The best restaurants in the whole of the UK have been revealed, and 10 of them are in London.
The 2021 Good Food Award winners include a range of the capital’s incredible eateries, spread across North, South East and West London.
These restaurants won the ‘Good Food Award’ for fine dining, restaurants and products, while other categories include best cafés, takeaways, gastro pubs and fish and chips and hotels.
The UK winners can be found everywhere from the Devon all the way to the Scottish Highlands and over to Belfast.
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But of course we’re interested in where to find the best nosh right here in London. And where better to get ourselves a lockdown takeaway treat than from one of the best restaurants in the UK?
Without further ado, here are the ten best restaurants in London:
Cyprus Mangal, Pimlico
45 Warwick Way
2 time winner, £
This sleek Turkish restaurant is so good, it’s been named one of the best restaurants in the UK…twice.
Established in 2005, Cyprus Mangal is still proving successful in its mission, “to serve the finest and the best Turkish modern and classic cuisine.”
Their website continues: “We pride ourselves not only on the excellent quality of our food but also on the warm and welcoming atmosphere made possible by our friendly waiting staff.
“We promise we will do our best to make your dining experience a memorable one….”
So, double award-winning kebabs, skewers, seafood, moussakas and steaks? And for one £-rated prices?
We’re sold.
Open for lockdown takeaways? “We never close my dear” a lovely employee at the restaurant said, “We are open for collection and delivery everyday.”
The Great Chase, Islington
316 St John Street
2 time winner, ££
(Image: @steakandteeth)
A welcoming, fine-eating restaurant and dry bar like no other – The Great Chase has been been crowned one of London’s (and the UK’s) best restaurants for the second year running.
You will discover this little gem in heart of North London, but the menu will no doubt take your tastebuds on a back-packing tour of Europe.
Their website says: “Whether a relaxed brunch with family or an evening our with friends, our dishes are a celebration of maginificent seasonal food.”
The thought of tempura prawns and scallop to start, followed by beef cheek cannelloni for main has already got us salivating.
And how can you not love somewhere that serves a roast on Saturday as well as Sunday?
Open for lockdown takeaways? Sadly The Great Chase has had to close its doors for now, but the team look forward to welcoming customers back in December!
Loro Di Napoli, Ealing
The Quadrant, Little Ealing Lane
2 time winner, £
This traditional Neapolitan wood-fired oven pizzeria has stolen the show once again, picking up this prestigious award for the second year in a row.
This is no doubt owing to the 22 years experience that the family put into every aspect of the business.
They specialise in pizza, pizza fritta, calzone and panuozzo (does it get much better then pizza turned into a sandwich?)
“You can enjoy the ambience of Italy on your doorstep,” their website says, “With its traditional interior, attentive service and friendly atmosphere you can expect to enjoy delicious food and wine.”
For a taste of real Neapolitan food and an all-round brilliant dining experience – Loro Di Napoli will always be a great choice.
Open for lockdown takeaways? Oh yes, you can treat yourself to a taste of Naples every night of the week (delivery or pick up)!
Tandoori Lounge, Hornchurch
High St, Hornchurch
2 time winner, ££
(Image: @tandoorilounge)
If anyone knows how to throw a party, it’s Tandoori Lounge.
Whether it be a party in their glamorous restaurant on the edges of East London (you’ll often see a TOWIE stars dining here) or a party on your tongue – where vibrant, authentic Punjabi flavours will tickle your tastebuds with every dish.
Inspired by her mother-in-law, who passed away in 2016, Honey and her husband Sukh opened their restaurant in Hornchurch, serving up slightly spicier and less sweet dishes than traditional your usual British curries.
The couple are well aware that steering Londoners away from madras and bhuna can be a challenge, but the team always speak to customers about the flavours they like, so they can recommend dishes to suit all foodie needs.
Throughout the pandemic, Tandoori Lounge has been delivering hot meals to the elderly and vulnerable in need, completely free of charge. And there’s nothing we love more than a bit of community spirit!
The tender, boneless special lamb, spicy scallops or incredible ‘Naan of Fire’ are just some of the mouthwatering options on the menu.
And vegetarians will certainly not go hungry here.
So, if you want to experience both kinds of party, and spice up those taste buds, head to (or takeaway from) Tandoori Lounge.
Open for lockdown takeaways? “Lockdown won’t stop us,” Tandoori Lounge said, “takeaways and deliveries will still continue Fridays and Saturdays.”
Deea Bangladeshi, Kingston
145-147 Richmond Road
2 time winner, ££
These experienced chefs have travelled thousands of miles from South Asia to South London.
They have mastered a menu inspired by generations of traditional family cooking, and the bustling street bazaars of Bangladesh.
Now, all that’s left is for you to try it.
At Deea, their philosophy is simple: “We aim to convey our passion for Bangladeshi cuisine through a unique blend of ethnic and progressive dishes infused to create a fresh and modern taste of Bangladesh.
“Using only the finest and freshest ingredients and spices, each dish on Deea’s menu carries its own story of origin.”
Despite being a dual-award winner as one of the best restaurants in the UK, the prices are surprisingly lower than at many other curry houses in the capital (you can get a fresh Scottish salmon marinated in Bangladeshi herbs, or a king prawn dish for less than £13).
Tandoori, korma and other British favourites can be found on the menu, but why not try a platter of dishes in the form of a ‘Thali’ to spice things up a little.
