31 of the best places to eat in London
Whether you live in London or are visiting some of the city’s must-see sights, one thing’s for sure… you’ve got plenty of choice when it comes to deciding where to go for lunch, dinner, after-work drinks, or even light entertainment.
With intriguing pubs, gastropubs, and restaurants everywhere you turn, choosing where to dine in this iconic city can feel almost impossible, but not for much longer…
We’ve pulled together our list of the 31 best pubs, gastropubs and restaurants in London, giving you insider info on what makes each destination special and their nearby attractions. Ready to wine and dine your way across London? Here we go!
Best pubs, gastropubs, and restaurants in North London
Best pubs, gastropubs, and restaurants in or near Barnet
The Orange Tree in Totteridge
When you’re looking for a pub that captures the leisurely, luxurious atmosphere of London while still being nestled into the relaxing greens of a country village, head to The Orange Tree.
Not only do they have a spacious beer garden and are a gorgeous dog-friendly pub, but they’re beloved for dishing up gastro-pub dishes that take all your favourite classics and infuse them with modern twists based on global cuisine trends. And we haven’t even mentioned their eye-catching interior décor…
Nearby attractions: South Herts Golf Club | Go Ape Cockfosters | Royal Air Force Museum London
Best pubs, gastropubs, and restaurants in Camden
The Edinboro Castle in Camden
The Edinboro Castle is the place to be when you want a dog-friendly British pub that blurs the line between traditional and modern, showing off a dark wood bar and classic pub dishes and tipples while not being afraid to draw you in with eye-catching flowers, a bright blue exterior, and unique hanging lights.
But if we’re being honest, it’s their beer garden that’ll keep you around for hours. With plenty of room and even covered seating and booths, you can catch up over drinks, no matter what the weather’s doing – especially important when they’re showing live sports.
Nearby attractions: Camden Market | Regent Park
The Crown and Sceptre in Fitzrovia
In the heart of London’s Fitzrovia district, this dog-friendly pub adds a touch of extravagance to any occasion with its mosaic flooring, iconic chandelier, and exposed-brick bar. It’s easy to imagine yourself passing the time here with a few of your favourite people and your go-to pub dish with a cask ale, artisan spirit, or glass of wine, naturally.
Nearby attractions: Cavendish Square Gardens | Swingers Crazy Golf | The London Palladium
Best pubs, gastropubs, and restaurants in or near Hampstead
The Angel Inn in Highgate
Not many pubs are lucky enough to enjoy the greens of London’s Highgate High St, but The Angel is. As one of London’s finest dog-friendly gastropubs, serving everything from luxurious brunches to mouth-watering Sunday roasts with their own unique twists alongside a sensational selection of drinks, you’ll soon understand that they deserve to be there.
Fancy making this week one to remember? They host a pub quiz on Mondays and live music on Wednesdays.
Nearby attractions: Hampstead Heath | Waterlow Park | Waterlow Park Tennis Courts
The Freemasons Arms in Hampstead
This dog-friendly gastropub is everything you could want from a place to dine out in London. It has a beautiful courtyard and beer garden for those sun-kissed catch-ups over drinks and an effortlessly chic interior with a stunning skylight, shining a spotlight on the rich, atmospheric colours and textures of The Freemasons Arms.
Even if you only pop in for one of their real ales, lagers, or wines, you’d be missing out if you didn’t take a peek at their gastro-pub menus. Only the finest of seasonal ingredients make the cut, meaning no matter what you pick, you’re about to find your new favourite pub meal.
Nearby attractions: Peter Medawar Blue Plaque | Keats’ House | Parliament Hill
The Washington in Hampstead
Stepping into The Washington is like stepping back through time. You’ll be surrounded by the gorgeous and grandiose etched mirrors with ornate lighting fixtures, and a vintage décor that creates an indulgent – yet cosy – ambience. Escape the hustle and bustle of the modern day in style.
Even so, when it comes to food and drink, this pub is all about modern comforts. Explore their high-end gastro-pub menus to discover innovative twists of pub classics and sip on something special from their eclectic range of cask ales, artisan spirits, and wonderful wines. Don’t go far, because there’s a pub quiz on Mondays and live music on Sundays.
