Restaurants near tourist attractions in London

Plume offers a relaxed haven to nip into when you need a break from the hustle and bustle of Covent Garden Market. Across two floors of a building that used to be Charles Dickens' publishing office, the cosy wine bar offers a globe-spanning list presented like an atlas and introduced by knowledgeable sommeliers. The vintages are accompanied by simple sharing plates and charcuterie boards, while events like weekly secret notes nights add a touch of playfulness.

Set in a stylish green-toned townhouse within sight of Covent Garden market, Cora Pearl offers a refined yet comforting take on modern British cooking. Classic dishes are elevated with European techniques and seasonal flair, supported by a frequently changing menu, polished cocktails at the marble bar, and a selection of European wines. Alongside its well-honed pre-theatre service and central location, the restaurant also shines at weekends with an excellent Sunday lunch.

With its location just minutes from Covent Garden Market, Jamie Oliver Catherine St is perfectly positioned for refuelling after a day of exploring the busy area – in fact, as the flagship restaurant by one of Britain's most famous faces, you could even consider it a bit of a landmark itself. It's a beautiful, strikingly decorated venue with accessible prices and a professional kitchen turning out classic, nostalgically tinged dishes.

In Covent Garden, Sagar champions authentic South Indian vegan cooking inspired by Udupi, a coastal town in Karnataka famed for its temple cuisine and masala dosas. The menu focuses on classics like crisp dosas and spiced vegetable curries, all made by chefs from Udupi and clearly marked for vegan and vegetarian diners who are looking to refuel after exploring the nearby market.

Within walking distance of The Shard but away from the busy crowds of Borough Market you'll find Baccalà, a charming neighbourhood retreat specialising in skilfully cooked Italian seafood and carefully sourced wines. It's the sort of place that's perfect for lingering after descending from the Shard to rest up and reflect on what you've seen over a nice plate of linguine with prawns or a glass or two of a tantalising Mediterranean vintage.

Ideally situated just a short stroll from The Shard, Chimichurris offers traditional Argentinian dining within reach of London's most iconic skyscraper. The restaurant brings the authentic flavours of the parrilla to Southwark, its menu defined by charcoal-grilled rib-eye and sirloin steaks alongside classics like empanadas. The snug venue is refreshingly simple and unpretentious, with a warm, welcoming vibe.

Dine on the 31st floor of The Shard at Aqua Shard. You'll get gorgeous panoramic views of London as well as award-winning British cooking at this sophisticated and modern restaurant. Dishes on offer include tomato soup, beef tartare, and pea and shallot ravioli. An imaginative afternoon tea is also served here. 

From the 32nd floor of The Shard, Oblix offers impressive views of London. Two modern venues with floor-to-ceiling windows are available here – choose between the smart dining room or the laid-back bar and lounge. You can try dishes like steak and wagyu burgers, as well as brunch and afternoon tea. Cocktails are also a speciality here.

Vivat Bacchus is a celebration of South African food and wine. The space has a sophisticated contemporary look with lots of wood. The menu includes steak and open sandwiches and the wine list is predominantly South African but also features other regions. There's also a walk-in cheese room for the perfect cheese to pair with any bottle.

El Pirata of Mayfair is one of London's best-known Spanish restaurants, a lively tapas bar reminiscent of Madrid's famed eateries. There's a varied and flexible assortment of tapas dishes to choose from, including favourites like gambas pil-pil, paella, and padron peppers, complemented by more than 140 Spanish wines. With its convivial atmosphere and both outdoor and indoor seating, it's the kind of place you can simply walk up to while you're out sightseeing.

After you're done taking in the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, simply cross Green Park to get to Kitty Fisher's. Named after a 18th-century courtesan of great renown, the Mayfair hideaway turns out playfully reworked British classics through a confident Spanish lens, matched by a thoughtfully curated drinks list. The outside tables are particularly pleasant during summer as well.

Hide is a Michelin-starred venue that combines two dining spaces and a bar. The decor is light and airy and the whole place is dominated by a dramatic spiral staircase. Whether you're looking for easygoing all-day dining, sophisticated tasting menus, or an intimate space for drinks, you'll find it here.

