If you’re craving the comforts of fried chicken, mac and cheese, Philly cheesesteak or good old pecan pie, London’s got you covered with its choice of American restaurants. Choose from simple diners or gourmet grub, and indulge in a decadent American dining experience.
1. Christopher’s
The glamorous Christopher's is a fine-dining restaurant and martini bar set in a historic building in lively Covent Garden. Seasonal ingredients and classic American flavours combine in dishes such as lobster mac and cheese, Maryland crab cakes, prime rib-eye steak, jerk spiced chicken tacos and pecan pie. It’s a great spot for lunch after a morning of shopping or for a pre-theatre dinner.
Where: 18 Wellington Street, WC2E 7DD
2. Hard Rock Cafe
One of the world’s most iconic restaurants, the Hard Rock Cafe has stood at its London location on Old Park Lane in Mayfair since 1971. Feast on burgers, smokehouse sandwiches and chicken wings and be sure to take a look at the rock and roll memorabilia from some of the world’s biggest artists in The Vault, the restaurant’s free museum.
Where: 150 Old Park Lane, W1K 1QZ GB
3. Texas Joe's
Famed for its authentic southern flavours, Texas Joe’s is a small and simple meat eater’s haven in London Bridge. Choose from slow-smoked and barbecued ribs, brisket and mutton served up with slaw, pickles and sauce, and a choice of sides that include bone marrow, pit beans and jalapeno cornbread. Finger licking good. Come early or book ahead.
Where: 8-9 Snowsfields, SE1 3SU
4. Joe Allen
In the heart of Theatreland, this classic American brasserie has fed thespians, theatre goers and technicians the finest American classics since 1977. Modelled on its sister restaurant on New York’s Broadway, Joe Allen is all brickwork and posters and is known for hosting glitzy after-show dinners for leading West End stars. Expect shrimp burgers, hot dogs and ribs washed down by a signature Joe Allen margarita.
Where: 2 Burleigh St, WC2E 7PX
5. Malibu Kitchen at The Ned
Malibu Kitchen at The Ned hotel in the City of London takes a healthy Californian approach to American cuisine. Sunny bowls of nutritious fruits, vegetables and grains are served alongside delicious lean protein in the grandeur of the former banking hall.
Where: 27 Poultry, EC2R 8AJ
6. Bleecker
Recommended by many as a contender for serving London’s best burger, Bleecker in Spitalfields serves fiendishly good patties topped with American cheese. The secret? Dry-aged, rare-breed, grass-fed beef, all cooked to order. Just don’t miss the angry fries served with a drizzle of blue cheese and hot sauce. Luckily, you can find Bleecker in Victoria, London Bridge, the City and Westfield too.
Where: Old Spitalfields Market, E1 6EA
7. The Blues Kitchen
Live music, Texas barbecue and bourbon cocktails create the perfect recipe for a great night out at The Blues Kitchen in Camden. Inspired by the southern states, the barbecue menu here features meats rubbed and slow-smoked each day with a blend of hickory, oak, fruit and mesquite woods. Taco bowls, shrimp sandwiches and pork ribs complete the menu, while cocktails flow from the bar. You can also find The Blues Kitchen in Shoreditch and Brixton.
Where: 111-113 Camden High St, NW1 7JN
8. Rack City Ribs
Specialising in southern-style American ribs with a Caribbean twist, Rack City Ribs have some serious plans for its meats. Rubbed with a secret seasoning before slow cooking, glazing, smoking and caramelising, the meat just falls from the bone. Set in The Dukes of Highgate, one of London’s few honky tonk bars, it’s the perfect setting for soul food and serious music.
Where: 16 Highgate High Street, N6 5JG
Discover more of London's burger and steak restaurants, or opt for a hearty, traditional Sunday roast.
