The places to fill up after navigating the capital’s most iconic castles, cathedrals and riverside sights
From archaic architecture to towering skyscrapers and sprawling parks, London boasts an impressive array of must-see attractions. Yet alongside these remarkable experiences, there are often disappointing tourist trap restaurants nearby. While London isn’t the worst European capital for such venues, it can be easy to fall into the trap of choosing a meal that is both overpriced and unsatisfying. This is unfortunate, especially since London is home to some of the finest dining experiences in the world.
In this guide, we explore some of the best restaurants near London’s premier tourist attractions. Whether you’re seeking a formal setting for a special occasion or a casual spot for a quick bite after a day of sightseeing, these dining options are sure to impress. You won’t find aggressive waitstaff trying to lure you in for a regrettable meal — instead, these locations offer genuine culinary experiences worth the visit.
Hide, Mayfair
Nearest attractions: Buckingham Palace, Hyde Park
Ollie Dabbous’ extravagant gastronomic gem overlooking Green Park spans three floors, featuring an impressive basement bar and two stylish dining areas. Hide is an excellent choice for those wishing to make a statement, and its menu offers accessible options such as a delightful breakfast spread to fuel your day of exploration. The a la carte and tasting menus showcase celebrated dishes, including charcoal-grilled flatbread topped with Galician beef tartare, sour cream, and tarragon, and a decadent multi-layered acorn cake with smoked caramel.
Address: Hide, 85 Piccadilly, London W1J 7NB
Price: £££
The Garden Café, Lambeth
Nearest attractions: The London Eye, Southbank
The Garden Café, situated within The Garden Museum, is a serene oasis just a short walk from the London Eye, Westminster Abbey, and The Houses of Parliament. Naturally lit and spacious, the café’s menu is seasonal, featuring elegantly presented dishes like fennel, caper, and orange salad, as well as pheasant and bacon pie. The focus on simplicity and high-quality ingredients makes it a must-visit for any food lover.
Address: Garden Museum, 5 Lambeth Palace Road, London SE1 7LB, UK
Price: ££
Fallow, St James
Nearest attractions: Trafalgar Square, National Portrait Gallery, National Gallery
Fallow has transitioned from a successful pop-up to a permanent location, rapidly becoming known as one of the most exciting modern European restaurants in the city. This establishment emphasizes carefully sourced ingredients, gaining fame for its royale croissant rolls stuffed with a sausage patty, cheese, bacon, and a perfectly fried egg—an exemplary high-end breakfast choice.
Address: 52 Haymarket, St. James’s, London SW1Y 4RP
Price: ££
Sweetings, City
Nearest attraction: St Paul’s Cathedral
Established in the late 1800s, Sweetings serves some of London’s freshest fish in the heart of the Square Mile. Catering exclusively for lunch from Monday to Friday, this establishment excels in offering variety, specializing in steamed, fried, or poached fish. While the décor radiates nostalgic charm, the signature oysters and pan-fried skate wing served with brown butter are absolute highlights.
Address: 39 Queen Victoria Street, London EC4N 4SF
Price: ££
José, Bermondsey
Nearest attractions: The Shard, Borough Market, London Bridge
José stands out for its limited seating and rustic tapas charm, reminiscent of tapas bars in Seville. Although securing a table can be challenging, the wait is worthwhile. Guests can revel in dishes like fat Gordal olives stuffed with orange wedges, runny yolk tortilla, and perfectly cooked jamón and cheese croquetas, best enjoyed with a chilled glass of Albariño.
Address: José, 104 Bermondsey St, London SE1 3UB
Price: ££
Cinnamon Club, Westminster
Nearest attractions: The Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey
Ranked among the top Indian restaurants in London, Cinnamon Club has been transforming modern Indian fine dining since its inception. The menu specializes in game and vegetable-centric dishes, offering an impressive tasting menu that showcases the restaurant’s creative flair. Quick, well-priced set lunches further enhance its appeal.
Address: The Old Westminster Library, Great Smith Street, London SW1P 3BU
Price: £££
La Dame De Pic, Tower Hill
Nearest attractions: Tower Bridge, Tower of London
Located at the Four Seasons Hotel, La Dame De Pic is helmed by the world’s most decorated female French chef, Anne-Sophie Pic. This Michelin-starred establishment offers exquisite tasting menus featuring signature dishes like matcha-infused pasta with wild mushroom, and iconic white millefeuille with Tahitian vanilla. It’s an extraordinary experience for special occasions or culinary enthusiasts.
Address: La Dame De Pic, 10 Trinity Square, London EC3N 4AJ
Price: £££
Dumplings Legend, Chinatown
Nearest attractions: Piccadilly Circus
Chinatown is a gastronomic paradise, and Dumplings Legend is a charming choice known for its exceptional dim-sum offerings. While some dim-sum options are available during dinner, visiting at lunchtime allows guests to fully enjoy the breadth of their dumpling selection, including their famous Shanghainese siu long bao filled with hot pork broth.
Address: Dumpling’s Legend, 15-16 Gerrard Street, London W1D 6JE
Price: ££
Wandercrust at The Pelton Arms, Greenwich
Nearest attractions: Cutty Sark, Royal Naval College, Painted Hall, Royal Observatory
A bold contender for the title of London’s best pizza, Wandercrust is known for its Neapolitan-style pizzas with perfectly blistered crusts and high-quality ingredients. Located near all the major sites in Greenwich, this venue offers standout options like the Margherita and the American Psycho topped with Ventricina salami and chili honey.
Address: The Pelton Arms, 23-25 Pelton Road, London SE10 9PQ
Price: £
Sakura Yakiniku, Molesey
Nearest attractions: Hampton Court Palace
Sakura Yakiniku stands out as the area’s first authentic Japanese smokeless barbecue restaurant, providing an exciting dining experience where food is served raw and cooked at the table. This engaging approach makes it ideal for those eager to explore premium Wagyu beef. For those preferring expertly prepared dishes, options like soft shell crab sushi and fatty bluefin tuna sashimi are superb choices.
Address: 13-14 Hampton Court Parade, Molesey, East Molesey KT8 9HB
Price: ££