Dine amongst opulent chandeliers in a refined and charming setting at The English Grill. This upscale restaurant serves timeless British recipes like steak Diane and veal cutlets. A meal here is theatrical thanks to the glass-fronted kitchen and dishes being finished off right at your table. Pre-theatre menus are served too.

Great British Restaurant does what it says on the tin. You'll get a luxury British dining experience here, served in an opulent environment. The restaurant offers traditional and contemporary takes on national favourites, with food served all day. Try dishes like steaks, slow-cooked lamb neck, and scampi in beer batter.

Okan offers a bustling and intimate Japanese dining experience. Styled as an Osaka canteen, the decor is on-theme and the atmosphere is relaxed. Small plates like gyoza and miso soup are available, plus other classics like okonomiyaki and fried noodles. There's a varied drinks selection including sake, plum wine, and sake cocktails.

Live music fans will enjoy eating at The Strings. To the sounds of classical guitar, you can enjoy Spanish and Italian dishes. Music is on every day in this sleek modern restaurant. There are tapas dishes that are great to share plus mains like pasta, steak, and sea bass fillet. A curated choice of drinks is also available.

Bustling restaurant Locale Southbank serves Italian favourites in a simple contemporary setting. Outdoor seating is also available. On the menu you'll see pasta, pizza, and specialities like chicken Milanese and osso bucco. Gluten-free and vegan menus are available too. You can also drop by just for drinks - a wide range of options are served at the bar.

Within walking distance of The British Museum you can find Bennie, a stylish, orange-hued restaurant that brings to mind lazy sunsets by the Mediterranean Sea. Crowd-pleasing dishes such as pastas, lasagne, and premium cuts are served in the boldly furnished restaurant, with fine wines, cocktails, and other drinks to wash it all down. If you're a late riser, the brunch menu is served well into the afternoon, too.

Head to Dalloway Terrace for al fresco dining. This Instagram-worthy terrace is laden with flowers and styled as an English country garden. Food is served all day, including a traditional afternoon tea. You can try elegant dishes like steak, ceviche, and salads. Vegan dishes and a menu for children are also available.

The Blue Door Bistro is an informal restaurant brimming with classic style. Inside you'll see red carpets, crisp tablecloths, and eye-catching wall art. Food is served all day, with à la carte and set menus available. Dishes include prawn stroganoff, chicken supreme, and salads. A wide range of wine bottles are on offer, including English wines.

Opened in 1993, understated Japanese eatery Abeno specialises in okonomiyaki pancakes with a range of mouthwatering fillings. It was the first restaurant to specialise in the dish in Europe. Okonomiyaki and teppanyaki are prepared at your table on hot plates. Lots of dishes here are great for sharing, like rice balls and sashimi.

Head to Menya Ramen House when you fancy a steaming bowl of noodles. The setting is understated and friendly whilst the ramen bowls are loaded with tempting ingredients. Broth is simmered for 48 hours before being topped with mouthwatering bites like seafood, gyoza, or veggies. You can add extra toppings and choose your spice level to craft your perfect bowl.

After marveling at Lord Nelson, browsing the walls of the National Gallery and wearing out the pavement on the Mall, you're bound to have worked up quite the appetite. Colonel Saab is located on a quieter street just off Trafalgar Square, but despite its iconic London location, this is an Indian restaurant with deep roots. The concept is inspired by the owner's parent's travels through India, where they explored everything from street food to fare served to the royals, bringing the best back so that you can discover it too.

Ochre is a stylish bistro that's part of the National Gallery. This cosy spot blends modern and classic style with plush seating, neutral tones, and lots of light. The menus celebrate British produce – ingredients are seasonal and sustainable, and many are locally sourced. Lively musical dinners also take place here every month.

Sample Thai cuisine in a distinctive setting at Thai Square. The interiors blend Thai culture with on-trend design like lush botanical walls. Classic dishes are on the menu such as pad Thai, curries, and stir-fries. You can keep the night going here too – there's a nightclub in the basement.

