Balans - Various Sites
As some of the best modern British restaurants in London, Balans venues are the place to escape the world and eat a hearty menu. While you're at it, wash your grub down with some expertly made cocktails (or three).
Not only is our capital a culinary powerhouse to rival any city, but this country's fare is featuring heavily in its top spots too. These venues have got local ingredients, traditional recipes and some of the tastiest plates around. So, take a look at our recommended list of British restaurants in London and enjoy a tinge of patriotism as you eat.
Last edited by Marcus Sanigar
Last updated on 21st January 2026
As some of the best modern British restaurants in London, Balans venues are the place to escape the world and eat a hearty menu. While you're at it, wash your grub down with some expertly made cocktails (or three).
With totally unique interiors of exposed stonework and open fireplaces, alongside a beautiful little terrace, No 1 Duke Street is the perfect all-day restaurant if you want to champion grub from home. There's chicken, tarragon and leek pie, among other tasty plates.
If you want to eat at the best British restaurants in London, you should probably have some pretty good views to boot. Cue Aviary Rooftop Bar & Restaurant and their rooftop space, which is sitting on the 10th floor of the Montcalm Royal House Hotel in Finsbury Square.
Enjoy a round of Guinness on us when you dine and watch the Six Nations 2026 with us
With its stone floors, exposed brick walls and leather banquette seating, The Fire Stables is a lovely place to settle down for a bite to eat. Whether a Kent lamb burger or hot smoked salmon niçoise salad are more your style, this restaurant delivers.
Enjoy a round of Guinness on us when you dine and watch the Six Nations 2026 with us
If English restaurants in London are what you're after, The Oyster Shed is sure to fit the bill. Offering a modern dining and drinking with a nautical theme, it's the ideal space for all occasions.
From the sleek interiors to that gorgeous sun-trap of a terrace, Chiswick Fire Station is great place to chow down on British fare. Its menu is fronting the likes of classics brunches, steamed mussels and Sunday roasts, all finished off crumble. Swoon.
STEM + STEM is a one-of-a-kind restaurant due to the fact it doubles up as a florist and wine bar. It uses locally sourced British ingredients to create tempting plates of food in a beautiful, botanical environment. On the menu, you can expect to find the likes of small plates such as tempura stuffed courgette flower with goat's and English summer honey, as well as larger portions of pan-fried Cornish cod, 6oz aged onglet steak with skinny fried and Eton Mess for dessert.
With venues in Oxford Street, Bloomsbury, Canary Wharf and Kensington, Scoff & Banter are taking London by storm with their delicious British cuisine. Expect dishes such as fish pie, fish 'n' chips, and rib-eye steak alongside fine wines.
Offering a stunning menu makes this one of the top modern British restaurants in London, which is topped off by gorgeous interiors. Old Compton Brasserie is must-visit for anyone looking for a taste of old school drinking and dining with a very contemporary sensibility.
For traditional British restaurants in London, Mayfair Lounge and Grill is just the place. Head to the first floor of The Cavendish Hotel London and tuck into the likes of afternoon tea, steaks, sand sole on the bone and pan-fried scallops.
Flaunting a wall of greenery, a gorgeous outdoor terrace and leather booth seating, Smith's Bar & Grill is a contemporary British restaurant that serves high-quality cuisine. They serve everything from £50 bottomless brunches right through to dinner, with dishes like seabass fillet, marinated pork ribs and rib eye steak on the menu. Their Sunday roasts are pretty special too, and you can add on free-flowing red wine as well.
A two AA Rosette restaurant in Westminster, The English Grill at The Rubens at The Palace Hotel truly is a luxurious spot for British dining. The interiors are truly decadent, featuring gorgeous wooden furnishings and elegant chandeliers, with comfy seating to relax in as you dine.
Executive Chef Ben Kelliher uses only the best of British produce to create his menu of meats cooked on a charcoal-fired Josper Grill, alongside plates like coq au vin and pan-seared fillet of halibut. And if you're after something more exclusive, they've got lots of private spaces for hire as well.
The Refinery at Regent's Place offers seasonal and impeccably presented meals all day long, with a particular leaning towards British fare. Think steak, pork belly and pastries, all with a seasonal cocktail or pint on the side.
