The coolest restaurants in Soho

40 Dean Street has been a part of the Soho restaurant scene for over 15 years, effortlessly maintaining a cool reputation throughout thanks to its family-run hospitality, authentic food, casual, welcoming atmosphere, and hip interior combining antique elements with modern touches. Somewhat ironically, it's a particularly cool spot in summer, when you can sit at one of the pavement tables, shades on, soaking up the sun, sipping a negroni, watching the world go by, and generally being one of the hip Soholites you often see in films.

When a restaurant looks to the legendary Studio 54 for interior design inspiration, it's a pretty safe bet to assume it'll end up looking rather stylish. Just like its older sibling 40 Dean Street, 64 Old Compton Street offers fresh pasta dishes daily, a suave interior with deep-blue hues and neon signage, and professional yet warm service. Their cocktail game is on point as well.

It might be the younger of 40 Dean Street's sibling restaurants, but that doesn't make 27 Old Compton Street any less cool. Quite the opposite, in fact – as the latest open pasta bar in Soho, it regularly attracts a cool-cat crowd eager for a satisfying pasta fix once the Soho masses have thinned out. The pasta is made fresh daily and served with rich sauces, along with fine wines and classic cocktails, and the vintage-inspired interior adds its own charm.

Nothing screams cool more than a chic Parisian brasserie, and Brasserie Zédel has got it. Here, you can dine surrounded by an authentic Art Deco interior in the main dining area before slinking off to enjoy a glass of wine in the chic bar. There's also a Parisian café with an outdoor terrace, plus a cabaret theatre, The Crazy Coqs. Enjoy feasting on a traditional menu of French classics from the a la carte menu or keep it simple with the three-course set menu.

This hip spot in Soho reimagines Japanese dining with a Michelin-starred omakase menu that combines Japanese and European aspects. The intimate Soho spot offers a kitchen theatre experience with creative dishes like miso-cured foie gras and slow-cooked short rib. It's helmed by Tokyo-born chef Angelo Sato, an alum of Trinity, Story, and Restaurant Gordon Ramsay, so you know it means business.

The original Bao has long been a magnet for food lovers, earning multiple Michelin Bib Gourmand awards since it opened. It's popular amongst after-work crowds, who flock here for its irresistible Taiwanese-inspired small plates, including beef cheek and tendon nuggets and the iconic steamed milk buns that made the restaurant's name. It's slick and modern, with a natural, not-trying-too-hard vibe to it.

Koya is a slick spot in Soho, keeping it simple and authentic with a menu of fresh udon noodles and small Japanese plates served all day. Swing by in the AM for a Japanese breakfast, then dive into their hot or cold udon, donburi, and more as the day unfolds. The interior is slick and minimalist, with communal tables and a chef's counter that provides a front-row view of the action. They've even got a full gluten-free menu.

Jugemu is an intimate 20-seat Japanese eatery renowned for its cool vibe and cosy setting. The restaurant has counter seating so guests can watch chef Yuya Kikuchi craft the menu of innovative dishes. Perfect for solo diners or couples, the menu changes regularly but one of the highlights is the extensive sake selection.

This iconic pub with a French twist in Soho transforms its upstairs space into a French-style restaurant serving favourites like foie gras and Gruyère toast, paired with a curated selection of 30 champagnes and wines by the glass. The vibe is old-school—no music, no phones, no TV—making it ideal for meaningful conversations and a favourite haunt of celebs.

The owner of this Soho spot spent years living in Mexico and has created a menu focused on traditional tacos, arguably among the most authentic in London—perhaps even the UK. The simple menu offers a handful of options with condiments and sauces available to help yourself to. The vibe is cool and relaxed, and if the owner is around, he's always up for a chat.

Rita's in Soho pairs bistro-style dining with a modern American ambience, highlighting the best British seasonal produce and low-intervention wines. Co-founder and creative force behind Rita's, Missy Flynn, has infused the brand with her signature cool-girl vibes over the past decade, leading it through fabulous pop-ups and residencies all over London. It's all about contemporary dishes with global influences here, all while focusing on fresh, high-quality ingredients.

Anywhere serving an excellent menu of natural wine has to be cool, right? Ducksoup has its fair share, alongside a menu inspired by seasonal ingredients and producer stories. The menu is filled with delicious dishes made with high-quality produce, from light bar snacks to hearty small plates. Wines are available by the glass,  curated to highlight the uniqueness of each producer.

The Devonshire is a collab between hospitality icons Oisin Rogers (formerly of The Guinea Grill) and Charlie Carroll (Flat Iron founder). Downstairs, the pub offers a selection of drinks and homemade bar snacks and has made a name for itself by pouring one of the best Guinnessess in the city. The upstairs restaurant serves dishes prepared by wood ember grilling, including dry-aged Scottish beef, day-boat fish, and Oban langoustines, all made possible by an in-house butcher and bakery.

Donia is a Filipino restaurant by the creators of popular Filipino spots Mamasons and Pandora. The menu is filled with a selection of handcrafted dishes designed for sharing and made with the finest local ingredients. Favourites include prawn and pork dumplings doused in a luscious white crab and brown butter lime sauce. It's modern and laid-back, with a cool team at the helm.

Since its debut in mid-2024, Soho's Noodle Inn has made quite a name for itself. The new venture is from the creator of Chinatown's Kung-Fu Noodle, Alex Xu, who has crafted a menu highlighting a broader range of flavours and dishes from China. People flock here for hand-pulled noodles but the menu also features Shaanxi Province's speciality, Dongguan roujamo sandwiches, which are well worth a try.

Kaneda Pen brings a fresh take on traditional Cambodian fare to Soho at the Sun & 13 Cantons pub with Mamapen, which is actually the only place in London serving this cuisine. The menu is filled with classic Khmer dishes, like braised beef tattie mince noodles—a hearty bowl with Scottish influences—and a bold pickle platter with charred carrots and chilli.