Whats the best restaurant to eat at in london?

Question

Im coming to london this summer and i want to hear some opinions on were's the best places to eat at in london..... by the way im coming from kansas city, missouri U.S.A.

Answer 1

obviously you can spend a fortune on all the five star cuisine available - but generally stick to 'pub grub'. Most pubs do affordable lunches and evening meals - some better than others. A chain called Cafe Rouge does good French cooking and is dotted around the city, and there are many Italian chains (Caffe Italia, Caffe Uno and Pizza Express for authentic Italian Pizza's rather than American Pizza). You may want to try good old British Fish and Chips but be careful where you go - staff at your hotel will be able to recommend a good local chippy and a good 'greasy spoon' cafe to try! Indian and Chinese food here is often different to the Indian and Chinese food available in America - so it's worth a try. Indian take out is more popular in the UK than any other! And London being London - there's EVERY kind of food you could want available somewhere!

Obviously a lot of US fast food outlets are here also. For eating experiences to enhance the tourist experience - think of a couple of internationally known hotels like The Ritz or the Savoy that you'd like to have a meal/lunch/tea and sandwiches in (and check them out online, you my need to book well in advance - and try using google or yahoo .co.uk instead of .com - you get the option of searching UK sites only when hunting for eating places!). Places along the Thames like the OXO building and the Pont De La Tour offer fine dining and great views - but so does the Chop House (cheaper) and the bar menu is great, and a window seat in the evening looks out on a lit up Tower Bridge and Tower of London! The coffee shop in the TATE gallery overlooks the river, as do many pubs - back to those again!

Most visitors are on a budget - so I'd recommend some kind of take away - even a sandwich - and a park to sit in for lunch so you can explore nicer places in the evening. Or reverse that and have a great lunch before taking fish and chips back to your room!

Enjoy your stay.

Answer 2

Wyahaw (above) lists some excellent restaurants. I have eaten at all of them, but as he points out, they are all quite expensive if you are travelling on a budget.

Whilst I recognise the excellence of the cooking and service in a Michelin rated establishment, I often find the formality a touch pompous.  And because Guide Michelin upholds an international standard, there is very little difference between an English, French or Italian rated establishment.

In recent years I have been moving away from the Michelin end of the market - simply because of the pomposity and formality.  I also don't think the offer good value for money.

Whenever we have visitors from abroad we now take them to some of the more "quirky" restaurants that you would only find in the UK.  My favourites are:

Rules, Maiden Lane, Covent Garden.  

Claims to be Britains oldest restaurant. Very traditional English food and service. Doesn't take itself too seriously.

http://www.rules.co.uk/

The Guinea Grill, Bruton Place, Mayfair.  

Great little restaurant, tucked away behind a traditional pub - walk through a dividing curtain and find yourself in the most amazing old-English atmosphere.  Specialise in Steak and Game.

http://www.theguinea.co.uk/

Finally, although bit is not in any way an English restaurant, you should also try the g*y Hussar in Greek Street, Soho.   The place is a real "treasure" - small and cosy. It serves fantastic, rustic Hungarian food and is frequented at lunch-time by top politicians and journalists.

http://www.gayhussar.co.uk/index.asp

Just a few of my personal recommendations. Enjoy.

Andrew

Answer 3

You MUST MUST MUST go to Les Trois Garcon near Liverpool St.

It is an 'experience'. The food is amazing, but the interior itself is just unbelievable.

There are jewls, animals, shoes, clocks ect dripping from the walls/ceilings/floor.

The food is a bit pricey, but well worth it. Or they do a set menu from £38 (inc. tax).

And even better you can have a drink first in their attached bar (in the wharehouse behind the resaurant itself). The bar is called Lounge lovers, and again is like no other bar i know of...

Have a look for yourself

http://www.lestroisgarcons.com/index.php

Answer 4

i Don't know if it is a restaurant but there is this place near Hampton park called Raul's. It odes some off the nicest food in London. Last time that i went in i saw Sarah cox there from BBC radio1. So it must be good.

Answer 5

It's unusual, but I'd definitely recommend Archipelago

(110 Whitfield Street, London, W1T 5ED). The decor is exotic, with assorted nicknacks from across the world covering the walls and tables (which you can buy, just ask the waiter), but the food is even more exotic - crocodile, wildebeest, kangaroo, even chocolate-covered scorpions. It is pricey, but well worth it for a special occasion. The staff are excellent.

Answer 6

the jellied shop down the walworth rd. food and seafood all excellent, no need to book and very economical

Answer 7

There's this place called the tasting room it is great I'm not sure what street it on but I'm sure you can look it up.

Answer 8

The best restaurants in London are as follows.  I have put next to them their scores in the Good Food Guide, which is the best UK Guide (do NOT trust Zagats) and Michelin, which is the best guide at the top end.

Gordon Ramsay   9/10    3 Michelin stars

Pied a Terre          8/10    2 Michelin stars

The Square           8/10    2 Michelin stars

The Capital           8/10     2 Michelin stars

Gavroche              7/10    2 Michelin stars

Tim Aikens           8/10     1 Michelin Star

Petrus                   8/10     1 Michelin star

None of these are cheap (except compared to the top places in Paris).  At Gordon Ramsay you will pay £80 a head for three courses (not including drinks or service), but you will get a lot of food for this (nibbles, pre-dessert) and there are several cheap wines available as well as the costly ones.

If you only choose one I would suggest Pied a Terre. The chef there is trying to get his 3rd Michelin star and so the cooking is really exciting - it is a place on the way up, rather than coasting along at the top, which is true of some of the others listed.

The other thing you should try while in London is Indian food.  There are 5,000 Indian restaurants in London, and you just don;t get good Indian food in the US.  Try Haandi in Knightsbridge for authentic food, or Mint leaf or Deya if you are looking for somewhere with good food that is also very smart.



For reviews and contact details see my web site below (as well as cheaper ideas).  Reservations are absolutely essential.  For Gordon Ramsay the phone lines open at 09:00 for two months ahead; if you call at 09:15 you will probably not get in.

Answer 9

Head to Gabriel's Wharf along the South Bank.  Nice food, great atmosphere.

Answer 10

Try Fengshang.co.uk at regent's park.... Better than Gordon Ramsey, why?? The price and the location said it all!!!

    check out the site.... www.chineseboat.co.uk

    been there a few times.. excellant service and saw beyonce there the last time !!

Answer 11

Bodeans on Poland Street, W1.

Answer 12

Book Ramseys in Chelsea at lunchtime as the menu is much better value than in the evening. Two people can have a five course meal with a bottle of wine for £100 - and it is the best place to eat in London by a mile. You can only book one month in advance and you need to get on the phone at 9am exactly one month before you want to eat.

Answer 13

The best place is Missouri

http://www.londontown.com/LondonInformat...

They have a wonderful selection of deep fried ravioli, pizza with provolone cheese, freedom fries, freedom toast, burgers and  frozen custard, excellent.

Answer 14

Which London?  In London, Ontario, Canada it's The Tasting Room on Richmond Street, next to the Grand Theatre.