11 Best Restaurants in Soho, London: Where to Eat Nearby

Soho is one of London’s most exciting dining destinations. Historic streets buzz with culinary energy from morning until late night.

The area attracts food lovers from around the world. Trendy newcomers and beloved long-standing establishments both call this neighbourhood home.

Finding the perfect restaurant in Soho can feel overwhelming given the sheer number of exceptional dining options packed into this vibrant neighbourhood. From authentic regional cuisines to modern British fare, the narrow streets offer everything from quick bites to sophisticated dining experiences. London remains a world-class food city thanks to Soho’s diverse options.

1) Blacklock Soho

Blacklock Soho sits beneath Great Windmill Street in a former lap dancing club. The basement location creates an intimate, dimly lit atmosphere, far removed from the busy streets above.

The restaurant specialises in perfectly seared meat chops on sharing platters. Chefs cook over charcoal, giving the meat a distinctive smoky flavour that sets it apart from other steakhouses nearby.

Cocktail trolleys add a theatrical touch as staff wheel them between tables and mix drinks tableside. Service strikes the right balance between attentive and relaxed, matching Soho’s laid-back vibe.

Reservations are recommended, especially for Sunday roasts which book up weeks in advance. They also keep tables free for walk-ins, so spontaneous visits are possible with a bit of patience.

📊Rating: 4.7 (4,697 reviews)
📍Location: 24 Great Windmill St, London W1D 7LG
📞Contact: +44 20 3441 6996
🌐Website:Blacklock Soho Website

2) Milk Beach Soho

Milk Beach Soho brings the laid-back Australian dining scene to London’s entertainment district. The restaurant captures a Sydney vibe with sharing plates that make group dining easy.

The menu draws inspiration from Australia’s diverse food culture. Dishes reflect modern Australian cuisine and encourage relaxed, social meals.

Coffee is a highlight, roasted fresh weekly by Album Coffee Roasters. Their head roaster, a two-time UK Coffee Roasting Champion, ensures every cup meets high Australian standards.

The wine list focuses on natural, low-intervention bottles from independent winemakers. Cocktails add a coastal Australian touch, perfect for lunch or the start of a weekend night out.

📊Rating: 4.7 (1,113 reviews)
📍Location: 14 Greek St, James Court, London W1D 4AL
📞Contact: +44 20 4599 4271
🌐Website: Milk Beach Soho Website

3) BAO Soho

BAO Soho serves authentic Taiwanese street food in London’s Carnaby area. This intimate restaurant specialises in steamed milk buns and inventive small plates with traditional flavours.

The wood-furnished space recreates a Taiwanese Xiao Chi house. Dishes include 40-day aged beef rump with aged white soy, pig blood cake with soy-cured egg yolk, and trotter nuggets with burnt chilli sauce.

BAO Soho has earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand for nine consecutive years. With limited seating, booking ahead helps avoid long waits during busy times.

This original location features several exclusive dishes. Service runs all day on weekends, making lunch and dinner visits easy.

📊Rating: 4.7 (8,202 reviews)
📍Location: 53 Lexington St, Carnaby, London W1F 9AS
🌐Website: BAO Soho Website

4) Dishoom Carnaby

Dishoom Carnaby channels the spirit of 1960s Bombay in London’s fashion district. The restaurant reflects an era when young Indians embraced Western culture and rock bands played the latest hits.

The menu offers authentic Bombay comfort food all day. Breakfast features Bacon Naan Rolls and spicy Keema Per Eedu, while lunch and dinner include Paneer Roomali Rolls and Methi Gosht with paratha.

The drinks menu matches the lively atmosphere, with cocktails like the India Gimlet and Premier Padmini Negroni. The Kohinoor Fizz combines gooseberry syrup, gin, and Aperol for a refreshing finish.

Afternoon chai service offers a perfect break between meals. Dishoom mainly welcomes walk-ins, but groups can book during the day and parties of six or more can reserve after 6pm.

