Whether you’re planning a date night, meeting friends, or looking for somewhere great to eat near Oxford Circus or Carnaby Street, Soho has something for every occasion. This guide highlights some of the best restaurants in Soho, London right now, each offering a distinct experience, cuisine, and atmosphere.
Quick Picks: Best Restaurants in Soho by Occasion
- Best for brunch: Brother Marcus Soho
- Best for steak: Blacklock Soho
- Best for date night: Gauthier Soho
- Best for groups: Kapara Restaurant Soho
- Best for quick meals: Pastaio Carnaby
- Best for something different: Bantof
- Best for casual Italian: POLPO Soho
Why Soho Is One of the Best Areas to Eat in London
Soho is known for its diversity, energy, and constant evolution. Within a short walk, you’ll find everything from Japanese udon bars and Peruvian kitchens to Italian trattorias and modern European dining rooms.
The area’s compact layout makes it ideal for exploring, whether you’re heading out for a spontaneous dinner or planning an evening around theatre, drinks, and food. Many of London’s most exciting independent restaurants are based here, giving Soho a reputation as one of the capital’s most dynamic dining destinations.
Where to Eat in Soho
- Carnaby Street: A lively central hub with a mix of well-known and independent restaurants
- Kingly Court: A popular courtyard packed with diverse dining options
- Frith Street and surrounding streets: Home to some of Soho’s most established and characterful restaurants
How to Choose a Restaurant in Soho
With so many options, it helps to think about the kind of experience you’re after:
- For casual dining: relaxed, high-quality spots that don’t require a long booking
- For date nights: more intimate settings with a strong atmosphere
- For groups: lively restaurants with sharing plates and flexible seating
- For special occasions: refined dining or tasting menu experiences
- For different cuisines: Soho offers everything from Mediterranean and Italian to Japanese and Peruvian
The Best Restaurants in Soho, London
Brother Marcus Soho
- Cuisine: Eastern Mediterranean
- Known for: Brunch, mezze, all-day dining
- Atmosphere: Stylish, relaxed, and social
- Price guide: ££ (mid-range)
- Location: Just off Carnaby Street
- Signature dishes: Sweetcorn fritters, whipped feta, shakshuka
Brother Marcus has become one of Soho’s most popular all-day dining spots, known for its vibrant, flavour-led dishes and consistently busy atmosphere. It’s particularly strong at brunch, but the sharing-style menu works just as well for a laid-back evening meal.
Best for: Brunch and relaxed dining
When to visit: Weekend mornings or casual early evening meals
Kapara Restaurant Soho
- Cuisine: Eastern Mediterranean with modern influences
- Known for: Bold flavours, creative small plates, cocktails
- Atmosphere: Lively, energetic, and slightly theatrical
- Price guide: £££ (mid to high-end)
- Location: Central Soho
- Signature dishes: Charred aubergine, grilled meats, inventive small plates
Kapara brings a high-energy dining experience to Soho, combining inventive dishes with a strong social atmosphere. It’s the kind of place where the vibe is just as important as the food, making it a great option for evenings out.
Best for: Groups and lively dinners
When to visit: Evenings and weekends
Blacklock Soho
- Cuisine: British steakhouse
- Known for: Chops, steaks, Sunday roasts
- Atmosphere: Warm, busy, and informal
- Price guide: ££ (mid-range)
- Location: Near Golden Square
- Signature dishes: All-in chops, beef dripping chips, Sunday roast
Blacklock is widely known for doing simple things exceptionally well, with high-quality meat and generous portions at the centre of its appeal. The welcoming, no-frills setting adds to its popularity, particularly for relaxed dinners and weekend roasts.
Best for: Steak and hearty meals
When to visit: Evenings or Sunday lunch
Señor Ceviche Soho
- Cuisine: Peruvian (Nikkei influences)
- Known for: Ceviche, grilled dishes, cocktails
- Atmosphere: Colourful, vibrant, and upbeat
- Price guide: ££ (mid-range)
- Location: Kingly Court
- Signature dishes: Classic ceviche, anticuchos, pisco sours
Located in Kingly Court, Señor Ceviche delivers bold, fresh flavours inspired by Lima’s food scene. The lively setting and strong cocktail menu make it a great choice for a fun, social dining experience.
Best for: Lively dinners and cocktails
When to visit: Evenings and group outings
Koya Soho
- Cuisine: Japanese
- Known for: Udon noodles, simple traditional dishes
- Atmosphere: Minimal, authentic, and fast-paced
- Price guide: ££ (mid-range)
- Location: Frith Street
- Signature dishes: Handmade udon bowls, tempura
Koya is a Soho institution, known for its handmade udon and no-frills approach to Japanese cooking. It’s a great option when you want something quick, authentic, and consistently high-quality.
Best for: Quick, authentic meals
When to visit: Lunch or early dinner
Milk Beach Soho
- Cuisine: Modern Australian
- Known for: Brunch, seasonal dishes, cocktails
- Atmosphere: Bright, relaxed, and contemporary
- Price guide: £££ (mid to high-end)
- Location: Greek Street
- Signature dishes: Ricotta hotcakes, seasonal small plates
Milk Beach brings a laid-back Australian dining style to Soho, with a focus on well-executed dishes and a welcoming feel. It works just as well for a long brunch as it does for a relaxed evening meal.
