by The UK boasts an impressive culinary heritage that spans hundreds of years. From opulent decor to historic menus, the best restaurants across England serve up napkin-stained memories you’ll carry with you for the rest of your life.
Rules claims to be London’s oldest restaurant, and its design reflects that claim. Crimson velvet, bespoke artwork and an emphasis on traditional food set the scene for dinners that run north of three hours.
The Savoy
The Savoy is a hotel that heaves with history. It’s where Charlie Chaplin would have a regular window-adjacent seat, where Maria Callas would go on about her affair with Aristotle Onassis in full view of other diners and where Winston Churchill made his famous bluster at dinner (and then promptly left). And the restaurant itself heaves with the same sort of history – it was here that Cesar Ritz started his hotel career as manager; the French culinary trailblazer Auguste Escoffier invented the Arnold Bennett omelette; and where Dame Judith Dench got her first taste of the sublime choux.
The hotel itself is one of London’s grand dames, built on the Strand by impresario Richard D’Oyly Carte using profits from his Gilbert and Sullivan opera productions. It opened in 1889 and pioneered many new innovations including electric lights throughout, electrical lifts and bathrooms in every room. Today the hotel offers 267 rooms and suites, with courtyard, river or city views, decorated in Art Deco and Edwardian styles and featuring modern tech features and optional butler service.
The Waldorf Astoria
Steeped in a century of glamour and luxury, The Waldorf Astoria occupies an entire city block on Park Avenue at Lexington Street. The hotel was designed by the architects Schultze and Weaver, and was completed in 1931. The towering Art Deco structure was once the world’s tallest hotel, and is considered one of New York’s most famous landmarks.
The hotel was a place where business deals were closed, political conspiracies were hatched, and epic high-society parties took place. Over the years, guests included royalty, celebrities, and international leaders. It has also been a host to lavish dinner parties, galas, and conferences. It is currently closed for renovations and being converted into condominiums.
Upon arriving at the hotel, you will immediately notice the lavish decor and stately surroundings. In addition to the opulent Peacock Alley, there are several dining options within the property. You can enjoy a meal at the famous Sir Harry’s bar, where the Rob Roy and Waldorf Sunset were invented, or sip a cocktail at the famed Palm Court Lounge. You can also experience the hotel’s legendary service at any time of day or night.
The OXO Tower Restaurant
The Oxo Tower Restaurant in London is a world-class dining experience with stunning views of the Thames. The building features a restaurant, bar, and Brasserie and is open to the public for lunch, dinner, and drinks. The restaurant offers seasonal British food and afternoon tea. It is located on the eighth floor of the iconic OXO Tower, which was formerly home to Liebig Extract of Meat Company. The building was nearly demolished in the 1970s, but it was saved and redeveloped into what it is now. The OXO Tower has a unique architectural design, with four sets of three vertically aligned windows spelling out the word “OXO.”
Whether you’re dining inside the light-filled brasserie or managing to score a seat outside on the terrace overlooking the Thames, you will be impressed by the impressive view of London’s skyline. The menu at the Oxo Tower restaurant has been designed by head chef Jeremy Bloor. He focuses on using the best local produce. The starters include combinations such as orkney scallops with serrano ham and arancini, while the main course options range from coffee rub lamb to chateaubriand with mashed potato aligot and fondant organic carrots. Puddings include a good selection of classics and sorbets.
Rules
While British food sometimes gets a bad rep from discerning eaters, there are plenty of exceptional restaurants in England if you know where to look. These illustrious establishments range from iconic institutions to low-key hideaways, but all of them are famous around the world for their gastronomic prowess. Whether you’re in search of a celebrity sighting or looking to treat yourself to an unforgettable meal, these legendary spots are worth the journey.
This isn’t a list of the best restaurants in England (there are far too many to choose from), but rather, these are the places that are so famous around the world that you can’t help but add them to your bucket list. From a restaurant with its own aquarium to a restaurant that boasts a giant octopus bar, these spots are sure to leave you wanting more. So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip to England and add these famous restaurants to your itinerary! You won’t regret it. XO.
Simpson’s
Iconic institutions, low-key hideaways and glamourous spots make up our list of London’s most famous restaurants. Whether you’re craving a celebrity sighting or a culinary trip down memory lane, these legendary eateries are must-visit destinations.
Few experiences are more authentically East London than a predawn visit to Simpson’s, a traditional eatery in the city’s wholesale fish market. Order fried scallops and bacon between cheap white bread, washed down with a glass of milky builder’s tea served in a polystyrene cup.
Designed by architect Kengo Kuma, this Michelin-starred restaurant is a celebration of the ocean’s bounty and the city’s seafood traditions. Diners can enjoy dishes like tiger shrimp with dashi, seabass with fermented tofu sauce and crab claw with cured scallop in a space that’s as visually impressive as it is delicious.
While British cuisine can’t be defined as a single style, Heston Blumenthal’s first London venture certainly evokes the spirit of old England. Dinner pays homage to historical cooking by listing dishes by year and featuring lighting that resembles classic jelly molds. You can also dine on spiced lamb pie and smoked eel sandwiches at this Soho institution.
