From historic restaurants such as Rules and Simpson's-in-the-Strand to more recent offerings such as Corrigan's Mayfair and Kensington Place, here's where to find the best British food in London.
1. Rules
London's oldest restaurant is in the heart of Covent Garden. Serving up traditional British cuisine since 1798, Rules places an emphasis on game, oysters, pies and puddings. The restaurant even has its own estate – the Lartington Estate in the High Pennines – where the chefs source quality game birds, roe deer and belted Galloway beef.
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2. Simpson's-in-the-Strand
Simpson's is a place for meat and fish lovers, although everyone will appreciate the ornate interior and air of times gone by. The place has been serving traditional food since 1828. The speciality is Scottish beef on the bone, which is carved at your table from an antique silver-domed trolley – a tradition that's lasted more than 150 years.
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3. Quo Vadis
A Soho institution, Quo Vadis opened in 1926 and the restaurant maintains a retro feel with stained glass windows and parquet floors. On the menu you'll find traditional London fare such as pheasant pie, liver and onions, and smoked eel and horseradish sandwiches. There's also a lively bar serving cocktails, champagne, wine and ales.
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4. Corrigan's Mayfair
Richard Corrigan's Mayfair restaurant combines a luxurious ambience with down-to-earth, seasonal dishes inspired by the chef's rural upbringing in Ireland. All ingredients are hand-picked from artisan producers. Choose a traditional British dish from the a la carte menu or enjoy the fixed-price, three-course Sunday lunch.
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5. The Goring Dining Room
British royalty and politicians have frequented the opulent Goring Dining Room over the years. The restaurant's interior was redesigned in 2005 by famous British furnisher Linley, based on a Cecil Beaton photo of a group of debutantes in the restaurant. Expect superbly cooked British dishes such as beef Wellington and custard tart.
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6. Roast
Roast is dedicated to the best of British cooking, using seasonal produce to create traditional dishes such as potted shrimps and roast beef. You'll also find English wines and local cheeses on the menu. The feature window (formally part of a flower market) offers views over bustling Borough Market, where much of the food is sourced.
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7. St John
A traditional English eatery housed in a former smokehouse, St John specialises in what chef Fergus Henderson has termed "nose-to-tail eating", meaning that no part of meat is inedible. Recent dishes have included smoked Gloucester Old Spot, and pigeon with radishes and barley. It's perfect for meat lovers.
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8. Kensington Place
Notting Hill's much-loved neighbourhood restaurant first opened its doors in 1987. Kensington Place continues to serve classic British brasserie dishes, and now also specialises in fish (you can even pop to the fish shop next door to select your catch!). Other favourites include steak frites, braised suckling pig belly and seared Cornish scallops.
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9. Wiltons
Wiltons has been serving the finest British food since 1742. The menu includes wild fish, shellfish, game (when it's in season) and meat dishes sourced from the best farms. Treat yourself to roast grouse or wild Scottish turbot with champagne sauce. For the ultimate in English luxury, there's also a champagne and oyster bar.
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10. The Bingham
The Bingham's light, airy dining room opens onto a beautiful riverside terrace for al fresco dining. The restaurant's modern British cuisine is made from locally sourced, sustainable ingredients. Choose from dishes such as grouse, squab pigeon or organic salmon – or wild mushroom and artichoke ragu from the veggie menu.
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Prices from £16.00 (USD 22.39)
11. The Rib Room
Oozing with British refinement, The Rib Room restaurant opened on the ground floor of the Jumeirah Carlton Tower hotel in 1961. The signature dish is roast rib of Aberdeen Angus beef from the Scottish estate of the Duke of Buccleuch, while the oysters and seafood come fresh from Lock Fyne in Scotland.
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12. Boisdale of Belgravia
You couldn't get much more British than Boisdale of Belgravia, housed in an elegant Regency building near Buckingham Palace. The menu is primarily Scottish, featuring mini roast haggis with neeps (parsnips), potatoes and whisky. Boisdale is also an acclaimed jazz venue, and home to one of Europe's largest selections of cigars.
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13. The Northall
This sophisticated restaurant showcases the best of British cuisine. Focusing on seasonal produce from artisan producers from around the British Isles, The Northall offers reasonably priced, informal menus and a private dining area. Sample the good-value pre-theatre menu or visit on Sunday for a traditional roast lunch.
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