10 Best Local Restaurants in London

Look no further than The Wolseley if you're looking for English authenticity in London. This iconic restaurant offers traditional British cuisine within a brilliant building showcasing European grandeur. The interior is just as awe-inspiring as the outside, so you can enjoy a refined atmosphere during your delicious meal. 

Despite its extravagant decor, this restaurant isn't reserved for posh diners looking for a fancy evening. It is open all week for most of the day, and the meals are relatively affordable despite the opulent surroundings. That means you can drop by whether you're looking for a fine-dining dinner, a spot of tea in the afternoon or any other meal.

Bibendum in South Kensington is one of the most iconic destinations in London's restaurant scene that's bustling with world-renowned chefs. With chef Claude Bosi at the helm, the iconic Michelin building has been transformed into a high-end, fine-dining establishment. 

This Michelin-star-winning chef crafts contemporary English and French dishes known for being lighthearted and delightful while using locally sourced ingredients, along with a few specialities from France. Seafood and oysters are the main attraction here, but the a la carte menu features some new additions and classic offerings as well.

At the Footman Mayfair, you can enjoy a proper pint in one of the oldest pubs in London. It was founded in 1749 under a different name but has since grown to be one of the most popular establishments in the city. Throughout its 3 floors, you'll find an extensive selection of beer, wine and spirits along with traditional food from a modest menu, all cooked to perfection. 

You can enjoy a relaxing atmosphere during your visit or book one of the private rooms for a more formal business experience, as this pub strives to offer a little something for everyone.

When you visit The Bull, you can enjoy the best that pub food has to offer. While there are plenty of pubs to visit around London, nothing offers a selection of cuisine quite like this establishment, whether you're looking for breakfast, lunch or dinner. 

There are plenty of pub classics on the menu, like fish and chips, but you'll also find more creative dishes like fresh haddock battered in ale and served with a pea puree, or a ham, cheese and chorizo flatbread. The breakfast options are especially hearty, with items like The Big Bull Breakfast coming with a plethora of items cooked to perfection.

At the Riding House Café in London, you'll find a fun and laid-back brasserie located within the Fitzrovia community. The menu is predominately modern English with a few other European options including small and large meals alike, so you can find something satisfying no matter which meal of the day you need. 

They have a focus on fresh and light ingredients, so you always leave with a feeling of satisfaction. The restaurant features a dining room, lounge area and large bar that offers a variety of satisfying drinks you can enjoy as well.

At the Duke's Head Highgate, you can enjoy delicious street food and the best of British independent keg and cask beer in one convenient location. The kitchen offerings rotate, so you'll find yourself with new options fairly frequently. It's a great place to try out something from one of the local food trucks while enjoying a pint. 

You can even take some beer home with you if you're looking to fill up a 4-pint growler on your way out. Don't forget to check out their sacred gin bar as well, where you'll find the finest gin cocktails that you can take home with you if you like.

Named after the famous artist, Cafe Van Gogh is a vegan restaurant known for its delicious plant-based dishes that even the most committed carnivores can love. They change their menu every 6 to 8 weeks, so you can check back frequently to find new offerings and dishes to enjoy. All of their ingredients are fresh and seasonal. 

Of course, you're always welcome to pop in for a bit of coffee no matter what time of year it is. There's even a private dining room you can book with room for 30 people and a beautifully designed ceiling that emulates the famous Starry Night artwork.

The Pig and Butcher offers a country-style pub right in the middle of the city. It focuses primarily on farm-to-table cuisine with an emphasis on hearty meats, so you'll be able to find a wide variety of offerings that change each day in accordance with what meat is available in the area. 

In fact, the meat is butchered and cut right on-site, so you can be sure you're always getting the freshest food available. Additionally, the Pig and Butcher serves craft beers and locally sourced wine from family-owned vineyards.

The Fortnum & Mason Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon is among the best destinations in all of London for afternoon tea. In fact, this establishment has been the destination of choice for afternoon tea for nearly a century. When you're here, you'll find baked goods like scones and cakes in addition to the delicious tea. 

There are even sandwiches available, and all of their food is made fresh with premium ingredients. This is among the most authentically British experiences you can have in London, with all the elegance and refinement that goes along with it.

At Dans Le Noir, you can enjoy a unique dining experience in which your sense of taste is at the forefront of your experience. This is because your sense of sight won't play into your dinner much at all. At this restaurant, you'll be dining in the dark, which removes all distractions you'd normally experience with both the food and the guests you dine with. Instead, you get to enjoy everything on offer apart from its superficial features. 

From fine English and French-inspired cuisine to stunning wines, your taste buds will be both surprised and delighted. This unique experience is facilitated by blind or partially sighted wait staff who will guide you through the experience.