Nearby attractions: The Regent’s Park | Gloucester Gate Playground | Land of the Lions | London Zoo | Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre
The Old Bull and Bush in Hampstead
This eye-catching dog-friendly London gastropub boasts a large beer garden that’ll have you sipping on real ales, lagers, and wines in the sun. Or, for those cosy home-from-home vibes, head inside for The Old Bull and Bush’s muted colour palettes and log fireplaces, crafting the perfect backdrop for a high-end dining out experience that’ll keep you coming back for more.
Nearby attractions: Golders Hill Park | Golders Hill Park Zoo | The Hill Garden and Pergola | Sir Nikolaus Pevsner Blue Plaque
Best pubs, gastropubs, and restaurants in or near Haringey
The King’s Head in Crouch End
Dating all the way back to 1710, The King’s Head is believed to be one of the oldest comedy clubs in Britain, so it’s only natural that they’re serious about live entertainment. These days, you can grab a craft tipple at the bar and sit down for a pub quiz on Wednesdays, live music on Fridays and Saturdays, and live comedy on Thursdays and Saturdays.
All that entertainment is sure to work up an appetite, so remember to browse their seasonal pub menus while you’re here, soaking up the unbeatable atmosphere of this classic British pub.
Nearby attractions: Crouch End Clock Tower | Parkland Walk
Best pubs, gastropubs, and restaurants in South London
Best pubs, gastropubs, and restaurants in or near Kingston-upon-Thames
The Harts Boatyard, Surbiton
We’re not sure we even need to say anything when you’ve seen pictures of The Harts Boatyard… Just look at it. This dog-friendly gastropub is based right on the edge of the River Thames, blending a warm, ambient log cabin-esque interior with a modern exterior and plenty of outside spaces to enjoy riverside views.
Of course, with a style and views like this, they’ve crafted dishes and drinks to match. Browse their high-end gastro-pub menus for the latest seasonal flavours and temptations, perfectly paired with real ales, lagers, and fine wines.
Nearby attractions: Thames Sailing Club | Hampton Court Palace Golf Club | Hampton Court Palace | Hampton Pool.
Best pubs, gastropubs, and restaurants in or near Southwark
The Southwark Tavern in Borough Market
In the old days, this characterfully curved dog-friendly pub was actually a prison for people in debt. These days, people don’t want to leave, tempted to increase their sentence as long as possible by an eclectic range of cask ales, artisan spirits, and fine wines.
Pair those with delicious pub menus of seasonal dishes, outside space, and ornate windows and interior décor and you’ll be wishing they’d lock the door and throw away the key.
Nearby attractions: London Bridge Experience | Golden Hind | Borough Market
Best pubs, gastropubs, and restaurants in or near Croydon
The Tudor Rose in Coulsdon
The Tudor Rose is a dog-friendly gastropub that wears its history on its sleeve, displaying the Tudor Rose alongside the rustic charm of exposed woods and silky throws. Even so, it’s all about contemporary comforts these days, blending their modern interior touches with high-end menus that exist to tempt you with the latest flavours and global trends in cuisine.
As the sun begins to set, take a seat in their fairy light-adorned beer garden, covered to give you maximum relaxation time no matter what the weather is doing.
Nearby attractions: Farthing Downs | Happy Valley’s wildlife reserve | GO Paintball London
Best pubs, gastropubs, and restaurants in or near Wandsworth
The Hope in Upper Tooting
The Hope is a shining beacon for those looking to escape the bright lights of London in style, where you’re probably already hoping you can spend a few hours indulging in this gorgeous dog-friendly pub. From the city chic of their chandeliers to the countryside charm of their squishy sofas and cosy nooks, this is one place that you’ll keep coming back to.
Luckily, with delicious menus of the finest pub dishes and a sensational selection of drinks behind the bar, you’ll always find another excuse to come again – made even easier by their challenging pub quiz on Mondays and live music on Fridays.
