only 20 counter seats around the open kitchen with daily changing tasting menu, with seasonal local ingredients sourced – and often, foraged – by chef James Knappet. Meanwhile Sandia Chang, a sommelier by training, curated the most impressive wine list dominated by grower champagnes which went perfectly well with the dishes. By the way, their signature Parker House rolls are out of this world, served with different variations depending on the time of the year.”
Where: 70 Charlotte St., London W1T 4QG, United Kingdom
Joyce To @hk_datfoodlife
“It might be tempting to dismiss St. John as yet another overhyped restaurant but it truly is a must try. The magic lies in taking the humble and ordinary, then transforming it into flawless dishes that embrace seasonality and unpretentiousness. No matter how full you are, don’t miss out on the half dozen madeleines.”
Where: 26 St John St, Barbican, London EC1M 4AY
Audrey Yung @audrey.eats
“Oma completely reignited my love for Greek food. The spreads were unreal – the wildfarmed laffa was so fluffy we somehow ordered 10 (I wish I was joking), and the salt cod XO labneh and tahini with hot honey are still living in my mind rent free. I’d go back just for the spreads, honestly.”
Where: 3 Bedale St, London SE1 9AL, United Kingdom
Also see: #legendeats: Dragon Boat Festival 2026