Best Restaurants in Soho

Start with

Grand Dîner Tasting Menu

This 9 to 10-course experience is the definitive way to experience the restaurant, which feels like visiting an 'incredibly posh friend' in a Soho townhouse where entry is granted by ringing a bell.

Start with

Choux Bun with Duck Liver Parfait & Tokaji Jelly

A signature 'one-bite treat' where the sweet Tokaji jelly is described as 'excellent,' providing the perfect decadent start to the meal.

Start with

Cheese & Onion Croquettes

Universally praised as some of the 'best' critics have ever had, these golden, gooey bites of Montgomery’s Cheddar are described as 'sharp, flavourful and oh-so addictive.'

Start with

Confit Garlic & Goat's Curd

A length of sourdough sourdough toast 'slathered' in curd and olive oil, served with a confit bulb of garlic providing 'soft, translucent pearls' to smear over the bread.

Start with

Jujeh Kabab

A reliable crowd-pleaser consisting of chicken breast that 'does its job' as a perfectly charred 'empty canvas for a squeeze of lime.'

Start with

Dressed Crab

Described by critics as part of a 'hand-scrawled poem to traditional' bistro cooking, this dish represents the reliable, 'unreconstructed' style the restaurant is famous for.

Start with

Smoked Eel Sandwich

Consistently cited by critics as a 'must' and a signature of the house, this dish is the cornerstone of Jeremy Lee's 'hearty, British, seasonal cuisine.'

Start with

Truffle Pudding

A universally acclaimed Simon Rogan signature, this savory bread and butter pudding is often served with a black garlic emulsion and is described by Hot Dinners as a 'rather good' and highly desirable addition to the meal.

Start with

Panko Pork Toast

An 'unalloyed wonder' and a 'filthy snack' praised by all critics; it features golden, breaded cutlets of porcine fried bread topped with a 'drippy fried egg' and savory XO sauce.

Start with

Tagliatelle with Beef and Pork Ragu

Regarded as a Soho institution staple, this 'yolk-yellow' handmade pasta is dressed in a 'rich, vinous, slow-cooked' sauce that critics say you'd be pleased to find in Italy.

Start with

Falafel

Unanimously praised by critics; distinctive doughnut-shaped discs that are crispy, sesame-studded, and fluffy.

Start with

Shaved Radish, Celeriac & Pecorino Salad

This Umbrian-inspired dish is a menu staple; critics highlight it as a standout example of the kitchen's 'unfancy charm' and regional focus.

Start with

Mutton Rolls

Universally praised across all reviews as the perfect crunchy, spicy starter; described as 'a thick but crisp spring roll heavily filled with grown-up spiced sheep'.

Start with

Egg Hopper

A "beautiful object" that is "friable at the edges" and "irresistible" for tearing pieces off to mop up sauces and chutneys.

Start with

Berlin Chicken Doner

The signature item featuring grilled vegetables, feta crumbs, and garlic sauce for the authentic Berlin experience.

Start with

Bone Marrow Pho

Recognized as the restaurant's 'signature Pho,' it is noted as 'incredible value' on the lunch menu. While some critics find the broth itself lacking fragrance, the 'incredibly thin slices of beef' are widely praised for their quality.

Start with

Mince and Potatoes

Commonly cited as the restaurant's signature dish, it is a comforting British classic that embodies the 'thoroughly soothing experience' noted by critics.

Start with

Assiette de Fruits de Mer

Described as a 'massive' and 'expert fish dish,' this towering display of seafood is the centerpiece of the restaurant's 'buzzy' and 'Parisian' atmosphere.

Start with

The All In

Regarded as the 'main purpose of the place,' this mixed pile of beef, pork, and lamb chops is 'vigorously seasoned' and served over flatbread that acts as a 'treat' by soaking up all the juices.

Start with

Pineapple Rib Tomato

Hot Dinners claims this is 'the best tomato dish being served in London right now,' featuring smoked cream and toasted nori that left the reviewers 'obsessed.'

Start with

Nigiri Selection

With chefs from the acclaimed Roji, the sushi is technically flawless—expect fatty tuna that evaporates in your mouth and perfectly sweet squid.

Start with

KDP Corn Dog

The restaurant's signature street snack—half mozzarella, half hot dog, battered and dusted with sugar and ketchup/mustard.

Start with

Fish Bhorta

The essential must-order item supplied by the editor.

