Unofficial Guide To London

London’s food and drink scene is as diverse as the city itself. Whether you’re after Michelin-starred dining, traditional British comfort food, or a pint in a centuries-old pub, there’s something for every taste and budget. Here’s a curated guide to some of the best restaurants and traditional pubs across central, east, west, and south London – all with TripAdvisor ratings of four stars or above.

Central London

Restaurants

J Sheekey – Covent Garden
Type: Seafood / British
Highlight: Elegant, historic restaurant famous for oysters and fish pie.
Price: £££

Tandoor Chop House – Covent Garden
Type: Indian / British fusion
Highlight: Combines North Indian tandoor flavours with classic British cuts – lively and informal.
Price: ££

Rules – Covent Garden
Type: Classic British / Game
Highlight: London’s oldest restaurant (founded 1798) – quintessential British dining and heritage décor.
Price: £££

Flat Iron – Soho
Type: Steakhouse
Highlight: High-quality steaks at excellent value – friendly, relaxed and consistently rated highly.
Price: ££

Patty & Bun – Marylebone
Type: Burgers
Highlight: Beloved London burger spot serving juicy patties and house sauces.
Price: £

Pubs

The Princess Louise – Holborn
Highlight: Lavishly tiled Victorian interior – one of London’s most beautiful pubs.
Price: £

Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese – Fleet Street
Highlight: Historic pub rebuilt after the Great Fire of London – dark wood panels and literary history.
Price: £

West London

Restaurants

Restaurant Gordon Ramsay – Chelsea
Type: Modern French / British
Highlight: Three-Michelin-starred flagship offering refined tasting menus.
Price: ££££

The Ledbury – Notting Hill
Type: Modern European
Highlight: Two-Michelin-starred restaurant using seasonal British produce in a stylish setting.
Price: ££££

Scott’s – Mayfair
Type: Seafood / British
Highlight: Established 1851, famous for oysters and elegant service – a true London institution.
Price: ££££

Honest Burgers – Portobello Road
Type: British / Burgers
Highlight: London-born favourite offering quality burgers made from British beef and homemade chips.
Price: ££

Franco’s – St James’s
Type: Italian
Highlight: One of London’s first Italian restaurants (opened 1945) – relaxed and refined.
Price: ££

Pubs

The Churchill Arms – Kensington
Highlight: Famed for its floral façade and Thai menu – a true London landmark.
Price: ££

The Black Lion – Hammersmith
Highlight: 18th-century riverside pub offering hearty roasts and period charm.
Price: ££

East London

Restaurants

The Clove Club – Shoreditch
Type: Modern British
Highlight: Innovative tasting menus in the Town Hall building – Michelin-starred and highly rated.
Price: ££££

Silo – Hackney Wick
Type: Zero-waste Modern British
Highlight: The world’s first zero-waste restaurant – pioneering sustainable dining.
Price: £££

Hawksmoor Spitalfields – Spitalfields
Type: Steakhouse / British
Highlight: Famous for quality British beef and classic cocktails in a stylish converted warehouse.
Price: £££

Pophams Bakery – Hackney
Type: Bakery / Café
Highlight: Creative pastries and hand-rolled pasta – ideal for a relaxed breakfast or lunch.
Price: £

Pubs

The Prospect of Whitby – Wapping
Highlight: London’s oldest riverside pub, dating back to the 1500s – rich maritime history and Thames views.
Price: £

The Ten Bells – Spitalfields
Highlight: 18th-century pub associated with Jack the Ripper – full of atmosphere and character.
Price: ££

South London

Restaurants

Trinity – Clapham
Type: Modern European
Highlight: Michelin-starred neighbourhood gem offering refined yet relaxed dining.
Price: ££££

Chez Bruce – Wandsworth Common
Type: Modern European
Highlight: Elegant, comforting dishes with outstanding service – a London classic.
Price: ££££

Brunswick House – Vauxhall
Type: Modern British
Highlight: Eclectic restaurant in a Georgian mansion filled with antiques – stylish yet welcoming.
Price: ££

Franco Manca – Brixton
Type: Pizza
Highlight: Pioneer of London’s sourdough pizza scene – fresh, simple and great value.
Price: £

The Anchor Bankside – Borough
Type: Traditional British / Pub dining
Highlight: Historic Thames-side pub with hearty food and views near Shakespeare’s Globe.
Price: ££

Pubs

The George Inn – Southwark
Highlight: The only surviving galleried coaching inn in London – full of history and charm.
Price: £

The Wheatsheaf – Borough Market
Highlight: Classic British pub beside Borough Market – ideal for a pint and people-watching.
Price: £

The Mayflower – Rotherhithe
Highlight: Claimed to be London’s oldest riverside pub (dating to the 16th century) – cosy and full of maritime heritage.
Price: ££