The best London restaurants for first-timers

El Pirata is an essential stop for any London newcomer, offering a comprehensive overview of authentic Spanish dining within the prestigious setting of Mayfair. The restaurant is particularly welcoming to first-time visitors thanks to its introductory sharing menu, which allows guests to easily familiarise themselves with classic plates like gambas pil pil and Spanish tortilla.

The oldest French restaurant in London, L'Escargot goes back 100 years and has hosted the likes of Elton John, Princess Diana, and Sam Smith over the years, to name a few, and was home to chef Marco Pierre White for a time. Serving classic French dishes such as the signature snails, lobster bisque, and entrecote steak, it's a timeless spot that fans of French gastronomy around the world have on their bucket list – and you should too.

Classic London restaurant Rules was established way back in 1798. Head to this timeless luxury space to try out classic British cooking, including plenty of game dishes. The carefully sourced ingredients show off British cuisine at its finest – expect classics like potted shrimps, steak and kidney pie, apple crumble, and English cheeses, accompanied by fine wines and impeccable service. 

Head to red-fronted restaurant J Sheekey if you're a fan of seafood. This classic venue has been open for over a century and boasts an elegant wood-panelled dining space. Diverse fish and seafood dishes are on the menu, from luxury caviar and oysters to reliable old favourites like fish pie and fish and chips. Wine and cocktails are served too at this must-visit London restaurant.

Trendy East London restaurant Cafe Cecilia attracts a cool crowd and serves food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This place has won many accolades for its seasonal menus and crisp interiors. Most of the menu centres on British classics like kippers for breakfast and pork and apricot terrine and bay leaf posset for lunch.

Local North London restaurant Xi'an Impression might be small and humble but it's made a big impact on the London food scene. This unassuming spot serves food from the Xi'an region of China, with tempting choices like hand-pulled noodles, Xi'an-style burgers, and shredded bread in broth. Eat here for a fresh experience of Chinese food.

The Instagrammable interiors and unique concept at Sketch, which combines four distinct restaurants and a bar, make it a top choice for dining in London. Set in a townhouse, this imaginative venue is great for a wide range of occasions, from afternoon tea to a casual meal or Michelin-starred dining.

Michelin-starred restaurant Brat serves sophisticated and varied menus with distinctive Basque influences. Diners will see plenty of fish and grilled dishes. There's also a diverse wine list that includes a monthly focus on a specific wine and gives diners a deeper insight into its origins. The dining room at this must-visit London restaurant has a stripped-back yet refined feel.

Affordable and in-demand pasta can be found at Padella. This is a modern pasta bar whose original Borough Market location has been a favourite since launching years ago, with hungry diners willing to queue to get their fix. There are more locations now to ease the pressure on the OG, serving the simple menu of fresh hand-rolled pasta paired with various tantalising sauces and fillings.

Opened in 1869, The Quality Chop House is a classic restaurant that now serves contemporary British dishes and has a sister shop next door. Daily-changing menus focus on fresh produce and there's a set lunch, as well as an à la carte menu. A Sunday roast is also served and veggie alternatives are always available. The restaurant pays tribute to the city's historic chop houses, offering a glimpse of a bygone era.

Your basic sandwich gets an extreme makeover at Max's Sandwich Shop, making this restaurant in a quiet part of Islington one of the hottest dining spots around. It's quirky and experimental with a relaxed atmosphere and inventive food. The menu changes regularly but includes unique sandwich fillings like goat tikka masala or the iconic ham, egg, and chips.

Sample the classic London meal of pie and mash from M. Manze. The first of these old-school restaurants opened in 1902 and the venues still have a traditional feel. The food choices are simple here – choose a meat or vegan pie served with mash and doused in liquor or gravy. Add jellied eels on the side if you're feeling adventurous.

Once upon a time, Wong Kei was famously known as the rudest restaurant in London. Whilst that aspect of the service has calmed down in recent years, it remains one of the capital's biggest and most popular Chinese eateries. Varied Cantonese dishes are available here, including vegetarian options and set meals.

Award-winning restaurant group Bao is one of the most sought-after places in the city for steamed Taiwanese dumplings. These London restaurants have a crisp and modern style and serve Taiwanese small plates. Dishes range from the classic fluffy buns to treats like fried chicken or trotter nuggets in a burnt chilli sauce, offering a great introduction to the variety of flavours and cuisines found in London.

Opened in 1926, Veeraswamy is the oldest Indian restaurant in the whole of the UK. It's a vibrant place with lots of traditional charm and has been recognised with a Michelin star. À la carte options include tandoori tiger prawns and smoked chicken tikka but there's also a lighter business lunch menu and a special weekend lunch of traditional dishes.

Opened in 1742 as a fishmongers, Wiltons is the second oldest restaurant in London and remains a classic dining destination. To this day, seafood is the speciality, with à la carte and seasonal menus available. You can expect sophisticated dishes like oysters and grilled Cornish plaice. The interior has a timeless and refined look.

