19 of the best restaurants to eat in the City of London

Eat the world! Not literally of course, but a metaphorical journey around the world via fabulous cuisine is a real possibility in the City. In fact, when it comes to fine dining almost all continents are squeezed into the Square Mile (Antarctica is allowed a pass here).

‘Melting pot of cultures’ may be a cliche but it rings true in this part of London, thanks to centuries of trade and immigration attracting people from across the globe. Today, that melting pot is serving up some exceptional cuisine thanks to the arrival of some of the world’s best chefs and restauranteurs.

Book your international dining experience at one of these superb restaurants, from special suppers to casual lunch spots.

Eat Asia

The Ivy is a bit of a legend in the restaurant world and One New Change outpost The Ivy Asia is one of the latest additions to the group. It’s a decadent setting for a luxurious Japanese menu where you can feast on dishes such as Robatayaki sea bass with fresh truffle salad.

19 best restaurants to eat in the City of London - The Ivy Asia St Paul's - vibrant restaurant interior, asian style curved roof over bar, large red blossom covered tree among dinning tables

If that gives you a taste for more sushi, book at table at SUSHISAMBA for a high-end dining experience (literally – it features Europe’s highest outdoor dining terrace). Here your palate will be tickled with the sushi and tempura of Japan alongside Peruvian ceviche and Brazilian churrasco.

On to China (via Broadgate) for a Cantonese dim sum teahouse in the heart of the City. Yauatcha City is serving up delicate dumplings filled with lobster, Wagyu beef and venison, with plenty of vegan choice too. The chefs also run dim sum masterclasses so you know you’re in expert hands.

For a taste of India, a visit to Vivek Singh’s Cinnamon Kitchen is a must. Merging classical Indian dishes with modern flavours and Western techniques, Singh has earned a global reputation as one of the masters of Indian fine dining. From vegetarian sharing feasts to BBQ brunches on the terrace, appetites will be sated.

19 best restaurants to eat in the City of London - Cinnamon Kitchen - wooden table with a spread of dishes and drinks, curry and fried snacks

Eat Europe

Comfort food for a special occasion is what’s on the menu at Bob Bob Ricard City. Head chef Ben Hobson oversees the fusion menu which reinvents French and British classics with fine ingredients. Settle into a glamorous booth, feast on beef wellington or salmon tartare with caviar and top off the evening with a tap on their famous ‘Press for Champagne’ button.

Exceptional French cuisine can be found at La Dame de Pic London where chef Anne-Sophie Pic, the only current French female chef to hold three Michelin stars, brings her expertise to a menu which promises unexpected taste sensations.

19 best restaurants to eat in the City of London - La Dame de Pic London - high end dish, a bowl of white foam piece of fish covered in black caviar

With a cuisine paying homage to traditional fare from the Gascony region of southwest France, Club Gascon has held a Michelin star for over 20 years. With chef-patron Pascal Aussignac at the helm, seasonal menus take you on a journey through Gascony via veal with sea urchin, truffled pea tartlet, and vegetarian ‘faux gras’ with green moss.

19 best restaurants to eat in the City of London - Club Gascon - table covered in green seaweed, green veg and a red lobster tail in a bowl of red faom

If you’re in love with Italian cuisine, a visit to Eataly, London’s biggest Italian food destination, is essenziale. This cluster of shops and eateries celebrates fine Italian ingredients and traditional cooking techniques from Venice to Puglia and everywhere in between. Eat hay-smoked free range beef fillet or charred heirloom cauliflower at Terra, the wood-burning bar and grill, or enjoy classics cooked to perfection at Pasta e Pizza.

Taking inspiration from their heritage and ancient Turkish cooking techniques, the founders of Haz bring authentic eastern Mediterranean flavours to the heart of the City. Expect traditional meze with grilled meat, seafood and vegetables at their four City-based restaurants. If we’re blessed with Mediterranean-style weather, make the most of the outdoor area at their St Paul’s branch.

Eat the Americas

A lot of good things come out of Peru – just look at Paddington Bear – and Coya City is one of them. With a menu bursting with traditional and experimental Peruvian flavours married with Japanese, Chinese and Spanish cooking techniques, you can chow down on ceviche, pulled pork and tortillas in a lively Latin dining space.

19 best restaurants to eat in the City of London - Coya - long bar with decorative patterened bar front

Eat Africa

It’s rustic South African fare over at Vivat Bacchus in Farringdon. Whether it’s ostrich fillet from the braai or crocodile goujons and Karoo-style pulled lamb, rare meats (and not-so-rare vegetarian dishes) can be washed down with fine wines (you’re welcome to browse their cellar if you fancy something off-menu).

19 best restaurants to eat in the City of London - Vivat Bacchus - table of bottle and glasses of white and red wine, cheese boards and large full and quarter sections of cheese wheels in the background

Casual lunch spots

Continuing the whistle-stop tour, there are plenty of lunch options to transport you around the world.

Bloomberg Arcade on Watling Street (a lost portion of a Roman road) is a world cuisine go-to destination housing Poké House (Hawaiian), award-winning Bleeker Burger (North American), Brigadiers (Indian), Ekte (Scandinavia), Lina Stores (Italian deli), Koya (renowned for their Japanese udon noodles) and Caravan (a global menu curated by well-travelled New Zealanders).

19 best restaurants to eat in the City of London - Brigadiers - table with a spread of dishes and beer, roast chicken, steak, burger, chips and corn

Broadgate Circle is another globetrotter’s feast with Lebanese flavours at Comptoir Libanais, Bar Douro City for Portuguese fare, and a breezy Aussie menu at Beany Green Broadgate (the cafe group’s other City branches are Barbie Green near the Barbican and Paradise Green on Bishopsgate).

19 best restaurants to eat in the City of London - Beany Green - exterior view of restaurant and neighbouring restaurants, balcony seating

You can also dine on a range of international foods at Leadenhall Market. At brand new Argentinian Grill, enjoy delicious flame cooked meats alongside popular South American sides including Provenzal fries, sweet potato and empanadas. Other fine speciality foods can be found at La Viña (open weekdays) a particular favourite with the lunchtime crowd – relax with tapas and a drink from the UK’s first rioja bar. Under the same impressive roof is Osteria del Mercato (open weekdays), serving up authentic Italian lunch or supper.

Super tasty, but quick and easy global bites can be found at street food markets in Paternoster Square (open daily throughout the summer & pre-Christmas, and monthly at other times) - or head just over the border to Spitalfields Market and grab global food on-the-go from the permanent food stalls. Keep an eye out for pop-up street food stalls around the City too - something tasty from Greece or Jamaica could be just around the corner.

Discover More Food and Drink

See All