London's Bib Gourmand Restaurants 2026

• Location: 213 Blenheim Grove, Peckham, SE15 4QL
• Price: ££
• Cuisine: Thai 
• Why we recommend: we feel like every dish has a story, from the crunchy, tangy green papaya salad to the indulgent Hung Lay pork belly curry, and it's clear the team pours their personalities into the food

Founded by friends Rob and Josh, the Bib Gourmand-awarded Kruk channels the energy and soul of South London hospitality while taking inspiration from Thailand's street food culture. Its name nods to the Thai words for 'stir' and 'mortar,' reflecting the kitchen's focus on freshness and technique, while also hinting at London's gritty charm.

The menu showcases signature dishes that balance heat, texture, and umami, from green papaya som tam and prawn and banana blossom salad to gula grilled chicken thigh skewers and rich, fragrant curries like pork belly Hung Lay and duck Mussaman. House-made sauces, creative bar snacks, and the careful use of herbs, spices, and fresh produce elevate every plate.

• Location: 35-37 Greenhill Rents, Farringdon, EC1M 6BN
• Price: ££
• Cuisine: Italian 
• Why we recommend: this restaurant is a London Michelin Bib Gourmand classic that feels like stepping straight into a lively Florentine trattoria - definitely book it for your next date night

Brutto is a rustic trattoria that channels the soul of Florence with every detail. Founded by the late Russell Norman, the visionary behind Polpo, Brutto is a love letter to traditional Tuscan dining, complete with red-and-white gingham tablecloths, vintage wall art, and rotating ceiling fans that conjure the warmth of an Italian summer.

You'll find the menu to be a celebration of hearty, meat-forward Tuscan classics, with standouts like pork and fennel sausages, tagliatelle ragù, and the signature dough-ball 'cuddles' with soft cheese and prosciutto. Seasonal dishes and the boozy, light tiramisu round out the offerings, while drinks such as £5 negronis and house wine make it both accessible and indulgent.

• Location: 89 Shacklewell Lane, Dalston, E8 2EB
• Price: ££
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern
• Why we recommend: the small plates here are packed with big flavours, thanks to the use of a wood-fired cooking technique over a charcoal grill. The Mediterranean sharing plates are perfect for groups or dinner dates, and I love the selection of low-intervention wines. If you fancy getting your hands on some of its produce yourself, you'll find Oren's delicatessen in London Fields

Oren brings beautifully-crafted Middle Eastern small plates to the streets of Shacklewell. It's the debut restaurant from Israeli chef Oded Oren, and perfect for a light lunch bite or a long and leisurely dinner. 

The menu packs in a little bit of everything. Think Maldon oysters, ox cheek and hummus, Jerusalem mixed grill, and dry-aged beef tartare.

• Location: 35 Stoke Newington Church Street, N16 0NX
• Price: ££
• Cuisine: Korean 
• Why we recommend: Calong is quietly exceptional, blending nostalgia, precision, and flavour, and we think that the fried chicken alone is worth a visit

Perched on Stoke Newington Church Street, Calong is a Bib Gourmand-awarded neighbourhood bistro that combines comforting food with precise technique. Chef-owner Joo Won draws on the flavours of his Korean heritage, reconnecting with childhood inspirations after a pivotal trip back to Korea. This personal narrative is subtly woven into a menu that marries European foundations with thoughtful Korean touches.

Signature offerings like Joo's fried chicken (crispy, juicy, and addictive) sit alongside seasonal creations such as Cornish pollock with mooli jorim. The warm, relaxed interiors will make you feel right at home, and make sure you save room for dessert. 

• Location: 1 Bedale St, London Bridge, SE1 9AL
• Price: ££
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern 
• Why we recommend: for stunning charcoal creations and Middle Eastern tipples in lively city spot 

Berenjak Borough takes its inspiration from traditional Iranian townhouses found in the rural foothills of the Alborz mountains which surround the city of Tehran. This can be seen on its ground floor, where an open kitchen is surrounded by a lively counter of diners watching the action. 

