Best Restaurants in London 2026

London's best restaurants aren't only in the West End,  there's a pre-theatre grill by Leicester Square, a neighbourhood favourite in Elephant Park and an all-day market kitchen at King's Cross.

This guide picks out the ones worth booking, whether you're planning a family lunch, a date night or a quiet dinner somewhere new. Every restaurant here is bookable through First Table with 50% off your food bill.

Best for pre-theatre dinner: Asador Bar & Grill

Planning a West End show? Start the evening at Asador, where steaks, tapas and Argentinian flavours set the scene.

The menu is all about flavour and fire, with a tempting selection of tapas for a lighter pre-show bite or chargrilled meats paired with hearty sides when you’re ready to settle in for a full dinner. It’s the kind of place that makes it easy to linger over good food before heading off to a good show.

First Table tip: Book on First Table from 5.30 pm to give yourself plenty of time to dine before the show - and enjoy 50% off your food bill while you’re at it. 

Must try:

• Steak tapas
• Chicken milanese (breaded chicken)
• Gambas al ajillo (prawns in garlic)
• Slow-roasted lamb rack with sautéed oyster mushrooms

Book Asador Bar & Grill for 50% off food

Best for special occasions: Kapara

Beneath the buzz of Kapara, brings an escape to Middle Eastern dishes that sets the perfect scene for a night of celebrations.

Chef and owner Eran Tibi draws on the traditions of his hometown, with a seasonal menu that moves between bold, inventive plates and familiar flavours with a twist, from Persian curry butter and hispi cabbage to sticky golden chicken.

First Table tip: Their basque cheesecake topped with apricot is something you cannot miss!

Must try:

• Hummus with aubergine relish and zhoug
• Not your mama's moussaka 
• Beef skewers
• Butterflied bream

Book Kapara for 50% off food

Best hidden gem: Kachori

Hidden away in Elephant Park, Kachori brings the vibrant flavours of North India, pairing time-honoured recipes with a contemporary touch.

The menu is a celebration of regional Indian cooking, where each dish tells a story. If you’re after something off the beaten path in Elephant Park, Kachori is one to look out for.

First Table tip: Don’t forget the condiments! The refreshing burani garlic raita and deeply spiced black pepper raita are quiet standouts in their own right. 

Must try:

• Lamb shank nihari
• West coast prawn rasa
• Ghee roast goat varuval
• Paneer ke sooley (chargrilled paneer tikka)

Book Kachori for 50% off food

Best for families: Mare Street Market

Mare Street Market brings its signature blend of dining, culture and creativity to King’s Cross, with a bigger, bolder space made for all ages.

In the same space, you’ll find artisanal jewellery, art prints and record shops to browse between bites - there’s always something for someone to enjoy. The menu is timelessly playful, with pizzas taking centre stage, served fresh from the oven with plenty of playful toppings and flavours for little ones and grown-ups alike.

First Table tip: Revisit childhood favourites with your kids, like the banana split, given a sophisticated twist with miso caramel.

Must try:

• Spinach and feta pizza 
• Symplicity sausage (plant-based) and peppers pizza
• Dry-aged roast beef sandwich
• Bavette steak and fries

Book Mare Street Market for 50% off food

Best for date nights: Yamatora

There’s something inherently romantic about sharing expertly crafted sushi over a lingering dinner, and Yamatora sets the scene beautifully.

In South Hampstead, Japanese tradition meets European elegance, with traditional Japanese techniques at the heart of the menu. 

Settle in for an intimate sushi dinner, then retreat to the secluded garden terrace, where the city feels just far enough away for a little uninterrupted time together.

First Table tip: For a little dinner theatre, order the robatayaki - beautifully cut meats grilled over an open fire, bringing a touch of theatricality to the table.

Must try:

• Fresh sashimi, from classic salmon to marinated mackerel
• White tiger roll (tempura prawn, wrapped in sea bass with cucumber and avocado
• Wagyu beef truffle roll
• Robotayaki-grilled ox tongue

Book Yamatora for 50% off food

Best London restaurants by region

London's food scene is as diverse as its postcodes. To truly taste the capital, here's a quick list of some of the best that each corner brings to the table.

North London

Known for its leafy avenues and historic gastropubs, North London is the go-to destination for relaxed, convivial dining. The area's culinary crown jewel is Islington's Upper Street, affectionately dubbed "Supper Street" for its staggering density of global restaurants.