Nearby attractions: Magdalen Park Lawn Tennis Club | Wandsworth Common | Clapham Common
Hawkins Forge in Battersea
Interestingly, this dog-friendly pub used to be a blacksmith’s workshop! Which may explain why they know how to craft such a perfect atmosphere for dining out in London…
Finding that balance between old and new, you’ll find exposed brickwork, rustic corrugated metal and blacksmith memorabilia on display, contrasting against the chic décor of their private dining spaces and the modern flavours waiting on their seasonal pub menus and range of drinks.
Plus, with a stylish outside space, live sports, live music on Fridays, and a live DJ on Saturdays, Hawkins Forge has all the tools to create a vibrant evening atmosphere that’ll keep you coming back.
Nearby attractions: Wandsworth Common | Falcon Park | Battersea Arts Centre
Best pubs, gastropubs, and restaurants in or near Richmond-upon-Thames
The Sun Inn in Barnes
Bringing its relaxed, countryside charm to South London is The Sun Inn, a dog-friendly gastropub with an oasis of a beer garden and covered outside spaces, perfect for sunny – and not so sunny – catch-ups over craft beers, beautiful cocktails, or fine wines.
Inside you’ll find dark woods and deep colours, adding a touch of luxury to any occasion, especially when paired with their high-end dishes of classics with modern twists. Why not try them for yourself before trying your luck at their pub quiz on Mondays?
Nearby attractions: Barnes Green | River Thames | OSO Arts Centre
The Botanist on the Green in Richmond
Bright, airy, and filled with luscious greens are just a few ways to describe The Botanist on the Green, a stunning dog-friendly gastropub that’s become an idyllic backdrop for those looking to escape the fast-paced London lifestyle for a few hours.
Indulge in high-end pub dishes that rival even the most extravagant of restaurants, and pair them with something carefully crafted from their range of craft beers, spirits, and artisan wines.
Nearby attractions: Kew Gardens | River Thames | The Hive | Kew Palace
Best pubs, gastropubs, and restaurants in or near Bromley
The George in Bromley
The George is a dog-friendly pub with a charming, countryside chic atmosphere, creating a relaxing space for socialising and relaxing away from the hustle and bustle of London.
Take a seat at one of their rustic, wooden tables, complete with soft throws, and catch up with friends and family while indulging in the finest seasonal pub dishes and something from their exceptional drinks selection. If the sun is shining, their beer garden may also be calling your name…
Nearby attractions: Chislehurst Caves | Kelsey Park | Bromley Rugby Football Club | Bromley Common Cricket Club
Best pubs, gastropubs, and restaurants in or near Clapham
The Falcon in Clapham
The Falcon is famous for having one of the best beer gardens in London, with plenty of seats and eye-catching covered booths that are perfect for spending those leisurely afternoons and long summer evenings catching up with friends.
There are plenty of reasons to find yourself enjoying their seasonal pub dishes too, with a pub quiz on Mondays, live music on Thursdays, and a live DJ on Fridays and Saturdays. Maybe pop in and rest your wings for a while?
Nearby attractions: Clapham Commons | O2 Academy Brixton | Electric Brixton
The Railway Tavern in Clapham
If you spot a massive sardine hanging on the front of a pub in Clapham, you’ve just discovered The Railway Tavern, a dog-friendly gastropub with classic British pub charm, outside seating, and large windows that are perfect for watching the people of London pass by while you relax with a refreshing drink in hand.
Of course, their gastro-pub menus are the real star, crafted by experts to feature only the finest seasonal ingredients and the latest trends. We’d recommend trying something for yourself when you next visit for their pub quiz on Tuesdays, live comedy on Wednesdays and Thursdays, or live music on Fridays and Saturdays.
Nearby attractions: Clapham Commons | Clapham Picturehouse | O2 Academy Brixton
Best pubs, gastropubs, and restaurants in West London
Best pubs, gastropubs, and restaurants in or near Hounslow
The Lamb in Chiswick
This hidden gem offers another of London’s best beer gardens, giving you a leafy terrace of both covered and uncovered tables to enjoy The Lamb’s gastro-pub menu, featuring high-end options that will tempt you to treat yourself a little more often.
The interiors are equally relaxing, blending traditional touches with contemporary chic, with spaces for large groups and intimate catch-ups. No time to waste, grab yourself a table!
