Not only can you dine on traditional British food, but Mediterranean, Chinese, Thai, Italian, Indian, Spanish, and vegetarian dishes. If you aren’t sure which restaurant to choose, one good suggestion is to talk to some of the locals to find out which restaurants are their favorites. Here are some suggestions for where to find good restaurants when you’re visiting London.
The Court Restaurant is located at one of the most famous museums in the world, the British Museum, and overlooks the museum’s reading room. A variety of delicious entrees are on the menu, including coq au vin, spicy red snapper with noodle salad, and Banbury duck hazelnut. Decadent desserts include English favorites lemon tart or chocolate mocha tart, and an English brie served with plum chutney and biscuits. The Court Restaurant is open for afternoon tea, and has a set menu with 2 courses included. The Ivy in Leicester Square, although reasonably priced, is one of London’s most upscale and popular restaurants. Boiled leg of lamb and shepherd’s pie are two favorite dishes. The Ivy serves three course dinners. Reservations are recommended for lunch, and an absolute must for dinner. You must book months ahead, since The Ivy has been voted as one of London’s top restaurants.
If you want a traditional British breakfast, visit Richoux, Marble Arch. Richoux is more casual and relaxed than some of London’s restaurants. In addition to breakfast, they serve lighter fare for lunch, and afternoon tea. Richoux is located in Mayfair. The Dorchester Grill Room is in Hyde Park, and serves traditional British cuisine at very reasonable prices. They have a beef trolley, and delicious homemade cheeses. Their puddings are excellent. Another restaurant serving afternoon tea is 140 Park Lane Restaurant & Bar. They feature several extensive menus, and in addition to afternoon tera, serve a brunch on Sundays. Brunch is free for kids in your party. They’ll also pack picnic baskets for you to take to Hyde Park nearby.
Located within close proximity of Covent Garden, the Royal Opera House, and theater Royal on Drury Lane, is the Boulevard Brasserie. The restaurant serves French dishes with emphasis on cuisine from across the Mediterranean. A selection of pastas, vegetarian dishes, entrees, and desserts including tarts and puddings are served. A Lunch & theater Menu is also available. Chutney mary in Chelsea, serves dishes based on traditional recipes from India.
Some of the London restaurants geared toward the budget conscious, are the following which are located in the central part of London. Banh Mi Bay, a Vietnamese restaurant, servies baquettes with different fillings. Beatroot on Berwick Street, serves vegetarian dishes. Chipotle is a new burrito bar on Charring Cross Road. Dishoom is on Upper Martin’s Lane near covent Garden, and serves dishes similar to cafes in Bombay. Itadaki Zen features Japanese-style vegan dishes that are inexpensive and nicely presented. The restaurant is on King’s Cross Road.
Good accommodations at reasonable rates are located near many of London’s best restaurants, pubs, and cafes.