Whitcomb's specialises in French-Mediterranean fine dining. The setting is spacious and modern with a refined atmosphere. À la carte and set menus of delicate dishes are served here, with upscale incarnations of salads, pasta, and seafood. Vegan dishes and children's meals are also available here – it's fine dining suitable for everyone.

The Adelaide Street branch of Barrafina is minutes from Trafalgar Square. This bright and modern restaurant is a popular choice for tapas – sit at the counter and see the chefs prepare tasty small plates. You can expect all the classics like patatas bravas, croquettes, and tortillas, as well as location-specific daily specials.

Enjoy an Italian meal with fab views of Tower Bridge at Tavolino Bar & Kitchen. This modern restaurant has huge windows and a spacious terrace next to the river. Expect classic dishes here – go for pizza or pasta or eat your way through the traditional Italian courses. Wine and cocktails are served to wash it down.

Close to Tower Bridge and the Tower of London, Coppa Club offers fab views from the riverside terrace or your own private pod. You'll see twinkling lights, plants, and a menu of Mediterranean favourites like pasta, pizza, seafood, and salads. Pair your food with wine or cocktails – there's lots of choice in terms of drinks.

Enjoy flavours from the Med at The Real Greek next to Tower Bridge. This lively restaurant has a fun and informal atmosphere and serves a variety of Greek specialities, including ample veggie and vegan options. Sample mezze dishes and gyros loaded with ingredients, all whilst taking in scenic views of the River Thames. Greek alcohol is also served.

Based in a converted tea warehouse, Le Pont de la Tour offers elegant French meals. You get classic cuisine like steak frites and vegetarian pithivier with impressive views of Tower Bridge from the enclosed terrace. This restaurant also has a children's menu and offers a luxurious selection of wine and cocktails.

Feng Shang Princess serves Chinese cuisine in a striking setting. The restaurant is a floating pagoda permanently moored on Regent's Canal and decorated with paper lanterns. The menus feature a wide variety of Chinese and Asian favourites like dim sum, fried noodles, and curries. Cocktails, wine, and Asian beers are also served.

Visit a neighbourhood Italian restaurant by heading to La Collina. This local destination aims to make diners feel at home and has a welcoming atmosphere. The menu includes antipasti, pasta, and meat and fish recipes, plus there are wines from regions throughout Italy. At this restaurant you can sit indoors or out in the covered garden.

Understated restaurant Dolsot is in the heart of Camden Town. The speciality is Korean and Japanese cuisine, served in a simple yet modern setting. Korean barbecue is a popular choice here, cooked on tabletop grills. There's also an extensive range of sushi, Asian small plates, and other dishes like fried noodles and bibimbap.

Discover classic Polish cuisine at Ognisko. Housed in a Grade II listed building, the restaurant has a classic and elegant appearance and a large covered terrace. You can try a variety of typical Polish recipes including pierogi, potato pancakes, stuffed cabbage leaves, and pork schnitzel. Wines from all over the world are served. 

Enjoy a tasty and ethical burger at Honest Burgers. This place champions sustainable ingredients that are sourced transparently. The restaurant has a clean and contemporary look with lots of wooden planks. Beef, chicken, vegetarian, and vegan burgers are served, and there are halal options as well. The restaurant also does exciting monthly specials.

Enjoy Mediterranean cuisine in a Victorian cellar at Apero. The dining room has exposed brickwork, Spanish tiles, and a lively atmosphere. Food is served throughout the day, including afternoon tea and meals for children. Dishes like antipasti and mezze boards, ravioli, and lamb cutlets are on the menu, as well as original cocktails.

At La Trattoria by Alfredo Russo you'll find eclectic menus of innovative British and Italian dishes including antipasti, Roman-style pizzas, pasta, and main courses like pan-fried sea bass. Food is served in a dining space with bold artwork and a rich colour scheme. A varied range of drinks are served too including cocktails and a lengthy wine list.

Award-winning bar and restaurant Kitchen at Holmes serves an eclectic and modern menu of Mediterranean and European dishes, as well as creative original cocktails. It's a stylish venue with its own roof terrace as well as a second outdoor terrace. Food is served all day, including breakfast. Dishes are fresh, vibrant, and seasonal.