Nearby attractions: Turnham Green | Acton Green Common | Chiswick House and Gardens
Best pubs, gastropubs, and restaurants in or near Kensington and Chelsea
The Drayton Arms in South Kensington
The Drayton Arms may have one of the most dramatic exteriors of a dog-friendly gastropub in London, but when you learn that there’s a unique fringe theatre just upstairs, it all makes sense.
Of course, the stylish interiors needed to match, so no matter where you decide to sit, you’ll be surrounded by classic British pub architecture and extravagant details as you browse their gastro-pub menus. Prepare to be swept off your feet by seasonal exclusives, in keeping with the high-end dining experiences you’d expect when exploring West London, and in case you need time to decide… sip on something from their range of cask ales, artisan spirits, and fine wines.
Nearby attractions: Natural History Museum | Royal Albert Hall | Saatchi Gallery
The Devonshire Arms in Kensington
Looking like it belongs in the effortless elegance of Kensington, The Devonshire Arms is a dog-friendly pub that takes the classic British pub and elevates it to new heights with refined design choices, from its exposed-brick bar and velvet booths to its leafy, chic beer garden and breath-taking bathrooms. You’ll see what we mean.
You may visit for the stylish backdrop, but you’ll stay for the sensational seasonal dishes and a carefully chosen selection of craft beers, cask ales, artisan spirits and fine wines.
Nearby attractions: Kensington Palace | National History Museum
Best pubs, gastropubs, and restaurants in or near Hammersmith and Fulham
The White Horse in Fulham
The White Horse has been around since the 1800s and is affectionately named ‘The Sloaney Pony’ by the locals. This dog-friendly city pub has everything you need to inspire more catch-ups, including live sport, a pub quiz on Tuesdays, and a beer garden with a barbeque area.
Their dark mahogany interiors and comfy armchairs create an ideal space for escaping the bright lights of London for a few hours. We’d recommend using that time to indulge in their mouth-watering seasonal pub dishes and eclectic range of drinks.
Nearby attractions: Hurlington Park | River Thames
Best pubs, gastropubs, and restaurants in Notting Hill
The Sun in Splendour in Notting Hill
In an area known for colourful culture, The Sun in Splendour still manages to stand out with its cheerful yellow exterior on Portobello Road. The eye candy continues inside, where you’ll be met with chandeliers, a stunning dark-wood bar, and a sensational selection of high-quality pub food and carefully crafted tipples.
Keep walking through and you’ll discover their charming outside courtyard, perfect for those sun-kissed catch-ups. They also host a pub quiz every Wednesday and live music every Sunday.
Nearby attractions: Portobello Market | Kensington Temple | Kensington Palace Gardens | The Notting Hill Bookshop | Kensington Palace
The Prince Albert in Notting Hill
Looking for a dog-friendly pub in trendy Notting Hill with a stylish, heated beer garden? You’re in luck. They also show all the latest live sports and have a selection of board games hidden away, if you fancy your next tipple with a side of competition.
Inside, you’ll find a bright blue bar and cosy booths tempting you to take a seat. If, or should we say when you do, take a moment to browse their pub menu featuring seasonal pub classics that – much like their design choices – aren’t afraid to add their own unique twist.
Nearby attractions: Portobello Market | Museum of Brands | Hyde Park | The Notting Hill Bookshop
Best pubs, gastropubs, and restaurants in or near Soho and Covent Garden
De Hems in Soho
De Hems has an impressive claim to fame: it’s the only authentic Dutch pub in London. Once the unofficial HQ of the Dutch World War II resistance, it’s now a stylish, dog-friendly city pub with plenty of its iconic history on display.
Not only does it have a rich past, but this pub is equally comfortable catering to the modern pleasures of dining out, giving you all sorts of temptations across their seasonal pub menus and extensive selection of drinks – including Belgian beers, of course. Perfect for sipping on when you’re catching the live sports or popping in for a sing-along with live music on Fridays.