With over 150 years of experience tucked under their belt, the Balls Brothers family bring their signature mix of extensive wines, traditional English dining and inventive cocktails to the City of London. Make your way here and you won't be disappointed.
If you're looking for dinner with a view, Wagtail Rooftop Bar & Restaurant is up there as one of the best rooftop restaurants in the City. This snazzy spot showcases the finest British ingredients, rustling up a menu that's enough to make any mouth water. To match? Cocktails and high-end spirits.
St Barts Brewery is a monument to delicious British food in London. Melding the contemporary with classical London architecture, it serves up a massive range of beers and wines from the country, all in a comfortable space. Their food, though, is 'BBQ soul food'; think comfort bites with a bit of a kick.
Fill your boots with beautifully prepared British cuisine over at Mayfair pub The Barley Mow. A gorgeous hangout with plenty to show for itself in the looks department, it slings out dishes such as slow-cooked porchetta, fine cheeses and grilled mackerel.
Sitting in the suave City is the Botanist, Broadgate Circle, one of the trendiest bars around. While it is often used as a hub for after-work drinks, they also have a menu packed with great British cuisine. Make yourself comfortable and enjoy food washed down by a cocktail or two. Not in the area? Check out their Sloane Square location instead.
It doesn't really get more British than Gun. The pub is a Grade II-listed building, which has been painstakingly restored to its former glory and is steeped in history. Sitting pretty by the River Thames, this place is ideal for eating a gastro menu packed with pheasant, Cumbrian beef and Peterhead cod.
Nestled in a stunning Grade II-listed building, Smiths of Smithfield is where to head if you're looking for restaurants in London that are English. The grill boasts seasonal produce, including a catch of the day, alongside a lineup of the finest British cuts and a roof terrace serving small plates.
Serving up the freshest organic seafood, The Seashell of Lisson Grove knocks up British dishes to perfection. Crack on with scrumptious cuisine, from prawn cocktail to calamari strips and popcorn cod. Settle into the aquarium seating area or the octopus bar for an Insta moment.
Offering a great selection of quality dishes, from Seabass ceviche and chargrilled monkfish tail to crispy pig cheeks or truffled polenta, this sleek Dalston eatery is one of the best British restaurants in London. Don't miss out on the Gillett Street spot.
Chiswell Street Dining Rooms offer elegant interiors and delicious British food in one fancy restaurant. Whether you come for an afternoon tea or main dishes, all while relaxing in their elegant leather-clad restaurant, you are guaranteed a great experience.
Using only the finest British produce, the Blue Door Bistro keeps a shifting menu of seasonal delights. Get your fix of twists on classic dishes, washed down with a healthy dose of cocktails, and treat yourself to something a little more luxurious.
Situated just moments from Embankment and Westminster Pier, One Twenty One Two Restaurant at the Royal Horseguards Hotel offers a luxurious setting with a focus on classic British cuisine.
Whether you're craving pan-seared sea bass, lamb shoulder, or the beloved beer-battered fish and chips, every dish is a treat for the senses. For those seeking a special experience, the Equus Bar serves cocktails and light bites, while The Lounge offers an indulgent afternoon tea.
Whipping up some of the best seasonal fare, Sea Garden & Grill Tooting has quite rightly established itself as a top-notch British restaurant. Venture inside this fabulous hotspot to enjoy family-style dining, fresh grub sourced from Cornwall and plenty of molecular concoctions.
Founded by the team behind Tart London and Tom Warren, Wild by Tart is set inside a stunning former power station, with many of the original features still present. The carefully curated menu here is made up of local produce-led small plates and bites, with regular seasonal updates.
This centrally-located bar and restaurant in the heart of Bank serves an ample menu of British cuisine, alongside a vast cocktail list from expert mixologists. Pairing the fine food and drink menu with its slick interiors, this one is a real winner.
Find the best of British at Fire & Wine by Boxcar, a Marylebone destination just north of Marble Arch that has a charcoal grill-led menu for the perfect, smoky flavours across a stunning restaurant space. Expect a seasonally changing menu with locally sourced ingredients, spanning the likes of citrus cured salmon, pork cheek croquettes, and the finest chateaubriand.
