Best Traditional British Restaurants in London

When most people hear the term traditional British food, their minds tend to immediately go to items like fish and chips, bangers and mash, roast dinners and fry-ups. The reality is that British cuisine is so much more and London is home to an impressive lineup of restaurants that do some amazing things from a culinary standpoint while still paying homage to the traditions of British cuisine. You will find unique takes on classic British pies and unique preparations of wild game and foul when you hit these world-class London eateries. If seafood classics are what you crave, you are not going to be disappointed with what the city’s traditional restaurants have to offer. With these thoughts in mind, these are our suggestions for the best traditional British restaurants in London.

40 Maltby Street

A trip to London’s Maltby Street is a great move if you are looking for traditional restaurants in London that truly hits all of the notes. 40 Maltby Street is renowned for its menu of classic British dishes with a unique twist on them. You will find mouth-watering dishes like salted cod and roast mallard at his unique eatery that does not take bookings. Price per person is around £30 without drinks and service charges.

Rules

Located in Convent Garden, Rules has a long and storied history of serving up all the British classics that its patrons love for around £40-50 per person for 3 courses without drinks. Rules has earned a reputation as one of the best/top British restaurants in London. It has been doing its thing since 1798, which makes it the oldest restaurant in the city. During that long history, Rules is the go-to spot for traditional roast dinners and classic offerings like its famous grouse. The wine list is one that is sure to impress at this classic London establishment as well.

J Sheekey

J Sheekey is the top hotspot to head to in London if you are looking for the best in fish and seafood that is prepared in a classic British manner. The property is well-known for its unique, horseshoe-shaped bar as well as its open kitchen. It is also famous for its banquet-style seating arrangement. Standouts on the menu include the pan-fried fillet of sea bass and the fillet of sea trout. When it comes to traditional food in London, this one is a true standout. A 2-course meal here costs about £30 per person.

The Great British Restaurant

Located in between the Ritz London and St James’s Place, the Great British Restaurant is renowned for its posh take on British food/cuisine. It features an extensive a la carte menu along with breakfast, drinks, wine and dessert menus that are sure to impress any foodie out there. From traditional shepherd pie to the grass-fed rib-eye steak and a mouth-watering Yorkshire wagyu burger, this place really sends the tastebuds into overdrive. A 3-course set meal for one costs £35.50 here.

Wiltons Restaurant

If you ask a lot of area residents the question — “where do locals eat in London?” — they will say Wiltons Restaurant. For many, this place is the ultimate in traditional English food. From perfectly cooked fish to heavenly roasts and amazing cheese souffle, this is a traditional London hotspot that many locals swear by!

Berners Tavern

Located on Berners Street, Berners Tavern is a favourite spot for the best in London food specialities. There is an impressive offering of grass-fed Scottish steaks, and the fish & chips is a can’t-miss item. From the lamb or pork pie to the restaurant’s impressive wine menu, this is a must-visit for travellers who find themselves in this London neighbourhood. Expect to pay around £40 per person for a meal here.

The Ivy

The Ivy is located at 1-5 West Street in London and is known for its art deco atmosphere that is paired with a modern take on classic British food. If you are looking for must-try foods in London, the cottage pie at The Ivy is a great option. Many patrons swear that the restaurant serves the best version of the classic dish that they have ever eaten. Other standouts include the creamy cauliflower soup, the pan-fried halibut and the steak tartare. Prices per person start at around £41.

Hereford Road Restaurant

The word on the street is that the Hereford Road Restaurant serves up hearty English classics and pairs them with amazing service for £26-£41 per person. Located on Hereford Road, some of the restaurant’s standout items include the grilled Blythburgh pork chop and the roast wood pigeon. This is just a small sampling of the traditional food in London that is waiting for you at this popular eatery.

The English Restaurant

The name of this place says it all. The English Restaurant sounds like the type of spot that serves up classic British food, and that is exactly what it does. It is located on Brushfield Street and is set in a wood-panelled townhouse that dates to the 1600s. The fact that The English Restaurant preserves the authentic feel of a traditional pub is a major plus, but it is the fact that the food delivers that really makes this one a must-visit if you happen to be in the area. A few of the standouts from this London favourite include the Hake served with greens and crispy oyster and the Rib-eye with steak chips, tomatoes, mushrooms and Béarnaise. A meal for one here costs around £30-£49.

The Quality Chop House

Farringdon Road’s The Quality Chop House is a spot that has to be included in any serious list of the best traditional restaurants in London. It offers an a la carte menu, as well as set lunches and a Sunday menu and prices per person are around £40. Standouts include the Cornish monkfish, lobster bisque, bacon and rouille and the Game bird, trimmings – Red Legged partridge. With a name like the Quality Chop House, it goes without saying that items like the Suffolk Barnsley, the Hereford sirloin and the Aberdeen Angus-bone-in rib-eye are must-try options at this perfect example of the best/top British restaurants in London.