The Most Famous Restaurants in London 

Tower of London, another London landmark seen from the city’s tallest building – By [Duncan] from Nottingham, UK – Tower of London from the Shard, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=32007084

Part of the fun of visiting a new city is exploring the local cuisine. But with London, you get much more than that! Since this city has such an influx of ex-pats from all over the world, the cuisine reflects the melting pot of cultures in the area. In the mood for Ethiopian? London has got you covered. 

Let’s see the most famous restaurant in London and where you absolutely MUST go during your next visit! 

Chishuru

Ugali and cabbage – By Mark Skipper – originally posted to Flickr as Ugali and cabbage, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=4066306

One of the most famous restaurants in London that has taken over in recent months is Chishuru. Okay, it might not be your typical British pub, but it is arguably more popular. This specialist in West African food churns out local delicacies to the area like bavette steak, mimiri oku, and kekefia. Not sure what these are? Head here and find out!

We recommend trying the set menu so you can try a little bit of everything and get a feel for what West African cuisine is really about. At just under £50 per person for dinner, you may feel like this is a bit pricey — but worth the cost of everything else in Londo, it really is just par for the course. And the quality of food will make the price more than worth it!

Manteca

Tagliatelle al ragu – By Ivan Vighetto – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=994361

In the mood for some tagliatelle? What about some fresh pasta carbonara? Maybe you want something a little more of an Italian delicacy — ever tried a stuffed pig’s snout? Probably not. But you should be here! 

Manteca is one of the most desirable restaurants in Shoreditch, the bustling and hipster-like neighborhood in London. Not sure what to get? We recommend trying the pig skin ragu. Don’t worry vegetarians, there is plenty of pasta and veg-heavy atoms for you too! 

The Ritz

The Long Gallery – By Herry Lawford from Stockbridge, UK – Piccadilly, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=38428550

Okay, now we are back to the traditional spots in London’s city center. If you have never heard of ‘The ritz’, you may have been living under a rock. The Ritz is an iconic landmark, restaurant, and staple in London’s culture. Known for having Michelin-starred food, — and arguably the best place to sit for an afternoon and watch for local celebrities — this British staple is an absolute must-visit for a high afternoon tea filled with crumpets, scones, and tea. 

Located right in St. James’ in London, you can easily walk here after a full day of sightseeing and meandering around the local parks. 

Rules

Fish and chips – By Matthias Meckel – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=74468548

Of course we had to include London’s oldest restaurant in this list! If you are talking about the most famous place to visit, The Rules is at the top of the list. With its doors open since the end of the 18th century, this iconic landmark is arguably the most quintessential English restaurant that the city has.

Claridge’s

Smoked salmon, egg salad, sliced radish, and flat parsley – By Takeaway – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=32333508

Dating back to the beginning of the 19th century, Claridge’s is not for budget tourists who want to spank their penni.es if you are ready to splurge on the food and the ambiance, Claridge’s is the place to go. Located in Mayfair on Brook Street, Claridge’s has multiple rooms and spaces that offer various ambiances for whatever mood you are in! 

Head to the Painter’s Room for a modern take on a typical bar. Or you can head to Claridge’s Bar for a trip back in time. Want something a little more noir? Check out the Fumoir room. Or if you are lucky enough to be in London during a busy weekend, we recommend trying the weekend lunch.

The weekend lunch is a three-course menu with specialties like tuna tartare with olive and lemon, Severn and Wye smoked salmon, veal schnitzel with truffle and aged parmesan, seared Scottish halibut, or the famous confit aubergine with hummus. 

The Savoy

Hotel Savoy – By Photo by CVB, edited and cropped by Cart – File:Hôtel Savoy The Strand Londres.jpg, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=112472345

You know that England has a Queen, right? Well, if Savoy is good enough for the Queen to dine at, then it definitely is for you! The Savoy is the only top-tier hotel located on the Thames River — and for good reason. Located in the Strand, this picturesque restaurant is one of the hottest tourist spots during a weekend away. 

The Ivy

The Ivy Cafe in Marylebone Lane – By Philafrenzy – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=53338977

Located on West Street, Central London, this iconic restaurant is known for hearty British fare, a private room for the best party you have ever thrown in your life, and theatrical ambiance that makes it seem like you are in the PHantom of the Opera. 

Plus, you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. All of the menus focus on locally sourced ingredients and fresh food, using only high-quality veg and fruit for their dishes. We recommend checking out the slow-cooked rabbit leg, the Ivy Cheeseburger, or the Monkfish Masala.

Uh-oh, did we hear someone say vegan? No worries. The Ivy is up with the latest times and features an entirely vegetarian and vegan menu, with hearty dishes like the Miso glazed aubergine, Violet artichoke risotto, and the Pan-fried potato gnocchi.