Soho’s always buzzing. It’s one of London’s most colourful districts, sandwiched between Oxford Street and Chinatown, and when it comes to food, it more than delivers. Whether you’re looking for a quick and tasty treat before a show or the perfect date-night spot, you can find it all in Soho. The streets here are lined with everything from cult ramen joints and intimate Italian trattorias to daring new openings from the city’s next-gen cooks.
There is a palpable buzz about the dining scene in Soho. It’s inventive, a bit anarchic, and packed full of flavour (in every sense of the word). And the best part? You can go from one fantastic restaurant to another in minutes. You don’t need to plan weeks in advance or spend yourself into a deficit, although if you want to go big, there’s plenty of that, too.
Here are some of the best – the new spots and the classics, whether you’re local or just passing through.
Iconic Institutions: Long-standing Favourites
A few restaurants in Soho have stood the test of time to achieve cult status, for good reason. These places aren’t just dependable; they’ve added texture to the fabric of the neighbourhood.
Barrafina is a great example. You’re not going to find a better tapas bar in London, especially for cheap eats. The award-winning Spanish bar does not take bookings, but yes, there will be a queue. Park yourself at the marble-topped counter, order a glass of sherry, and see the chefs in action. Legend has it that the tortilla is the best in the city, and the pan con tomate is exceptionally good.
A few doors down, Quo Vadis provides classic British cooking with a firm hand and a touch of class. Occupying a former brothel in a bustling Soho alleyway, it’s long been a hit with artists, writers and anyone who appreciates honest-to-goodness seasonal grub. Their smoked eel sandwich is the one to beat. Don’t knock it until you’ve tried it.
And, of course, Andrew Edmunds, hidden inside an 18th-century townhouse on Lexington Street. It is romantic, old-school, and a little bit magical. There will be candlelight, hand-scrawled menus, and an excellent wine list. It’s a secret, even though it has been loved for decades.
These are not simply well-loved, they’re survivors. They’re the place you head when you want something that feels special without having to try. And yes, Soho is ever-changing, but it’s nice to know these classics are once again doing what they do best.
Family-Friendly Restaurants
Although Soho is famed for its nightlife, it’s also a wonderful place to take the kids for a bite if you know where to go.
There’s a family favourite in Pizza Pilgrims, on Dean Street. It has a casual feel, friendly service, and consistently delicious Neapolitan pizza. Kids will enjoy giggling at the pizzas bubbling in the glowing wood-fired oven, and grown-ups might sneak in a midday spritz while they do so.
For something a little different, Mildreds is an excellent bet. It’s all plant-based, but even the most discerning of meat-eaters will find themselves tucking into the selection of burgers, gyozas, or loaded fries. It is colourful, upbeat, and fast, which is a blessing if the little ones are getting restless.
Around the corner on Shaftesbury Avenue, there is the touristy, but also full-on, experience at Rainforest Café. Imagine animatronic animals, thunderstorm sound effects, and jungle-themed everything. It isn’t exactly fine dining, but for little ones, it’s a memorable experience.
Soho doesn’t need to be formal or fussy. However, many places would love to have your children there and would serve them something substantial, along with some fun on the side. You just have to know where to find them.
Trendy Hotspots and Contemporary Cuisine
If you want a cool feeling of being somewhere new and happening, Soho has no shortage of trend-led restaurants that are worth the buzz.
Kiln is one of the places you will probably hear people raving about, and fair enough. It’s all about wood-fired, Thai-inspired cooking, with dishes cooked over open flames and served at a lengthy counter that puts you right in the thick of the action. The clay pot glass noodles with pork belly and brown crab are stellar, but to be honest, you’re unlikely to go wrong with any of the options.
And then there is Manteca with its new-school take on nose-to-tail Italian cooking. It’s all exposed brick, house-made salumi, and handmade pasta without a whiff of pretension. The pig head fritti is daring and genius, although if that’s too much for you, you can never go wrong with pappardelle and ragu.
Soif’s younger sibling, the trendy Soho newcomer, is already making waves with its Modern European menu and super-stylish interiors. Think small plates, seasonal flavours, and cocktails as good-looking as they taste. It’s the sort of spot where you stop in for a catch-up dinner and end up spending the better part of an evening.
