A hotspot for tourists and Londoners alike, Leicester Square is well-known as the centre for cinema in our capital, while also being one of the busiest and most visited destinations in town. With so many eateries competing for your business it can be hard to find a restaurant to suit. There's everything from quirky burger joints to swanky steakhouses and tantalising tapas spots on offer, and with so many choices out there, we have located the top places to eat in Leicester Square just for you.
For Japanese drinking and dining with rooftop views, check out 8 at The Londoner - a modern take on the traditional izakaya across multiple stunning rooms and the gorgeous Shima Garden. They've got one of the best collections of sake and whisky around, as well as tasty bites like seabass carpaccio, wagyu steaks and vegetable gyoza tacos.
The Leicester Square Kitchen offers Central American food in the heart of London, with a selection of small Peruvian and Mexican sharing plates alongside a wonderful cocktail list of South American mixed drinks. Enjoy the likes of crispy Baja fish, grilled soya mice empanadas and seabass ceviche a la carte, or take advantage of their pre-theatre menu for just £28.
Colonel Saab Trafalgar Square and Holborn offers more than just a meal; it provides an immersive dining experience that celebrates the flavours and stories of India. The restaurant's menu showcases a fusion of traditional Indian dishes and innovative creations, such as the Falahari curry kofta and the gutti vankaya, a dish of baby aubergines in tangy tamarind gravy.
The ambience is equally captivating, with interiors inspired by the Choudhary family's travels. Guests can dine under the glow of ornate Firozabad chandeliers, surrounded by curated artworks and artefacts that tell the story of India's rich cultural tapestry. Whether enjoying a casual meal or a special celebration, Colonel Saab offers a unique setting that transports diners to the heart of India.
Named after the drug that transformed many parts of London and China into a series of hidden smoke filled rooms, this restaurant serves up traditional Dim Sum dishes - all intensely flavoured with tender meats, fresh vegetables and seafood. The drinks here are an ongoing battle of flavours, with traditional recipes given an East Asian twang as the finest spirits are carefully blended with herbs and spices to create masterpieces of subtle taste. If you're not drinking? There are a fantastic selection of teas on offer too.
Looking for Italian restaurants near Leicester Square? Monmouth Kitchen is found in nearby Covent Garden, blending Mediterranean and South American cuisines to create gorgeous fusion meals. Sip on a pisco sour or a negroni as you dig into spicy nduja pizzas, pecorino and truffle tortellini or pan-fried salmon.
Voted London's Best Steakhouse and a triple award winner for Best Casino Restaurant, Heliot Steak House serves up some of the best cuts in the country, let alone the city. Whether you're looking to tuck into a rib eye, T-bone or sirloin, you'll only find USDA Prime steaks and handpicked global cuts here.
With renowned Executive Chef Ioannis Grammenos at the helm, you can be sure of the freshest, highest-quality ingredients in every dish. There's more than meat on the menu too, with expertly prepared fish, succulent lamb, tender chicken, indulgent pasta and vegetarian dishes all up for grabs.
1 Leicester Square Rooftop can be found at in the heart of Leicester Square, nine floors above Hotel Indigo and overlooking the vibrant streets of the West End. It's the perfect place to come for lunch with family, friends, and even a business meeting should you hire one of its rooms.
Dine among dangling foliage, floor-to-ceiling windows and plush leather booths, and tuck into globally-inspired small plates like Korean fried chicken, honey garlic soy chicken tacos, wagyu beef and black truffle sliders, and Korean BBQ burgers with fries.
A great choice of family restaurants near Leicester Square, Browns Brasserie & Bar is a welcoming and sophisticated space that caters for everything from sumptuous Sunday roasts to elegant afternoon teas and delicious brunches. Delve into harissa-spiced lamb or butternut squash gnocchi with plenty of refreshing cocktails to match, the perfect way to end a busy day in the city.
When you need your fix of high-quality cuts of meat, take a look at Steak and Company. The contemporary, yet cosy, interiors are ideal for date nights or group gatherings, while the menu offers the finest cuts of steak, from ribeye to aged fillet, served on sizzling blocks and paired with amazing wine recommended by the talented members of staff.
Whitcomb's is one of the Leicester Square restaurants open all week long, offering a menu of elegant fine dining blending French and Mediterranean flavours such as tuna tartare or wild mushroom risotto. Get your fill of authentic cuisine, including fresh fish and prime cuts of steak alongside a long list of handcrafted cocktails, while surrounded by pretty plants and modern artwork in this stylish spot.