Start with

Food hall selection

A diverse array of top-tier London kitchens all under one roof, ensuring there is a high-quality option for every craving.

Start with

Steak Haché

A 'French hamburger' that is delicious and tender, done to perfection.

Start with

Beef Nikutama Udon

The sweet short-rib beef and soft poached onsen egg combination is the crowd-pleaser that balances the chewy noodles perfectly.

Start with

Smoked mackerel with fresh herbs and leaves on a bed of udon with a sensationally good sauce

A cold dish that was 'so vividly flavoured, and yet also so fresh and (thanks to the veg) so sharply green-tasting, that it added up to a perfect winter cheerer-up.' The noodles had 'a mystifying depth of flavour and a perfect texture'.

Start with

Classic Pork Bao

A must-order signature described as 'top-dollar' by critics, featuring tender pork, peanut powder, and fermented greens in a fluffy, pillowy bun.

Start with

Tangra Chilli Garlic Prawns

Drawing influence from Kolkata’s Chinatown, these are described by critics as accurately cooked with 'punchy' spicing and 'plenty of garlic'.

Start with

Cappuccino

A "frothy cappuccino" prepared on a legendary Gaggia espresso machine that has been "choking away" since the café's early days; it is credited with easing patrons out of "jet-lagged haze."

Start with

Tableside Langoustines

A long-standing 'SOLA classic' that provides 'tableside theatre' by flambéing the shellfish with Hibiki 12-year-old whisky before serving it with duck liver tortellini and a ginger oden dashi.

Start with

Beef Atsu-Atsu

The tender brisket and perfectly balanced hot broth make this a comforting, benchmark bowl for first-timers.

Start with

Omakase

Andy Hayler recommends letting the chef decide on the food to experience high-quality selections like bonito with spicy soy and uni chawanmushi.

Start with

Pig Bun (Char Siu)

The signature savoury bun; fluffy dough filled with sticky, fatty BBQ pork belly. The popular char siu bun will still be on the menu.

Start with

Mussel with Citrus Kosho Ponzu

Universally praised as a 'very tasty' one-bite opener that provides a fresh, acidic start to the 16-course tasting menu.

Start with

Classic Bao

The signature fluffy bun with braised pork, peanut powder, and fermented greens that started the craze.

Start with

Salt Beef Sandwich

The institution's signature dish, described as 'as good as ever.' Expect 'pink lumps of steaming animal' sliced thick onto the board.

Start with

Confit Potato Latkes

Described as 'delightful, deep-fried concertina’d spuds' served with a 'puddle of toum' (Lebanese garlic sauce), they remain the restaurant's most essential order.

Start with

Maple Glazed Swaledale Pork Belly Rösti

Acclaimed as a 'nutritional outrage and therefore completely marvellous', this dish features a 'crust of golden fried potato' with lardons that are perfectly 'salty and sweet'.

Start with

Vodka Marinara Slice

Described as a 'clear winner' and 'perky' with a distinct 'freshness to the tomato sauce,' this slice is the most consistently praised option for first-timers.

Start with

Spring vegetable fritters, isot chilli yoghurt & preserved lemon

Fabulous brittle, crunchy batter...strips of preserved lemon provide both tart acidity and salty tanginess and a dollop of yoghurt topped with a dusting of isot chilli provides a lick of smoky spiciness. Reviewer was 'grateful' for the waiter's suggestion.

Start with

Aged Lamb & Cumin Skewers

These "charred, cumin-dusted" skewers are the essential way to start the meal, with critics noting they "always order on arrival" and suggesting "it’s worth having two."

Start with

Calabria

The Calabria combined spicy n’duja sausage with creamy mascarpone. The combination of spicy N'duja sausage and creamy mascarpone is consistently praised across reviews as a perfect balance.

Start with

Thali

Described as the 'headline acts' of the restaurant, these 'pure' meat-free platters offer a regularly changing selection of curries, soups, and breads.

Start with

Hand-dived Scallop in Kiri Hodi

Universally praised as being of 'formidable quality', these scallops are served in a 'coconut-infused milky' broth or 'lobster broth' that critics describe as 'a pleasing foil for the shellfish' and a dish worth interrupting conversation for.

Start with

Long Matcha

Offers a clean, precise expression (hot or cold).

