The Soho culinary scene is as dynamic as the neighborhood itself.
This London neighborhood is buzzy, high-energy, and packed with eateries in every corner. Simply put, Soho is a foodie’s paradise because there are an endless amount of excellent options.
Soho is the mecca of London’s diverse food scene. While visiting, you’re bound to feel hungry. If you’re planning a meal out in London, Soho is the place to plan your day or evening around.
This guide is organized by occasion. Whether you’re looking to impress out-of-towners or need a casual spot for a networking meet-up, use this guide to pick from the neighborhood’s best spots.
Best for date night
Andrew Edmunds
Set in an 18th-century townhouse, Andrew Edmunds is moody, low-light, and cramped in the best way possible. The intimate vibe makes you want to drink a bottle of wine and swoon over the hand-written menus.
At Andrew Edmunds you feel tucked away from the rest of the world. Time moves a little slower, a little sweeter, and you can feel the thoughtfulness in every detail.
Their menu changes daily, but you can expect elevated, comfort classics. Everything is hearty and made to be shared between lovers, friends, and the ones you love most. There’s no better option for a cozy, romantic date night than Andrew Edmunds.
Best for impressing out of towners
Dishoom
Dishoom is what dreams are made of (my dreams, at least).
Everyone knows that London is home to amazing Indian food. But, Dishoom transcends all your expectations. Dishoom pays tribute to the old classic Irani cafes of Bombay. From the minute you step into the restaurant’s grand, loud, and aromatic interior, it’s hard to not find yourself instantly enamored.
Dishoom brunch is incredibly well-known, but the pure perfection of their all-day menu is a wonder. House Black Daal (yes, please), Murgh Malai chicken (yes, please), Gunpowder Potatoes (yes, please).
I think everyone remembers their first time at this beloved love letter to Bombay. Because of this, it’s the perfect place to impress out-of-towners and give them a meal that’s hard to forget and easy to love.
Best for a celebration meal
Circolo Popolare
Everything about Circolo Popolare screams celebration. This Big Mamma Group restaurant excels in ambiance and decor— it’s what the mega-restaurant group does best, after all. Oftentimes, they deliver experience over substance across their popular London restaurants. However, Circolo Popolare delivers top-notch Italian favorites, service, and a larger-than-life experience that’s hard to replicate.
Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, graduation, or anniversary, this is the place to make it all the more special.
Best for a casual lunch
Bao
Bao is a go-to Soho lunch spot for good reason. They offer a multi-course dim sum lunch special that delivers a quick, cheap, and delicious experience for those who can score a table.
The menu is small and offers dim sum classics alongside unique dishes. Their out-of-the-box bao buns selection, such as fried chicken and fried ice cream, puts boring lunch salads to shame.
Best for afternoon tea
Ham Yard Inn
I cannot stress enough how exquisite Afternoon Tea at Ham Yard Inn is. The Afternoon Tea at Ham Yard Inn is a lesser-talked-about tea experience within central London. However, that makes this hotel a perfectly charming, intimate, and above all delicious, location for a relaxing tea time.
Compared to other hotels that charge upwards of £100 a person, the price is very competitive at £45 a person. But, the price at Ham Yard Inn doesn’t compromise the quality or service of their tea time. And the interior itself is stunning, designed by Kit Kemp, and the tea-time lounge is an oasis of beautiful design and strong prints.
Best for a post show meal
El Pastor
El Pastor is a late night spot serving top-notch Mexican food amid the Soho post-show dinner rush. After catching a show in the West End, El Pastor is my go-to recommendation for those looking for a quality sit down meal that is slightly higher end than the chain-restaurants up and down Piccadilly.
Tucked away behind busy Piccadilly Circus, El Pastor serves sustainably sourced ingredients and makes tortillas daily in-house. Order one of their deliciously smoky mezcal drinks, tacos, and tostadas for one of the best Mexican meals in central London.
Check out the basement bar, Mezcaleria Colmillo for a lively underground scene, where DJs play Wednesday-Saturday.
Best for a coffee meeting
WatchHouse
WatcHouse is a lovely coffee shop scattered throughout the Soho area. Their coffee is rich and nutty and elevates their warm drinks to something magical. They also serve pastries and lunch, making this an equally worthy lunch spot when you’re in the area.
WatcHouse is the ideal location for a coffee meetup. Here, you’re invited to stop in for a quick bite or linger for a few hours— the ambiance welcomes both.
If you’re looking for a place to host a networking meetup, study group, or casual first date, WatcHouse is the place for you.
Best for a unique experience
Arcade Food Hall
Arcade Food Hall is one of the newest food court experiences in central London. Don’t let the unglamorous pretense of a food hall steer you away from this place. I guarantee that Arcade Food Hall is not what you’re expecting!
Once seated, you’re able to order food straight to your table. Therefore, you get great sit-down service in tandem with the freedom and diversity of traditional food halls. Indonesian, Thai, Mexican— you name it, Arcade’s got it.
Take your adventurous food friends to this lively joint near Tottenham Court Road for a different kind of culinary adventure.
Best for solo dining
Paradise Soho
Paradise Soho serves Sri Lankan cuisine with a punch.
Their menu is packed with a perfect blend of hearty, tangy, and downright showstoppers. Paradise Soho is perfect for solo dining because of its laid-back, unpretentious atmosphere. If you’re looking for a solo bite in Soho, grab a seat at the window counter and enjoy some of the best people-watching in London.
Best for breakfast
26 Grains
Tucked away in cozy Neil’s Yard, 26 Grains is the perfect casual spot to enjoy the most important meal of the day. Aptly named, their porridge is out of control. However, they have a varied menu of sweet and savory breakfast options that transcend boring breakfast basics.
Standout dishes like Fried Eggs in Chili Butter and Banana & Tahini reinvent the wheel and reignite what it means to start your day on the right foot.
The neighborhood’s hottest table
Rita’s
Rita’s is the current it-girl of Soho.
It’s not hard to understand why Rita’s is so beloved and sought-after by Soho regulars. Simply put, their menu is simple, sophisticated, and easily lovable. They blend American classics with seasonal British produce in the heart of London.
Besides the food, Rita’s is “sceney” but in a fun way. It’s small and the tables are tightly packed, but you feel in the know with the rest of Soho’s frequent foodies. Lunch or dinner, weekday or weekend, a meal at Rita’s never disappoints.
Worth the wait
Barrafina
One of central London’s most beloved restaurant hot-spots is a small tapas bar tucked away on Dean Street. Barrafina is no-frills, or rather, simply put, it’s delicious.
The atmosphere here is lively and loud, as is the menu. Barrafina is known for their modern tapas that include meats, seafood, and picaderas. Seated at their busy, red-stooled counter, you’re transported to Spain at first bite.
There are a few locations in London, but Dean Street is the og. This location does not take reservations, but you’ll be waiting for a spot at their iconic counter with a glass of crisp sangria in hand.
