Until the late 1990s, the City of London was pretty much a no-go area for serious foodies. Sure, there were wine bars aplenty and a handful of high-end lunch venues for client entertaining. But for anything in the slightest bit contemporary, fashionable or fun, Square Mile diners had to take their expense accounts to the West End.
2 Angel Court, 30 Throgmorton Street, City of London, London, EC2R 7HJ
This is barbecue but not as you know it - Temper isn’t bound by any boring realms of convention. Instead, expect a cuisine-hopping menu which runs from sweet and spicy pork ribs to beef brisket carnitas.
£30 - £49
South American
Barbecue
19 Bloomberg Arcade, London, EC4N 8AR
Lina Stores' third restaurant offers an intimate mezzanine, lively ground floor and authentic Italian cuisine, including duck and porcini ravioli, tagliolini with black truffle, grilled prawns and tiramisu.
36 Broadgate Circle, Liverpool Street, London, EC2M 1QS
Really very good tapas is what José Pizarro is well known for, and his City site doesn’t disappoint. Don’t miss the house croquetas, the carved-to-order jamón ibérico or the octopus a la plancha – all heavenly.
34 Threadneedle Street, Liverpool Street, London, EC2R 8AY
Straightforward British cookery makes this a solid banker for when you need a crowd-pleaser to impress clients with. Built for business, expect plenty of formality plus smartly dressed tables and well-paced service.
St Katharine Docks, London, E1W 1AT
Bright and airy interiors combine with a richly robust menu of classic Spanish flavours for the perfect relaxed venue. The whipped-to-order-aioli is a signature, and don’t skip the grilled octopus either – it is very good.
Pan Pacific Hotel, Liverpool Street, London, EC3A 7AB
Celebrating some of Singapore’s best flavours within contemporary dishes, Strait’s Kitchen at Pan Pacific London is just a stone’s throw from Liverpool Street Station and is an ideal spot for an impressive work meeting or a memorable dinner.
2-8 Bloomberg Arcade, City of London, London, EC4N 8AR
Ekte offers hungry city dwellers truly authentic Scandinavian food (its name does mean real or genuine, after all). Enjoy meats, fish and vegetables from Britain, prepared the Scandi way, with takeaway available for snacking on the go.
39 Queen Victoria Street, City of London, London, EC4N 4SA
One of just a small handful of old-timers left in The City, Sweetings will transport you to years gone by. Shellfish platters, oysters and simply cooked, generous seafood mains are what keep people coming back.
1-5 Bloomberg Arcade, City of London, London, EC4N 8AR
Sibling site to Michelin-starred Gymkhana, Brigadiers offers up a similar level of interesting Indian fare. The niche here is Indian barbecue, so expect grills front and centre. Live sport plus pool tables also feature.
13 Philpot Lane, City of London, London, EC3M 8AA
An industrially styled dining room plays background to a menu of richly meaty mains. The must order? The ‘All in’ - a stack of beef, lamb and pork chops served on meat-juice-soaked, crisp flatbread. Absolute heaven.
110 Bishopsgate, City of London, London, EC2N 4AY
Cracking vistas of the capital's skyline from this 40th-floor restaurant makes it a great place to grab breakfast while you watch the sun come up. Open through ‘till midnight, late-night dining is also available.
27 Poultry, City of London, London, EC2R 8AJ
Soak up the buzz of The Ned's grand dining hall while tucking into plates of lobster spaghetti or puffed up pizzas. This much-loved global chain does a very good job of demonstrating why Italian food is such a universal favourite.
10-12 Bloomberg Arcade, London, EC4N 8AR
This buzzy udon noodle bar in Bloomberg Arcade is a lesson in Japanese minimalism thanks to cool wooden interiors and hanging spotlights suspended above the counter. Alongside freshly-made noodle bowls, guests can also tuck into a range of small plates at this City site.
40-42 Middlesex Street, London, E1 7EX
While the Square Mile certainly isn’t at a loss for steak places, this is a relaxed venue which is altogether rarer. Here you’ll find a warm welcome and a solid steak list, no tie necessary.
£30 - £49
Steak
Argentinian
Heron Tower, City of London, London, EC2N 4AY
A slightly unconventional combination of Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian food somehow miraculously works here, thanks to deft handling from the kitchen. Floor to ceiling views of London’s skyline are guaranteed to impress out of towners.
£50 - £79
South American
Japanese
South Place Hotel, Moorgate, London, EC2M 2AF
The proud holder of a Michelin star, Angler in The City also boasts an outdoor terrace and a stunning seafood-focused menu. Don’t skip a tartare to start and go all-in on lobster for mains.