• Location: Arch 208, 18 Stoney Street, SE1 9AD
• Price: ££
• Cuisine: West African
• Why we recommend: Akara takes an idea and runs with it to perfection. Its signature fritters are the centrepiece to all kinds of delicious dishes, paired with gorgeously grilled pork, perfectly charred veg and plenty more. The accompanying sides set a hearty, comforting tone, whether you go for the baby gem with crispy shallots, efik rice or plantain chips.

A bright, bold and brilliant restaurant from the team behind the popular Akoko, Akara serves up stunning African dishes from under the railway in Borough Yards. Its beautiful dining room is relaxed yet refined - think industrial arches with statement art and stylish seating.

As its names suggests, the menu is centred on the akara - a type of black-eyed pea fritter found across West Africa and Brazil. It's reimagined here in many ways, be it topped with BBQ prawn and beef short rib or as a partner to larger dishes like Lagos-style BBQ poussin, sea bream with moqueca and prawn, and grilled pork with feijoada.

• Location: 45 All Saints Road, Notting Hill, W11 1HE
• Price: ££
• Cuisine: modern British pub food
• Why we recommend: The Pelican has the charm of a local pub with a minimalist finesse. I've visited for lunch on a Saturday before and found it pleasantly busy, with wooden tables filled with hungry people tucking into delicious sharing plates of elevated sausage rolls, zingy salads, and more. I love it for its atmosphere, cosy fireplace, and superb wine selection. Plus, it's dog-friendly (they're just not allowed up on the chairs with you)

On Notting Hill's iconic All Saints Road, The Pelican blends traditional pub charm with a sensational kitchen. Just minutes from Westbourne Park Station, it's perfect for a casual lunch or elegant dinner in the city.

There's lots to love on its refined gastropub menu. We're talking bavette steak, ham hock, potted shrimp and hearty pies.

• Location: 78 Lower Clapton Road, Clapton, E5 0RN
• Price: ££
• Cuisine: Malaysian
• Why we recommend: we love Mambow's unapologetically fiery menu, inspired by chef Abby's family recipes 

Tucked away on Lower Clapton Road, Mambow brings bold Malaysian flavours and big energy to this corner of East London. The brainchild of chef Abby Lee, a Michelin Bib Gourmand is just one of its many accolades.

The vibe is laidback and communal - think counter seating, cosy tables and playful, tropical touches. There's just as much to get excited about on the menu, from otak-otak prawn toast and stuffed squid to a rotating selection of kerabu.

• Location: 13 Stoney Street, London Bridge, SE1 9AD
• Price: ££
• Cuisine: Taiwan
• Why we recommend: we love that if it's packed with Asian flavour and fits in a bun, you'll probably find it on the menu here

With a successful street food truck at Netil Market and two restaurants in central London, BAO is something of an Asian dining dynasty. Its 1,600 square foot Borough home packs in a sleek and elegant dining room along with a karaoke room.

When you're not singing your heart out, you can tuck into the taste of Taiwan. Think fantastically fluffy buns filled with beef short rib, curry cheese and even milk tea ice cream.

• Location: 4 Bedale Street, London Bridge, SE1 9AL
• Price: ££
• Cuisine: Greek 
• Why we recommend: under Chef Jorge Paredes' guidance, we think that AGORA strikes a perfect balance of simplicity, bold flavours, and social dining, making it a must-visit London spot (just be prepared to queue)

When it comes to Bib Gourmand restaurants, London's got a healthy handful, and one of the most brilliant value-for-money spots is AGORA in Borough Market. Nestled beneath its sister restaurant OMA on Bedale Street, it brings the bustling energy of Athens' street food scene to the capital. This stripped-back souvla bar's minimalist, warm interiors evoke the charm of a Greek market stall, while the open kitchen creates a lively, communal atmosphere that draws you in.

At the heart of the menu is a two-metre charcoal rotisserie imported from Greece, slow-roasting pork, lamb, and chicken skewers to smoky perfection. Accompanying the meats are freshly baked flatbreads, house-made dips, and sides such as sage-dripping potatoes and braised beans. Standout dishes include slow-grilled chicken thigh skewers and wooden-oven flatbreads - especially those topped with wild garlic butter or melty metsovone - starting from just £9.50. 

