Best Restaurants in London: Tried and Tested

Olive Garden Italian Restaurant in Covent Garden serves traditional Italian dishes in a relaxed setting with prices ranging from £6.50 for starters to around £12.50 for main courses. It is open daily from 11:30 AM to 10:00 PM, offering a cozy atmosphere and attentive service.

Situated on James Street, just a five-minute walk from Covent Garden station, Olive Garden’s rustic interior features exposed brick walls and soft amber lighting that create a homely feel. The aroma of fresh basil and garlic greets you as you enter, hinting at the authentic Italian kitchen. The Bruschetta al Pomodoro (£6.50) is a reliable starter: toasted ciabatta topped with diced ripe tomatoes, garlic, and fresh basil, finished with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.

For mains, the Fettuccine Alfredo (£12.50) stands out with its creamy Parmesan sauce coating perfectly al dente pasta. The tiramisu (£5.00) is a must-save-for dessert: layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and mascarpone cheese dusted generously with cocoa powder. Staff are attentive without being intrusive, making it a comfortable choice for couples or small groups.

Olive Garden is also family-friendly, with a kids’ menu offering smaller portions of pasta and pizza. For more on London’s dining options that suit all tastes, check out our guide to family-friendly restaurants and vegetarian and vegan options.

Dishoom Covent Garden, at 12 Upper St Martin's Lane, serves Bombay-style dishes with prices from £5.50 to £15, well-known for its House Black Daal and Bacon Naan Roll. It opens daily from 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM, with peak times often requiring a wait.

Walking into Dishoom, the scent of cardamom, cumin, and freshly ground spices fills the air. The decor mimics old Bombay cafés, with vintage posters, tiled floors, and dark wood furnishings. The House Black Daal (£6.50) is a slow-cooked lentil stew, thick, creamy, and slightly smoky from 24-hour simmering, best enjoyed with warm garlic naan or their breakfast Bacon Naan Roll (£7.50), which combines fluffy bread, crispy bacon, and a hint of black pepper.

The breakfast crowd begins early, so arriving after 9:30 AM on weekdays can reduce wait times. For lunch or dinner, expect queues, especially on weekends. The menu also includes small plates like Chicken Ruby (£7.00), a richly spiced chicken curry, and lively salads. The lively atmosphere is enhanced by clinking glasses and chatter, making it a social dining spot.

Dishoom is a staple for those interested in sampling South Asian flavors within London’s broader London dining scene.

Sketch Lecture Room & Library, located at 9 Conduit Street in Mayfair, is a Michelin-starred restaurant offering a French-inspired tasting menu from £120 per person. It operates Tuesday through Saturday from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM, requiring reservations and a smart casual dress code.

The restaurant’s interior is a study in elegance: plush velvet chairs, soft pastel hues, and intricate woodwork create an intimate, refined setting. The menu spotlights seasonal ingredients with dishes such as foie gras terrine and langoustine prepared with precision and artistic flair. Each course arrives with delicate plating that appeals to the eye as much as the palate.

Service here is formal yet warm, with knowledgeable staff explaining each dish’s composition and origin. The tasting menu typically spans six to eight courses, allowing diners to savor a progression of textures and flavours. The ambient lighting, coupled with soft classical music, encourages a relaxed dining pace.

For those interested in high-end dining, see more about Michelin-starred restaurants in London to plan your culinary outings.

The Ledbury in Notting Hill is a two Michelin-starred restaurant with a tasting menu around £150 per person, open for dinner Wednesday through Sunday from 6:00 PM to 10:30 PM. It is well-suited for special occasions with its elegant yet understated atmosphere.

Located on Ledbury Road, the restaurant’s discreet façade gives way to an interior where natural light meets muted tones and minimalist decor. The kitchen focuses on seasonal British ingredients, with dishes such as flame-grilled mackerel with smoked eel and beetroot or pigeon breast with beetroot jam, each plate balancing boldness and subtlety.

