- London is a culinary capital with a globally-inspired roster of restaurants and markets.
- From authentic Indian food to traditional afternoon tea, these are to best places to eat in London.
- Visit Insider's hub for travel guides, tips, and recommendations.
London is fast emerging as a culinary capital, nailing everything from sit-down glam dining to local street food.
To get a feel for the best places to eat in London and the local cuisine, use the TopDish app to see ratings of the best dishes at restaurants around the UK, and TheFork app to secure a table.
When you're ready to dine, we recommend trying one (or all) of these picks, which stand out as the best restaurants in town.
Scott's Mayfair
One of London's finest seafood establishments, Scott's in Mayfair is the place to book when you're looking for a bit of decadence or want to celebrate something special. Choose from oysters, scallops, caviar, cod, haddock, and sole — the menu is a fish lover's paradise. The service is known for being exceptional, too.
Dosa n Chutny
When in London, you simply must try Indian food. The district of Tooting is the place to find the best cheap, cheerful, and delicious options, like Dosa n Chutny, which has an excellent selection of dosas, which are thin lentil-and-rice pancakes with fillings, as well as favorite dishes like kurma and tikka masala. While there, head to Tooting Market, a bustling covered market with restaurants, shops, and a favorite gin bar, Graveney Gin.
St. John
A restaurant serving up modern British fare that prides itself on ethically sourced meats and local ingredients, St. John takes lesser-known cuts and turns them into mind-blowing dishes. St. John also has its own bakery and winery.
Petersham Nurseries Richmond
While you can find this beloved English eatery at a Covent Garden outpost, we recommend heading to the location in Richmond in south London for a more immersive experience. Explore the original restaurant and garden center, where you can enjoy lunch or afternoon tea, and even pick up a plant on your way out.
The restaurant pays homage to the beauty of nature, which you can see in rainbow-hued dishes piled high with fruit and vegetables. There are also workshops offered, from ways to include edible flowers in your cooking to wreath-making tips during the festive season.
View Insider's comprehensive guide to visiting London.