• Location: 181 Rye Lane, Peckham, SE15 4TP
• Price: ££
• Cuisine: Vietnamese 
• Why we recommend: Lai Rai is a rare find where both the food and the atmosphere transport you somewhere unexpected. The prawn lollipops alone are worth the trip, but it's the combination of interiors, inventive cocktails, and bold Vietnamese flavours that keep us coming back

Tucked down an unassuming Peckham alley, Lai Rai feels like stepping into an alternate reality - a fever-dreamed Vietnamese haven where time seems delightfully askew. Inspired by the Japanese concept of Isekai, the restaurant's visually striking interiors fold mirrors, ruby-red LED lights, and glossy tiles into a space that's playful. 

The menu at Lai Rai celebrates Vietnamese street food elevated with clever twists. Highlights include addictive prawn lollipops, tender thịt kho tàu pork belly in caramel glaze, and bò lá lốt patties served with a rich Vietnamese coffee BBQ sauce. Each dish surprises with layers of flavour, from tangy pickled mustard greens to velvety coconut mussels, all designed for sharing. Accompanying cocktails, like the tart mango xoài dá or the floral gá nhảy, complement the social spirit of the restaurant.

• Location: 1 Mare Street, Hackney, E8 4RP
• Price: ££
• Cuisine: Korean
• Why we recommend: with a BYOB policy and homely Korean dishes, this place makes you feel like part of the family

Just steps from Regent's Canal, Miga is a sensationally soulful Korean spot in Hackney. With its roots tracing back to 1970s in Seoul, the whole place is overseen by a father-son trio - Dad commands the open kitchen while his offspring bring all the charm to the front of house.

Dishes are truly bold and beautiful. Think soy-braised short ribs with pear and shiitake mushrooms, sweet potato glass noodles with a savoury finish, and king prawns in a fiery gochujang sauce.

• Location: 310 Portobello Road, Notting Hill, W10 5TA
• Price: ££
• Cuisine: Italian 
• Why we recommend: a daily changing menu of deliciously hearty pastas in a wonderfully relaxed yet refined dining room

A beautifully buzzy walk-in only Italian in the heart of Notting Hill, Canteen is all steel countertops, glass cabinets of preserves and rows of canary-yellow seats. Its open kitchen serves up delicious, seasonal and ever-changing dishes.

Think girolle risotto, beef shin ragu with polenta and courgette ravioli with nasturtium. Whether you're here for a special occasion or just because, Canteen will keep you coming back.

• Location: 58 Brewer Street, Soho, W1F 9TL
• Price: ££
• Cuisine: Thai
• Why we recommend: the smoky, spicy skewers, expertly balanced curries, and counter-side dining make your dining experience feel lively and curated (top tip: pop your name down for a table, then have a drink around the corner at The Devonshire while you wait)

Craving Thai food? In the heart of Soho, Kiln is a lively, no-reservations restaurant that brings fiery, authentic dishes to London. Drawing influences from Laos, Myanmar, and Yunnan, the menu showcases the skill of its chefs through clay pots, woks, and open grills, creating dishes that are intensely spiced and perfectly balanced. You're encouraged to grab a seat at the ground-floor counter to watch the kitchen in action, adding a dynamic element to the experience.

Highlights include aged Cull Yaw and cumin skewers, grilled pork jowl with Ubon relish, jungle curry with smoked kippers, and slow-grilled John Dory, all complemented by sides such as sticky rice and brown jasmine rice.

• Location: 57 Newington Green, Canonbury, N16 9PX
• Price: £
• Cuisine: French 
• Why we recommend: we love this little pocket of Paris - the walk-in only policy adds to its mystique. I love a wine bar that knows a thing or two about charcuterie and thoughtful plates, and Cadet delivers just that. Its Stoke Newington location seems perfect for a restaurant of such elegance, and I highly encourage trying to nab a seat for your next date night. It's wine and oysters galore

A stylish and intimate wine bar and charcuterie-led kitchen in Canonbury, Cadet has quickly made a name for itself since opening in 2022. Compact and atmospheric, it was founded by George Jephson, Tom Beattie, and Francis Roberts, along with chef Jamie Smart. and brings Parisian ambience to North London.

