The Best Places to Eat in Soho Right Now

Moi

One of Soho’s most exciting openings – led by former Gordon Ramsay Group chef Lee Cook – Moi is a Japanese-inspired grill and omakase bar, focusing on the best in Japanese and British produce.

This is a restaurant which feels a million miles away from its bustling Wardour Street location with its earthy, nature-inspired interiors, with a sympathetic nod to its Japanese roots. There’s a gentle simplicity which runs through the restaurant, all the way down to the sweeping staircase.

It’s a thoroughly assured and confident concept, especially when it comes to the food. I recommend the two ‘snack’ dishes of Smoked Cod’s roe, chilli and fried steamed buns, and the Tempura Lobster claw with curry emulsion. The latter: a deeply crispy, sweet lobster, with the gentle spice of the sauce, was swiftly devoured in a matter of moments.

A tart and deliciously sweet Black Bream Crudo with blackberry ponzu refreshed the palate, before a highly savoury Chicken and blood sausage Tsukune with cured egg yolk. And the baked rice, studded with Scottish girolles and Cacklebean egg was the perfect accompaniment. It’s a meal to pique all the senses, and I recommend trying the dishes you wouldn’t ordinarily order – your bravery will be rewarded.

Also, don’t sleep on the cocktails – the Uchi Martini with Japanese gin and Junami sake is worthy of ‘signature’ status.

Bebe Bob

I can’t think of another restaurant that serves up Soho-style decadence quite like Bebe Bob. After all, this is the establishment where Chicken, Caviar and Champagne rule the menu – and long may it continue.

The little sister restaurant to the hugely renowned Bob Bob Ricard is a relatively new addition to the Soho’s dining scene. Opening in 2023, it instantly drew attention for celebrating the wondrous and delicious Bresse chicken, in all its forms: roasted, schnitzel, burger…even on a classic Caesar Salad.

If it’s your first time, there’s no better introduction than the Half roasted French chicken, with a side of French fries and caviar and sour cream dip. You’re also presented with a little pot of chicken jus which adds to the overall richness, enhancing each element of the meal. Ask for extra jus, if you’re greedy like me.

They also serve an excellent Sunday Roast which is not to be missed – the chicken fat roast potatoes are legendary.

If you’re in the mood for chicken, there really is no better place to visit in Soho.

Nessa

Looking for all-day dining in one of the chicest spaces in Soho? That would be Nessa. This elegant dining destination has become my ultimate go-to whether for a last-minute brunch at the weekend, or a relaxed Friday afternoon lunch – Nessa does it all.

The food is what keeps me coming back, and with a seasonal approach to dining, you can expect a modern British menu with plenty of creativity. My favourite on the menu is the Celeriac Carbonara with confit egg, pancetta, truffle and Spenwood cheese. In addition, the Pumpkin and Spelt Risotto is a great one to share, with amazing texture and flavour. And if you’re feeling decadent, order a side of the hashbrowns and caviar.

Just in the mood for a coffee or a drink at the bar? This is one of the best ways to enjoy Nessa. Pull up a pew for one of the best locations to while away an hour.

And why not take advantage of the delicious cocktail menu, especially the ‘Think Twice’ which is tantalising no-alcohol drink made with Everleaf Marine, apple, lime and agave.

Bocca di Lupo

You can journey to all of Italy’s twenty regions without even having to leave Soho, at this legendary trattoria. Since opening in 2008, the restaurant has become a hot spot for the best in seasonal, Italian cooking – simply done and always letting the ingredients speak for themselves.

The menu is continually evolving so don’t get too caught up with what’s on the menu today – that’s simply part of the joy of Bocca di Lupo.

You can discover the origins of each dish as it’s thoughtfully noted on the menu. I spied a few of my favourite dishes on my last visit, starting with the Buffalo Mozzarella Bocconcini, which is crispy on the outside revealing a divinely melting middle, as well as the classic Tagliatelle with ragu bolognese which – if spotted on the menu – order immediately and make it a ‘large’ portion. I would always recommend the Roman dish Chicken Scallopine with artichokes, and a side order of the Puntarelle with anchovy dressing.

On a personal greedy note, I was so enamoured with a particular pasta dish one Saturday that when the waiter kindly came to take my dessert order, I surprised him with another order of the Chicken Liver pappardelle.

This is one of only a handful of Italian restaurants that I regularly recommend, and it never fails to impress.

Oorja

Contemporary Indian dining has a new home, right in the heart of London’s Shaftesbury Avenue. Oorja brings to life the food of northern Delhi with an irresistible mix of curries, grills and tantalising street food.

It’s fast become a real gem of a place for its sheer variety of dining options, whether you’re looking for a Tiffin lunch, a tasty pre-theatre option, or a new take on a Sunday roast dinner – Oorja is ticking all boxes with their reasonable price points and genuinely tasty offerings.