Fischer's brings the European grand café experience to Marylebone. Food is served all day in a classic elegant setting with brunch available at weekends. Diners can enjoy a menu of Euro classics including rösti, schnitzels, and goulash. This neighbourhood spot also has a great reputation for its pastries and desserts.

Family-run restaurant La Brasseria is a sleek neighbourhood spot for Italian food. The space is smart and modern but you can also eat on the pavement terrace. Food is available all day, starting with pastries and cooked breakfasts. Later you can try out pizza, pasta, salads, and meat and fish dishes. Wine and cocktails are served as well.

The award-winning Nanyang Blossom is based in Knightsbridge, just moments from Hyde Park and other major landmarks in the area. Chef-patron Daren Liew showcases his mastery of culinary fusion here, bringing together flavours from the coastal regions of Southeast Asia in dishes such as Wagyu beef claypot or the exquisite lobster curry, accompanied by Asian infusions and sparkling teas. The elegant restaurant has an intimate, romantic ambience, and encompasses multiple private dining rooms as well.

Just a few minutes from Speaker's Corner in Hyde Park you'll find The Italian Greyhound, a stylish Italian restaurant serving contemporary takes on classic favourites like pasta and pizza. The venue is elegant and has a calm ambiance thanks to the neutral colour palette and natural textures, with a recently redesigned cocktail bar and a heated wraparound terrace adding to its appeal. It's a great place to rest up or refuel after exploring the nearby park and busy city centre.

Moments away from Hyde Park, Lanes of London is a sophisticated spot for British cuisine. Fresh and seasonal food is served here all day, with a variety of menus to suit every occasion. The dining room has large windows and an interior that blends modern and classic design.

Corrigan's of Mayfair celebrates fine British and Irish produce, with game meat being a particular speciality. The smart dining room oozes sophistication and there are private dining spaces too. À la carte and tasting menus are on offer with seasonal dishes like guinea fowl and foie gras with wood pigeon.

Zuma is an upscale Japanese izakaya with a sleek and smart look. It's sophisticated without being too formal. At the counter you can watch the chefs in action whilst you try Japanese favourite such as sushi, salads, robata-grilled dishes, and tempura. Cocktails and wine are served to complete the experience.

Try authentic Thai cuisine in a sophisticated setting at Nipa Thai. An all-female kitchen team creates well-balanced food here, served in a classy carpeted space with Thai-style details and plenty of polished wood. The restaurant is open for dinner and guests can sample various curries, stir-fried dishes, and the restaurant's signature pad Thai.

After you've had your fill of wandering around Soho's perennially busy streets, particularly the famous Carnaby Street, head to L'Escargot for something quite different. London's oldest French restaurant offers a peaceful, plush sanctuary, away from the crowds, with a menu of traditional Gallic dishes such as lobster bisque or moules frites to transport you across the Channel.

Vasco & Piero's Pavilion has been a part of Soho since 1971, with generation after generation of loyal patrons stopping by for a helping of their handmade pasta doused in a rich beef and pork ragu, and other Umbrian specialities. Conveniently close to Carnaby Street, it offers an elegant interior with crisp linens and curated artwork, ideal for when you want to take a break from Soho's frenetic pace and relax over a nice long lunch.

Following an afternoon hunting for bargains at Portobello Road Market, book one of the only 16 seats at Mater1a, the newest project from Michelin-starred chef Victor Garvey. Taking cues from his professional tenure in Japan, he delivers meticulously prepared tasting menus within a strikingly designed space, accompanied by live DJ music and wine or non-alcoholic pairings.

Eat Activ is located right next to St. Paul's Cathedral, offering the holy trinity of dining – food that's quick, flavourful, and affordable. Actually, make that a quaternity, as the salad bowls, wraps, and other dishes served here are also actively good for you. Packed full of nutrients and probiotics, they're designed to boost digestive health and overall wellness. The contemporary eatery is ideal for grabbing a quick bite to enjoy on the way to your next tour stop.