London : wine and dine in soho
These are our current favourite restaurants to wine and dine in the heart of London. Our list of London's best restaurants in Soho spans style, vibe, and of course cuisine, so no matter how long your trip or where you are in the city, you're covered. You’ll be spoilt for choice.
Our new favourite contemporary Parisian cuisine in Mayfair. The decor of this two story restaurant is chic, with brown velvet chairs and dark oak furnishings - our favourite part were the wine rooms in the basement filled floor to ceiling with cool Assouline books. We must say, that although the exterior is stunning, eating also fresco here in the summer months will be bliss. The Rigatoni was our favourite dish but there’s so more of the menu we want to try so we’ll be definitely be returning (multiple times).
After dinner, head to their chic-cool private members’ club Nikita which is only a few doors down – there’s even a secret passageway connecting the two - we loved this. It is getting a bit influencer heavy now but the food and aesthetic is on point so there’s no surprise here.
14-16 Davies St, London W1K 3DR
Rita’s charismatic and casual vibe is imperfect, yet charming. The vibes interiors-wise is super chill and cosy with diner-style red leather booths, wood furnishings, a rustic Mexican tiled bar and a cute garden space out back. Usually filled with cool cats from the city, the overall vibes are youthful and chatty which we loved. With modern American-style small bite dishes built around seasonal British produce, you can order plates such as fried chicken parmigiana, pork chops or salt fish taquitos (which were delicious btw). The wine list is mainly natural and organic or they make a pretty good margarita if that’s your thing.
49 Lexington St, Carnaby, London W1F 9AP
For this spot, think elevated kebab shop. Decorated with cool tiled interiors and richly patterned cushions along with kitchen top seating overlooking the sizzling grills and flaming tandoori - this always makes for a cool atmosphere. Order their iconic Kabab Torki for mouth watering flavours and their aubergine dish is also 10/10. Berenjak is definitely fancier than your average kebab shop and the atmosphere is always cool and laidback - we’re basically regulars at this point.
27 Romilly St, London W1D 5AL
A semi-secret back street bistro with good food and a good French wine menu - we’re in. Everything’s simple and stripped back at this old smokehouse just north of Smithfield meat market, complete with whitewashed walls, industrial-style lights, and bare floorboards for that rustic effect. Serving European dishes displayed on chalkboards meaning the menu isn’t extensive and there’s only a handful of starters and mains up for grabs, but they’re delicious all the same. Order in advance to try a their famed wild rabbit if that’s your kind of thing.
26 St John St, Barbican, London EC1M 4AY
This building is just ‘wow’ from start to end. Definitely eat here for the aesthetics alone. In line with the the moody and sensual character of The Nomad hotel, dine upon oxblood leather seating and acres of marble in a court yard-esque setting that is almost fairytale like. The souring glass conservatory, landscaped dinner setting and floating ceiling lamps were giving Harry Potter vibes (our favourite) all evening and the night was nothing short of magical. The food didn’t need to match the decor.. but it did. The roasted duck dish was incredible and this may be simple, but the grilled broccoli was also delicious.. sometimes it’s the simple things.
28 Bow St, London WC2E 7AW
A small but mighty ‘modern Filipino’ restaurant based in Kingsley Court. Simple British pub aesthetics including high-beamed ceilings and impressive artwork- made for a simplistic but enjoyable experience. We really got to explore the flavours of the Philippines here - the Chicken Inasal and the Lobster Ginataan were divine and extra points to Donia because we love big portion sizes - hungry girls gotta eat.
2.14, Top Floor, Kingly Ct, Carnaby St, Carnaby, London W1B 5PW
Not ground breaking but yet we still love it here so much so they must be doing something right. In a small, romantic, and intimate setting it almost feels like a clip out of a rom-com. We love a restaurant-wine bar hybrid, and this is a no frills place where the seasonal menu and natural wine list is scrawled onto a plain white sheet of paper every day - old school and beautiful. The food is good but the atmosphere was better.
41 Dean St, London W1D 4PY
Newer on the scene, super stylish and our new favourite party place. This Manor House turned hotel and members club feels like a Parisian hideaway - think The Hoxton meets Soho House vibes complete with art dealer chic aesthetics. For dinner, the Dover Sole was the main event but the Ratatouille was a close contender just based on the presentation alone. plus it’s a healthy option - a win win. Slip into the members lounge for post dinner soiree or downstairs to the music room to keep the party going until the early hours.
22 Grosvenor Sq, London W1K 6LF
An oldie but we love it all the same. This cult tapas bar serves Spanish dishes over an L shaped marble bar, giving you front row seats (divine red leather stools) to the kitchen so you can keep on eye on your food from start to end - it’s giving Barcelona. Order the Padron Peppers or Omelette from a simple menu of Spanish classics to really add to the Barcelona theme. Tip from us - go with one friend, not three as side by side dining doesn’t work for groups.
26-27 Dean St, London W1D 3LL
New to the London scene, Broadwick in Soho houses Dear Jackie and was designed by the same group who bought us Annabel’s - so as you can imagine, this place is definitely more about the vibe and the aesthetics; hedonistic, flamboyant and nothing short of fabulous. Their Italian menu is similar to Big Mamma restaurants but slightly more sophisticated. The food was delicious but like we said, you’re definitely here for the vibes.
Lower Ground, 20 Broadwick St, London W1F 9NE
Aesthetic cream pillars and gleaming marble - tick. The stunning interiors along with flawless fresh-tasting Med-inspired sharing plates is always means for a lovely time. We love high quality but simple food and this elevated Mediterranean home cooking did not disappoint. The lemon chicken was giving Amalfi style dishes and you know how much we love it there.
53-54 Brook's Mews, London W1K 4EG
If you want to pretend you’re in a Parisian film or better yet, in Paris then head to Zedel’s. A grand and unique art deco space set in a 1930s building complete with marble columns, chandeliers and a casual pavement-level café with outdoor seating which is perfect in the summer months. The menu is filled with French classics from frogs legs to creme brûlée - we stayed clear of the frogs legs but we loved the ‘Coq au Vin’. After dinner head to their American Cocktail Bar to grab a cocktail or to Crazy Coqs, their live music and cabaret venue and watch a show - bon appetite.
20 Sherwood St, London W1F 7ED