Highlights of the menu include the Tender beef short ribs cooked for hours in a fragrant curry sauce – the meat is so tender it practically falls off the bone. I would also recommend the Paneer Tikka marinated in a pickle yoghurt and served with a delightfully zingy mint chutney, as well as the Mango Shrimp Curry cooked in a Goan chilli and onion sauce. This curry is a closely guarded family recipe, passed down through the generations – it’s a sublime dish, and always a favourite whenever I visit.

Bao

The award-winning Bao in Soho is the original restaurant of the indomitable Taiwanese chain. The restaurant launched in 2015 and the queues became almost a legendary as the pillow-soft Baos – believe me, I was waiting in line, too.

The restaurant itself has always been a no-frills affair, but that’s entirely part of the charm.

The Baos have always been the star of the show with the Classic Braised Pork being a deeply rich umami experience – an order of two is generally needed. The Beef Short Rib bao has always been a personal favourite with the deeply rich sauce, with the contrast of the herbal coriander – you can also add a confit egg for extra richness.

The menu also reveals a delicious inventive snack menu with Pigs blood cake and Yu Sghian eggs with Doddington cheese. The larger plates of Taiwanese fried chicken and hot sauce is a great sharer plate, along with the Mapo aubergine rice.

Finally, you can’t pass up the malty sweetness of the Horlicks Bao, filled with ice-cold gelato – it’s a classic and the perfect way to end the meal.

Andrew Edmunds

One of the true Soho stalwarts, the peerless Andrew Edmunds has been a fixture of the scene since 1985. It’s one of my all-time favourite restaurants and is always somewhere in the top ten of my regular recommendations.

Andrew Edmunds has always felt like one of those ‘in the know’ establishments; for one, it’s an entirely discreet affair, located in a beautiful 18^th century townhouse, it’s often mistake for a residence, but at closer glance, the soft candlelight, intimate tables reveal another story.

You’ll find menus scrawled with chalk with the dishes of the day. For starters, you may spot the divine Dressed Crab which I’ve been lucky enough to have on a couple of occasions, as well as the Ox Tongue with chicory; moving on to a beautiful piece of buttery Skate – cooked to perfection – or melt in the mouth Confit Duck leg with crispy garlic croutons.

The wine list is also one of the best in London, and with such decent prices you may as well order the entire bottle. This is a restaurant to savour, after all.

I also recommend pre-booking this one to avoid any disappointment.

Singapulah

Chef Ellen Chew brings the food of Singapore to the heart London’s of Theatreland in her most recent restaurant venture. Singapulah focuses on the vibrant dishes of the Island State with many not ordinarily found outside of Singapore.

The tantalising first order must be the Fried Chilli Baos, with that crunchy outside and sweet, chilli filling. Following on with the tender and aromatic Kopi Pork with its sticky, coffee sauce. For a crispy contrast, the Okra Fries provide plenty of texture, coated in a variety of Asian spices.

For a hearty bowl, packed with flavour, the Singapore Laksa still ranks as one of the best in London. A deeply aromatic coconut broth, packed with sweet shrimp, DoDo fish balls, tau pak, as well as a perfectly fudgy egg soaking up all the flavours.

Since opening in 2004, it’s also become one of my favourite venues for lunch on a budget. If you opt for the Tiffin Set Lunch, you can choose from a small bite, a main dish, rice of your choice, and a soft drink – all for the bargain price of £15.95.

Polpo

Venetian-style sharing plates and one of the best Negronis in town – what could be more delicious? Polpo burst onto London’s dining scene in 2009, co-founded by the legendary Russell Norman, bringing the ‘new’ concept of sharing plates to the table.

The tapas-style menu always has a mixture of old favourites that have always been a fixture of the menu, as well as seasonal specials. If you’re lucky enough to visit when they have the Chicken Saltimbocca on the menu, order without hesitation. I’m still hoping they will make it a permanent addition to the menu – I find myself asking every time.

I have been visiting Polpo for so long I have the order narrowed down to a tee: an order (usually two) of the Arancini, Chicken liver and sage crostino, Beef Shin rigatoni, and the superb Soft Egg, Spinach
and Parmesan pizzette, and a side of the Zucchini fries. Of course, a Negroni is a must come rain or shine.

It’s a true Soho staple, and a great option if you have a fussy eater within your group – you’ll find there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Brasserie Zedel

For my regular slice of the Parsian life, a visit to Brasserie Zedel is one of my favourite haunts for a delicious French-inspired lunch. It’s also remarkably good value, with one of the best set menus in town.

Located in one of London’s most exquisite landmarks buildings, Zedel truly is like stepping back in time to a bygone era. The art deco masterpiece is a must-see venue – just pop in for coffee and a pastry on the ground floor café and soak it all in. You can also sip cocktails in style at the lively American Bar, which is always a fun proposition after food.

The A La Carte menu has plenty of French classics to tempt: Quiche Lorraine, Steak Tartare with confit egg, and Boeuf Bourgignon instantly come to mind. The quiche in question has one of the lightest, buttery crusts I’ve tasted, and is generally my first order of choice – I can’t think of a time this hasn’t been ordered.

