London’s dining scene is as eclectic as the city itself. From buzzing Soho to leafy Richmond, you can eat brilliantly well, or leave disappointed if you pick the wrong spot. Here’s my round-up of ten recent reviews: six you must try and four you might want to approach with caution.
⭐ Must-Try Restaurants in London
1. Delamina East, Spitalfields
So good, it warranted a return visit that absolutely delivered. Middle Eastern flavours done with flair and authenticity. Highly recommended if you want something vibrant and different in Spitalfields.
Plant-forward small plates bursting with creativity. One of Soho’s most exciting spots on Poland Street, and proof that vegetarian dining can be truly indulgent.
A Venetian-inspired sharing-plates restaurant that’s buzzy, fun, and excellent value. Perfect for a lively lunch or casual dinner with friends.
Part of the well-known Ivy group, but this branch has its own buzz. Polished service and reliably good food: ideal for celebrations or an indulgent night out
Owned by Harvey Nichols (so make sure you get your loyalty discount) this is an amazing set lunch with the most incredible view. I could just go back here again and again
This might be the perfect set lunch, just far enough away from the roundabout to give a great view on a sunny day. Excellent value at lunchtime and worth a trip down the district line
⚠️ Proceed with Caution
Dining with one of London’s most beautiful views should be special. While the set menu delivers, the à la carte feels overpriced and the service can falter. Go for the view, not necessarily the food.
A usually reliable chain let itself down here with awkward menu issues, lacklustre service, and a cocktail that didn’t quite work. Not a disaster, but not their finest outing either.
We had a great set meal here with friends, but in a pretty empty restaurant, and we really enjoyed it. But since my review, the same friends have gone back and had much less for much more and left with a very nasty taste in their mouths, figuratively *and* literally
10. Imad’s Syrian Kitchen, Soho
A warm, welcoming space with a compelling backstory and plenty of charm. But the hospitality sucked, the food can be uneven, and the price point feels steep compared to Soho’s other Middle Eastern gems. Worth a visit for the location, but temper expectations.
🎯 Final Thoughts
London’s food scene is constantly shifting, sometimes thrilling, sometimes frustrating. Stick to the must-tries above for a memorable meal, and tread carefully with the others unless you’re feeling adventurous.
Have your own London hits or horror stories? Share them in the comments: I’d love to hear where you’ve been eating.
