While London’s dining scene has something for every palate, prepare for a battle royale when it comes to securing reservations at some of the top spots! From classic British flavors to innovative global cuisine, here are my must-visit restaurants and the ins and outs of managing to snag a reservation.

For those who find themselves without reservations and wondering where to go, jump to the bottom of the guide to see my suggestions for great walk-in-only establishments.

Top Restaurants – Reservations Required

The Devonshire

Address: 17 Denman St., Soho, London W1D 7HW

Vibe: Classic British pub meets refined elegance

Reservations: Reservations open three weeks in advance on Thursdays at 10:30 am London time on The Devonshire’s website.

Must-Try Dishes: Dry-aged steaks, duck fat chips, buttered carrots, scallops, langoustines

The Devonshire, under the direction of Charlie Carroll, Oisin Rogers, and chef Ashley Palmer-Watts, offers a modern take on British pub classics in a cozy yet refined setting. The menu offers hearty dishes elevated with top-quality ingredients and a fantastic wine list. This is a spot where the traditional meets the elevated—and the perfect place for a meal with co-workers or friends.

Kol Restaurant

Address: 9 Seymour St., Marylebone, London W1H 7JW

Vibe: Elevated Mexican tasting menu with an emphasis on sustainability and British-sourced ingredients

Reservations: Reservations tend to open three months in advance on Kol’s website. Sign up for their newsletter to get 24-hour priority access, and always check back on their website to see the specific date the reservations will go live (it changes month to month).

Must-Try Dishes: No à la carte option, tasting menu only

One Michelin Star

Kol, led by chef Santiago Lastra, highlights Mexican cuisine using locally sourced British ingredients. The flavors are unmistakably Mexican, but the ingredients are overwhelmingly local, down to the restaurant not using limes and even the chicatanas coming from Britain. Kol is a top choice for locals and visitors alike.

Lyle’s

Address: Tea Building, 56 Shoreditch High St., London E1 6JJ

Vibe: Modern British with an emphasis on seasonal and foraged ingredients

Reservations: Reservations are released two months in advance. Reserve lunch or dinner via Lyle’s website.

Must-Try Dishes: Seafood, seasonal tasting menu, British wines

One Michelin Star

Housed in a converted tea factory in Shoreditch, Lyle’s serves up British cuisine with a focus on seasonality and simplicity. Head chef James Lowe’s tasting menu changes daily based on what’s freshest, though the à la carte selections are just as memorable.

The Grenadier

Address: 18 Wilton Row, Belgravia, London SW1X 7NR

Vibe: Historic pub with a cozy, haunted charm

Reservations: Reservations recommended on weekends, especially for lunch and Sunday roast. Book via the Grenadier’s website for parties of 3-4; parties for 1, 2, or 5+ should email the restaurant directly.

Must-Try Dishes: Traditional British Sunday roast, beef Wellington, sticky toffee pudding

Hidden away in Belgravia, the Grenadier has a storied history and a mildly haunted reputation. Despite being one of London’s most haunted pubs, it offers fantastic, traditional British fare in a cozy, dimly lit setting. The Grenadier is well worth a visit, especially for their Sunday roast.

Noble Rot

Address: 51 Lamb’s Conduit St., Bloomsbury, London WC1N 3NB (additional locations in Mayfair and Soho)

Vibe: Warm and welcoming wine bar meets elevated bistro

Reservations: Reservations recommended. Book directly on Noble Rot’s website.

Must-Try Dishes: Duck liver parfait, comté beignets, any wines on offer

Noble Rot Lamb’s Conduit is the original outpost of Noble Rot, known for its extensive wine list and inventive takes on British and French classics. The cozy, unpretentious atmosphere makes it great for a relaxed meal or a glass of wine after a day of exploring. It’s a gem for food and wine enthusiasts alike.

Top Restaurants – Without Reservations

In case you started the reservation search too late, or are more of a dining free spirit, here are some fantastic London spots that don’t require reservations:

Kiln – Open daily. A trendy Thai grill and claypot spot in Soho that’s always bustling. Try the slow-grilled chicken or the crab curry—worth the wait for a table.

Rock & Sole Plaice – Open daily. London’s oldest chip shop, located in Covent Garden, is great for fish and chips on the go. Order the cod or haddock with mushy peas for a truly British experience.

Homeslice (Neal’s Yard) – Open daily. Known for massive 20-inch pizzas, Homeslice serves up creative toppings in the vibrant atmosphere of Neal’s Yard. Cheese for the pies comes from the illustrious Neal’s Yard Dairy.

The Pie Room – Open Tuesday to Thursday, 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Located at the Holborn Dining Room in the Rosewood London, this spot serves up traditional British pies to go, with the chicken, mushroom, and tarragon pie being a standout.

Whether planning ahead or exploring London’s culinary offerings on the go, these restaurants are sure to make your trip memorable. Bon appétit!

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