📊Rating: 4.7 (21,309 reviews)
📍Location: 22 Kingly St, Carnaby, London W1B 5QP
📞Contact: +44 20 7420 9322
🌐Website: Dishoom Carnaby Website

5) Brasserie Zedel

Brasserie Zedel brings grand Parisian dining to Piccadilly. The restaurant occupies a stunning 1930s art deco building, transporting guests to a classic French brasserie.

The menu focuses on traditional French dishes at excellent value. Their prix-fixe menu offers two courses for £16.95, making French cuisine accessible to everyone.

The atmosphere buzzes with energy. Live piano music starts at 5:30pm, followed by house bands from 8pm for an authentic brasserie experience.

The venue also houses ZL Café for casual dining, Bar Américain for cocktails, and Crazy Coqs cabaret. Brasserie Zedel opens Monday to Saturday from noon to 11pm, with Sunday service until 4pm.

📊Rating: 4.5 (9,533 reviews)
📍Location: 20 Sherwood St, London W1F 7ED
📞Contact: +44 20 7734 4888
🌐Website: Brasserie Zedel Website

6) Bocca di Lupo

This glamorous Italian restaurant serves authentic regional cuisine in Soho. The intimate space features a marble-topped counter where diners watch chefs prepare dishes from across Italy.

The menu offers small and large plates, letting guests sample various specialities. Chefs make gelati, breads, sausages, and pasta in-house, while sourcing other ingredients directly from Italy.

The restaurant highlights obscure and delicious dishes from Italian regions. Diners enjoy handmade pasta, truffled radish salad, and a wine list praised by critics and food writers.

The setting feels both lively and cosy, with a chef’s counter offering prime views of the open kitchen. Dogs are welcome at designated counter seats by the window, and a private dining room serves larger groups.

📊Rating: 4.6 (3,442 reviews)
📍Location: 12 Archer St, London W1D 7BB
📞Contact: +44 20 7734 2223
🌐Website: Bocca di Lupo Website

7) Bill’s Soho Restaurant

Bill’s Soho sits in the heart of London on Brewer Street. The restaurant operates as a contemporary European chain with a bright, welcoming atmosphere.

The menu covers breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner. Diners find classic British dishes, European options, hamburgers, and cafe-style food.

The space includes a main dining area and a semi-private room with sliding doors for groups or business meetings. Staff are friendly, and service runs smoothly even during busy periods.

Bill’s Soho works well for casual dining, whether for a quick breakfast, brunch, or evening meal with friends. The central Soho location makes it easy to reach from anywhere in central London.

📊Rating: 4.5 (9,401 reviews)
📍Location: 36-44 Brewer St, London W1F 9TB
📞Contact: +44 20 8054 5400
🌐Website: Bill’s Soho Website

8) Mildreds Soho

Mildreds Soho has served plant-based cuisine in central London since 1988. This flagship vegetarian restaurant sits on Lexington Street, just minutes from Oxford Circus and Tottenham Court Road stations.

The menu offers globally inspired dishes using organic, seasonal produce. Guests can enjoy hearty breakfasts and creative dinner plates, all vegan or vegetarian.

Gluten-free, nut-free, and soy-free alternatives are available for various dietary needs. The atmosphere feels welcoming and relaxed, with both indoor and outdoor seating.

Dogs are welcome, making it a popular spot for locals with pets. Breakfast starts at 9am, and the restaurant stays open until 11pm Monday through Saturday, closing a bit earlier on Sundays.

Mildreds features separate menus for breakfast, brunch, and pre-theatre dining. The cocktail selection pairs well with the food, creating a complete dining experience in Soho.

📊Rating: 4.6 (6,376 reviews)
📍Location: 45 Lexington St, Carnaby, London W1F 9AN
📞Contact: +44 20 7494 1634
🌐Website: Mildreds Soho Website

9) Scarlett Green

Scarlett Green is a vibrant breakfast and brunch spot on Noel Street. The bi-level space buzzes with energy from morning until evening.

