So, here’s our roundup of the best places to eat in London, in no particular order because, honestly, they’re all amazing in their own way. Whether you’re a Londoner who thinks they’ve tried it all or someone visiting for the first time, these places are where the magic happens. From melt-in-your-mouth dishes to atmospheres that feel like a warm hug, this is our love letter to the best places to eat in London that make every bite worth it. Scroll down, pick your next food adventure, and let us know what you think we’d love to hear about your favorites too!
List Of The Top 10 Places To Eat in London (2025)
10. Brasserie Zédel – A Parisian Escape in the Heart of London
Tucked just off Piccadilly Circus, Brasserie Zédel feels like a secret you’d stumble upon in a dream. The moment you descend the grand staircase into this Art Deco wonderland, it’s as if London’s chaos melts away and you’re sipping wine in 1930s Paris. Honestly, it’s the kind of place that makes you want to linger and maybe even practice your French accent, just for fun.
What makes Brasserie Zédel one of the best places to eat in London in 2025 isn’t just its jaw-dropping decor think marble columns, gilded ceilings, and a vibe that screams old-school glamour. It’s the way it wraps you in a warm, buzzing atmosphere while serving up classic French dishes that don’t break the bank. The Prix Fixe menu £19.75 for three courses of hearty goodness like French onion soup or steak frites that hit the spot every time. Pair it with a glass of crisp wine, and you’re golden. Plus, there’s live music most evenings, turning dinner into a little event. It’s not Michelin-star fancy, but it doesn’t need to be. This is food you crave when you want comfort with a side of pizzazz.
Whether it’s a pre-theatre bite or a spontaneous catch-up with mates, Brasserie Zédel delivers. It’s not just a meal it’s a mini escape, and that’s why it’s earned its spot as one of London’s top dining treasures for 2025. Next time you’re nearby, pop in. You won’t regret it.
9. Restaurant St Barts – A Hidden Gem in Smithfield
Nestled in London’s historic Smithfield, Restaurant St Barts feels like a little sanctuary. You walk into a sleek, cozy space with massive windows overlooking the ancient St Bartholomew the Great church, and instantly, you’re hooked. It’s one of the best places to eat in London in 2025.
The vibe here is relaxed but special like a treat without the stuffiness. They serve a 15-course tasting menu for £160 that’s pure British brilliance, from tiny snacks in the bar (the cod fritter is a must) to bigger plates like tender lamb or shimmering turbot in the dining room. It’s not cheap, but every bite feels worth it is fresh, seasonal, and straight from small UK farms. It’s got a Michelin star and a Green star for sustainability, which just adds to the charm. Whether it’s a date night or a foodie pilgrimage, St Barts is a quiet stunner you’ll want to keep in your back pocket. Trust me, you’ll leave smiling.
8. Rochelle Canteen – A Shoreditch Hideaway
Tucked behind an old schoolyard wall in Shoreditch, Rochelle Canteen is the kind of spot that feels like a well-kept secret. You buzz to enter, step into a quiet courtyard, and leave London’s hustle behind. It’s easily one of the best places to eat in London in 2025, offering a slice of calm alongside standout food.
The menu’s all about seasonal British cooking simple, hearty, and done just right. Think dishes like flaky plaice with fresh greens or a perfectly cooked pork chop, scribbled on a chalkboard that changes daily. At around £40 for three courses, it’s a steal for the quality. The setup’s charmingly no-fuss wooden tables, mismatched chairs, and a relaxed vibe that invites lingering.
The staff keep things friendly and easygoing, adding to the homely feel. It’s not flashy, but that’s the point Rochelle Canteen shines with its soulful simplicity. Ideal for a laid-back lunch or a break from the city, it’s a hidden treasure worth seeking out.
7. Etles – A Walthamstow Wonder
Run by a husband-and-wife team, Etles buzzes with a quiet pride in its food and roots. It’s not about frills just hearty, delicious dishes that leave you full and happy. Perfect for a casual dinner with friends or a cozy night out, this is a place that proves London’s food scene thrives in its neighborhoods.