Dishoom serves some of the city's most in-demand Indian cuisine, and it shows from the queues you usually see extending from the entrance. There's a lively vibe and a tasteful interior at each of the many London branches, as well as mouth-watering menus inspired by Indian street food like chaat, roti rolls, and the signature black daal.

The compact Dim Sum Duck restaurants in the King's Cross area are a big hit for Chinese food. They don't accept reservations but trust us, they're worth the wait. These simple, bustling venues serve a varied menu of generously sized, fresh dim sum, plus noodle dishes, rice, flavour-filled barbecue duck, and other Chinese standouts.

Enjoy a Michelin-starred Italian meal by the Thames at The River Café. This place is well-established on the city's food scene and has a warm atmosphere along with daily-changing menus. Take in the picturesque views whilst sampling classic Italian dishes like pasta and wood-roasted pigeon, and don't miss out on the notorious Chocolate Nemesis cake for dessert.

Trullo is an iconic neighbourhood Italian restaurant in North London. Diners come to this sophisticated and classic eatery for pasta made fresh just before service and dishes from the charcoal grill. The ingredients used are seasonal and sustainable. Wine is served by the glass and you can get bottles to take home too.

Whilst there are many Vietnamese spots in Kingsland Road and London as a whole, Sông Quê Café stands out, and not just because of its vivid green exterior. This place is especially popular for casual dining, with authentic Vietnamese recipes, including 11 different types of pho, served at affordable prices and with minimum fuss. It's the kind of spot where you feel like you're dining with your family, even if you're on your own.

Duck & Waffle provides round-the-clock dining paired with spectacular city vistas. Situated on the 40th floor with expansive floor-to-ceiling windows, the venue ensures a stunning backdrop to every meal. The kitchen delivers creative global plates, including the namesake braised duck leg on a waffle, corn ribs, and Angus beef tartare. It's also known for its breakfast offering, and the opening hours mean they'll be ready with your first London meal regardless of when you fly in.

Situated directly in the city centre, The Wolseley stands as a quintessential London culinary landmark. Capturing the essence of a majestic European café, this elegant establishment offers British and continental fare throughout the day, spanning from breakfast to afternoon tea. Furthermore, the venue features a private dining room looking out over the busy Piccadilly thoroughfare.

As a stalwart of the London culinary landscape, the long-standing Pied à Terre holds the distinction of maintaining a Michelin star for more years than any other establishment in the country. The interior is sharp and contemporary, offering secluded spaces for private gatherings. The venue truly honours the art of gastronomy through seasonal tasting menus, alongside high-end masterclasses and exclusive gourmet events.

Placed discreetly in a converted bike shed, Rochelle Canteen is one of the hottest tips for dining in Shoreditch. This cosy haven serves daily-changing menus of seasonal British and European recipes like parsnip soup, veal brisket, and fish pie. Outdoor tables are available under a canopy for al fresco meals whatever the weather.

Legendary London restaurant Quaglino's was founded in 1929 and is known for its lively vibe and A-list clientele. Both the space and the food are lavish and grand, and live music performances electrify the atmosphere. Set menus are available plus à la carte options such as caviar, pasta, steak, and fish dishes.

At the sleek and contemporary Ikoyi, one of the best restaurants in the world, guests are invited into a culinary experience unlike any other. Drawing significant inspiration from West African traditions, the restaurant is dedicated to evolving its own seasonal and sustainable gastronomic identity. Diners can choose from a comprehensive tasting menu or a set lunch selection to explore the distinctive flavours that have secured the venue and its chef Jeremy Chan two Michelin stars.

If only luxury dining will do, head to The Ritz Restaurant. This is fine dining in a plush setting with marble, chandeliers, and golden touches that's a byword for top quality. Seasonal British ingredients are used to prepare British and French classics like beef Wellington and lamb cutlets. You can indulge even more with a lavish tasting menu.

Opened in 1994 in a disused smokehouse, St. John continues to be a major player on the food scene in London. The Smithfield original has held a Michelin star for over ten years and is credited with the revival of offal dishes. Expect hearty British cooking here, with daily-changing menus offering something new on every visit.

One of the city's most exciting dining experiences is available at Chinese restaurant Hunan. At this relaxed restaurant, there's no menu to choose from. Just tell your server what you do and don't like, and the kitchen will whip up a multiple-course menu just for you, tailored to your preferences. It's indulgent as well as inventive.

Classic seafood restaurant Sweetings is only open for lunch. Particularly popular with the City crowd, this blue-fronted eatery has been serving fish and seafood for more than 130 years. It's a simple no-frills space with an old-school feel. Try fried, grilled, or poached fish, lobster bisque, or luxury oysters or lobster thermidor.

Based in a Grade II-listed building in Clerkenwell, Sessions Arts Club is one of the hottest names on the London food scene. The venue includes a bar, restaurant, and performance space, and the focus is on creativity and the collective. In the pared-back space, you can try out international menus featuring refined dishes made with top-tier produce.