Whatever you choose, the message is simple: “Sit back, relax and enjoy the beauty of Deea.”
Open for lockdown takeaways? Deea are ready and waiting for your order, all you have to do is head to the restaurant’s website, Just Eat, Uber Eats of Deliveroo to decide how many of their delicious dishes you want…
Hello Burger, Sidcup
94 Station Road
3 time winner, ££
(Image: @helloburgeruk)
This three-time award-winner in “Sunny Sidcup” serves up the best burgers and cocktails in town.
The team are passionate about their food and drinks, sourcing only the very best produce, and making their own sauces and relishes wherever they can (the homemade BBQ and aioli is definitely recommended – tasty, fresh and always free).
The best part about this delicious joint is that the menu changes every three months, so no matter how many times you go, you’ll simple never, ever get bored. And If something is not on the menu that you would like to see, all the team ask is that you let them know so they can change that.
Of course the huge range of burgers (veg and vegan too) and cocktails are incredible, but it would be rude not to give some saucy starters (homemade hummus, chicken wings), sides (curly fries, coleslaw) and desserts (homemade brownies) a try too.
Open for lockdown takeaways? Hayes and Sidcup residents can have burgers sent straight to their doors in no time…with deliveries to Bexley coming soon! Of course, Londoners from anywhere in the capital are free to pick up a takeaway from Hello Burger too.
Voujon Indian Restaurant, Chingford
166 Station Road
3 time winner, ££
There are so many reasons why this East London Indian is a triple champion as one of the UK’s best restaurants.
Just one of them is the variety of flavours on offer.
From the subtle spicing of moghul influenced north Indian grills and kormas, to the more fiery south Indian style of cooking using coconut, tamarind and chilli, The Voujon will no doubt take every customer on a “culinary journey” that can be adventurous, while also catering for all palates.
Uniquely, their specially created wine list has been matched to complement their food menu. But essentially, they said the most important aspect of matching food with wine is that “you’re the boss!”
Traditional dishes are of course available, but we don’t doubt some of the ‘Voujon’ signatures will catch your eye.
Open for lockdown takeaways? You can still get your Vouj-on in lockdown, with collection and deliveries available everyday!
Tomo Pizzeria, Hornsey
88 High Street
3 time winner, ££
(Image: @tomo_n8)
“Do you remember the last time you had a really good pizza?” their website asks.
Well, you certainly won’t forget after trying out this incredible Italian.
Tomo Pizzeria has been crowned one of the UK’s best restaurants for three years in a row. And looking at the menu, we can already see why.
This family run restaurant is committed to creating the best freshly made Italian meals in the area – hand prepared with the finest ingredients, by chefs as passionate about great food as we are.
Sit back and watch your pizza (wood-fired), pasta (looks divine), special dishes (such as lamb cutlets) and homemade desserts (traditional Sicilian canolo or gooey Nutella pizza) all created in the open kitchen, right before your eyes…
Open for lockdown takeaways? The doors at Tomo Pizzeria are wide open, for both collection and delivery. To be honest, just looking at their food, it would simply be rude not to, wouldn’t it?
Taste of Nawab, Muswell Hill
97 Colney Hatch Lane
3 time winner, ££
Despite being dubbed “a new Indian restaurant sure to fail” when it opened in 1996, Taste of Nawab has since been named one of the best restaurants in the UK for three consecutive years (talk about inspiring!)
Open seven days a week including bank holidays, these award-winning chefs really do never stop providing North London locals with the best Indian cuisine in town.
The restaurant also recognises the importance of giving back to the community – supporting as many charities as possible. It recently featured in the New York Times for carrying out community deliveries in the pandemic. So, pretty cool if you ask us.
Their website says: “If we were to feed the Nawabs (an Indian Prince) of hundreds of years ago, I can safely say they would approve of our dishes.
“The very name of our restaurant conjures a vision of an exciting yet satisfying variety of dishes. This is what we’d like you to imagine, because we do, indeed, deliver exactly what you expect to taste.”
Home delivery is free, and you get 10% discount if you spend over £20. Which, when you see the menu, you’ll certainly want to do anyway.
In case you needed yet another reason to want to try this lovely London restaurant…
Open for lockdown takeaways? “Stay calm and curry on” the Taste of Nawab website states, “we can deliver safely to your door.”
Fiddies Italian Kitchen, South Hampstead
New College Parade, Finchley Rd
5 time winner, £
Nothing beats excellent food provided with excellent service.
And a visit to Fiddies will guarantee you just that. Don’t believe us? Well, maybe the fact it’s been crowned one of the UK’s best restaurants for not one, not two, not three, not four, but FIVE years in a row will convince you…
The head chef may have 20 years experience, but he still allows customers to curate their own pasta dishes – selecting a choice of pasta (gluten-free included), sauce and meat or fish.
Of course, you can always opt for a good old fashioned pizza instead.
As the Fiddies website says, “Whether it’s a quick takeaway or a full sit down meal in our friendly restaurant, we are sure you’ll love our food and be coming back for more!”
So, one to consider for your lockdown takeaway treat.
Open for lockdown takeaways? Fiddies couldn’t bare to see us go hungry in lockdown. The team said: “We may not be able to let you sit in our restaurant, but you can still enjoy our delicious Italian food in the comfort of your own home!”
Where is your favourite place to eat in London? Get in touch on [email protected]