Service is discreet and polished, with staff attentive to pacing and wine pairings. The tasting menu evolves throughout the year, reflecting fresh produce and craftsmanship. The quiet hum of conversation and clinking glasses adds to the refined ambiance.

Learn more about London’s fine dining options in our section on Michelin-starred restaurants.

Flat Iron serves quality steaks starting at £12, with sides priced around £3.50, across multiple locations including Soho (17 Beak Street) and Shoreditch (77 Curtain Road). It is open daily from 12:00 PM until 10:00 PM and does not take reservations.

The scent of sizzling meat greets you as you enter Flat Iron, where the casual interior combines exposed brick and industrial touches. The signature steak is served simply, accompanied by sauces like chimichurri or peppercorn. The creamed spinach and triple-cooked chips are popular sides that complement the steak’s rich flavor.

Despite no booking system, the efficient turnover and bar seating mean waits rarely exceed 20 minutes. The atmosphere is lively with background chatter and the occasional clatter of cutlery.

For more wallet-friendly dining options, check our guide to takeout and delivery services in London.

Hoppers Soho, located at 49 Frith Street, specializes in Sri Lankan dishes like Egg Hoppers (£5.50) and Lamb Kothu Roti (£13), open Monday to Saturday from 12:00 PM to 10:30 PM.

Upon entering Hoppers, the air carries a spicy, smoky aroma from the open kitchen. The Egg Hopper, a bowl-shaped fermented rice pancake with a fried egg in the center, is served with tangy sambols and sweet chutneys that balance the heat. Lamb Kothu Roti, a chopped flatbread stir-fried with spiced meat and vegetables, is hearty and fragrant.

The decor is minimalist, with wooden tables and warm lighting that complements the energetic kitchen sounds. Portions are generous, and dishes often feature layers of chili, turmeric, and curry leaves.

Hoppers is a good option for those interested in ethnic cuisines within London’s varied dining scene.

Roti King, at 28-29 Gerrard Street near Leicester Square, is known for its roti canai with chicken curry priced around £6.50. It is open daily from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

The small, no-frills dining room fills quickly with the smell of flaky, buttery flatbread being freshly cooked on a hot griddle. The roti canai is flaky on the outside and soft inside, served with a rich chicken curry that is mildly spiced and deeply savory. The atmosphere is lively, with chefs tossing dough behind the counter and the hum of satisfied diners.

Due to its popularity, the restaurant often has queues; visiting mid-afternoon or after 8:00 PM can reduce waiting times.

For more on casual and street food in London, see our London food guide.

Kiln at 8 Archer Street, Soho, serves Northern Thai dishes such as Smoked Sausage with Turmeric (£5.50) and Clay Pot Baked Glass Noodles (£8.50). It operates Tuesday to Saturday from 5:30 PM to 10:30 PM, reservations recommended.

The open kitchen at Kiln emits smoky aromas of grilled meats and spices. The Smoked Sausage is robust and aromatic, with hints of turmeric and herbs. Glass noodles baked in clay pots come out piping hot with a rich, savory taste layered with fresh herbs and spices. The interior is compact, with counter seating that puts diners close to the cooking action, and the lively chatter mixes with the sounds of sizzling food.

See more on London’s diverse culinary offerings in our overview of the London dining scene.

The Palomar, at 34 Rupert Street, serves modern Jerusalem-inspired dishes like Polenta Jerusalem (£9) and Shakshukit (£12). It opens daily from 12:00 PM to 10:30 PM, with walk-ins accepted but reservations recommended.

With its open kitchen design, The Palomar has a sensory visit of watching chefs prepare dishes amid a buzz of conversation and clinking glasses. The Polenta Jerusalem is creamy and slightly tangy, topped with mushrooms and spices that evoke the flavors of the Middle East. The Shakshukit, a deconstructed kebab served with fresh herbs and sauces, delivers layers of texture and warmth.

The wood-paneled walls and dim lighting create a cozy atmosphere, while the scent of za’atar and cumin fills the air.

For further insights into London’s diverse culinary map, visit our London dining scene guide.

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