Top 10 Best restaurants in Soho, London

Top 10 Best Restaurants in Soho, London

London – by Eva Dang – Unsplash

You’re tired of eating at home – you’re not the best cook. Time to head out for a great dinner. But where to go?

London is a mixing pot of various cultures. No better neighborhood can better describe the cultural diversity of the country’s capital than Soho – a vibrant and lively borough that contains an eclectic vibe and a variety of shops, restaurants, and people. We love the trendy atmosphere of Soho, with chilled-out cafes for some afternoon coffee, and beat-thumping, heart-pounding clubs for evening. Some of the older generations may not want to partake in many of the Soho activities, while the younger generation scampers from vintage shops to happy hour. There’s one thing we can all agree on, however – Soho has some great food. From hole-in-the-wall establishments to fine dining, this neighborhood knows how to do breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert. We have scoured the neighborhood to find the best spots to have a little snack or a big meal – it wasn’t hard work, trust me. The ample selection of places to go here made it a breeze, although not the friendliest on our wallets. Here we have come up with the ten best restaurants in the infamous Soho neighborhood, London.

1) The Palomar

Donner Kebab – By Alex Kehr from Malibu, United States [CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)]

First up, we have The Palomar. For an energy-infused establishment that will always guarantee a fun time, head here. You’ll find some delicious Middle Eastern food in a modern setting, with the shots and drinks flowing freely. The atmosphere is loud, buzzing, and we love it. The Israeli-influenced food will be something new for many people – but it will keep you coming back for more. The Shakshukit kebabs are to die for, and the friendly chats with the wait staff and bartenders make you feel comfortable and like you’re out with mates. We highly recommend booking a table in advance since the queue can be pretty long and hectic if you hit this place during peak hours. If you’re lucky, you can book the 16-seat kitchen bar that overlooks the chefs, watching the masters at work. Or you can head to the intimate dining room with dark walls, relaxed furniture, and a natural-light skylight for the daytime eaters. Try the Baba Ganoush for a starter, to share, with some scrumptious glazed octopus to go around the table as well. For a main, try out the Jerusalem chicken with artichoke cream artichoke crisps, and seasoned with coriander – the flavor profiles here are unique and very tasty.

2) DUM Biryani House

Dum Biryani Plate – By ​wikipedia user Honeytgb [CC BY-SA (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/)]

For number two on our list, we bring to you DUM. This modern Indian restaurant brings flavors and ingredients from southern India, mastering Telugu cuisine, native to Andhra and Telangana states. Known for its tangy and hot flavors, this seasoning isn’t for the faint of heart. You’ll find most dishes here prepared with meat or vegetables layered over rice, and steamed until the perfect texture and combination is created. Using a low heat, called ‘dum, the flavors and textures mesh perfectly together. The menu is short – but that just means they do a few things really well. Like, REALLY well. An unassuming establishment from the outside, you’ll then enter a relaxed and vibrant space, characterized by small spaces, exposed-brick walls, and a combination of natural and dim lighting. The staff here are friendly, attentive, and can help you with the questions you’re bound to have. Try some of the snacks like the fried yogurt patties or stir-fried prawns, and share one of the mains. You’ll be happy to have tried multiple dishes, and you’ll definitely leave satisfied.

3) Copita

Tapas – By David Adam Kess [CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)]

If you have visited Spain before, and you really miss it, head here for a taste of traditional and extremely well-made tapas. In this bar-style restaurant, you’ll walk into a friendly, casual, and energetic atmosphere that will remind you of a hole-in-the-wall type of place in Spain. What do we love about here? The menu changes every day, so you can go here three days in a row (yes, we’ve done that) and get something different every time. We love the variety, No matter the changes, the ingredients are always fresh, the flavors are always unique, and the wine is always amazing. The all-Spanish wine options pair perfectly with the small plates, giving you multiple reasons to come here day after day.

4) Barrafina

Scallop – By Quinn Dombrowski [CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)]

This consistently-popular spot somehow remains on the top of everyone’s lists despite the no booking policy which keeps people queueing in the line for a minimum of an hour – that’s a testament to how good this food is. This Michelin-starred establishment churns out exceptional meat and seafood, grilled to perfection, and paired with delicious drink options. Try the grilled quail with aioli for something unique, or the ham croquetas for something a bit simpler, but not any less delicious. You can enjoy some starters if you’re feeling a bit peckish, like bread and olive oil, and can pair it with a selection of cold meats. For a main, try the braised ox-tongue, pork skewers, or queen scallops for the seafood-lovers. The menu offers something for everyone, with vegetarian options, but still keeps it relatively small, to limit the options to only the best. For those who don’t mind waiting in line for a perfectly created meat or seafood dish, this is the spot to go.