The small plates are rich and refined - think pate en croute, baron gigot, mussels escabeche tartine and cured trout with camelica seed cracker. Over on the wine list, there's much more to love, with European natural and low-intervention bottles up for grabs.

• Location: Unit 7, Montacute Yards, 185‑186 Shoreditch High Street, E1 6HU
• Price: ££
• Cuisine: Thai 
• Why we recommend: whether you're popping in for a punchy curry, gathering friends for a feast, or exploring inventive drinks, Singburi delivers both the nostalgic warmth of a family-run spot while keeping things upbeat and contemporary 

A Shoreditch favourite with roots in Leytonstone, Singburi has long been one of London's most cherished Thai restaurants. Founded in 1999 by Tony and Thelma Kularbwong, it gained a cult following for its fiery, authentic dishes and iconic blackboard specials. Now led by head chef Sirichai 'Siri' Kularbwong alongside chefs Nick Molyviatis and Alexander Gkikas, Singburi retains its signature bold flavours while presenting a more polished, industrial-chic space with an open kitchen and a refined drinks list. 

The menu continues to showcase daring, flavour-packed Thai classics, from wild ginger chicken thighs to smoked pork belly and daily-changing specials. Designed for sharing, each dish balances heat, sweetness, and depth, highlighting the team's skill and passion.

• Location: 21 Halliford Street, De Beauvoir, N1 3HB
• Price: ££
• Cuisine: European small plates
• Why we recommend: casual yet refined, we think that Goodbye Horses is one of the top Bib Gourmand restaurants in London that delivers an approachable yet elevated dining experience, perfect for orange wine lovers 

Goodbye Horses is a Bib Gourmand-awarded gem that feels like a stylish dinner party at an artist's townhouse. Impeccably styled yet relaxed, the space charms with hand-painted curtains, vintage records, and a welcoming oak counter where you'll sip wine from horse-and-moon stamped glasses. 

The menu mirrors the warmth and intimacy of the space, with elegant, shareable dishes that strike a balance between comfort and creativity. Highlights include oxtail ragout with broken rice, light yet deeply savoury, and an indulgent cheese toastie lifted by a sharp leek pickle. 

• Location: 41-43 Atlantic Road, Brixton, SW9 8JL
• Price: ££
• Cuisine: Indian 
  
• Why we recommend: a super cool spot for traditional Indian dishes with a South London twist 

Starting life in a shipping container at Pop Brixton, Kricket now has a stunning permanent home on the infamous Atlantic Road. Nestled under the railway arches, it serves up a classic and creative selection of Indian inspired dishes.

Think samphire pakoras, ghee roast hake and Keralan fried chicken. Behind the bar, there's all kinds of independent beers, spirits and wines, as well as a killer cocktail list.

• Location: 49-51 Curtain Road, Shoreditch, EC2A 3PT
• Price: ££
• Cuisine: Italian
• Why we recommend: both laidback and super chic, Manteca is the perfect spot for a casual bite or long continental dinner. I love visiting for lunch (the ragu is so gorgeous, rich and meaty) or dinner, and find it hard to resist a deep-fired olive to start. The kitchen layout is a particular highlight to me, with meats being cut in front of you on one side, as well as fresh focaccia being drizzled in olive oil, and meticulous cocktails being crafted on the other

Sophisticated, simplistic and sensational, Manteca serves up delicious Italian dishes in Shoreditch. Once a Mayfair pop-up, it now boasts a Michelin Bib Gourmand among its many accolades.

Opened by David Carter of Smokestak and Chris Lech of Petersham Nurseries, its menu is inspired by travels right across 'the beautiful country'. Expect dishes like brown crab cacio e pepe, fettuccine, beef battuta and ricotta made in-house.

• Location: 7 Moxon Street, Marylebone, W1U 4EP
• Price: ££
• Cuisine: South African
• Why we recommend: from Peckham to Marylebone in 2025, the restaurants' location may have changed, but the exceptional food hasn't. It's been interesting seeing Kudu transform with ambition and now operating at a level that warrants higher prices (but not too high). They run a sleek operation here, and you would be amiss to skip Braai, AKA South African barbecue, which forms the centrepiece of the menu

Kudu is a family-run restaurant that brings the flavours and techniques of South Africa to Marylebone. Founded by Amy and Patrick in 2017, the restaurant celebrates open-fire braai cooking alongside modern European cuisine with a South African twist. With a focus on seasonal produce, the menus balance smoky and spicy notes across sharers, mains, and starters - from Kalahari-spiced biltong and grilled tiger prawns to Cape Malay monkfish and dry-aged T-bone steaks.

