London, United Kingdom
Best restaurants in London
About this list
The 13 restaurants that appear in the most SquadAbroad trips to London, ranked by how many trips include them.
13 places
Ranked by how many SquadAbroad trips include each place.
Rank 1
Photo: Barrafina Dean Street Restaurant
Barrafina Dean Street
Set in the heart of Soho, Barrafina Dean Street is renowned for its vibrant counter dining and authentic regional Spanish tapas. Guests take seats along the sleek marble bar to watch chefs carve jamón and sear pristine seafood in the bustling open kitchen. It is a perennial favorite for a lively meal centered on market-fresh seafood, classic runny tortillas, and chilled sherry.
Rank 2
Photo by Intrepid on Unsplash Restaurant
Battersea Power Station
Anchoring the south bank of the River Thames, this iconic Art Deco power station has been transformed from an industrial relic into a vibrant dining, shopping, and entertainment destination. Visitors can explore the restored turbine halls lined with boutiques and food halls, or ascend the glass chimney elevator, Lift 109, for 360-degree views across London.
Rank 3
Photo by Alexander London on Unsplash Restaurant
Dishoom Covent Garden
Modeled after the nostalgic Irani cafés of mid-century Bombay, Dishoom Covent Garden serves rich, aromatic Indian comfort food in a bustling, vintage-styled dining hall. It is famous for its slow-simmered House Black Daal, legendary breakfast bacon naan rolls, and inventive cocktails poured in the moody Permit Room bar. Visitors head here for an immersive dining experience that pairs time-honored recipes with the lively energy of London’s West End.
Rank 4
Photo by Ming Han Low on Unsplash Restaurant
Fallow
Located in St James's, Fallow is celebrated for its inventive approach to sustainable British dining, focusing on root-to-stem and nose-to-tail cooking. Diners flock to the energetic space for bold, waste-conscious dishes like dairy cow cuts, charred corn ribs, and the signature cod's head with sriracha butter. It is a compelling stop for anyone looking to experience modern, forward-thinking gastronomy in central London.
Rank 5
Photo by Intrepid on Unsplash Restaurant
Gymkhana
Inspired by the elite sports and social clubs of colonial-era India, this two-Michelin-starred Mayfair institution is celebrated for its rich, unapologetically spiced North Indian cuisine. Guests come to savor acclaimed dishes like the kid goat methi keema and tandoori chops within moody, dark-wood dining rooms. Paired with inventive, spice-infused cocktails, it offers an elevated and deeply satisfying taste of regional Indian heritage.
Rank 6
Photo by N R on Unsplash Restaurant
Hawksmoor Seven Dials
Set inside a former 19th-century brewery vault in Covent Garden, Hawksmoor Seven Dials is renowned for its thick-cut, dry-aged British steaks cooked over real charcoal. Guests descend into the moody, brick-lined cellar for prime beef, sustainably sourced seafood, and expertly crafted cocktails. It offers a quintessential London steakhouse experience in an intimate, historic subterranean setting.
Rank 7
Photo by Robert Tudor on Unsplash Restaurant
Kiln
Kiln is a bustling Soho eatery celebrated for its rural Thai-inspired dishes cooked directly over glowing wood embers and charcoal. Diners gather around the kinetic counter to watch chefs craft fiery curries, grilled skewers, and clay-pot noodles using British-sourced produce. It offers a fast-paced, immersive dining experience driven by bold regional spice and authentic live-fire technique.
Rank 8
Photo by Max van den Oetelaar on Unsplash Restaurant
Padella
Situated right by Borough Market, Padella is celebrated for serving exceptional hand-rolled fresh pasta at accessible prices. Diners crowd the lively counter seats to watch chefs toss signature dishes like pici cacio e pepe and rich beef shin ragu in an open kitchen. It is an essential London stop for anyone seeking authentic, unfussy Italian comfort food.
Rank 9
Photo by Jose Llamas on Unsplash Restaurant
Rules
Established in 1798, Rules holds the title of London’s oldest restaurant, tucked away in the bustling heart of Covent Garden. The dining room charms with plush velvet banquettes, dark wood paneling, and walls lined with historic artwork, setting the stage for classic British fare centered on traditional wild game, savory pies, and rich puddings. Upstairs, guests can unwind with impeccably crafted cocktails in a secluded, old-world lounge.
Rank 10
Photo: sketch Restaurant
Sketch (The Gallery)
Step into The Gallery at Sketch, London, an iconic dining destination celebrated for its vibrant, art-filled pink interiors designed by India Mahdavi, showcasing unique artwork by David Shrigley. Visitors come to experience an exquisite afternoon tea or sophisticated modern European cuisine within this immersive and visually stunning setting.
Rank 11
Photo by MJ Tangonan on Unsplash Restaurant
Sky Garden
Perched at the top of the Walkie Talkie building, Sky Garden is a multi-story indoor botanical park offering sweeping 360-degree views across London. Visitors can stroll along terraced pathways lined with Mediterranean and subtropical plants, take in famous landmarks from the open-air deck, or relax at the rooftop bars and cafes. It provides one of the city's premier vantage points, seamlessly blending lush greenery with an expansive skyline vista.
Rank 12
Photo: The Hiwaymann Restaurant
St. John
St. John in London is renowned for pioneering nose-to-tail dining, celebrating forgotten cuts of meat and traditional British ingredients. Diners seeking an authentic, unpretentious fine dining experience with a focus on provenance and robust flavors will find a memorable meal here.
Rank 13
Photo: Jerry Gibson Restaurant
The Clove Club
The Clove Club offers a renowned modern British fine dining experience located within Shoreditch's historic Old Town Hall. Guests are drawn to its innovative tasting menus, which skillfully showcase seasonal British ingredients through sophisticated culinary techniques.
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