British cuisine has come a long way from its humble roots, and today, Central London is home to some of the finest establishments serving up modern takes on British classics. From indulgent Sunday roasts to perfectly flaky fish and chips, London’s restaurants offer the best of comfort food with a contemporary twist. Whether you're a local or a visitor wanting to experience the rich flavors of traditional British fare, here are the Top 10 restaurants in Central London where you can indulge in the very best of British classics.
1. Rules, Covent Garden
Established in 1798, Rules is London’s oldest restaurant and remains a temple to traditional British cuisine. Specializing in game and classic dishes like steak and kidney pie, roast grouse, and potted shrimp, Rules exudes old-world charm with its wood-paneled dining rooms and velvet banquettes. The menu celebrates the best of British ingredients, with an emphasis on seasonal game from the restaurant’s own estate in the north of England.
Location: 34-35 Maiden Ln, Covent Garden
Best for: A traditional British dining experience with an emphasis on seasonal game.
Don’t miss: The steak and kidney pudding—rich, hearty, and full of flavour.
2. The Ivy, Covent Garden
A British institution, The Ivy has been a favorite for over a century, serving modern British dishes in an elegant yet relaxed setting. The menu features classics like shepherd’s pie, fish and chips, and a rich beef Wellington, but with a modern twist. The Ivy’s Art Deco interiors and attentive service make it a great spot for those looking for a refined take on British classics while soaking up some old-school glamour.
Location: 1-5 West St, Covent Garden
Best for: Modern British cuisine in a timeless, elegant setting.
Don’t miss: The shepherd’s pie and their famous sticky toffee pudding.
3. Simpson’s in the Strand, Westminster
If you’re looking for quintessential British dining, Simpson’s in the Strand is the place to go. This legendary establishment has been serving hearty British classics since 1828. Known for its silver trolley service, where roast meats are carved tableside, Simpson’s specializes in roast beef, Yorkshire pudding, and roast potatoes. The grand, oak-paneled dining room and Victorian decor add to the sense of occasion, making it the perfect spot for a traditional Sunday roast or a special celebration.
Location: 100 Strand, Westminster
Best for: A regal roast and tableside service in a grand setting.
Don’t miss: The roast beef with Yorkshire pudding, carved to perfection from the trolley.
4. J. Sheekey, Covent Garden
For those craving British seafood classics, J. Sheekey is the go-to spot in Central London. Located near Covent Garden, this iconic restaurant has been serving up the finest fish and seafood since 1896. The menu is brimming with British favorites like fish pie, Dover sole, and lobster thermidor. The elegant, brasserie-style interior creates an inviting atmosphere, while the seafood is prepared with exceptional care and attention to detail.
Location: 28-32 St Martin's Ct, Covent Garden
Best for: British seafood classics in an upscale yet cozy setting.
Don’t miss: The fish pie—comfort food at its finest, packed with flaky fish and a buttery crust.
5. St. John, Clerkenwell
When it comes to nose-to-tail eating and showcasing the full spectrum of British cuisine, St. John is unrivaled. This minimalist, industrial-chic restaurant, founded by Fergus Henderson, focuses on simple, ingredient-led dishes that celebrate traditional British cooking. Expect bold, rustic classics like roast bone marrow with parsley salad, ox tongue, and Welsh rarebit. St. John is all about honouring British ingredients and creating dishes that are both satisfying and unfussy.
Location: 26 St John St, Clerkenwell
Best for: Nose-to-tail dining with a focus on British ingredients.
Don’t miss: The roast bone marrow—an iconic dish that perfectly encapsulates St. John’s ethos.
6. The Guinea Grill, Mayfair
For steak and pie lovers, The Guinea Grill is a must-visit. This historic Mayfair pub has been serving steak and kidney pies since 1952, and its reputation for great British food continues today. Specialising in Aberdeen Angus steaks and dry-aged beef, The Guinea Grill is known for its perfectly cooked meats and comforting pies. The intimate, traditional pub setting makes it a perfect spot to enjoy a hearty British meal in cozy surroundings.
Location: 30 Bruton Pl, Mayfair
Best for: Traditional British pies and expertly cooked steaks in a historic pub.
.Don’t miss: The steak and kidney pie—a true British classic with rich gravy and flaky pastry.
7. The Wolseley, Piccadilly
An all-day dining icon, The Wolseley combines the grand brasserie style of European cafés with classic British dishes. Whether you’re popping in for a full English breakfast, Welsh rarebit, or an indulgent afternoon tea, The Wolseley offers refined versions of British classics in a striking, art deco setting. It’s a favorite for those seeking a touch of old-world elegance with their traditional British fare.
Location: 160 Piccadilly, St. James’s
Best for: All-day dining with a focus on British classics in a grand café setting.
Don’t miss: The classic Welsh rarebit or the fish cakes with tartare sauce.
8. Quo Vadis, Soho
With its roots firmly in British cooking, Quo Vadis is a Soho institution that blends contemporary creativity with traditional British dishes. Head chef Jeremy Lee focuses on seasonal ingredients and hearty, comforting plates like smoked eel sandwich, pork pies, and game dishes when in season. The intimate, cozy dining rooms and focus on local produce make Quo Vadis an excellent spot for those looking for a modern take on British fare.
Location: 26-29 Dean St, Soho
Best for: Seasonal British dishes with a modern, creative flair.
Don’t miss: The smoked eel sandwich or the game pie, when available.
9. The Delaunay, Aldwych
Sister restaurant to The Wolseley, The Delaunay offers a similar mix of European grand café style with a solid foundation of British classics. Situated in Aldwych, The Delaunay’s menu ranges from traditional roast chicken to fish and chips and corned beef hash. The elegant yet relaxed atmosphere makes it perfect for a family meal or a leisurely brunch. Their afternoon tea is also a treat, offering scones, finger sandwiches, and classic pastries.
Location: 55 Aldwych, Holborn
Best for: Classic British dishes in a sophisticated, European-style setting.
Don’t miss: The corned beef hash and the indulgent afternoon tea.
10. The Jugged Hare, Barbican
Named after the classic British dish of jugged hare, this pub-restaurant offers a hearty celebration of British game and seasonal produce. Located near the Barbican, The Jugged Hare serves up bold, flavorful dishes like rabbit pie, venison Wellington, and of course, jugged hare when in season. With its focus on seasonal ingredients and game, this is the place to go for a true taste of British countryside cuisine, right in the heart of the city.
Location: 49 Chiswell St, Barbican
Best for: Hearty British game dishes in a rustic, pub setting.
Don’t miss: The venison Wellington—an indulgent, meaty twist on a British favourite.