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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Latest Articles

Twenty classic London restaurants

Twenty classic London restaurants

14 Oct, 2026

London’s best restaurants aren't just the ones that are fashionable right now, but the ones that have earned their place in the city’s story. This list brings together the true classics, the grand dining rooms, old-school institutions and trailblazers that have been feeding Londoners for decades (and in some cases, ...

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Local Guides

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

    Our favourite Indian restaurants across Britain

    Our favourite Indian restaurants across Britain

    Indian food in Britain is no longer low-cost, one-flavour-fits-all, post-pub curry fare. Today, British Indian restaurants reflect an exciting, nuanced cuisine, inflected with the scope of flavours of the sub-continent, deserving of the same respect as the finest classical cookery. ...

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    Our favourite Indian restaurants across Britain

    Best restaurants in Glasgow

    Best restaurants in Glasgow

    Many Glaswegians build food into their wider social plans and make eating out part of an event rather than simply a destination. As such, there’s a wide range of eating options and a certain dynamism to what’s in favour in Scotland’s largest ...

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    Best restaurants in Glasgow

    Best vegan and vegetarian restaurants

    Best vegan and vegetarian restaurants

    From inventive plant-based cooking to restaurants putting vegetables centre stage, Britain’s dining scene is brimming with brilliant vegetarian and vegan food. To celebrate National Vegetarian Week, we’ve rounded up some of the best places around the country for flavour-packed, feel-good ...

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    Best vegan and vegetarian restaurants

    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 – 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

    Best dumpling restaurants to try for World Dumpling Day 2026

    Best dumpling restaurants to try for World Dumpling Day 2026

    Dumplings, in all their glorious forms, deserve a day of their own. From crispy gyoza and steamy dim sum to pillowy momos and comforting pierogi, World Dumpling Day 2026 is the perfect excuse to eat your way around the world ...

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    Best dumpling restaurants to try for World Dumpling Day 2026

    Best restaurants In Norwich

    Best restaurants In Norwich

    Norwich has a lot going for it when it comes to eating out. There’s great local produce on the doorstep, a good mix of independent restaurants and plenty of chefs doing their own thing. You’ll find everything from relaxed neighbourhood ...

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    Best restaurants In Norwich

Reviews

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    Free glass of fizz at Hinnies

    “Students of regional British food will know all about ‘singing hinnies’ – a type of griddled scone once popular in Northumbria’s mining communities. ‘Hinny’ is also a local term of endearment. It’s a fitting name for this family-friendly seafront venue ...” Read More

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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