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The 16 Best Restaurants in London, Guardian

When it comes to finding the top dining spots in London, look no further than the Guardian's list of the best restaurants in the city. Whether you're a foodie seeking out the latest culinary trends or simply looking for a cozy spot to enjoy a meal, this curated selection has something for everyone.

From upscale fine dining establishments to casual eateries serving up delicious fare, the Guardian's recommendations cover a wide range of cuisines and dining experiences. With expert reviews and insights, you can trust that these restaurants have been carefully chosen for their exceptional quality and service.

Ready to embark on a culinary journey through London? Check out the list below for the Guardian's picks for the 16 best restaurants in the city.

Our method for this guide

The order here is based on merit: a business that focuses on this work and has a solid reputation ranks above one that only offers it on the side.

Featured positions are clearly marked and only offered to businesses that already earned their place in the guide.

Top 3Complete listMapHow to pick one

Browse 16 local options

104 Restaurant by Richard Wilkins, London#1
Notable strengths
  • A memorable dining experience with impeccable service

  • Delightful gastronomic offerings with a passion for cooking

  • Outstanding wine selection and relaxed ambiance

104 Restaurant by Richard Wilkins

4.9108 reviews
104 Chepstow Rd, London W2 5QS, United Kingdom

104 Restaurant by Richard Wilkins is a standout Modern French restaurant nestled in the heart of London. Offering a range of exquisite dining options such as dinner and dessert, this restaurant promises a gastronomic experience like no other.

Customers have raved about their visits, highlighting the exceptional service and remarkable food quality.

The restaurant's intimate atmosphere, combined with its commitment to quality, has won the hearts of diners looking for a unique and top-notch culinary experience. Explore the world of fine dining at 104 Restaurant and indulge in a feast for your senses.

Anglo, London#2
Notable strengths
  • Visitors rave about the imaginative and skillful dishes crafted by chef Anthony Raffo, using the best of British produce.

  • The friendly service from manager Marie Danzavilliers and the perfect drink pairings are highlights mentioned by many customers.

  • Guests appreciate the intimate setting of the small restaurant, allowing for personalized and attentive service.

  • Many reviews commend the value for money offered by Anglo's tasting menu and the quality of the wine pairings.

Anglo

4.7404 reviews
30 St Cross St, London EC1N 8UH, United Kingdom

Anglo is a renowned Modern European restaurant nestled in the heart of London. They offer a variety of services and features to enhance the dining experience for their patrons, including alcohol, cocktails, vegetarian options, and more. The cozy and romantic atmosphere at Anglo provides the perfect setting for a memorable culinary journey.

Alexander The Great Restaurant, London#3
Notable strengths
  • Customers praise the helpful staff and fair prices for generous portions.

  • The meze platter for two is highlighted as a popular and delicious choice.

  • Guests appreciate the authentic Greek experience with friendly service and a variety of menu options.

  • The cosy atmosphere and delicious food are commonly mentioned in the reviews.

Alexander The Great Restaurant

4.62,160 reviews
8 Plender St, London NW1 0JT, United Kingdom

Alexander The Great Restaurant is a renowned establishment in London, offering authentic Greek cuisine in a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. With a rating of 4.6, it is clear that customers love the experience provided by this Greek restaurant.

Whether you are looking for a place to enjoy a relaxing dinner with family or celebrate a special event with a large group, Alexander The Great Restaurant offers a delightful setting and flavorful dishes that will transport you to the heart of Greece.

Corrigan's Bar & Restaurant, London#4
Notable strengths
  • Customers appreciate the attentive staff and extensive wine list, creating excellent combinations.

  • Many diners highlight the exceptional service and value for money, especially with the set lunch prices.

  • Guests enjoy the generous portions and special dessert options like sorbet, making repeat visits a must.

  • Reviewers praise the relaxed atmosphere, friendly service, and memorable culinary experiences.

Corrigan's Bar & Restaurant

4.6502 reviews
28 Upper Grosvenor St, London W1K 7EH, United Kingdom

Corrigan's Bar & Restaurant in London offers a delightful dining experience in the heart of Mayfair. The establishment provides a range of dining options including lunch, dinner, and desserts, ensuring every visit is memorable. With a rating of 4.6, this restaurant is known for its exceptional service and delicious cuisine.

Whether it's a special occasion or a casual meal, Corrigan's Bar & Restaurant is a top choice for those seeking quality food and a cozy, upmarket atmosphere.