The menu draws inspiration from Antipodean cuisine with creative touches. Fresh ingredients and unique preparation make each dish memorable.

Breakfast options range from classics to inventive combinations. The restaurant’s lively atmosphere feels inviting, and both levels offer comfortable seating with different vibes.

Service moves efficiently even during busy weekend brunch hours. Scarlett Green also serves dinner and operates as a dinner theatre venue.

The drinks menu features specialty coffees and creative cocktails. These beverages complement the food and add to the overall experience.

📊Rating: 4.8 (9,594 reviews)
📍Location: 4 Noel St, London W1F 8GB, United Kingdom
📞Contact: +44 20 3653 2010
🌐Website: Scarlett Green Website

10) Noble Rot Soho

Noble Rot Soho offers an elegant yet cosy dining experience on Greek Street. The restaurant specialises in modern European cuisine with expertly prepared seafood and meat dishes.

The wine list stands out as impressive. Staff share their knowledge and provide excellent recommendations to pair with meals.

The space feels intimate and welcoming. The atmosphere balances refined dining with a relaxed vibe.

The menu highlights quality ingredients prepared with skill. Dishes showcase seasonal produce and classic European techniques.

📊Rating: 4.6 (665 reviews)
📍Location: 2 Greek St, London W1D 4NB, United Kingdom
📞Contact: +44 20 7183 8190
🌐Website: Noble Rot Soho Website

11) Barrafina Dean Street

This cosy Spanish tapas bar brings authentic flavours to Soho. Counter-style seating lets guests watch chefs prepare each small plate.

The menu focuses on traditional Spanish tapas with fresh seafood as a highlight. Dishes arrive quickly from the open kitchen, showcasing quality ingredients.

The octopus and jamón ibérico are must-try options. The wine selection features excellent Spanish varieties, especially sherries that pair well with the food.

Service moves at a brisk pace, matching the lively atmosphere of this no-reservations spot. Expect to queue during peak hours, but the wait is worthwhile.

The bar-style setup creates an authentic Spanish experience in London. Dining here feels unique compared to typical London restaurants.

📊Rating: 4.5 (2,874 reviews)
📍Location: 26-27 Dean St, London W1D 3LL, United Kingdom
🌐Website: Barrafina Dean Street Website

Dining Atmosphere and Experiences

Soho’s restaurants create memorable experiences through thoughtful interiors and high service standards. The neighbourhood features everything from intimate dim-lit spaces to vibrant open kitchens with modern design.

Trendy Ambience and Interior Design

Soho restaurants use distinctive design styles that reflect their food. BAO offers an intimate counter-dining experience with marble surfaces and warm lighting that encourages interaction between diners and chefs.

Many venues combine exposed brick walls and industrial elements with modern touches. Greek Street spots often have floor-to-ceiling windows that fill spaces with natural light during the day.

Open kitchen concepts let guests watch the cooking process. These spaces often include:

Polished concrete floors
Copper and brass accents
Statement lighting fixtures
Bar seating overlooking the kitchen

Jazz clubs with dining offer moody settings with deep leather seating and dim lighting. Some places feature unique touches like champagne service buttons at tables.

Service Quality and Hospitality Standards

Soho restaurants maintain high service standards to match their food. Staff know the menu and wine pairings well, especially in places serving speciality cuisines.

Table service varies by venue. Fine dining spots provide formal service with multiple courses paced throughout the evening. Casual restaurants focus on friendly, efficient service that suits Soho’s fast pace.

Many restaurants hire staff with expertise in their cuisine. Thai restaurants have servers who explain cooking methods and spice levels. Italian spots feature knowledgeable wine service.

Reservation systems work efficiently at most venues. Some popular places accept walk-ins during certain hours. Advance booking is needed at peak times, especially on weekends.

Tips for Booking and Visiting Soho Restaurants

Soho restaurants fill up quickly during busy times, so plan ahead. Most places accommodate dietary needs with advance notice.