Over £80
Fish
One Michelin star
SquareMeal London Top 100
Bleeding Heart Yard, Farringdon, London, EC1N 8SJ
Classic French cookery and old-world interiors combine here to create a comfortable ambiance, making it the perfect spot for entertaining. Expect dishes like moules marinière or lapin à la moutarde followed by chocolate mousse.
9 Devonshire Square, Liverpool Street, London, EC2M 4YL
Vivek Singh’s signature style sings here with bold, colourful dishes of contemporary Indian food. Watch the chefs at work via the open kitchen as you await plates of things like Keralan curry or chicken biryani.
£30 - £49
Vegan
Afternoon tea
Indian
Halal
11 Old Jewry, City of London, London, EC2R 8DU
Carefully sourced steaks are cooked over the grill and priced by weight which gives this City restaurant a very American feeling. A selection of sides and steak-friendly wines completes the setup for a carnivorous crowd-pleaser.
£50 - £79
North American
Steak
24th Floor, Tower 42, 25 Old Broad Street, Liverpool Street, London, EC2N 1HQ
Michelin-starred chef Jason Atherton’s calling card is playful food that carefully balances substance as well as style. Here you’ll be treated to great views and a menu of classic dishes given a modern twist.
£50 - £79
Modern European
British
One Michelin star
77 Gracechurch Street, City of London, London, EC3V 0AS
Tucked away in the City's iconic Leadenhall Market, Langbourns is a sophisticated seafood restaurant with dark wooden interiors and squishy deep green leather seating. If you're headed there for the first time then the restaurant's signature Colchester rock oysters are a must!
£30 - £49
Modern European
Steak
Cheese
Burgers
British
Fish and Chips
Wine Bars
56 Chiswell Street, Barbican, London, EC1Y 4SA
Sister restaurant to the next-door Jugged Hare, Chiswell Street Dining Rooms has been serving the good people of The City for years. The vibe is subtly luxurious, with unpretentious food made from the best ingredients.
10 Basinghall Street, City of London, London, EC2V 5BQ
You know what you’re getting with a Hawksmoor – top quality steak, expertly cooked over the grill. The result is rich, perfectly seasoned meat accompanied by tempting sides like creamed spinach or crisp, beef fat chips.
30 St Mary Axe, City of London, London, EC3A 8EP
Sitting on the 39th floor of the Gherkin, diners come for the views but stay for the food. With a focus on seasonal, British produce, experience beautifully executed dishes against the backdrop of the city skyline.
£30 - £49
British
International
120 Fenchurch Street, City of London, London, EC3M 5BA
One of the more impressive looking establishments on the list, 14 Hills is sure to wow you and your guests. Brimming with foliage, this chic destination boasts a food and wine menu to match.
17-22 Leadenhall Market, London, EC3V 1LR
Uncomplicated French food in an unpretentious setting is what Luc’s is all about. Think roast hake, entrecôte steak, Toulouse sausages with lentils or a niçoise. An all-French wine list adds a certain je ne sais quoi.
The Courtyard, The Royal Exchange, City of London, London, EC3V 3LR
Wonderfully British dishes have been given a luxurious touch at Fortnum’s City site for wide-ranging appeal. Think Scotch eggs with piccalilli, steak and chips or a loud and proud knickerbocker with a toasted marshmallow top.
£50 - £79
British
Afternoon tea
10 Trinity Square, London, EC3N 4AJ
Mei Ume somehow manages to seamlessly combine Chinese and Japanese cuisine in its luxe home at the Four Seasons. While this food might not come cheap, it’s worth the spend if you’re looking to impress.
Four Seasons Hotel London at Ten Trinity Square, Tower Hill, London, EC3N 4AJ
Run by the inimitable Anne-Sophie Pic (whose restaurant in France holds three Michelin stars), this is fine-dining at its best. Luxurious ingredients and eye-widening flavours make this the perfect place for all-out, impressive, celebratory meals.
Over £80
French
Two Michelin stars
2-3 Threadneedle Walk, 60 Threadneedle Street, City of London, London, EC2R 8HP
A slick, dimmed dining room gives way to a brightly lit focal point; the meat cabinet, showcasing top-class steak. Kick things off with plates from the raw menu before plumping for Japanese or Argentinean steaks.
58 Gresham Street, City of London, London, EC2V 7BB
A classic all-day bar and restaurant, The Anthologist boasts plenty of space, a huge menu and plenty of choice when it comes to drinks. As such, everyone - including children - is well catered to.
1 Lombard Street, City of London, London, EC3V 9AA
1 Lombard Street Brasserie is found in an impressive former bank building, complete with lavish interiors and a central domed skylight. Menus are designed by Mark Hix and showcase his love of robust, seasonal flavours.