Otto's French Restaurant London#5
Notable strengths
  • Ambiance that takes you to another world

  • Excellent food, cozy ambience, and amazing service

  • Unforgettable French charm, exquisite cuisine, and great service

Otto's French Restaurant London

4.6362 reviews
182 Grays Inn Rd, London WC1X 8EW, United Kingdom

Otto's French Restaurant London is a charming establishment that offers a unique experience for lovers of French cuisine. With a variety of service options such as Kerbside pickup and Dine-in, customers can enjoy their favorite meals in a way that suits their preferences. The restaurant also prides itself on its accessibility features, ensuring that all guests can comfortably enjoy their dining experience.

Guests can indulge in a wide range of offerings, including Alcohol, Beer, Cocktails, Coffee, Free water refills, and more. The dining options are plentiful, with choices for Lunch, Dinner, Catering, Dessert, and Seating. The atmosphere is described as Cosy, Romantic, and Upmarket, creating the perfect setting for a romantic dinner or special celebration.

Customers have shared their experiences at Otto's French Restaurant London, highlighting key points such as:

These reviews showcase the high quality of service and delicious food that guests can expect when visiting this renowned French restaurant in London.

Brasserie Zedel, London#6
Notable strengths
  • Great and very friendly service

  • Delicious food with quick service even at full capacity

  • Amazing ambience but can get quite loud

  • Classic French brasserie with superb food and attentive staff

Brasserie Zedel

4.58,479 reviews
20 Sherwood St, London W1F 7ED, United Kingdom

Brasserie Zedel is a charming French restaurant located in the heart of London. With a rating of 4.5 stars from numerous satisfied customers, this restaurant offers a variety of service options including outdoor seating and dine-in experiences. Customers praise the friendly service, delicious food, and amazing atmosphere.

Bob Bob Ricard Soho, London#7
Notable strengths
  • Memorable ambiance with cool and romantic decor

  • Delicious savory dishes expertly prepared

  • Must-try Strawberry Peach Bellini

  • Perfect for those seeking a romantic ambiance and exquisite cuisine

Bob Bob Ricard Soho

4.52,770 reviews
1 Upper James St, London W1F 9DF, United Kingdom

Bob Bob Ricard Soho is a renowned French restaurant located in the heart of London. The establishment offers a range of dining options such as brunch, lunch, dinner, and dessert in an upmarket atmosphere that is both cosy and romantic.

Customers have raved about their experiences at this restaurant, with key points including:

With a rating of 4.5 based on 2770 reviews, Bob Bob Ricard Soho stands out for its exceptional service, fine dining experience, and attention to detail in culinary craftsmanship. Whether you're looking for a special date night spot or a place to celebrate with friends, this restaurant promises an unforgettable dining experience.

Clos Maggiore, London#8
Notable strengths
  • Impeccable service and a romantic atmosphere make for a perfect date night.

  • Delicious food and excellent wine pairings elevate the dining experience.

  • Festive and welcoming ambiance adds to the celebratory spirit of special occasions.

  • A unique dining experience with a vast wine selection and exceptional service.

Clos Maggiore

4.52,187 reviews
33 King St, London WC2E 8JD, United Kingdom

Clos Maggiore is a renowned Modern European restaurant located in the heart of London. With a stellar rating of 4.5 stars based on reviews from over 2000 customers, it is clear that this establishment offers exceptional service and delectable cuisine.

Customer reviews highlight a few key points:

At Clos Maggiore, patrons can enjoy a range of service options including no-contact delivery, dine-in, and wheelchair-accessible seating. The restaurant is known for its highlights such as a cozy fireplace and a great tea selection. Additionally, with options for cocktails, late-night food, and vegetarian choices, there is something for everyone to savor. Whether you're looking for a romantic evening out or a memorable celebration, Clos Maggiore is sure to exceed your expectations.

Andrew Edmunds Restaurant, London#9
Notable strengths
  • Delicious food and a cozy atmosphere.

  • Great wine selection and reasonably priced.

  • Exceptional service and friendly staff.

Andrew Edmunds Restaurant

4.5853 reviews
46 Lexington St, London W1F 0LP, United Kingdom

Andrew Edmunds Restaurant is a charming Modern European restaurant located in London. With a rating of 4.5 stars from 853 reviews, it is clear that customers love the experience this restaurant offers.

Customers have praised the diverse menu options, from shared plates like lamb and pork chop to exquisite desserts like brownie with blackcurrant. The ambiance is described as intimate, with real candlelight adding to the charm. Reservations are recommended to secure a spot at this popular spot in Old Soho.

Ikoyi Restaurant, London#10
Notable strengths
  • Extraordinary culinary performance with innovative dishes and exceptional flavors.

  • Attention to detail and quality in both food and service.

  • Unique blind tasting menu with a focus on Nigerian-influenced flavors.