Topping it off? A £19 two-course express lunch menu, as well as mouthwatering Sunday roasts with all the trimmings.
A Grade I-listed venue in the heart of the West End, 116 Pall Mall is a stunning five-storey venue on the site of a former palace. Designed by John Nash, the architect behind Marble Arch and Brighton Pavilion, you can expect beautiful interiors featuring glittering chandeliers, a grand staircase and original paintings of the Royal Family.
There's a Champagne bar in one of the cellars, created by Searcys. You can enjoy premium sparkling wines here, as well as a delicious British menu - we're talking Hereford beef burgers, pan-fried sea trout, roasted winter squash and more.
A gorgeous British restaurant in Bloomsbury, The Lady Ottoline is the place to get your fill of traditional British food. The venue boasts an array of delicious dishes, including fish 'n' chips, fancy pie and mash or a hot smoked salmon Scotch egg.
2 courses for £32, 3 courses for £38 set menu and 3 other offers
Brought to you by the team behind the iconic East London pub The Marksman, Lasdun is a modern British brasserie that can be found inside the National Theatre on the Southbank. Expect a sleek, contemporary restaurant with an intimate private dining room.
As for the menu, you can indulge in everything from roast onion tarts to lemon sole with devilled shrimps or lamb rump with pressed potato. Plus, their pre-theatre menu offers three courses for £38, or two for £32.
The Anthologist is a stylish all-day restaurant bar, which serves an array of British plates with other influences. You'll get to choose between dishes like Marmite mac 'n' cheese, chicken and oyster mushroom pie, or roast pork belly, which can all be accompanied by beaut cocktails.
With one of the most beautiful outdoor settings and dining opportunities of any restaurant, No.35 Mackenzie Walk has plenty to impress you. They're serving sustainably-sourced plates, an all-day brunch and more from their waterfront perch.
Nestled in Exmouth Market, this swinging saloon is complete with kitsch knick-knacks, showcase tipples and yummy food. Coin Laundry serves rabbit balti pie and 70s chicken Kiev, alongside a list of retro cocktails.
Priding itself on local produce and cooking up daily catches, The Fish Market is a great, spacious restaurant perfect for a light lunch or a casual dinner. Located close to Liverpool Street, the historic warehouse is in the heart of the city and serves up a three-course set menu for only £30, including crispy fried whitebait with sriracha mayo to start, followed by fish and chips.
Mixing British and international eats into one very enticing menu. The Queens Head is a Holborn eatery for mates dates and casual dinners. Head over for fish finger sandwiches, flat iron steak and a range of juicy beef burgers.
Having been around since 1989, Boisdale of Belgravia is an old-school gem that's decked out in sultry red interiors, complete with plush velvet seating and decadent chandeliers. They host a regular lineup of live music here, particularly jazz, blues and soul.
Whether you're dining inside or on the heated roof terrace, there's plenty of hearty British fare to enjoy. They specialise in seafood, with everything from grilled lobster to wild sea bass on the menu, though there are plenty of meat and plant-based options too.
The London Cabaret Club lets you feast on delectable British dishes while watching shows celebrating the country's culture. Both your tongue and eyes will be dazzled as you watch everything from a James Bond-style celebration of the city to a show in appreciation of pop.
Bourne & Hollingsworth is a cute all-day brasserie soaked in greenery, clean white colours and tonnes of character, coupled with sofas soft enough to sink into. The menu is all about tasty British gastro food washed down by delicious cocktails.
Offering a mouthwatering selection of classic British eats, this gorgeous Kensington venue brings you the perfect lunch, dinner or pre-theatre dining experience. The Milestone Hotel and Residences is home to the beautiful Chenestons Restaurant, which is decked out in dark wooden panelling and sleek white tablecloths.
Get stuck into everything from chargrilled butterflied mackerel to dry-aged sirloin steaks and wild mushroom linguine. Their afternoon tea has also won an Award of Excellence at the 2023 and 2024 Afternoon Tea Awards, featuring stunning tiers of sandwiches and sweet treats.
Boasting indoor BBQ cooking over real coals, The Factory House majors in steaks and robust red wines to match. Head to the Leadenhall Market venue and you'll be able to munch on hearty fare in their stunning space.
