12 of the Best British Restaurants in Central London

Deciding where to eat in London can sometimes seem like an impossible task. And it’s not just because the capital boasts well over 15,500 restaurants! London has long been a melting pot of cultures and peoples and nowhere is that eclecticism more apparent than in the city’s food scene. All these influences and world flavours mean there’s an endless array of choices when it comes to finding the best restaurants in London.

But if you’re visiting the UK from overseas, chances are you’ll want to discover a little of the local food scene. So below, you’ll find a list of some of the best restaurants in London to try British cuisine. Fish and chips, Sunday roasts, Full English Breakfasts, and afternoon tea… you’ll find it all here. Written by a native who spent several years living in London, this list is by no means extensive. But it is hopefully a good place to start…

Golden Union Fish Bar

Fish and Chips, $$$

There’s nothing quite as British as fish and chips. Although traditionally served at seaside destinations, you’ll find plenty of “chippies” across London. One of the best, and most traditional, places to try fish and chips is the Golden Union Fish Bar. This retro chip shop has slight “American diner” feels – there’s even a jukebox! But their beer-battered sustainably sourced fish is as British as it gets.

Battersea Pie Station

Pies, $$$

Another staple of British cuisine is the humble pie, often served with mashed potatoes – aka mash. One of the most popular pie shops in the city is Battersea Pie Station, which is actually found in Covent Garden Market rather than Battersea. The name is a pun based on Battersea Power Station, a local landmark. Don’t miss the steak and Meantime stout pie!

Regency Cafe

Full English Breakfast, $$$

You can’t visit London without trying a Full English breakfast, also known as a fry up. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a restaurant in London that doesn’t serve some version of an English fry up on its breakfast menu! Opened in 1946, Regency Café is what’s known locally as a “greasy spoon”. Think Formica tables and retro décor, but a top-notch Full English. This was also the café that featured in the 2004 movie Layer Cake – so fans of the movie should definitely check it out.

Blacklock Soho

Chophouse / Sunday Roast, $$$

Blacklock Soho is considered by many to serve London’s best Sunday roast. During the week, it’s a brilliant, unpretentious basement chophouse serving up wholesome British classics. On Sundays, however, people book weeks in advance for the chance to enjoy their epic roast dinners. All meat comes from family-run farms in Cornwall and is served with duck-fat roasted potatoes and carrots, as well as cabbage, nuggets of crackling, cauliflower cheese, and as much gravy as you can consume. An absolute must-try in London.

Hawksmoor

Steak / Sunday Roast, $$$

Things get a little fancier at Hawksmoor, where Sunday roasts are elevated to an art form. Especially by the sublimely rich gravy, which is made using bone marrow and onion. The rest of the week, Hawksmoor is a steak restaurant where prime cuts of carefully sourced, dry-aged beef are cooked to perfection.

Manze

Eel, pie and mash, $$$

Another must-try pie shop in London is Manze’s. Many consider this old-school family business near Tower Bridge to be the original East End pie shop. Here you can try the super traditional London dish of pie served with mash, liquor, and eels. Yes, eels. The combination sounds strange, but it works – and it’s a must-try if you’re visiting London.

Meraz

Curry, $$$

Although the British had nothing to do with inventing it, curry has become as much a part of British cuisine as a Sunday roast. In fact, chicken tikka masala is considered by many to be a national dish! London is full of top curry houses, but some of the best are to be found on and around Brick Lane. And Meraz is one of the best in the area. This curry house has been around for over 40 years, so they have plenty of experience! Expect a menu full of classic dishes, reasonable prices, and a “bring your own” policy on alcohol.

Dishoom

Curry, $$$

Dishoom is one of the newer curry houses in London, but it quickly became one of the most popular. They have branches in locations across the city, including trendy Shoreditch and central Covent Garden. Don’t miss the black daal and the breakfast bacon naan, both of which have achieved something of a legendary status amongst Londoners.

Rules

British, $$$

Rules are believed to be the oldest restaurant in London. It was established in 1798 by Thomas Rule, so this beautiful, upmarket restaurant is well established in its field. The focus is on traditional British food, including classic game dishes, oysters, pies, and puddings.

J Sheekey

Seafood, $$$

At the heart of London’s West End, J Sheekey’s is a well established Theatreland favourite. Photos of famous patrons adorn the walls, and it’s not uncommon to spot an actor or two in the cosy interior. J Sheekey’s began life in the 1890s as a seafood stall, but it’s come a long way since then. Today, it’s a beautiful wood-panelled restaurant serving up wholesome seafood classics. Oysters are the star of the show here, so be sure to try a few. But if you’re after a true British classic, don’t miss the fish pie which may well be the capital’s best.

The Drawing Room, Brown’s Hotel

Afternoon Tea, $$$

If you’re looking for a classic taste of English afternoon tea, The Drawing Room at Brown’s Hotel offers one of the best in London. Afternoon tea is a must for anyone in search of the best British cuisine, and the one served at Brown’s is classy, traditional, and exquisitely done. Even the setting feels quintessentially English; an elegant, wood-panelled dining room with patterned antique furnishings, and a roaring log fire during winter.

The Wolseley

Brasserie / Afternoon Tea, $$$

The Wolseley is an elegant dining room of black and white marble and Venetian-inspired pillars. This classic brasserie is beloved for its breakfast and brunch menus. The lunch and dinner menus blend European and British dishes, ranging from oysters to caviar to schnitzel. And, like all grand cafes, The Wolseley also serves up a pretty excellent afternoon tea. Featuring finger sandwiches, cream scones, and decadent pastries, their English Afternoon Tea is a must!