The intimate yet lively setting, paired with dishes like confit trout with dashi velouté, poussin with Kashmiri chilli crisp, and house-baked breads served with inventive butters, makes for a relaxed dining experience. Desserts such as rum-and-raisin soft serve, Durban pineapple, and the playful Kudu 'Kit Kat' (burnt marshmallow and kumquat) round off the meal superbly.

• Location: 6 Park Street, London Bridge, SE1 9AB
• Price: ££
• Cuisine: Thai 
• Why we recommend: we think that Kolae is exceptional at bold, Southern Thai flavours delivered with precision and style. From the intimate counter dining to the carefully curated menu, each dish balances smokiness, spice, and freshness well 

Kolae comes from the team behind Som Saa, and is a Thai bar and grill tucked into a beautifully restored coach house in the heart of Borough Market. Spanning three floors, the restaurant blends an open kitchen and counter seating downstairs with a striking private dining room upstairs.

The restaurant celebrates the fiery, bold flavours of Thailand's Southern Provinces, with a focus on its namesake cooking style: ingredients coated in a coconut-based curry marinade and grilled over open flames. Dishes balance smoky depth with spice, using the finest British and Thai produce, from Swaledale meats and South Coast fish to seasonal vegetables. Highlights include coconut-smoked pork neck salad, grilled mussel skewers, soft-shell crab stir-fry, and young coconut sorbet with salted Thai tea caramel.

• Location: 34 Rupert Street, West End, W1D 6DN
• Price: ££
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern 
• Why we recommend: thanks to its theatreland location on Rupert Street, I think this restaurant is the perfect pick for a pre-show meal, and I love how its menu takes inspiration from Southern Spain, North Africa and the Levant. As soon as you enter, you're met with an open-plan kitchen and counter dining (a great pick for watching dishes come to life). Though round the corner, you'll find some cosy seating, ideal for date night 

In the heart of theatreland, just minutes from Piccadilly Circus station, The Palomar serves up sensational modern Jerusalem cuisine. Its passionate chefs have crafted a show-stopping menu that draws inspiration from across the Levant, as well as Southern Spain and North Africa.

With 16 bright blue stools under the zinc kitchen bar, you can watch over them as they cook up a storm. When it's time to tuck in, your taste buds will be treated to the likes of grilled octopus, cote de boeuf, butterfly mackerel and beef tartare.

• Location: 34 Drayton Park, Islington, N5 1PB
• Price: ££
• Cuisine: British, Europen, Asian
• Why we recommend: for painstakingly sourced British ingredients, it's hard to beat Westerns Laundry

In a beautiful 1950s building, hidden behind an entry-code gate, Westerns Laundry is the latest venture from the team behind Primeur. Inside, the history of the building is on full display, with period furniture and paintings by Kate Boxer.

The regularly changing menu is packed with seasonal British produce. Owners Jeremie Cometto-Lingenheim and David Gingell work with day boats from Cornwall and Devon to source fresh seafood while meat is delivered by a small collective of farms in North Yorkshire.

• Location: 72 Highbury Park, N5 2XE
• Price: ££
• Cuisine: Malaysian
• Why we recommend: Sebby Holmes brings a tour de force of a tasting menu that delivers delicious dishes without any pesky decisions needing to be made. The Islington location offers a relaxed environment, and the curries here are truloy delicous, THey're packed with strong flavours, spice, and will leave you wanting to book your next visit as soon as you leave

Now an award-winning Thai in the heart of Highbury, Farang started life as a food market out the back of chef Sebby Holmes' car. On top of its Michelin Bib Gourmand, it's been included in the National Restaurant Awards Top 100 and received consecutive 'Thai Select' awards from the UK Thai Embassy.