£50 - £79
Modern European
British
Broadgate Circle, Spitalfields, London, EC2M 2QS
People flock to Yauatcha for the brand’s precision-made dim sum (buttery venison puffs are a must). There is also a short menu of more substantial Chinese classics like stir-fried beef rib-eye with black bean sauce.
80 Houndsditch, City of London, London, EC3A 7AB
The Orchid Lounge at Pan Pacific is a great spot for a drink, meal or even afternoon tea with a view. Ideal for drinks receptions, this chic lounge oozes comfort and relaxation.
3 Three Quays Walk, Tower Hill, London, EC3R 6AH
With its impressive location right on the water, Coppa Club Tower Bridge offers the feel of a members club without the hefty price tag. Enjoy all day dining, a laptop friendly space and a European-inspired menu.
Unit K, Ivory House , Tower Hill, London, E1W 1AT
On a nice day in St Katharine Docks, the lapping water and tinkle of boat rigging could lull you into feeling like you’re somewhere on the Med. Add a glass of white wine and a few plates of the freshest seafood and you’re practically there.
Andaz London Liverpool Street Hotel, Liverpool Street, London, EC2M 7QN
Found within the Andaz London Liverpool Street Hotel, Eastway Brasserie has a relaxed yet buzzy atmosphere - a perfect spot to catch up with friends or meet with colleagues without feeling too formal. Lots of natural light and impressive pillars give the restaurant a glam Parisian feel.
£30 - £49
Brasserie
International
77-82 Whitechapel High Street, Aldgate, London, E1 7QX
Housed in the distinctive Whitechapel Gallery, Townsend is a modern British cafe and dining room, offering an ever-changing seasonal menu. Expect the likes of Portland crab tart with tarragon mayo or trout with poached winter vegetables and green sauce.
£30 - £49
Modern European
British
SquareMeal London Top 100
157a Commercial Street, Spitalfields, London, E1 6BJ
The original – and some would say, best – site for Hawksmoor hasn’t lost its allure after all these years (having first opened in 2006). Book drinks in the glitzy basement bar before enjoying some serious steak upstairs.
107-112 Leadenhall Street, London, London, EC3A 4DP
Despite its retro Art Deco inspired interiors, Caravaggio manages to stay relevant through its modern menu, which dispels the stereotype of City Italians. Starters might feature Jerusalem artichoke soup while mains could bring a saffron risotto.
31-33 Throgmorton Street, City of London, London, EC2N 2AT
Coya’s Peruvian food has proved perennially popular thanks to a menu of vibrant flavours, colours and textures. Part of the appeal lies in the bar's very good pisco sours, which help mealtimes to go swimmingly.
Over £80
Peruvian
South American
35 Spital Square, Spitalfields, London, E1 6DY
The converted church setting of Galvin La Chapelle makes any old evening feel like a grand occasion. Dishes include classics like truffle pasta and tarte tatin, and on Sundays, there’s a great roast to boot.
Over £80
Vegetarian
Vegan
French
One Michelin star
1 Poultry, City of London, London, EC2R 8EJ
A long-standing favourite, Coq d'Argent is charmingly luxurious with its fine French menu and traditional, old-school service. A roof terrace adds allure on summer evenings – a perfect spot for pre-dinner drinks.
The Square Mile diners, in fact, was how SquareMeal started. Keen to provide a guide on where to grab a decent bite to eat after work should your office be found around St Paul’s, the team here got to work creating a failsafe list of recommendations for locals to rely on. Thirty years on and we might have expanded out of The City of London, but we’ve maintained our soft spot for this little corner of the capital.
And how things have changed in those thirty years since we got to work uncovering the first hidden culinary gems of EC. Now, there are over 1000 restaurants in City of London, many of which are not just cutting edge in the culinary department, but also located in some of the most dramatic settings. We’d go as far as to say it’s a dining destination in its own rights these days. From the high-end thrills of skyscraper dining and haute-cuisine sophistication to more affordable sharing plates of tapas and dim-sum, here is our handpicked selection of the best restaurants in the City of London.
As it turns out, finding a decent bite to eat in The City isn’t tricky at all, with quite literally hundreds of restaurants to choose from within its postcode. Once you’ve tried each of the top picks in the area, why not spread your wings just that little bit further? These are, in our humble opinion, the best restaurants in Shoreditch - The City’s trendy next-door neighbour. There you'll find some slightly more hipster options, as well as plenty of refined eateries that are sure to impress your friends and colleagues alike. Alternatively, you can head into the centre, where we can guide you to the best restaurants in Covent Garden - another of London's food capitals. Consistently buzzy, this area is always changing, especially when it comes to restaurants. In our experience, there's practically a new opening as much as twice a week here. Check out our list so you can keep up!