Ikoyi Restaurant

4.5709 reviews
180 Strand, Temple, London WC2R 1EA, United Kingdom

Ikoyi Restaurant in London is a fine dining restaurant that offers exquisite and unique culinary experiences. The restaurant provides dine-in service with a fusion of African-Asian cuisine, intense spice usage, and organic dishes. Customers can expect a cosy, romantic, and upmarket atmosphere that caters to everyone, including the LGBTQ+ community.

Customer reviews highlight the following key points:

Whether you're looking for a special dining experience or craving a taste of something new, Ikoyi Restaurant promises to deliver an unforgettable experience that will leave your taste buds craving more.

Pidgin, London#11
Notable strengths
  • A relaxed atmosphere ideal for catching up with friends while savoring quality wines and dishes.

  • A delightful menu that changes weekly, accompanied by a fantastic staff and an interesting wine list.

  • A lovely neighborhood spot offering a very good tasting menu, perfect for special occasions with family and friends.

  • Consistent creativity and delicious food presentations, offering a light and cozy atmosphere suitable for an exciting night out.

Pidgin

4.5666 reviews
52 Wilton Way, London E8 1BG, United Kingdom

Pidgin is a renowned Modern European restaurant located in London, United Kingdom. The establishment offers a range of dining options such as lunch, dinner, and desserts in a relaxed and cozy atmosphere. Customers can enjoy a variety of dishes with options like beer, cocktails, and wine while appreciating the restaurant's dedication to using quality ingredients.

The restaurant's commitment to delivering a unique dining experience is highlighted by their regularly refreshed menu inspired by Greek cuisine and wine pairings from the Balkans and the Mediterranean. The service options include dine-in experiences with attentive and knowledgeable staff who ensure guests have a pleasant and indulgent meal.

Highlighted customer reviews from patrons emphasize the following key points:

This exceptional dining experience is further enhanced by the establishment's commitment to offering a genuine and leisurely meal where guests can enjoy both their food and companions without feeling rushed. With its impeccable service, diverse menu, and cozy ambiance, Pidgin stands out as a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts in London.

Le Petit Chef - London#12

Le Petit Chef - London

4.4143 reviews
Victoria House, Bloomsbury Square, London WC1B 4DA, United Kingdom

Le Petit Chef - London is a unique dinner theater located in the heart of London. The business offers a variety of services and features that cater to those looking for an unforgettable dining experience. Customers can enjoy live performances while indulging in delicious food and drinks, including alcohol, cocktails, spirits, and wine.

The atmosphere at Le Petit Chef - London is described as cosy, making it the perfect place to enjoy a special evening out. The business also offers amenities such as a restaurant and toilets, ensuring that customers have everything they need for a comfortable visit.

Customers have left 143 reviews for Le Petit Chef - London, giving it an impressive rating of 4.4 stars.

With its fantastic customer reviews and unique offerings, Le Petit Chef - London is a must-visit destination for those seeking a delightful culinary experience in a theatrical setting.

Jamavar, London#13
Notable strengths
  • Accommodated allergies and flavorful dishes

  • Impeccable service with knowledgeable staff

  • Delicious food, great service, and reasonable prices

  • Excellent service and attention to detail

Jamavar

4.31,696 reviews
8 Mount St, London W1K 3NF, United Kingdom

Jamavar is a renowned Indian restaurant located in London. The restaurant offers a wide range of services, including outdoor seating, kerbside pickup, delivery, takeaway, and dine-in options. Customers can enjoy a great selection of teas and indulge in delicious Indian cuisine with options such as halal food, vegan and vegetarian dishes, cocktails, and more.

The elegant yet comfortable ambiance, along with attentive and knowledgeable staff, creates a memorable dining experience for guests. Customers have left glowing reviews, praising the flavorful dishes, exceptional service, and overall atmosphere of the restaurant.

Lasdun Restaurant, London#14
Notable strengths
  • Warm and attentive service

  • Delicious and well-balanced food

  • Stylish and elegant interior

Lasdun Restaurant

4.464 reviews
National Theatre, Upper Ground, London SE1 9PX, United Kingdom

Lasdun Restaurant is a renowned Modern British restaurant located in the heart of London. With a rating of 4.4 from 64 reviews, it is clear that customers are consistently satisfied with their experience at this establishment.

Here are some key points from customer reviews:

The restaurant offers various service options including dine-in to ensure that customers have a comfortable dining experience. Additionally, the accessibility options like wheelchair-accessible facilities make it a welcoming place for everyone.

With a focus on providing alcohol, beer, cocktails, coffee, late-night food, and more, Lasdun Restaurant caters to a wide range of preferences. Customers can enjoy a range of dining options such as lunch, dinner, and dessert in a beautifully designed space.

