Food & Drink

On our radar: Must-try restaurants in Central London and nearby (2025)

restaurants central london

Central London is packed with standout dining options, whether you’re after a quick bite with friends, a luxurious sit-down meal, or something family-friendly. From modern European spots to Asian fusion gems, there’s something for every budget and craving. Here’s a curated list of restaurants worth visiting this year.

Local gem restaurants in Central London that worth discovering

Looking to explore beyond the usual restaurant circuit in Central London? These local gems, tucked across Fitzrovia and the West End, offer everything from Michelin-starred experience to local dining vibes  – each worth adding to your must-try list in 2025.

1. 1905 Restaurant

  • Address: 40 Mortimer St, London W1W 7RQ.
  • Opening hours: Mon – Thur 12 PM – 11 PM, Fri 12 M – 1 AM, Sat 10:30 AM – 1 AM, Sun 10:30 AM – 11 PM.
  • Signature dish: Kataifi Nest, Greek salad.
  • Price per dish: £12 – £30

1905 Restaurant in Fitzrovia is London’s first-ever Cretan-inspired eatery, named after the year of Crete’s revolution. Alongside its food, 1905 features an extensive selection of organic and biodynamic Cretan wines, underlining its commitment to genuine island flavours.

2. Chishuru

  • Address: 43 Old Compton Street, W1D 6HG
  • Opening hours: Mon – Fri 12 PM – 1:45 PM, 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM.
  • Signature dish: Fish in banana leaf, Black bean cake & mushroom
  • Price: £45pp for lunch menu, £95 for dinner menu

Chishuru is a landmark in Fitzrovia – a modern West African restaurant led by Nigerian-born chef Adejoké “Joké” Bakare. In 2024, Chishuru earned a Michelin star, making Chef Bakare the UK’s first Black female Michelin-starred chef – a milestone that underscores the restaurant’s high culinary standards and cultural resonance.

 

 

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3. Wahaca Oxford Circus

  • Address: 26-28 Great Portland St, London W1W 8QT.
  • Opening hours: Mon – Sat 12 PM – 10 PM, Sun 12 PM – 9 PM.
  • Signature dish: Sweet potato and feta poquito
  • Price per person: £20 – £30

Wahaca Oxford Circus brings vibrant Mexican street food to the heart of Fitzrovia, popular with both shoppers and pre-theatre diners. With gluten‑free, vegan, and vegetarian options covering diverse dietary needs, Wahaca Oxford Circus balances fresh, flavourful dishes with affordability.

4. Burger & Lobster

  • Address: 6 Little Portland St, London W1W 7JE.
  • Opening hours: Sun – Thur 12 PM – 9 PM, fri – Sat 12 PM – 10 PM.
  • Signature dish: Lobster burger combo.
  • Price per dish: £5 – £30

Just off Oxford Circus, Burger & Lobster combines polished casual dining with a streamlined menu focused on two stars: wild Atlantic lobster and prime Nebraskan beef burgers. The interior features warm wood panels, bare brick, and a visible lobster tank, creating a lively yet relaxed atmosphere for both solo diners and groups.

 

5. Tendril – A (mostly) Vegan Kitchen & Bar

  • Address: 5 Princes St, London W1B 2LQ.
  • Opening hours: Mon 5 PM – 10 PM, True – Thur 12 PM – 3:15 PM and 5 PM – 10 PM, Fri 12 PM – 3:15 PM and 5 PM – 11 PM,  Sat 12 PM – 11 PM, Sun 12 PM – 4 PM.
  • Signature dish: ‘Chinatown’ purple potatoes with sticky soy and sesame.
  • Price per dish: £5 – £20

Tendril is a plant-first restaurant and bar led by chef Rishim Sachdeva, known for innovative vegetable-focused dishes. With a mix of set menus, à la carte options, and weekend brunch, Tendril offers a dynamic dining experience that appeals even to omnivores

6. Foley’s

  • Address: 23 Foley St, London W1W 6DU.
  • Opening hours: Mon – Wed 12 PM – 10 PM, Thur – Sat 12 PM – 10:30 PM, Sun 12 PM – 9 PM.
  • Signature dish: Prawn pad thai, Aromatic duck buns
  • Price per dish: £4 – £18

Foley’s – Fitzrovia is a vibrant pan-Asian restaurant with a lively two‑floor setup – including an open‑kitchen chef’s counter and an alfresco bar – this 70‑cover venue offers an eclectic menu inspired by the Spice Trail.

 

Family-friendly and casual dining spots in Central London

Central London offers a fantastic array of family-friendly and casual dining options that cater to all ages and tastes. Whether you’re looking for a relaxed atmosphere with menus designed for kids or places where everyone can enjoy familiar favorites, these spots provide welcoming environments perfect for families.

1. Pizza Pilgrims Covent Garden

  • Address: 23 Garrick Street, WC2E 9BN
  • Opening hours: Mon – Thur 11:30 AM – 11 PM, Fri – Sat 11:30 AM – 11 PM, Sun 12 PM – 9 PM.
  • Signature dish: Nduja pizza
  • Price per person: £12–£18

Neapolitan-style pizzas made with slow-proved dough and fresh ingredients. Great for groups and kids who love to get hands-on.