5) Social Eating house

Triple Cooked Duck Fat Chips – By Donatingpictures [CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)]

This restaurant keeps it simple – which makes it perfect. With a dark wood interior, with dim lights, a long bar, and comfortable seating, you’ll immediately feel relaxed, and like you’re in a sort of upscale sports bar – with a lot better food. The food here is like the decor – pretty simple. But it just works. The crab salad is divine, the duck fat chips are mouth-watering, and there’s also a tasting menu for those who don’t mind splurging on some incredible food. This Michelin-star restaurant features a cocktail bar upstairs to continue the evening, extending the buzzing and informal setting. The Blind Pig, the cocktail bar, is a speakeasy-type bar that serves up tasty (and strong) cocktails to top off your wonderful dinner. Head here for a full night out that combines sophistication with relaxation.

6) Wun’s Tea Room & Bar

Spare Rib & Chicken feet claypot rice – By Ceeseven [CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)]

We love this spot. Think of it as sort of a Japanese speakeasy, and then you’ll immediately be intrigued. The neon green sign of Asian characters that light up the dark interior makes it feel like you’re in an underground Tokyo restaurant, while you are served great plates and interesting cocktails. Featuring a menu of skewers and claypot rice, the menu here is simple and the vibe is relaxed. You’ll often get here and find the place is already full – but we recommend waiting. Try the char siu from Iberico pork and you won’t want to eat anything else for the rest of your life. Served at room temperature it will melt in your mouth, with the savory flavors combining with the sweet sugar. Munch on this while admiring the exposed brick walls, low-lit cocktail bar, and neon-green lights providing the only visibility. A great spot for a night out with friends or a date, you can easily head here before continuing the night at another venue, since the cocktails here will surely get you feeling good for the evening.

7) Lina Stores – 51 Greek Street

Strozzapreti Pasta – By HarshLight [CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)]

For number even, we chose this Italian frontrunner on the ever-busy Greek Street, serving up handmade pasta, aubergine, and truffle and ricotta agnolotti. The food here is sure to address those hunger pangs and keep you satisfied for hours. Maybe not the best spot for a pre-club or date spot, since the food here is pretty heavy – it is Italian after all. But if you split the main dish and order a small appetizer, you’ll leave being impressed with the ambiance, which combines a deli-counter vibe with an underground vault-type place, incredible wines, and friendly service. Split a bottle of red, handmade pasta, share a dessert, and you’ll not only save some money, but save yourself the trouble of having to loosen the notch on your belt on the first date as well. You’re welcome.

8) Darjeeling Express

Goan prawn curry – By Schellack at English Wikipedia [CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0)]

If you want to feel like you’ve stepped into India, then come here. The vibes are almost as if you’re eating at a friend’s house, with a staff that was all former cooks at home – we would love to see how happy their families are. The flavors here are amazing, the food is impeccably cooked, and you can really get a sense of the owner’s identity in the atmosphere of the restaurant and the combination of ingredients in the dishes. The staff features two cooks from Nepal and two from India, each bringing their own individual flair and characteristics to the team. We recommend trying the chili garlic prawns as a starter, flavored with Indo-Chinese flavors of the Calcutta region. For a main, try the Goat Kosha Mangsho, a slow-cooked Bengali goat curry, or the Khatte Baingan Aubergine for the vegans, cooked in tamarind, coconut, and a peanut base. A combination of spices, unique ingredients, and talented chefs create a relaxed restaurant for all to visit.

9) Bob Bob Ricard

Original Mac n Cheese – By Texasfoodgawker [CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)]

This place is kinda weird – but we like it. This Russian-English combination sounds like it might be the stuff of mob movies, but really it just produces seriously tasty food. Please, please try the lobster mac n’ cheese for the cheesiest, tastiest mac version you’ve ever had. We also recommend the vareniki dumplings paired with a glass of great red wine. The atmosphere here is pretty kitsch – with movie posters, buttons that bring you champagne located at every table, and an interesting staff dress code that will remind some of those almost-obsolete ‘50s diners where the waitresses use roller skates to get around. The owners here love this about the restaurant – the eclectic decor, using bright colors, golden touches, and marbled/tiled everything adds to the interesting atmosphere. For those who love bubbly, this restaurant pours more champagne than any other restaurant in the UK.

10) Casita Andina

Ceviche de pulpo – By Ausum at en.wikitravel [CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/1.0)]

Last up on our list, we have this Peruvian masterpiece. These dishes are incredibly tasty, and – you might not believe it – quite healthy. This casual spot is great for a quick bite for lunch, a relaxed dinner, or a chill night with a date or some friends. The patterned booths that surround the restaurant provide comfortable seating areas, while the cocktails will keep you staying longer than you think you would. The ower, known as Mr. Ceviche, whips up incredible ceviches combined with strong pisco sours that pair perfectly together. Try the picarones, some traditional Peruvian donuts, to top off your meal with something sweet.

There you have it – now good luck on trying to choose which spot to hit first.

London is no stranger to variety. The city has a variety of restaurants, pubs, clubs, stores, and anything else you could think of. Every building looks different, all the people are different, and all the restaurants are different. We love the unlimited options of places to go and activities to partake in. Despite the endless number of opportunities, we think that Soho is a great neighborhood for food and drinks. The restaurants in Soho alone are enough to keep you satisfied for months and months, which makes narrowing down our favorites into a top 10 list pretty difficult. Even so, we compiled a list that combines different flavor combinations, country influences, and price ranges for the ultimate top 10 restaurants in Soho.