Twenty classic London restaurants

From time-honoured institutions to the next generation of London favourites, these 20 restaurants have something that sets them apart. Explore our hand-picked list to discover what makes each one a London classic, and why they deserve a place on your must-visit list.

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Local Guides

Unlock unlimited inspiration, from local guides and travel itineraries to breaking restaurant news

    Where to eat in Margate: a local's guide

    Where to eat in Margate: a local's guide

    Margate marches to the beat of its own drum. Known for its entrepreneurial spirit and fizzing with an energy not seen in other east Kent coastal towns, this rough-round-the-edges seaside resort mixes nostalgia and art with a fresh and exciting ...

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    Where to eat in Margate: a local's guide

    City eating guide – Edinburgh

    City eating guide – Edinburgh

    Edinburgh is more than castles and cobbled streets – it’s one of the UK’s most exciting food destinations, packed with everything from cosy neighbourhood bistros to boundary-pushing tasting menus. Local James Porteous shares his top picks from the Athens of ...

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    City eating guide – Edinburgh

    City eating guide – York

    City eating guide – York

    York is a city where a remarkable food scene has evolved alongside its medieval streets and magnificent Minster. From long-established pubs and local favourites to ambitious modern restaurants, there’s plenty to discover. Local food writer Jill Turton has watched that ...

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    City eating guide – York

    City eating guide – Nottingham

    City eating guide – Nottingham

    Nottingham might not be a city at the front of minds when it comes to cuisine but it’s truly one of the UK’s most exciting food destinations. From cosy neighbourhood haunts to multiple fine dining establishments, it has something for ...

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    City eating guide – Nottingham

    Where to eat in Chinatown: a local’s top eight picks

    Where to eat in Chinatown: a local’s top eight picks

    London local and founder of vegetarian Chinese supper club YING’S, Alice Hale, has grown up enjoying the best of London’s Chinatown. She shares her eight favourite spots, what to expect and what to order. One of my favourites is Chinese Tapas ...

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    Where to eat in Chinatown: a local’s top eight picks

    Old favourites that still deliver

    Old favourites that still deliver

    London’s restaurant scene never stands still. New openings and must-book tables fight for our attention every week. But amid all the hubbub, it’s good to know that the old guard isn’t going anywhere… The Quality Chop House, which first flung ...

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    Old favourites that still deliver

    Best restaurants in Bristol

    Best restaurants in Bristol

    Bristol is bursting with great food, from standout restaurants that draw diners from far and wide to independent cafés, brilliant bakeries, laid-back lunch spots and street food worth hunting down. Whether you’re after a special night out or a quick ...

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    Best restaurants in Bristol

Reviews

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    Events

    In conversation with Jay Rayner | Recipes and stories from a restaurant critic's life

    Bentley's Oyster Bar & Grill, Mayfair

    In conversation with Jay Rayner: Recipes and stories from a restaurant critic’s life For our next 'In conversation with' event,  Good Food Guide owner Adam Hyman will sit down with award-winning restaurant critic and broadcaster Jay Rayner to talk about his new book, Nights Out in the Kitchen. The follow-up ...

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    Recent & upcoming dates

    • Oct 07

      In conversation with Dylan Jones: The secret history of London restaurants

    • Sep 19

      Join us at Good Food Guide x 100 years of Quo Vadis

      Quo Vadis, Soho

    • Jul 18

      Join us at Good Food Guide x Theo Randall Cucina Italiana

    • Jun 06

      Join us at Good Food Club x Fortnum & Mason Gin Tour