It’s also one of the best restaurants for dining on a budget with their 3-course menu at an impressive £19.95. In addition, the options on this menu are on a par with the A La Carte, with Oeufs Mayonnaise, Steak Hache, and Chocolat Delice being some of the offerings.

NOPI

Superstar chef, Yotam Ottolenghi and his trusted team, bring global flavours inspired by the Middle East to his original flagship restaurant. The philosophy around NOPI is an experimental approach to food and flavour, with a menu that continually evolves with the seasons.

One of the standout aspects of the menu is the considered approach to vegetarian dishes – and although this isn’t strictly a ‘veggie’ restaurant – they pour as much love and emphasis on getting the most out of the vegetables as they do with their meat and fish dishes.

In fact, I would say that the vegetable dishes are the true stars of the show with a stellar selection of options to choose from: Aubergine, coconut tahini, esme and mint, which is a must for me their aubergine dishes are always exceptional. Roasted celeriac, caramelised coconut and winter mandarin, and Roasted beetroot, gochujang, tofu and almond cream are just an example of how they highlight their vegetarian dishes.

One of the best ways to explore the delights of NOPI is through the Lunch Set Menu (£45 per person) which features the exceptional Seared Galangal Chicken, Jerusalem Artichoke Gratin, and the Seared Sea Bass with Turmeric potatoes.

I would also order this extra dish – not currently on the lunch menu – as it’s a showstopper, and I’ve managed to have it on at least a couple of occasions: Valdeon Cheesecake, with beetroot, thyme honey and almonds.

Manzi’s

Manzi’s is one of Soho’s most gloriously kitschy restaurants and a love-letter to all things ‘fishy’: blue and green décor, ocean-themed carvings, mermaid statues propping up the bar, all of which make you feel as if you’ve exited Soho for a day at the seaside.

For a true taste of Manzi’s, I’d recommend starting off with some delicious Jersey Rock oysters with lemon and mignonette sauce; followed by Scallops in the shell with Jerusalem artichoke puree and beurre noisette – it’s as Instagrammable as they come.

For the main event, the sublime Alfred Enderby Smoked Haddock with twice baked parmesan souffle is a favourite, along with the classic Moules Mariniere with French fries.

And if you’re going along with the kitsch theme – as you absolutely should – there’s no better way than to finish off the meal than with the Manzi’s Banana Split. This a good sharer for two.

In addition, they have their ‘Friday Fizz and Chips’ which is a delicious pairing of the Manzi’s traditional fish and chips with a glass of Crémant – the perfect way to finish off the week in style.

Balans No. 60

Is there any restaurant more synonymous with Soho than Balans No. 60? If I find one, I’ll let you know. Founded in 1987, Balans originally started out as a sandwich bar, eventually becoming known for its outrageously late nights, thriving artistic community, and the hottest meeting point along Soho’s iconic Old Compton Street.

Even now, you can always find a place to eat and drink at 6am in Soho. Its spirit hasn’t dulled over the years and still feels like the place to be seen.

Balans would be a legendary stop even without the food, yet it’s always kept the standards high with an extensive selection of modern British plates, that can be enjoyed throughout the day. In fact, Brunch-style dishes are what they are most popularly known for.

For brunch with the heat turned up ‘Eggs in Hell’ is a fiery plate of poached eggs in a spicy harissa sauce, served with crispy potatoes and fire roasted peppers. You also can’t pass up Eggs Benedict with a twist, called the ‘High Society’ which swaps ham for the decadence of Lobster, along with avocado and crispy bacon.

For a real bite of Balans history, at least one member at your table must order the legendary pancakes: stacked high with generous cubes of warm maple butter and crispy bacon. If ‘savoury’ is more to your liking, the Fried Chicken Pancakes with kimchi salad is an umami tasting delight.

If you’re planning to be in Soho until the small hours, they offer up their Late-Night Breakfast from midnight!

Hoppers

The food of my cravings often come in the form of a Dosa with chutney or a rich Chicken Kari which is convenient really as my next choice specialise in both.

The vibrant food of Hoppers transports you to the village Toddy Shops of Sri Lanka for a truly authentic experience, with incredible flavour that really packs a punch. Such has been the success of the restaurant within its first year of opening they were awarded a much-coveted Bib Gourmand.

This restaurant is where variety and sharing are everything and if it’s your first time, head with a fellow hungry diner to get a true experience of the menu. I suggest starting with small dishes to whet the appetite and there are none tastier than Bone Marrow Varuval and Roti, the indulgent Devilled Paneer, and Hot Butter Squid.

For me, it’s all about the Karis which are best mopped up with a Chilli Cheese Dosa. I always opt for the Lankan Chicken Kari and the Aubergine Kari which matches so well. I would always suggest a side of the homemade chutney and Sambol.