Nearby attractions: Royal Opera House | Trafalgar Square | The Piccadilly Theatre | Chinatown
The Albany on Great Portland St
Right in the middle of London’s must-see sights is The Albany, a dog-friendly city pub with a royal blue exterior that’s almost as eye-catching as their mouth-watering pub dishes. Inside, a stylish – yet laidback – setting awaits you, tempting you to enjoy a cask ale, artisan spirit, or fine wine at the dark-wood bar or underneath a stunning chandelier.
This pub also hosts live comedy on Mondays and Tuesdays and a pub quiz on Sundays, giving you plenty of excuses to visit again and again.
Nearby attractions: The Regent’s Park | The Sherlock Holmes Museum | Madame Tussauds | The British Museum
Best pubs, gastropubs, and restaurants in or near Westminster
The Royal George in Charing Cross
The Royal George brings its unrivalled evening atmosphere to West London, hosting live DJs on Fridays and Saturdays and boasting a characterful split-level interior with space for all groups and occasions.
Downstairs you’ll find an atmospheric basement space with plush, leather booths and the upstairs will surprise you with unique artwork and big, bright windows. Wherever you sit, there’ll be a tantalising range of tipples and delicious seasonal pub dishes waiting for you.
Nearby attractions: Soho | Leicester Square | The British Museum | The Cartoon Museum
Best pubs, gastropubs, and restaurants in East London
Best pubs, gastropubs, and restaurants in or near Greenwich
The Gipsy Moth in Greenwich
This dog-friendly pub has one of the most beautiful verdant patio beer gardens in London, featuring a retractable roof for letting summer in while you enjoy their eclectic range of cask ales, cocktails, and fine wines.
Before exploring the nearby must-see attractions of a nautical nature, remember to indulge in something from their pub menus, crafting using seasonal ingredients and a few innovative twists, courtesy of their expert chefs.
Nearby attractions: River Thames | Greenwich Pier | National Maritime Museum | Cutty Sark
The Princess of Wales in Blackheath
Rightly named, this dog-friendly pub will have you feeling like royalty as you wine and dine in London, experiencing all the delights of their gastro-pub menus – known for their ability to take old classics and craft something entirely new using exclusive, seasonal ingredients and expertise.
They also have a gorgeous, green beer garden, ideal for catching up in the sun over a drink or two. Plus, with a challenging pub quiz on Mondays, you’ll have another reason to come back soon.
Nearby attractions: Greenwich Park | National Maritime Museum | Cutty Sark | Blackheath Halls
Best pubs, gastropubs, and restaurants in Redbridge
The Cuckfield in Wanstead
When it comes to another of the best beer gardens in London, you need to spend an afternoon at this dog-friendly pub between Snaresbrook and Wanstead tube stations. With plenty of seating, covered and uncovered, alongside vintage lamps, you’ll want to stay long into the evening.
Even when it’s not sunny, The Cuckfield creates a stunning backdrop for all occasions, with spaces for cosy, traditional British vibes, and high-ceilinged, luxurious private dining spaces to take your dining out experience to the next level – especially when paired with their extensive selection of drinks and delicious pub menus.
Nearby attractions: Wanstead Park | The Birch Well | Eagle Pond | Epping Forest
Best pubs, gastropubs, and restaurants in Hackney
The Eagle in Hoxton
Just off the cobblestoned roads of Shepherdess Place is The Eagle, a Victorian-era dog-friendly pub that is thought to have been running since the 19th century. In fact, it even gets mentioned in the famous nursery rhyme, ‘Pop Goes the Weasel’!
Hold onto that fact, because it might be useful at their pub quiz on Wednesdays. Another hidden gem of this pub is their spacious courtyard beer garden, giving you a private space to enjoy a sun-kissed tipple and seasonal pub dish. It’s your lucky day!
Nearby attractions: Hoxton Street Market | The Barbican | Smithfield Market | St. Paul’s Cathedral
Ready to dine out in London?
Turn this list of the best pubs, gastropubs, and restaurants in London into your own personal to-do list, ticking off all the best places to eat and drink in London as you go.
From cheeky after-work drinks at a new local and intimate catch-ups in a pub with a view to something tasty while you’re travelling, there’s no occasion and taste the Eat Drink Meet collection can’t cater to…
If you need any more convincing, book a table at any of the places above and experience it for yourself!