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.
Last edited by Lauren Cole
Last updated on 11th March 2024
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
With popular restaurants all over London, Angus' Piccadilly Circus venue is a stone's throw from Leicester Square. These guys have been serving succulent steaks since 1968, from sirloin to ribeye, as well as flavourful ribs plenty of vegetarian options like Beyond burgers and baked camembert. Save room for dessert though, as the sticky toffee pudding is a must.
If you're after restaurants near Leicester Square and Covent Garden then Salvador and Amanda is a top choice, as this beautiful Spanish spot has been bringing delicious tapas and fabulous live music to the Central London masses for over 12 years now. With stunning dishes like cured ham, traditional omelettes or pan-fried king prawns, alongside amazing cocktails, bottomless brunches and exciting events, it's one to add to your bucket list.
2/3 course pre-theatre set menu £34/£39 -Lunch and 11 other offers
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.
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.
Afternoon Tea with with a glass of Coolhurst English Sparkling Wine - £67.50 and 3 other offers
Looking out over the streets of Soho, The Perception at W London is all about striking interiors and great views to accompany your meal. Not only do they offer a cracking afternoon tea, but you can also enjoy dishes like crispy confit pork belly, tempura broccoli and coconut prawn curries, while sipping on signature cocktails like the lavender and rose-infused Through The Looking Glass.
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.
A fun choice of Leicester Square restaurants with cheap eats up for grabs, TGI Fridays has you covered when you need to munch through American comfort food in a laidback setting. On the menu? Everything from burgers to wings and hot dogs, alongside two for one cocktails to wash it all down. Make sure you save room for dessert though, as the salted caramel and chocolate brownie sundae is to die for.
The Haymarket Kitchen at Tiger Tiger is a cool and contemporary restaurant that you'll find within strolling distance of Leicester Square. This modern eatery is getting the night out started with a unique and international menu that spans everything from sirloin steaks to buttermilk chicken burgers, Thai vegetable curry and more. The drinks list deserves a shout out too; serving up a top choice of cocktails to those looking for some dinner and drinks before graduating to the dancefloor.
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.
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.
If you're in the mood for quirky restaurants near Leicester Square, Salsa! Soho is sure to impress with its colourful interiors, regular salsa classes and a spacious outdoor dining area. Not only can you nab half price cocktails between 5 and 8pm every day, but there are also mouthwatering eats like fried pork ribs, taco sharing boards and steak or mushroom fajitas on the menu.
Dripping in 1930s-inspired glamour, Heliot Steak House, Bar & Lounge is a golden palace of wine and mouthwatering eats, looking out over the gaming floor at The Hippodrome Casino. Not only are the steaks top tier, but they also offer everything from pumpkin ravioli and beetroot Wellington to New Zealand tandoori lamb.