Start with

Cantonese Roast Duck

Universally cited as the signature dish; known for its juicy meat, crispy skin, and sweet soy sauce. Also reviewers mention 'Excellent Cantonese roast duck' and 'Some of the best Chinese roast duck'.

Start with

Laksa

The namesake dish features a coconut-based gravy 'humming with spices and fish sauce' filled with juicy prawns, bubbly chunks of tofu, and vermicelli.

Start with

Monkfish

Thick cylinders of marble-white flesh served with a 'tarragon-spotted beurre blanc' that critics described as 'marriage material' and luxurious enough to keep one 'furnished with Champagne'.

Start with

Chicken Ruby

Consistently cited as a 'hit' that should be on your table; a rich and reliable curry option.

Start with

Lamb Shank Massaman

The undisputed star of the menu; a hefty, tender leg of braised lamb in a deeply fragrant, rich coconut curry.

Start with

Classic Tameya Pitta

Authentic Egyptian fava bean falafel that offers a greener, crunchier, and more moist texture than the standard chickpea version.

Start with

Protein Power Breakfast

A classic combo of poached eggs, smashed avocado and toast and tomatoes

Start with

Sausage and Mash

The quintessential order; pairs best with London Smokey sausages and traditional gravy for a classic experience.

Start with

Tobiko & Prawn Cheung Fun

Described as a 'coastal tapestry' where every strand sparks with flavor, featuring a combination of soft rice noodle rolls and minced prawns that provide a satisfying 'good bite.'

Start with

Paneer Kebab

Consistently cited as the menu's winner, even by meat-eaters, thanks to excellent grilling and accompaniments like beetroot purée and crispy onions.

Start with

The 20 FT Burger

The signature buttermilk fried chicken benchmark featuring habanero and honey mayo.

Start with

Koobideh Kabab

Universally praised; described as a 'must be ordered' dish. Reviewers say it is 'soft and tender' and 'exceptionally juicy and flavorful'.

Start with

Margherita

The restaurant's calling card—a thin, crispy 12-inch base for an incredibly low price that defines the 'cheap and cheerful' ethos.

Start with

Penne Alla Vodka

Known as a staple of Grasso's 'hearty comfort food' menu, this dish is praised for its 'lovely creamy tomato taste' and massive portion sizes.

Start with

Sushi Bento

The bento boxes are particularly good and with generous portions; the bento boxes are tasty and authentic; lovely bento boxes.

Start with

Parippu (Dhal)

Consistently praised across reviews as a standout comfort dish; red lentils cooked with coconut milk and turmeric.

Start with

Tear-and-Share Garlic Bread

Modeled on Parker House rolls and doused in green-flecked butter.

Start with

Chicken Katsu Curry

The defining dish of the restaurant—vast, comforting, and ridiculously cheap.

Start with

Unda Roll

The benchmark egg paratha; crispy, comforting, and consistently praised as a breakfast staple or base layer.

Start with

Singapore Laksa

The broth is hailed as 'transcendent' and 'complex', anchoring the menu as a must-try even though critics noted the prawn portions can be 'meagre'.

Start with

Wagyu Beef Curry Bun

A standout savory item mentioned across all reviews, combining high-end ingredients with classic bakery comfort.

Start with

Original Chicken Burger

The benchmark sandwich featuring succulent deep-fried thigh, crisp iceberg, pickled red onion, and sweet, peppery sambal mayo.

Start with

Salad Bowls

The benchmark of the menu, offering extensive customization with fresh, seasonal ingredients and protein add-ons. Honest Greens offers large salads, grains and pulses.

Start with

Bang Coq Wings

The crowd-pleasing signature wings featuring a tangy, sweet, and spicy blend of Sriracha, honey, lime, and Kewpie mayo.

Start with

Neapolitan Pizza

Described as 'reliably fresh', 'simply done', and 'utterly delicious'—the core reason for the restaurant's success.

Start with

30-Egg Yolk Tagliolini al Tartufo

The restaurant's signature dish; when executed correctly with vacche brune parmigiano and butter, it is described by critics as absolute 'heaven.'

Start with

Aubergine Manti

The signature dumpling dish; praised by Time Out as one of the best creations from the kitchen and widely cited as a highlight.

Start with

Green Curry

The crowd favourite—creamy yet packed with a surprising chilli kick, tender chicken, and chunky vegetables.

Start with

Cheeseburger

Voted the best burger in the UK and 2nd best in the world; features a 40-day dry-aged native breed patty.