 

Browse restaurants in North London

South London

Anchored by the legendary food stalls of Borough Market, this corner of London delivers incredible global flavors that celebrate a truly diverse, multicultural community.

 

Browse restaurants in South London

East London

East is London's culinary test kitchen, famous for the vibrant street food markets of Shoreditch. It's the ultimate destination for cool cafes and boundary-pushing concepts.

 

Browse restaurants in East London

West London

Sophisticated dining with polished aesthetics. West London pairs upscale brasseries and chic cafes with decades of established fine dining and coveted Michelin stars.

 

Browse restaurants in West London

Central London

From Soho’s buzzing international restaurants and Chinatown’s dim sum to Covent Garden's lively, historic eateries, Central is where world-class luxury meets the city's electric nightlife.

 

Browse restaurants in Central London

How to choose where to eat in London

London's dining scene is huge, so narrowing down your options starts with where in the city you’re going to, and narrowing down what you want your dining experience to look like.

Think about the area

Soho and Covent Garden are useful choices for central dining, particularly if you're combining dinner with drinks, theatre or an evening around the West End. The Shard offers a very different perspective, with views across the city from high above the Thames.

Match the restaurant to the occasion

Whether you’re after tapas made for sharing with friends or refined plates for a more intimate dinner, choose a spot that suits the moment. You can also filter restaurants by cuisine, occasion and dietary needs to find the right fit. 

Consider the timing

If you're happy dining earlier, you can also take advantage of First Table's early dining perks, where diners can get half-off the food bill by dining early. 

And if you're trying somewhere new, check what's currently available before making your plans. Restaurant menus, opening times and availability can change, so it's worth checking the individual restaurant and booking details before you go.

Find restaurant deals in London

If you’re looking to explore London's dining scene, First Table offers a practical incentive to try somewhere new.

The setup is straightforward: restaurants list available tables during off-peak hours across breakfast, lunch, and dinner. By paying a booking fee to secure one of these spots, you get 50% off the food bill for up to six diners (drinks remain full price).

It works well for everyone. Venues get a head start on building a great atmosphere, while diners get a welcome perk for discovering new spots or revisiting old favourites. It’s an especially handy option if you want to beat the evening rush or squeeze in a quick meal before an event in the city.

FAQ

How far in advance should I book a London restaurant?

Booking a week ahead is usually a good rule of thumb for London restaurants, though two weeks gives you more choice. 

Popular spots can fill up quickly on Friday and Saturday evenings, while off-peak times often have greater availability. For special occasions or pre-theatre dinners, booking further ahead is always a good idea.

Where should I eat in London if I want something different from British food?

London’s restaurant scene spans almost every cuisine, from Japanese and Indian to Korean, Mexican, Italian and Middle Eastern. 

Exploring areas such as Soho, Chinatown, Brixton, Shoreditch and Southall can lead you to some of the city’s most exciting international dining.

Where should I eat in Soho?

Soho is one of London’s best neighbourhoods for dining, with everything from modern Japanese restaurants to late-night Italian spots.

If you’re not sure where to start, browse our curated collection of Soho restaurants on First Table  to find restaurants by cuisine, occasion and availability.

Browse restaurants in Soho

Can I book a First Table in London for lunch?

Yes. First Table has dedicated lunch bookings in London, with participating restaurants offering 50% off the food bill.

Availability varies by restaurant and day, so it’s worth checking the lunch listings when planning your meal.

Browse lunch tables in London

How can I find a restaurant in London that still has availability?

If your dates are flexible, search across different times, days and neighbourhoods rather than focusing on one restaurant. Weekday evenings, early dinner times and later sittings can open up considerably more choice.

Where can I eat in London after 9 pm?

Soho, Chinatown and the West End are home to some of London’s best late-night dining. 

Some restaurants also offer special late-night deals, like First Table’s Last Table perk, giving diners a chance to make the most of later tables while enjoying 50% off the food bill.

Find your next London restaurant

London has no shortage of places to eat, which is part of the fun, but it can also make deciding where to go feel a little overwhelming. If you’re still weighing up your options, take a look at what’s around your area, what’s available on your chosen date and what suits the occasion.

Browse restaurants in London

From a quick midweek dinner to a long-awaited weekend meal, a little planning can go a long way. And if you’re happy to dine early, you may even find an early booking that comes with 50% off the food bill.