Peak Times and Reservation Advice

Friday and Saturday evenings are the busiest times in Soho. Restaurants often book up 2-3 weeks in advance during these periods.

Weekday lunches offer better availability, especially between 12:00 and 14:00. Top restaurants have shorter waits from Tuesday to Thursday.

Last-minute bookings are possible through apps like OpenTable or by calling directly. Some places hold tables for walk-ins, but expect queues.

Prime dinner slots (19:00-21:00) go quickly. Try booking for 18:00 or after 21:30 for better chances.

Theatre district timing affects availability. Book before show times (usually 19:30-20:00) or plan for post-theatre dining after 22:30.

Most restaurants accept online bookings up to 30 days ahead. Phone bookings work better for groups of six or more.

Navigating Dietary Requirements

Vegetarian and vegan options are common in Soho. Call ahead to discuss plant-based preferences with staff.

Gluten-free menus are available at most established venues. Tell restaurants about coeliac needs when booking to ensure proper preparation.

Allergen information appears on all menus by law. Staff receive training on cross-contamination, but talking with managers helps if you have severe allergies.

Religious dietary needs like halal or kosher require advance notice. Many Soho restaurants are familiar with these requirements.

Chefs often accommodate dish modifications. Sharing dietary details when booking lets kitchens prepare suitable alternatives.

Conclusion

Soho’s dining scene offers something for every taste and budget. From intimate Asian spots to classic European bistros, these 11 restaurants show why Soho is one of London’s top foodie destinations.

The variety means residents enjoy world-class meals just steps from home. Whether you want a quick dinner or a special occasion meal, Soho delivers excellent options.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Visitors often have questions about dining in Soho, from Michelin-starred spots to affordable options. The area attracts celebrities and food lovers, with famous streets offering diverse culinary experiences.

Are there any Michelin star restaurants in Soho?

Yes, Soho has several Michelin-starred restaurants. Gauthier Soho holds a Michelin star and serves exceptional French cuisine in an elegant Georgian townhouse.

Social Eating House is another Michelin-starred venue. It offers modern British dishes with creative presentations.

Bob Bob Ricard is also known for high culinary standards and its famous “Press for Champagne” button at every table.

What is the best lunch in Soho, London?

BAO Soho serves excellent Taiwanese steamed buns for lunch. The small plates are ideal for a quick midday meal.

Dishoom Carnaby offers outstanding Indian cuisine. Their black daal and biryanis make great lunch choices.

Brasserie Zedel provides classic French brasserie fare. The set lunch menu offers good value in elegant surroundings.

Where do celebrities eat in Soho?

The Ivy is a traditional celebrity hotspot. Many actors and musicians dine at this long-established restaurant.

Chiltern Firehouse attracts high-profile guests and combines fine dining with a stylish bar.

Dean Street Townhouse is another celebrity favourite. The restaurant sits in a historic Georgian building and serves British cuisine.

What is Soho in London famous for?

Soho is famous for its diverse dining scene. The area features everything from street food to Michelin-starred restaurants.

The neighbourhood is known for its theatre district, and many restaurants cater to pre and post-theatre dining.

Chinatown is part of Soho and offers authentic Chinese cuisine and cultural experiences.

What is the coolest street in SoHo London?

Dean Street is one of the coolest streets in SoHo. It has trendy restaurants, historic pubs, and cultural venues.

Old Compton Street offers vibrant nightlife. You can find many restaurants, bars, and cafés there.

Wardour Street mixes dining with entertainment. Film companies and restaurants fill this busy street.

What is the best affordable restaurants Soho?

Milk Beach Soho serves reasonably priced Australian-inspired dishes.

The brunch menu offers great value for money.

Blacklock Soho offers quality steaks at fair prices.

The Sunday roast attracts many diners.

Chinatown has many affordable restaurants.

Dumplings Legend and Gerrard’s Corner serve authentic cuisine at budget-friendly prices.