Best for: Brunch and casual evenings
When to visit: Late mornings or relaxed dinners
Pastaio Carnaby
- Cuisine: Italian
- Known for: Fresh pasta, simple ingredients
- Atmosphere: Casual, busy, and energetic
- Price guide: ££ (mid-range)
- Location: Carnaby Street area
- Signature dishes: Cacio e pepe, seasonal pasta dishes
Pastaio focuses on doing pasta well, with fresh, seasonal dishes served quickly in a lively setting. It’s a reliable choice when you want something satisfying without the formality of a longer dining experience.
Best for: Quick, high-quality Italian
When to visit: Lunch or early evening
Gauthier Soho
- Cuisine: Fine dining (plant-based focus)
- Known for: Vegan tasting menus, refined presentation, elegant townhouse setting
- Atmosphere: Intimate, calm, polished, and understated
- Price guide: ££££ (high-end)
- Location: Romilly Street, Soho
- Signature dishes: Seasonal plant-based tasting menus, creative vegetable-led courses
Set within a characterful Soho townhouse, Gauthier Soho offers one of the area’s most refined dining experiences. Its plant-based tasting menus are carefully composed, elegant, and ideal for diners looking for something more considered than a casual meal.
Best for: Date nights and special occasions
When to visit: Evenings, especially for celebrations or a longer tasting menu experience.
POLPO Soho
- Cuisine: Italian (Venetian-inspired)
- Known for: Small plates, cicchetti, wine
- Atmosphere: Cosy, rustic, and informal
- Price guide: ££ (mid-range)
- Location: Beak Street, near Carnaby
- Signature dishes: Cicchetti, meatballs, seafood small plates
POLPO captures the feel of a traditional Venetian bàcaro, with simple dishes designed for sharing and a relaxed, convivial atmosphere. It’s a great spot for an easy-going meal with friends.
Best for: Casual dining and small plates
When to visit: Evenings or casual lunches
Bantof
- Cuisine: Modern Mexican
- Known for: Tasting menus, creative dishes
- Atmosphere: Contemporary and focused
- Price guide: £££ (mid to high-end)
- Location: Soho
- Signature dishes: Seasonal tasting menu, modern Mexican plates
Bantof offers a more refined take on Mexican cuisine, with a tasting menu that showcases both creativity and technique. It’s a strong choice if you’re looking for something different from the typical Soho dining experience.
Best for: Unique dining experiences
When to visit: Evenings and special occasions
Where These Restaurants Are Located in Soho
Soho is compact and easy to navigate, which means many of the best restaurants are just a short walk from each other. However, certain areas have their own distinct feel, and choosing where to go can shape your overall experience.
- Carnaby Street & surrounding streets
A lively and central part of Soho, ideal if you want to combine shopping, drinks, and dinner. Restaurants like Pastaio Carnaby and Brother Marcus Soho are close by, making this a great area for casual, high-quality dining. - Kingly Court
One of Soho’s most popular food hubs, with multiple restaurants in a single courtyard setting. Señor Ceviche Soho is located here, making it a good choice if you want a lively atmosphere and plenty of options nearby. - Frith Street and central Soho
A classic Soho dining area with a mix of long-standing favourites and newer openings. Koya Soho sits here, making it ideal for a quick, high-quality meal in the heart of the neighbourhood. - Golden Square and quieter side streets
Slightly removed from the busiest areas, these streets are a good option if you want a more relaxed setting while still being close to everything. Blacklock Soho is located nearby. - Romilly Street and surrounding areas
Home to more intimate and refined dining options, including Gauthier Soho, making it a strong choice for date nights or special occasions.
Because everything is within walking distance, it’s easy to plan an evening around multiple stops - whether that’s drinks before dinner, or exploring a few different places across Soho.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best restaurants in Soho, London?
Some of the best restaurants in Soho include Brother Marcus Soho, Blacklock Soho, Koya Soho, and Gauthier Soho, offering a mix of casual and fine dining options.
Where should I eat in Soho for a date night?
For a date night, Gauthier Soho offers an intimate fine dining experience, while Kapara Restaurant Soho and Milk Beach Soho provide a more relaxed but still atmospheric setting.
What cuisine is Soho known for?
Soho is known for its global dining scene, including Italian, Japanese, Mediterranean, Peruvian, and modern European cuisine.
Do you need to book restaurants in Soho?
Many restaurants in Soho are busy, particularly in the evenings and on weekends, so it’s a good idea to book ahead where possible.
Finding Your Favourite Restaurant in Soho
There’s no single “best” restaurant in Soho - it all depends on what you’re in the mood for. Whether you’re after a quick meal, a lively dinner with friends, or a more refined dining experience, Soho offers an exceptional range of options within a few streets.
The best way to experience it is to explore, try different places, and find the spots that suit your taste and occasion.
