London, with its blend of historic charm and modern marvels, offers a plethora of must-see tourist attractions. Amid the enchanting experiences, however, lies the risk of stumbling upon lackluster tourist trap restaurants. While London is home to some of the world’s finest dining establishments, it’s crucial to avoid overpriced and underwhelming options near popular tourist spots.
Here’s a curated list of some exceptional restaurants in proximity to London’s tourist attractions. Whether you seek a formal setting for special occasions or a relaxed atmosphere after a day of sightseeing, these dining establishments promise an unforgettable culinary experience without the pitfalls of tourist traps. If you’re willing to venture beyond the tourist hotspots, consider exploring our comprehensive list of the best restaurants in London.
Hide, Mayfair
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- Nearest attractions: Buckingham Palace, Hyde Park
- Overview: Ollie Dabbous’ Hide, overlooking Green Park, boasts an extravagant setting across three floors. With an impressive basement bar and two dining rooms, Hide offers a diverse menu, including renowned dishes like charcoal-grilled flatbread with Galician beef tartare and multi-layered acorn cake.
- Address: 85 Piccadilly, London W1J 7NB
- Website: hide.co.uk
- Price: £££
The Garden Café, Lambeth
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- Nearest attractions: The London Eye, Southbank
- Overview: Located at The Garden Museum, The Garden Café is an urban oasis near the London Eye. With a menu evolving with the seasons, this museum restaurant offers elegantly presented dishes like fennel, caper, and orange salad, creating a perfect blend of substance and style.
- Price: Varies
Fallow, St James
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- Nearest attractions: Trafalgar Square, National Portrait Gallery, National Gallery
- Overview: Fallow, a modern European gem in St. James, focuses on carefully sourced ingredients. Known for its high-end breakfasts, such as royale croissant rolls, and unique dishes like retired dairy cow steak, Fallow promises an exciting culinary experience in a stylish setting.
- Price: Varies
Sweetings, City
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- Nearest attraction: St Paul’s Cathedral
- Overview: Sweetings, an institution in the Square Mile since the late 1800s, specializes in serving fresh fish during weekday lunches. While the cooking is traditional, the nostalgic décor and charming staff contribute to the restaurant’s enduring appeal.
- Price: Varies
José, Bermondsey
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- Nearest attractions: The Shard, Borough Market, London Bridge
- Overview: José in Bermondsey, born as a successful pop-up, has become one of the city’s most exciting modern European restaurants. With rustic tapas bar vibes, José offers must-try dishes like Gordal olives stuffed with orange wedges and runny yolk tortilla.
- Price: Varies
Cinnamon Club, Westminster
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- Nearest attractions: The Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey
- Overview: Chef Vivek Singh’s Cinnamon Club, redefining modern Indian fine dining since 2001, is a standout near Westminster Abbey. With a focus on game and vegetable-centric dishes, the restaurant offers a unique take on Indian cuisine, making it a top choice in the area.
- Price: Varies
La Dame De Pic, Tower Hill
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- Nearest attractions: Tower Bridge, Tower of London
- Overview: A two-Michelin-starred restaurant by French chef Anne-Sophie Pic, La Dame De Pic at the Four Seasons Hotel is a temple of fine dining. Exclusive tasting menus feature extraordinary dishes like matcha-flavored pasta and the iconic white millefeuille.
- Address: 10 Trinity Square, London EC3N 4AJ
- Website: ladamedepiclondon.co.uk
Dumplings Legend, Chinatown
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- Nearest attractions: Piccadilly Circus
- Overview: Located in London’s vibrant Chinatown, Dumplings Legend stands out for its charming ambiance and focus on dim sum. Renowned for Shanghainese siu long bao, the restaurant offers a delightful selection of dumplings and is a must-visit on the tourist trail.
- Address: 15-16 Gerrard Street, London W1D 6JE
- Website: chinatown.co.uk
Wandercrust at The Pelton Arms, Greenwich
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- Nearest attractions: Cutty Sark, Royal Naval College, Painted Hall, Royal Observatory, Royal Maritime Museum
- Overview: Wandercrust, a pop-up at a Greenwich pub, serves some of London’s best Neapolitan-style pizzas. With chewy crusts and high-quality ingredients, the pizzas, especially the Margherita and American Psycho, are highlights near Greenwich’s attractions.
- Address: 23-25 Pelton Road, London SE10 9PQ
- Website: wandercrust.com
Sakura Yakiniku, Molesey
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- Nearest attractions: Hampton Court Palace
- Overview: Sakura Yakiniku, the first authentic Japanese smokeless barbecue restaurant in the area, offers an exciting dining experience near Hampton Court Palace. With a focus on smokeless barbecue, the restaurant features prestigious Wagyu beef and expertly prepared Japanese dishes.
- Address: 13-14 Hampton Court Parade, Molesey, East Molesey KT8 9HB
- Website: sakurayakiniku.co.uk
Embark on a culinary journey near London’s iconic attractions, savoring a diverse range of cuisines and experiences without falling into the traps of uninspiring tourist restaurants.