These are places where creativity meets comfort, modern food, sleek interiors, and a sense that you’re somewhere people are talking about. The dining scene in Soho never stops moving, and these spots are proof that it hasn’t slowed down yet.
Under the Radar Eateries
Soho’s most congested restaurants receive all the attention, but some of its finest food can be found just off the main drag. Some true gems are hiding in plain sight if you are willing to wander just a bit.
10 Greek Street is another understated, grown-up spot that doesn’t scream, ‘Look at me’, but that’s what locals like about it. The menu, which changes daily, is all seasonal, thoughtful, and beautifully cooked. It’s tiny, cosy and refreshingly unfussy. Ideal for a lazy lunch or an impromptu dinner.
On Bateman Street, around the corner, SUZEO offers Turkish-Cypriot food with big flavours and warm hospitality. It’s that kind of place you could pass by if you didn’t know to seek it out, but once you have, you will return. The lamb kofta and house dips are ordering requirements.
For something sweet, Said Dal 1923 is the stuff of a chocolate lover’s dreams. Nothing about this little Italian café seems particularly remarkable from the outside, but wait until you step inside and find its ludicrously rich hot chocolates, gooey puddings, and shelves lined with some of the world’s finest artisanal bars. Pour the melted chocolate all over everything, and you will not be sad about it.
And if you want something super casual, Koya Soho is the small noodle bar you hope to come across, doing killer udon and broth-based snacks. Plop yourself down at the counter, slurp away, and feel like you’ve discovered your very own secret corner of the city.
These spots may not be all over social media, and that’s part of what makes them so special. They are the types of places that make tourists think Soho somehow looks like a local’s hood, even amid the madness.
Affordable Eats Without Compromise
Soho isn’t exactly a case study in affordability, but that’s not to say you have to spend a pretty penny to eat well. There are numerous places where you can enjoy a brilliant meal without breaking the bank.
Delis like Banh Mi Keu Deli are a good place to start. Their Vietnamese baguettes are bursting with flavour, crispy pork belly, zingy pickles and fresh herbs. It is fast, filling, and great for eating on the run.
Hoppers is a bit more of a sit-down operation, but it’s still excellent value. Inspired by the casual eateries found at the side of the road in Sri Lanka, it dishes up spicy curries, flaky rotis, and, naturally, the spots’ namesakes, hoppers (crispy-edged rice flour pancakes with a tender, fluffy middle). There are fantastic set menus if you can’t decide where to start.
If you’re looking for a warm, comforting meal, consider picking up some of Cookhouse Joe’s rotisserie chicken, wraps, and Lebanese-style sides for a wallet-friendly price. It’s a casual, snug place, and portions are healthy.
Soho dining doesn’t have to break the bank. These spots show that you can have plenty of bold flavours, fun vibes, and appropriate portion sizes without the fancy price tag.
Cuisine Highlights: From Asian Fusion to British Fare
First, one of the best things about eating in Soho is sampling such a vast variety of world cuisines packed into a small space. You could have Thai for lunch, Lebanese for dinner, and a French pastry on the go, and all of it would be fantastic.
Craving bold Asian flavours? Fatt Pundit melds Indian and Chinese flavours to a messily delectable effect and do not pass on the chilli paneer or momos. Inko Nito, for Japanese, offers a fun, modern twist on robatayaki grilling, with plenty of veggie-friendly options, too.
If it’s the kind of comforting British fare you’re after, The French House is one of the places that still keeps things classic and fancy at the same time – chalkboard menus, great wine, and zero fuss. Or check out The Blue Posts, the upstairs pub and hidden basement restaurant, whose seasonal dishes come with a dose of serious attention to detail.
No matter what you’re in the mood for, Soho has it with taste, style, and a side of attitude.
Conclusion: Where to Begin Your Soho Food Journey
Soho’s food scene is an adventure waiting to happen. Whether you’re craving classic flavours or something new, there’s a spot here for you. Start with any of these favourites, and before you know it, you’ll be a Soho food lover for life.