Whether you're looking for a spot for a romantic date, a family meal, or a quick bite before a show, Lasdun Restaurant is sure to impress with its diverse offerings and exceptional service.

Rowley's Restaurant, London#15
Notable strengths
  • A customer described it as a "simple yet romantic vintage French restaurant" with delicious food. They praised the Chateaubriand and onion soup, emphasizing the fantastic flavors.

  • Another customer enjoyed a great night at the restaurant, highlighting the cleanliness, charm, and friendliness of the staff. They also mentioned that it serves some of the best steaks in London.

  • One customer particularly loved the fish and chips and complimented the quality of the steak.

  • Despite some mixed feedback, customers appreciate the overall quality of food and service at Rowley's Restaurant.

Rowley's Restaurant

4.2580 reviews
113 Jermyn St, St. James's, London SW1Y 6HJ, United Kingdom

Rowley's Restaurant is a charming steak house located in the heart of London. They offer various service options such as delivery and dine-in, making it convenient for customers to enjoy their delicious meals. The restaurant is known for its romantic atmosphere and upmarket setting, perfect for a special date night.

Customers have left glowing reviews about their experiences at Rowley's Restaurant:

With a rating of 4.2 out of 5 and 580 reviews, Rowley's Restaurant continues to impress diners with its delectable menu and inviting ambiance. Visit their website for more information and make a reservation to experience a delightful dining experience in London.

Greyhound Cafe London#16
Notable strengths
  • Great taste with a bit higher prices

  • Generous portion sizes and well-balanced ingredients

  • Amazing service with quick food delivery

  • Comfortable dining atmosphere and spacious seating area

Greyhound Cafe London

4.1748 reviews
37 Berners St, London W1T 3LZ, United Kingdom

Greyhound Cafe London is a popular Thai restaurant located in London. Their menu offers a variety of options including Alcohol, Beer, Cocktails, and Healthy options. Customers can enjoy their meal through Outdoor seating, Delivery, Takeaway, and Dine-in options. The restaurant also provides Wheelchair-accessible entrance and Wheelchair-accessible seating.

The main points in one table

#BusinessRatingReviews
#1104 Restaurant by Richard Wilkins 4.9108
#2Anglo 4.7404
#3Alexander The Great Restaurant 4.62,160
#4Corrigan's Bar & Restaurant 4.6502
#5Otto's French Restaurant London 4.6362
#6Brasserie Zedel 4.58,479
#7Bob Bob Ricard Soho 4.52,770
#8Clos Maggiore 4.52,187
#9Andrew Edmunds Restaurant 4.5853
#10Ikoyi Restaurant 4.5709
#11Pidgin 4.5666
#12Le Petit Chef - London 4.4143
#13Jamavar 4.31,696
#14Lasdun Restaurant 4.464
#15Rowley's Restaurant 4.2580
#16Greyhound Cafe London 4.1748

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Map of Restaurants in London, Guardian

Looking for the best places to dine in London? Look no further than The Guardian's comprehensive map of all the top restaurants in the city. From cozy cafes to Michelin-starred fine dining establishments, this map has something for every palate. Discover new favorites and plan your next culinary adventure with this handy guide. View Ranking

Choosing Restaurants in London

  1. Wide range of cuisines.
  2. Expert reviews.
  3. Exceptional quality.
  4. Varied dining experiences.
  5. Cozy spots.
  6. Latest culinary trends.

Frequent questions

What are some of the top-rated restaurants according to The Guardian?

The Guardian provides reviews and recommendations for various dining establishments in London. Some of the top-rated restaurants endorsed by The Guardian include: Dishoom: Known for its modern Indian cuisine and stylish ambiance. Lyle's: A European restaurant with a changing menu based on seasonal ingredients. The Palomar: Offers contemporary Jerusalem cuisine with a vibrant atmosphere.

How does The Guardian rank and review restaurants in London?

The Guardian reviews restaurants based on a combination of factors including food quality, service, atmosphere, and value for money. Reviewers visit each restaurant anonymously and provide a balanced assessment in their write-ups.

Can I trust restaurant reviews from The Guardian?

The Guardian is a reputable publication that upholds high standards of journalism. Their restaurant reviews are conducted by experienced food critics who provide honest and unbiased feedback on their dining experiences.

Are there any affordable dining options recommended by The Guardian?

If you're looking for affordable dining options in London, The Guardian recommends several budget-friendly restaurants that offer delicious food without breaking the bank. Some of the establishments mentioned in their reviews include: Homeslice: A pizzeria known for its generous servings and reasonable prices. Bao: Offers Taiwanese street food in a casual setting at affordable prices.

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