 

 

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2. Bill’s Soho Restaurant

  • Address: 36-44 Brewer Street, W1F 9TB
  • Opening hours: Mon – Thur 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM, Fri – Sat 8 AM – 12 AM, Sun 8 AM – 10 PM 
  • Signature dish: Chargrilled Rump Steak, Bill’s Classic Burger
  • Price per person: £15–£25

Bright interiors and a relaxed menu of British comfort food make this a reliable stop for families and casual brunches.

3. Inamo Covent Garden

  • Address: 11-14 Hanover Place, WC2E 9JP
  • Opening hours: Mon 4 PM – 11 PM, Tue – Wed 12 PM – 11 PM, Thur – Fri 12 PM – 11:30 PM, Sat 11 AM – 11:30 PM, Sun 12 PM – 9:30 PM.
  • Signature dish: Korean chicken wings
  • Price per person: £20–£30

A tech-interactive dining experience where you can order from a digital table and play games while waiting for pan-Asian bites.

 

4. 1947 London

  • Address: 4 Great Portland St, London W1W 8QJ
  • Opening hours: 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM & 5 PM – 10:30 PM (closed at 11 PM on Fridays and Saturdays, 8:30 PM on Sundays)
  • Signature dish: Lamb chops, The Humble Naan
  • Price per person: £25–£40

A stylish, dimly lit space serving up refined Indian classics with a modern twist.

faros restaurants

5. Faros Restaurant

Mediterranean flavours meet Central London buzz in this elegant yet casual Italian-inspired spot.

Explore more: Restaurants on Great Portland Street

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Luxury dining restaurants in Central London

If you’re in the mood to treat yourself or celebrate something special, Central London has some great modern European and fancy restaurants to check out. These places serve up delicious dishes in stylish settings – perfect for a date night or a special dinner:

1. Fallow

  • Address: 52 Haymarket, London SW1Y 4RP
  • Opening hours: Mon – Fri 7:30 AM – 11 PM, Sat 9 AM – 11 PM, Sun 11:30 AM – 10 PM.
  • Signature dish: Mushroom parfait, Smoked beef ribs.
  • Price per person: £40+

Known for sustainability and creativity, this modern British restaurant impresses with bold flavours and inventive plating.

2. The Restaurant at St Martins Lane London

  • Address: 45 St Martin’s Lane, WC2N 4HX
  • Opening hours: Mon – Sun 7:00 AM – 10:30 PM, 12 PM – 10 PM.
  • Signature dish: Rabbit terrine, beef fillet.
  • Price per person: £50+

Elegant French-inspired fine dining in a chic hotel setting, ideal for anniversaries or treating yourself.

 

3. Steak and Company Leicester Square

  • Address: 3-5 Irrving St, WC2H 0HA
  • Opening hours: Daily 9 AM – 11 PM.
  • Signature dish: Fillet rib eye steak, Beer battered fish & chips
  • Price per person: £40+

Sizzling steaks and rich sauces served with a sense of occasion in the heart of the West End.

4. Happy London

  • Address: 25-29 Coventry St, London W1D 7AG
  • Opening hours: Sun- Thur 12 PM – 11 PM, Fri – Sat 12 PM – 12 AM.
  • Signature dish: Jack Daniel’s Burger, Chicken Quesadilla with Fries.
  • Price per person: £40+

Colourful interiors and crowd-pleasing modern European dishes create an uplifting space to dine and unwind.

 

5. The Ivy Soho Brasserie

  • Address: 26-28 Broadwick Street, W1F 8JB
  • Opening hours: Mon – Fri 8:30 AM – 12 AM, Sat 9 AM – 12 AM, Sun 9 AM – 11 PM.
  • Signature dish: Truffle chicken Milanese
  • Price per person: £50+

A chic take on the Ivy formula, blending all-day glamour with timeless British and European plates.

Explore more: Restaurants on Oxford Street

 

Affordable restaurants in Central London

If you’re looking to enjoy great meals in Central London without stretching your budget, you’re in the right place. Here’s a handy guide to some of the best affordable restaurants in Central London that ensure you won’t break the bank:

1. Lina Stores Soho

  • Address: 51 Greek Street, W1D 4EH
  • Opening hours: 12:00 pm – 10:30 pm
  • Signature dish: Cannolo con risotta pistachio e cioccolato
  • Price per person: £18–£25

A beloved Italian deli-turned-restaurant, serving homemade pasta in a pastel-toned setting.

Discover more: Italian restaurants in Central London

 

 

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2. Hiba Street Food

  • Address: 10 Tottenham St, London W1T 4RD
  • Opening hours: Mon – Fri 11 AM – 11 PM, Sat 12 PM – 11 PM.
  • Signature dish: Mixed kabab and rice, Baklawa
  • Price per person: £10–£15

Lebanese street food packed with spice, generosity and value – a great lunch pick near the legal quarter.

3. Maoz

  • Address: 43 Old Compton Street, W1D 6HG
  • Opening hours: Mon – Tue 11 AM – 1 AM, Wed – Thur 11 AM – 3 AM, Fri – Sat 11 AM – 4 AM, Sun 11 AM – 12 AM.
  • Signature dish: Falafel in pita
  • Price per person: £8–£12

Perfect for vegetarians and falafel lovers, Maoz offers customisable wraps and crunchy sides for under a tenner.

Explore more: Restaurants in Fitzrovia

 

 

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