6. St John – The Offal King
Based in Smithfield, London, St John is an iconic British restaurant opened in 1994, known for its nose-to-tail eating philosophy, using offal and lesser-known cuts like pigs’ ears and bone marrow. It has a rustic, all-white dining room and is a training ground for many London chefs, earning a MICHELIN star for its high-quality, seasonal cooking.
Dishes like pheasant and trotter pie and potatoes with greens, which change regularly, reflect its commitment to tradition and sustainability. It’s considered an institution, with reviews from The Infatuation and The Independent highlighting its impact on modern British cuisine
5. Speedboat Bar – The Spicy Racer
Positioned on Rupert Street in Chinatown, Speedboat Bar is a Thai restaurant known for its authentic, spicy cuisine, inspired by Bangkok’s canteens. It features a lively atmosphere with a bar upstairs open until 1 am on weekends, offering snacks and drinks like snake blood Negronis.
The menu includes dishes like fried mackerel in red curry and heat-seeking prawn ceviche, with a concise, airport departure table-style presentation. It’s praised for its sophisticated cooking despite the party vibe
4. Mambow – The Malaysian Maverick
Head to 78 Lower Clapton Road in Clapton, and you’ll find Mambow, a modern Malaysian gem that’s rewriting the rulebook on Southeast Asian dining. Chef Abby Lee channels her family’s recipes into dishes like Otak-Otak prawn toast and squid stuffed with pork belly mince, earning a Bib Gourmand for killer quality at a decent price.
After cutting its teeth in Peckham, Mambow’s permanent home rocks a DIY vibe with jazzy tiles, natural wines, and a playlist that keeps things buzzing. The seafood specials are a highlight think bold, punchy flavors that linger and it’s no wonder The Standard and Time Out can’t stop singing its praises. This maverick’s a must for anyone craving a fresh twist on Malaysian classics.
3. Dim Sum Duck – The Dumpling Dynamo
Nestled at 124 King’s Cross Road, Dim Sum Duck is a Cantonese powerhouse that’s become a local legend for its handmade dim sum and succulent roasted duck. This family-run joint doesn’t mess about everything’s made fresh daily, from plump xiaolong bao to silky cheung fun, all bursting with authentic flavor.
It’s a no-bookings deal, so you’ll likely join a queue stretching out the door, but the wait (sometimes up to an hour) is worth it for the lively atmosphere inside or a spot in their pavement gazebo. With a MICHELIN Guide nod and raves from critics like Fay Maschler calling it London’s top Cantonese spot, this dynamo proves small spaces can pack a big punch.
2. Bouchon Racine – “The French Charmer”
Perched above the Three Compasses pub at 66 Cowcross Street in Clerkenwell, Bouchon Racine is a French bistro that’s all about timeless charm. Opened in 2022 by chef Henry Harris (a name you might know from his Knightsbridge days at Racine), this spot serves up classics like garlicky escargots, rabbit with mustard, and duck confit, all scribbled on a blackboard menu that shifts with the seasons. The cozy setup split across two rooms, including a conservatory feels like a warm hug, while the food’s drenched in butter and cream the way proper French cooking should be.
Dinner slots are gold dust, but lunch is easier to snag, and critics from The Guardian to Time Out rave about its soul-warming authenticity. This charmer’s a love letter to France, right in the heart of London.
1. Akoko – The West African Wonder
Taking the top spot is Akoko at 21 Berners Street in Fitzrovia, a fine-dining marvel that’s putting West African cuisine on the map with a MICHELIN star earned in 2024. Focusing on flavors from Nigeria, Ghana, and Senegal, its £120 tasting menu is a journey think jollof rice paired with blue lobster or dishes kissed by fire-cooking techniques that amp up the richness. The vibe’s upscale yet relaxed, with a sleek interior that doesn’t overshadow the food’s star power.
Chef Ayo Adeyemi’s crew digs deep into tradition while adding creative flair, making every course a talking point. It’s not cheap, and they warn about allergies like tomatoes or gluten, but Time Out and Hardens call it a game-changer. This wonder’s proof West African dining can shine at the highest level.