On the hunt for some modern British grub? Look no further than Penny Squares in Canopy by Hilton London City hotel. Not only does this venue have chic interiors, but there's also a boatload of fresh plates. Think smoked cured salmon and poached Cornish hake.
Seeking one of London's English restaurants? One Kew Road is a lovely spot out west that's ideal for escaping the hustle and bustle. Tuck into the likes of maple-glazed pork belly or seared salmon fillet, with chocolate bombe for dessert.
One of the best restaurants in London thanks to its beautiful space and gorgeous menu, The Grazing Goat is a true hidden gem. Here, you'll find locally sourced, sustainable food served from breakfast through to dinner, with the offering changing every 6 weeks to reflect the seasons.
While a wine bar at heart, Davy's in Plantation Place is also a staple for British dishes. Here, you can chow down on the likes of sausage 'n' mash, sirloin steak and Norfolk chicken breast on a bed of lentils, all washed away with plenty of the best vino.
Featuring stunning original Grade II-listed interiors, The Quality Chop House is a top-notch steak restaurant that dates back to 1869. The Farringdon Road venue is decked out in Victorian tiling, dark wooden furniture and church pew-inspired seating.
Having earned itself a place on the National Restaurant Awards list, the kitchen here is run by executive chef Shaun Searley. Tuck into individual or sharing cuts of meat, alongside stellar small plates and indulgent desserts like white chocolate mousse.
A top-notch restaurant in Farringdon and the City of London, Vinoteca is great for business meetings, date nights and birthday celebrations. Serving modern British eats sourced from suppliers at the market, the menu features the freshest ingredients in an innovative way.
From a light terrace through to a leafy bar area, The Lampery is all sorts of stylish. The restaurant is moments from Tower Bridge and has a great all-day menu, from hearty English breakfasts to dinners of lobster burgers.
Since its opening in 2021, Fallow has become a symbol of sustainable, innovative dining in London. Founded by two chefs and a seasoned entrepreneur, the restaurant is known for its creative, sustainable menu, which includes dishes like smoked beef ribs and mushroom parfait with lion's mane mushrooms.
Each plate is thoughtfully crafted to minimise waste, using seasonal and local ingredients without compromising on flavour. Fallow's commitment to sustainability earned them the Caterer Award for Best New Restaurant, and their delicious creations are made even better with unique cocktails like the Oyster Shell Martini. Whether you're a local or just visiting, Fallow offers an unforgettable dining experience that celebrates both taste and sustainability.
On the Regent's Canal in Hackney Wick, the Michelin starred Café Cecilia serves up European dishes that showcase the very best seasonal British produce. Think venison haunch with red cabbage, chalk stream trout with borlotti beans and onglet with peppercorn sauce.
The wine list follows suit, with a focus on low-intervention wines that pair perfectly with each plate. Despite its many well-deserved accolades, the dining room is down-to-earth, simple and unfussy, making you feel like you're eating at an old friends house.
Just steps from the tube, HS&Co. has been a lively neighbourhood favourite since 2016. Known for their expertly aged steaks and British comfort classics, the menu is packed with delights - from tender barbecue beef ribs to a delicious vegan shepherd's pie.
With both casual and formal dining spaces, HS&Co. offers the perfect vibe for any occasion, and you can even book the space for private events.
Everything about the classy Hammersmith restaurant Faber is sourced from the British Isles. From a daily changing menu of freshly caught seafood to an extensive list of English wines, this venue prides itself on providing a delectable UK-based feast.
Tucked inside the iconic Television Centre in White City, The Broadcaster is a pub at heart, but with the sleek looks of a contemporary restaurant. Head here for spruced up British classics, including red wine-braised featherblade of beef and truffle-stuffed chicken breast.
With one of Britain's most respected chefs overseeing the kitchen, Brooklands by Claude Bosi has quickly taken its place at the top of London's fine dining scene. With two Michelin stars to its name, each dish is certified show-stopper.
In its art deco dining room with views over Hyde Park Corner, you can tuck into sensational British dishes designed to show off the very best seasonal ingredients. Think racan guinea fowl with razor clams and red pepper miso Devonshire cod.