British Restaurants

Traditional British cuisine is at the heart of London, there's nothing more authentic than that. You can't go wrong with a full English breakfast or a proper chippy tea, London has the best of British food.

London's British restaurant scene is thriving, showcasing everything from traditional lunches to modern interpretations of classic British dishes. With a focus on locally sourced, seasonal ingredients, these restaurants celebrate the diversity and richness of British cuisine. Here’s a guide to some of the best British restaurants in the capital:

Fine Dining British Restaurants

Rules

Location: Covent Garden
Established in 1798, Rules is London's oldest restaurant, offering a quintessentially British dining experience. The menu focuses on games, oysters, and hearty classics like steak and kidney pie and roast beef with Yorkshire pudding. The historic ambience and rich interiors make it a must-visit for those seeking traditional British cuisine in an iconic setting.

The Ledbury

Location: Notting Hill
The Ledbury is a two-Michelin-starred restaurant that serves modern British cuisine with a creative twist. The seasonal menu focuses on top-quality British ingredients, featuring dishes like roast scallops with smoked eel and loin of Berkshire deer. The elegant decor and exceptional service make it one of London’s premier dining destinations.

The Goring Dining Room

Location: Belgravia
The Michelin-starred restaurant at The Goring Hotel serves classic British fare in a grand, luxurious setting. The menu offers timeless dishes such as beef Wellington, lobster omelette, and lemon sole. Known for its impeccable service and royal connections, The Goring Dining Room is a fine example of British culinary tradition at its best.

Core by Clare Smyth

Location: Notting Hill
Core by Clare Smyth, with three Michelin stars, showcases modern British cooking using the finest locally sourced ingredients. The tasting menu features dishes like lamb braised with carrots and Isle of Mull scallops. Smyth’s emphasis on sustainability and simplicity has earned Core a reputation for offering one of the best contemporary British dining experiences in London.

Casual British Dining

The Guinea Grill

Location: Mayfair
The Guinea Grill is a renowned steakhouse that has been serving classic British dishes since 1952. The menu features traditional favourites like Angus beef steaks, fish and chips, and potted shrimp. The warm, wood-panelled dining room and cosy atmosphere make it a popular spot for hearty British fare.

The Wolseley

Location: Piccadilly
The Wolseley combines the best of British and European cafe culture, offering a grand yet informal setting. While not exclusively British, the menu features iconic British dishes like kedgeree, fish pie, and a full English breakfast. The elegant decor and bustling atmosphere make it one of London's most famous brasseries.

Modern British Cuisine

St. John

Location: Smithfield
St. John is celebrated for its "nose-to-tail" philosophy, which emphasizes using every part of the animal in traditional British dishes. The menu includes classics like roast bone marrow with parsley salad, deviled kidneys, and Eccles cake with Lancashire cheese. St. John’s simple, minimalist setting and dedication to British culinary heritage have made it a landmark of modern British cooking.

Lyle’s

Location: Shoreditch
Lyle’s is a Michelin-starred restaurant known for its minimalist approach to modern British cuisine. The seasonal, daily-changing menu highlights the best of British ingredients with dishes like Cornish crab and grilled lamb with turnip greens. The sleek, industrial decor and innovative cooking make it a favourite among food lovers seeking a fresh take on British cuisine.

The Clove Club

Location: Shoreditch
The Clove Club is a Michelin-starred restaurant offering a contemporary tasting menu that celebrates British ingredients. The dishes are inventive and beautifully presented, featuring items like Scottish langoustine, Yorkshire grouse, and hay-aged dairy cow. The informal yet chic dining space and creative menu make The Clove Club one of the most exciting modern British restaurants in London.

Traditional British Restaurants

Simpson's in the Strand

Location: Covent Garden
Simpson’s in the Strand is a grand old institution that has been serving traditional British cuisine for over 190 years. The restaurant is famous for its roast meats, carved at the table from silver trolleys, as well as dishes like steak and kidney pudding and lobster thermidor. The historic, opulent setting and timeless menu make it a perfect place to experience classic British dining.

Wiltons

Location: St. James's
Wiltons is one of London’s oldest restaurants, offering a refined dining experience that specializes in British seafood and game. The menu features dishes like oysters, wild Scottish salmon, and roast grouse. The elegant, traditional interiors and impeccable service make it an ideal choice for those looking for classic British cuisine in a sophisticated setting.

Quo Vadis

Location: Soho
Quo Vadis is a historic restaurant that has reinvented itself with a modern approach to traditional British dishes. The menu includes items like eel pie, hake, and treacle tart. The casual yet refined atmosphere and focus on quality British ingredients have made it a favourite among Soho diners.

British Seafood and Fish Restaurants

J Sheekey

Location: Covent Garden
J Sheekey is a legendary seafood restaurant known for its classic British dishes. The menu features a variety of seafood options, including oysters, Dover sole, fish pie, and lobster thermidor. The charming, intimate setting and emphasis on fresh, sustainable fish make J Sheekey a top choice for seafood lovers.

Scott's

Location: Mayfair
Scott’s is an iconic British restaurant specializing in seafood and fish. The menu includes items like whole roasted fish, grilled langoustines, and classic fish and chips. Its elegant, old-world charm and reputation for high-quality seafood have made it a popular dining spot for those seeking a quintessential British seafood experience.

Bentley’s Oyster Bar & Grill

Location: Piccadilly
Bentley’s Oyster Bar & Grill is an institution in London’s seafood scene, serving the finest oysters, shellfish, and traditional British fish dishes. The menu includes options like crab salad, fish pie, and grilled turbot. The relaxed yet stylish atmosphere, combined with exceptional seafood, makes it a favourite for both locals and tourists.

British Afternoon Tea

Fortnum & Mason

Location: Piccadilly
Fortnum & Mason is one of the most iconic spots for afternoon tea in London. Guests can enjoy a selection of finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream, and delicate pastries in a refined, elegant setting. The tea experience here is a quintessential part of British culinary tradition.

The Ritz

Location: Mayfair
Afternoon tea at The Ritz is a luxurious British tradition, offering a classic spread of sandwiches, scones, and cakes served with a selection of teas. The opulent surroundings and impeccable service make it one of the most famous places to enjoy afternoon tea in London.

London’s British restaurant scene is rich in tradition and innovation, offering a wide range of experiences that cater to both those looking for classic British comfort food and those seeking modern takes on traditional dishes. From high-end Michelin-starred restaurants to cosy cafes, the city has something for every taste and occasion.

Searcys at The GherkinIf you fancy dinner or a drink with a 360-degree view of the city, then Searcys at The Gherkin...

Golden ChippyNothing beats traditional fish and chips and the Golden chippy serves some of the best food in...