10 Things to Eat in Soho, London

10 Things to Eat in Soho, London

Soho is every foodies dream. The streets are, quite literally, packed with cafes, restaurants, gelaterias, bars and delis for as far as the eye can see. On par with New York City, you could probably eat a different meal in Soho for the next 100 years and never the same one twice.

So where to even start? The following ten cuisines are a good entry into what the Soho dining scene has to offer.

1. Mexican: La Bodega Negra Cafe in Soho, London

This Mexican diner is a hot-spot in the west end, especially on Friday nights when the underground cellar comes to life.

The menu is simple Mexican, with a lengthy list of tequila options attached to it.

Given the area, this food is incredibly well priced. It’s all the drinks that will rack up your bill as the night unfolds. Bookings are absolutely essential if you want to eat after 8pm.

La Bodega Negra Cafe in Soho, London – by La Bodega Negra Cafe – Uploaded by them

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Monday to Sunday — 5:30pm to 1am

ADDRESS: 9 Old Compton St, Soho, London W1D 5JF, United Kingdom

METRO STATION: Tottenham Court Road

2. Taiwanese: BAO in Soho, London

The streets around the Palace Theatre in Soho are my favorite for guided walking tours and diverse options for dining.

BAO is a Taiwanese cafe that does really Instagram worthy plates of Taiwanese food, including the now very popular bao buns.

Don’t be surprised if you encounter a forty to sixty minute wait at the door, especially after 8pm at night.

BAO in Soho – by BAO – Sourced from their website

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Monday to Sunday — 12pm to 10pm

ADDRESS: 53 Lexington St, Soho, London W1F 9AS, United Kingdom

METRO STATION: Oxford Circus Underground

3. Ramen: Shoryu in Soho, London

Taking a look at a different Asian cuisine, Soho also offers a bunch of ramen bars across the district.

Shoryu is the chic, upmarket option and a great treat of a dining experience. Ramen is primary on the menu, sushi is secondary. They import Japanese beers and wine which are available too.

The food is outstanding but I would not recommend Shoryu to vegetarian diners, and especially not vegans. They are lacking in the veggie catering department.

Shoryu in Soho – by Shoryu – Sourced from their Facebook

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Monday to Sunday — 11:30am to 12am

ADDRESS: 3 Denman St, Soho, London W1D 7HA, United Kingdom

METRO STATION: Picadilly Circus

4. Moroccan: Souk Bazaar in Soho, London

I hadn’t been in London long and found myself craving a tajine. Knowing Soho would be the one place where I was guaranteed to find one, I came in search of Souk Bazaar.

Moroccan food, when done properly, is one of the most hearty and charismatic meals you’ll ever have. There is so much flavor and texture to the dishes; as is there flavor and texture to the restaurant interiors as well.

In this colorful souk space you can smoke shisha along with your meal.

Souk Bazaar in Soho – by Souk Bazaar – Sourced from their Facebook

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Monday to Sunday — 4pm to 12am

ADDRESS: 27 Litchfield St, London WC2H 9AJ, United Kingdom

METRO STATION: Covent Garden

5. Lebanese: Yallah Yallah in Soho, London

There are some dishes in Moroccan cuisine that overlap into Lebanese; this happens a lot with countries in the Middle East, the Mediterranean and North Africa.

Yallah Yallah is a Lebanese eatery in Soho. It’s a small, modest cafe with a very small menu made up of all the most important classics. You’ll build your plate with dips, falafel, salads, breads, veggies and meats of your choosing.

They also have a Lebanese bakery on site for sweet treats.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Monday to Sunday — 11:30am to 10pm

ADDRESS: 1 Green’s Ct, Soho, London W1F 0HA, United Kingdom

METRO STATION: Oxford Circus Underground

6. Iranian: Berenjak in Soho, London

Iranian cuisine will overlap into Lebanese. This Iranian restaurant is one of few in London, and the food is great for anyone who loves skewered meats or soft breads.

The big difference lies in the availability of veggie options. I would recommend meat lovers dine here, and vegans/vegetarians go to the afore mentioned Yallah Yallah.

Berenjak in Soho – by Berenjak – Sourced from their website

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Monday to Saturday — 12pm to 11:30pm

ADDRESS: 27 Romilly St, Soho, London W1D 5AL, United Kingdom

METRO STATION: Leicester Square

7. Dim Sum: Opium Dim Sum Parlor in Soho, London

The Opium house is actually a cocktail lounge and dim sum parlor hybrid space. It is designed to look like an actual opium den from yesteryear.

Once you get a table (this can take a while) you’ll be free to drink and dine the night away on gourmet cocktails and creative dim sum.

Opium Dim Sum Parlor in Soho – by Opium Dim Sum Parlor – Uploaded by them

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Monday to Sunday — 5pm to 2am

ADDRESS: 15-16 Gerrard St, London W1D 6JE, United Kingdom

METRO STATION: Leicester Square

8. Vegan: Vantra Loungevity in Soho, London

Vegan classification aside, this is probably one of the best eateries in all of London service, ambience and food wise. Adding the vegan factor back in, dining experiences like this are rarely cruelty free. You will be astounded.

During lunch time Vantra operates as an all you can eat buffet. By night its a la carte, and you’ll dine by candlelight with the odd live performance here and there.

Vantra is a garlic free restaurant. The chef has been described as “a genius”.

Vantra Loungevity in Soho – by Vantra Loungevity – Sourced from their Facebook

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Monday to Sunday — 12pm to 10pm

ADDRESS: 5 Wardour St, London W1D 6PD, United Kingdom

METRO STATION: Leicester Square

9. Thai: Rosa’s Thai Cafe in Soho, London

Rosa’s is a few blocks from the Soho theatre, a few museums and the guided walking tours of the neighborhood.

It’s authentic Thai right down to the complimentary prawn crackers they give you the moment you sit down. I recommend the Pad Thai, the massaman curry or the chicken Penang.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Monday to Sunday — 12pm to 10pm

ADDRESS: 48 Dean St, Soho, London W1D 5BF, United Kingdom

METRO STATION: Covent Garden

10. Burgers: Honest Burgers in Soho, London

Sometimes all you need is a well made, saucy, artisanal burger and fries.

Honest Burgers is my burger restaurant of choice in Soho because of their inclusivity to all diets. They have burgers for meat eaters, vegetarians, vegans and gluten free individuals. They take dietary requirements very seriously and anyone with Celiacs can rest assured that the kitchen will take precautions in preventing cross contamination.

Honest Burgers in Soho – by Honest Burgers – Uploaded by them

Oh, and the food is damn good!

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Monday to Sunday — 11:30am to 11pm

ADDRESS: 4A Meard St, Soho, London W1F 0EF, United Kingdom

METRO STATION: Tottenham Court Road