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Restaurants Overview

Eating Out Strategy

Where should we eat? With thousands of London eateries competing for your attention, it may seem like a daunting question. But fret not -- our expert writers and editors have done most of the legwork. The 100-plus selections here represent the best this city has to offer -- from hot pudding to haute cuisine.

Reservations

Plan ahead if you're determined to snag a sought-after reservation. Some renowned restaurants are booked weeks or months in advance. In the reviews, we mention reservations only when they're essential or not accepted, though it's always a good idea to book as far ahead as you can, and reconfirm when you arrive in London. Note that some top restaurants also now take credit card details and charge a penalty fee if you're a no-show.

What to Wear

When in England's style capital, do as the natives do: dress up to eat out. Whatever your style, dial it up a notch. Have some fun while you're at it. Pull out the clothes you've been saving for a "special" occasion and get a little glamorous. As unfair as it seems, the way you look can influence how you're treated -- and where you're seated. Generally speaking, jeans and a button-down shirt will suffice at most table-service restaurants in the £ to ££ range. Moving up from there, many pricier restaurants require jackets, and some insist on ties. Shorts, sweatpants, and sports jerseys are rarely appropriate. Note in reviews that we mention dress only when men are required to wear a jacket or a jacket and tie.

Tipping and Taxes

Do not tip bar staff in pubs -- though you can always offer to buy them a drink. In restaurants, tip 10% to 15% of the check for full meals if service is not already included; tip a small token if you're just having coffee or tea. If paying by credit card, double-check that a tip has not already been included.

Children

Unless your children behave impeccably, it's best to avoid the high-class establishments; you won't find a children's menu there, anyway. London's many Italian restaurants and pizzerias are popular with kids. Or take the little ones to Chinatown: it a fun cultural experience. China House serves kids' portions and offers Chinese arts-and-crafts activities from 1 PM to 4 PM every weekend. Activities vary but include magicians and origami experts.

Other family-friendly establishments include Pizza Express, Sticky Fingers, Tootsies Grill, and the brasserie chain Browns. At Smollensky's on the Strand, clowns and face painters provide entertainment on weekends. Finally, at Giraffe, there's a colorful interior, a children's menu, and a helpful staff.

Hours

In London you can find breakfast all day, but it's generally served between 7:30 AM and 10 AM. Workmen's cafés and sandwich bars for office workers are sometimes open from 7:30 AM, more upscale cafés from 9 AM to 10:30 AM. Lunch is between noon and 2 PM. Tea, often a meal in itself, is taken between 4 PM and 5:30 PM, while dinner or supper is typically eaten between 7:30 PM and 9:30 PM, though can be taken earlier. Many ethnic restaurants, especially Indian, serve food until midnight. Sunday is proper lunch day, and some restaurants are open for lunch only. Many restaurants are closed entirely on Sundays and on public holidays. Over the Christmas period, London virtually shuts down and it seems only hotels are prepared to feed travelers. Unless otherwise noted, the restaurants listed in this guide are open daily for lunch and dinner.

Prices

The democratization of restaurants in London has not translated into smaller checks, and London is an expensive city by most standards. A modest meal for two can easily cost £36 and the £100-a-head meal is not unknown. Damage-control strategies include making lunch your main meal -- the top places have bargain lunch menus -- or sharing an evening à la carte entrée and ordering a second appetizer instead. (Note that an appetizer, usually known as a "starter" or "first course," is sometimes called an "entrée," as it is in France, and that an entrée in England is dubbed the "main course" or simply "mains.") Seek out fixed-price menus, and watch for hidden extras on the check, i.e., bread or vegetables charged separately.

Credit Cards

American Express, MasterCard, and Visa are accepted in most upscale restaurants, but pubs, small cafés, and indie eateries may take cash only.