The 19 Best Restaurants In London Right Now

Everywhere you go in London, you’ll find somewhere to eat. But where to go for the best meals in the city? We’ve got you covered. Here’s our ultimate guide to the best places to eat and drink in London for lunch, dinner and everything in between – all tried and tested by the Service95 team.

Agora, London Bridge

The Mood: Providing yet another excellent reason for foodies to visit Borough Market in London Bridge is the always buzzy Agora. 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 oneof 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!

Bocca Di Lupo, Soho

The Mood: Looking for somewhere special that doesn’t feel pretentious? Bocca Di Lupo is exactly where you should go. The Italian restaurant might be racking up awards and housed right in the middle of London’s West End, yet it still has all the comfort of a classic trattoria. The food is simple yet perfect, you won’t find a bad glass of wine here and the staff are as warm as they come. It’s a London classic for a reason.

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.

Speedboat Bar, West End

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.

BAO, City (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. 

Cloth, Farringdon

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.

Bambi, London Fields

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 while sampling the delicious menu.

The Menu: Split into Snacks, Small, Large, Sides and Dessert, this is the ultimate spot for small plates and wine, from fried feta and BBQ prawns to pork chops with fries. Trust us, 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 (mimosas are surely too much of an obvious choice by now!).

Crispin, Shoreditch

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 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 Midland Grand Dining Room, King’s Cross

The Mood: The clue’s in the name: housed in the iconic St Pancras Renaissance Hotel, The Midland Grand is, in fact, grand. While the beautiful interiors and fine French cuisine might scream stuffy, it’s the absolute opposite. It has the comfiest chairs to sink into as you work your way through the menu and the servers are some of the nicest people we’ve come across. One to book for an occasion to remember.

The Menu: The French classics, reimagined using seasonal ingredients, from decadent lobster vol-au-vents and roast crown of duck to cod with a Champagne and butter bean cassoulet. All cooked to perfection.

The Must-Order: The cloud-like comté gougères – refined little puffs of cheesy joy. You might as well order two to begin with, as one portion will never be enough.

Akara, London Bridge

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.

Story Cellar, Covent Garden

The Mood: Amid the sea of big names and chains around the West End, this gem of a restaurant stands out as a true foodie destination for those in the know. It’s just dark enough, lit with cosy lamps, making it the perfect date spot.

The Menu: The food is Parisienne-inspired, with a twist – think daily changing terrines, classic rotisserie chicken and, of course, charcuterie to share while you mull over what to choose for your main course.

The Must-Order: Head chef Robert Homer’s signature snail Bolognese (yes, really) is a must-try – trust us!

FONDA, Soho

The Mood: Is this the best Mexican restaurant in London? Probably. From the team and chef that brought you the Michelin-starred Kol in Marylebone, Fonda is, as described by head chef and co-owner Santiago Lastra, designed for you to return again and again. And you will.

The Menu: Inspired by the family-owned eateries famous in and around Mexico City, the menu is a contemporary take on street food that is as delicious as it is unfussy.

The Must-Order: As unbelievable as the food is, the margaritas are not to be missed – the best you’ll find this side of the Atlantic Ocean.

The Barbary, Covent Garden

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).

Mangal II, Dalston

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.

Rambutan, London Bridge

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.

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.

Roe, Wood Wharf

The Mood: Situated on the sunny docks of Canary Wharf, this stunning 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.

Akub, Notting Hill

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 zaatar ice cream – it’s unlike anything you’ll have had before!

Goodbye Horses, Dalston

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.

Kricket, Canary Wharf

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.

July, Marylebone

The Mood: This recent addition to Marylebone’s Charlotte Street offers a warm, relaxed atmosphere that feels effortlessly welcoming. 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.