London is a city known for its diverse culinary scene, with a plethora of restaurants to choose from. However, when it comes to finding the best spots, who better to ask than the locals themselves? That’s exactly what was done in a recent survey, where readers were asked to share their favourite restaurants in the city.
From high-end establishments to local neighbourhood gems, the responses were varied and insightful. The results of the survey provide a unique perspective on the best places to dine in London, as recommended by those who know the city best.
Contents
Key Takeaways
- Reader’s favourite restaurants in London were surveyed to provide a unique perspective on the city’s culinary scene.
- The survey included a diverse range of restaurants, from high-end establishments to local neighbourhood gems.
- The results of the survey offer valuable insights into the best places to dine in London, as recommended by locals.
Reader’s Favourite Restaurants
London is a city of diverse cultures, and this is reflected in its culinary scene. With so many options to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide where to dine out. To help you out, here are some of the reader’s favorite restaurants in London, each with its unique flair and style.
Lemonia
Lemonia is a family-run Greek/Cypriot restaurant located in Primrose Hill. The restaurant offers casual vibes and is a favorite among families. It has a real neighborhood feel and provides great value for money. The restaurant serves traditional Greek cuisine and combines the best of Greek cooking with London hospitality. It is an excellent choice for big Greek feasts.
Stem & Glory
Stem and Glory is a completely vegan restaurant located in the City of London. It offers a sustainable approach to food sourcing and is net-zero. The restaurant has a fantastic attitude towards vegan food and cuisine. It is an excellent choice for those looking for sustainable food in central London.
Benihana
Benihana is an international teppanyaki brand that has been serving playful, food-theatric trade across the world for nearly 50 years. It has two branches in London, one in Chelsea and the other in Covent Garden. The restaurant has a great atmosphere and novelty aspects. The chefs cook food on your table, making it a fun and exciting dining experience.
ROVI
ROVI is located in Marylebone and is known for its amazing dishes. The restaurant takes what’s at the core of Ottolenghi’s cooking philosophy and puts it under the microscope of a few new techniques, namely fermentation and a coal-fired grill. The results are delicious and exciting.
Bari Bari
Bari Bari is a Korean restaurant located in Whitechapel. It serves simple, honest Korean cooking without any bells or whistles. The food is traditional and best enjoyed with a big group of friends. The Korean BBQ and fried chicken are particularly popular, making it a great choice for those looking for good vibes and great food.
The Freak Scene
The Freak Scene is located in Parson’s Green and is known for its amazing food in an intimate neighborhood setting. It is an ex-Nobu head chef’s restaurant, and the result is a vibrant and exciting pan-Asian kitchen. The Parson’s Green location is the third iteration of Scott Hallsworth’s restaurant, and it is a must-visit for anyone looking for delicious and exciting food.
Tofu Vegan
Tofu Vegan is a Chinese restaurant located in Islington. It serves incredible vegetarian and vegan Chinese food that draws on the cooking of Guangdong, Sichuan, and Dongbei to create an eclectic range of flavors. The staff is friendly and welcoming, and the food is fantastic, making it a great choice for anyone looking for vegetarian and vegan options.
Nest
Nest is located in Hackney and takes a produce-driven look at how cooking can be done with minimal waste by only focusing on one meat at a time. The restaurant works closely with suppliers and small farms to get the best ingredients. The result is a meal of expert cooking with a charming agricultural feel.
Sofra
Sofra is a traditional Turkish restaurant located in Mayfair. It has been serving Mayfair and London’s diners for longer than anyone can remember. The restaurant has a versatile menu, and its lamb and hummus dish is particularly popular. It is a great choice for anyone looking for traditional Turkish cuisine.
King Rooster
King Rooster is a chicken shop located in King’s Cross. It is open into the early hours and serves up everything you’d want on a styrofoam tray come the end of the night. It is a reliable place to eat once having consumed alcohol or hungry for a late-night bite. The chicken burger meal is particularly popular, making it a great choice for anyone looking for a late-night snack.
Reader-Recommended Restaurants: Practical Tips and Map
For those looking for a gastronomic adventure in the city, the reader-recommended restaurants offer a diverse range of options. To ensure a smooth dining experience, it is recommended to book ahead, especially for high-end places like Nest and Freak Scene. Additionally, visitors are encouraged to pick a restaurant that best suits their preferences or to take a chance and commit to one at random. Use the map below to navigate to your chosen destination.
| Restaurant | Cuisine | Price Range | Address |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nest | Japanese | $$$ | 199 Smith St, Brooklyn |
| Freak Scene | Asian Fusion | $$$ | 54 Frith St, Soho |
| The Good Egg | Middle Eastern | $$ | Ground Floor, Kingly Court, Carnaby |
| Dishoom | Indian | $$ | 12 Upper St Martin’s Ln, Covent Garden |
| Padella | Italian | $$ | 6 Southwark St, London Bridge |
More Restaurant Guides
London is a hub of culinary delights, and there are various restaurant guides available to help foodies navigate the city’s dining scene. From food festivals to Michelin-starred restaurants, there’s something for everyone. Here are a few more guides to check out:
- London’s Best Vegetarian and Vegan Restaurants
- The Top 10 Street Food Markets in London
- The Most Romantic Restaurants in London
- London’s Best Brunch Spots
These guides provide a comprehensive list of some of the best dining options in London, catering to different tastes and preferences.