There are several menus up for grabs. The à la carte packs in the likes of salted turmeric prawn 'miang' bites and whole crispy sea bass with samphire, while tasting menus can come in at £90 with wine pairings. 

• Location: 11 White's Row, Shoreditch, E1 7NF
• Price: ££
• Cuisine: Indian
• Why we recommend: this restaurant is superb for authentic, regional Indian dishes without setting foot outside the city. The Spitalfields location opened in 2015 and, within a year, earned itself a Bib Gourmand that it's retained ever since. That's no small feet. The menu draws on founder Harneet Barweja's upbringing in the Indian countryside, memories of his grandmother's aptitude for slow cooking, and a farm-to-table experience that brought family together

Rather aptly named after the spice mix, Gunpowder has taken up residence in a former Spitalfields curry house. The decor is artsy and intimate, with statement lighting, exposed brick work, steel finishes and just 24 covers.

The menu is a delicious mix of small, large and sharing plates. You can tuck into everything from venison and vermicelli doughnuts to karawari soft shell crab.

• Location: 84-86 Rosebery Avenue, Clerkenwell, EC1R 4QY
• Price: ££
• Cuisine: Italian
• Why we recommend: we love how Morchella mixes fine and fancy dining with laidback energy

In a beautifully restored former bank just off Exmouth Market, Morchella is chic, sleek and super sophisticated. With elegant yet chilled out vibes, it's perfect for long lunches, intimate dinners or a few nibbles with a bottle of wine. 

There's all kinds on the menu to take your fancy, from truffle vol au vents and pork jowl to red mullet and mushroom reginette.

• Location: 112 Westbourne Grove, Notting Hill, W2 5RU
• Price: ££
• Cuisine: Southern European, North African
  
• Why we recommend: we love the mix of cuisines with plates of all sizes to try your tastebuds

Following the success of its first location in Covent Garden, The Barbary brings its Barbary Coast inspired dishes to Notting Hill. Its dining room is cosy and comfortable yet chic and elegant all at once - think long, plush banquettes and low, inviting lighting. 

There's all kinds of cuisine on the menu, spanning Southern Europe and Northern Africa. You can tuck into the likes of Kapia pepper and feta brûlée, seabass chermoula and coffee rub organic chicken.

• Locations: 1 Phipp Street, Shoreditch, EC2A 4PS, and 6 Southwark Street, London Bridge, SE1 1TQ
• Price: ££
• Cuisine: Italian 
• Why we recommend: the generous portions, beautifully balanced flavours, and approachable pricing make it perfect for everything from casual dinners to celebratory meals

For lovers of fresh pasta in London, Padella from Jordan Frieda and Tim Siadatan is a must-visit, with outposts in both Shoreditch and London Bridge. Recognised by the Michelin Guide and holding its Bib Gourmand status, Padella combines exceptional cooking with approachable pricing, offering dishes that feel indulgent without breaking the bank. The Shoreditch restaurant welcomes bookings, while London Bridge keeps the walk-in-only charm that has made queues a part of the experience. 

The menu is a celebration of fresh, homemade pasta designed for sharing. Standout dishes include pappardelle with Dexter beef shin ragu, Westcombe ricotta ravioli in sage butter, and a pistachio, mint, and basil pesto fettuccine. Desserts like tiramisu provide a classic, sweet finale to a meal you'll want to have all over again the next day.

• Location: 39 William IV Street, Covent Garden, WC2N
• Price: ££
• Cuisine: Italian 
• Why we recommend: a hearty bowl of pasta is just one of the many things Bancone does well. The name, meaning 'counter' in Italian, does what it says on the tin - the open kitchen allows you to watch your silky bowl of walnut and egg yolk hankerchiefs come to life. And if you find yourself on the hunt for affordable pasta outside of Covent Garden, you'll be pleased to find locations in Soho and Kensington, too 

On the edge of Covent Garden, Bancone takes pasta to new heights. Its menu is stuffed with hearty dishes, from pappardelle with slow-cooked kid goat and rosemary ragù to lamb neck ravioli with spring vegetables. 

The kitchen, headed up by former Locanda Locatelli chef Louis Korovilas, also serves up sensational small plates like seasonal arancini, tuna tartare and fried artichoke.