After Leicester Square restaurants with halal options aplenty? Gura Gura is tucked away in St Martins Courtyard, serving up unique pan-Asian fare across two floors. The foliage-adorned ceiling, Japanese-inspired artwork and house playlist create a chilled dining atmosphere that's perfect for dates or catching up with friends, while munching on sushi, dim sum, noodles and more.
Flaunting a unique twist on traditional Turkish dining, Skewd is an award-winning restaurant that's well worth visiting. This trendy spot is filled with quirky, colourful decor, with plush booths along the wall to relax in while you dine.
From mezze dishes like calamari and smashed aubergine to larger plates such as coal-fired octopus or mixed kebabs, there's something for everyone here. Plus, they've got a fantastic range of wines and cocktails to wash it all down.
Just around the corner from The National Gallery you'll find All Bar One, where you can feast on a menu packed with elevated pub classics - we're talking beef brisket burgers, king prawn paella and halloumi or chorizo skewers. There are some great deals available here too, such as an £11.95 weekday lunch offer, making this spot a great choice for cheap places to eat near Leicester Square.
As its name suggests, Ember is serious about fire. Expect everything from charcoal-grilled meats and smoky mezze to perfectly seared seabass and bold Pan-Asian dishes.
Settle into the softly lit dining room for a lazy lunch or an intimate date night. Prefer to tuck in alfresco? Step outside onto the heated terrace and you'll find shisha, handcrafted cocktails and an atmosphere that keeps going long into the night.
Right in the heart of Leicester Square, Honest Burgers is slinging out top quality dishes at an affordable price. Ideal for a quick bite to eat before the theatre or after a long day of sightseeing, the casual space features wooden tables and a welcoming atmosphere.
There's plenty to choose from on their extensive menu, which features a number of plant-based options too. Think juicy beef patties topped with bacon, pesto chicken burgers or spicy veggie fritters.
Machiya is a go-to for authentic Japanese cuisine in the heart of London, with dishes ranging from chicken or veggie katsu curries to fried tofu in tempura sauce and teriyaki glazed salmon. You can pair these bites with classic or fruit sake, as well as a range of Japanese whiskies and a delicious toasted rice green tea.
Nestled beneath the National Portrait Gallery, in its historical vaults no less, Larry's is a hidden gem accessed through a subtle entrance on Charing Cross Road. The bar's ambiance features a mix of exposed brick and art deco decor, creating a quirky yet charming atmosphere ideal for a romantic afternoon.
Indulge in classic cocktails, dive into brunch favourites like blueberry buttermilk pancakes, or savour a set lunch menu offering delights such as house-cured yuzu gin salmon, miso-roasted aubergine, and beef short rib. All of this takes place against the backdrop of over 100 portraits celebrating the legendary figures of London's West End, paying tribute to the venue's central location.
For independent restaurants near Leicester Square, Ochre is coming out on top. Mosey over to the gorgeous National Gallery eatery to settle down in their swish golden and botanical surrounds, where you'll be served all manner of delightful British fare. Think Exmoor venison tartare, delica pumpkin and Jersey rock oysters, with a delightful afternoon tea menu to boot.
One of the best restaurants near Leicester Square, Farzi is the gorgeous dining den that takes bookings 7 days or more in advance, delving out sophisticated takes on everything from lamb shank to biriyani and tandoori paneer. Better yet, you can wash these down with signature cocktails, which are created using cutting-edge technology like centrifugal machines and a sonic homogeniser to produce some futuristic sips.
Located within the Leicester House Hotel, Asador Bar & Grill is an elegant dining destination that flaunts sophisticated wooden furniture, dark walls and a marble-topped bar serving cracking cocktails from a signature menu.
They specialise in South and Central American fare here, ranging from Argentinian beef mango salad to sea bass risotto or a chimichurri burger.
Located in the heart of St James's Market, Fallow is redefining the dining scene with its sustainable, creative approach to food. Founded by chefs Jack Croft and William Murray, along with entrepreneur James Robson, Fallow delivers dishes that celebrate both flavour and the environment.
Their smoked beef ribs and venison tartar are perfect examples of their ability to balance bold, complex flavours with sustainable sourcing. With accolades like Sustainable Restaurant of the Year from GQ, Fallow is setting the standard for how restaurants can combine fine dining with environmental consciousness. Whether you're indulging in their innovative Rhubarb and Custard Spritz cocktail or savouring their UK Dairy Cow Fillet, Fallow guarantees a dining experience that's both exciting and responsible.
