Westminster restaurants, London
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Westminster sits right at the very heart of London, making it an ideal place to head for a meal. It may not have the same high concentration of restaurants as in areas like Soho or Covent Garden. However, it still offers a great deal of enjoyable eating options. The area's high-brow reputation means that it attracts a high-quality breed of chefs, ensuring that there is no lack of classy places to enjoy dinner. However, if you are looking for something more laid back, you can head to a quiet café, a traditional pub or a family restaurant.
This page will provide an overview to the eating options in Westminster. You will find advice on what to look for when you are in search of a place to eat. You will also find listings of some Westminster restaurants. Each listing will provide a link to a more detailed page where you will be able to find out about the location, contact details, what to expect, and how to book each restaurant. Each restaurant has been categorised by what kind of cuisine it serves, to make it easier for you to find what you are after.
Advice on eating out in Westminster
If you head to Westminster and you have not booked a restaurant you can still take a stroll around the area and find a place to grab a bite. In the streets surrounding Westminster tube station, there are a wide range of places to enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner.
If you are heading to one of the more high-brow restaurants (see below for more details) it is worth remembering that it is important to book in advance. For restaurants with Michelin stars or high-profile chefs, it can be necessary to book in advance by anything up to a month. If you have not booked in advance, it is worth trying them (particularly on weeknights or for lunch), but there is high possibility that you will not get a table without an advance booking.
High-end restaurants in Westminster
There are a wide selection of eateries in Westminster that give you the opportunity to put on your glad-rags and try some well-made cooking. It is worth remembering that if you would like to eat at most of the restaurants listed below in this section you will need to book at least a few days in advance.
The Cinnamon Club
The Cinnamon Club is a fine-dining restaurant where you can try out Modern Indian classics. It is not often that you find Indian food in such refined settings, so this is an opportunity to try out the likes of Bombay street food cooked to a high standard.
The Cinnamon Club
The Old Westminster Library
30 - 32 Great Smith Street
London
SW1P 3BU
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7222 2555
Website: Official Cinnamon Club
Vincent Rooms
Vincent Rooms is an interesting concept - it allows you to try out haute cuisine at affordable prices. This is made possible by the fact that the food is prepared and served by students at Westminster Kingsway College catering school (where everybody from Jamie Oliver to Ainsley Harriott studied). The surroundings are classic and traditional and the food is French.
Vincent Rooms
Westminster Kingsway College
76 Vincent Square
SW1P 2PD
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7802 8391
Website: Official Vincent Rooms website
If you are after a truly British experience, you cannot get more traditional than fish and chips. In Westminster you will find a fish and chips shop where you can tuck into a British classic:
The Laughing Halibut
The Laughing Halibut (Fish & Chips)
38 Strutton Ground
London
SW1P 2HR
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7799 2844
Gastropubs
Westminster is an area packed with pubs. Many of these pubs offer good quality food at affordable prices. This is a good option if you have not booked anywhere to enjoy dinner - you will be able to just grab a table and order some comfort food from the bar.
St Stephens Tavern
Saint Stephens Tavern is a Westminster institution. It sits just outside Westminster tube station, in the shadow of Big Ben. It has a classis and distinctive exterior, with old lanterns and detailed windows. What lies beneath is a classic pub, offering a famously good Sunday roast dinner.
St Stephens Tavern
10 Bride Street
Westminster
London
SW1A 2JR
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7925 2286
The Westminster
The Westminster is a classic British pub where you can try local ale and eat some affordable and comforting food. For details, with information on the location, booking information, and contact details, see our Guide to the Westminster pub in Westminster.
Duke of York
The Duke of York pub will offer you the opportunity to buy some affordable food without worrying about whether you've made a booking. For details on the pub, including a description, location and contact details, see our Guide to the Duke of York pub.
Cafes in the area
Perhaps you don't need a full dinner in Westminster. If you are simply looking for a place where you can sit down and grab a coffee or a sandwich, you will find lots of cafes in the area.
Pret A Manger
49 Tothill Street
London
SW1H 9LQ
Tel: Pret A Manger
49 Tothill Street
London
SW1H 9LQ
Website: Official Pret A Manger website
Italian restaurants
If you are with a group and everybody fancies something a little bit different, Italian restaurants are a good idea. There are pizzas, salads, pasta and rice dishes on the same menu. Westminster has its fair share of Italian offerings.
Colosseo Restaurant
Colosseo is a down to earth Italian restaurant where you can eat traditional Italian fayre in cosy surroundings. Its small façade leads in to a long room with tiles flooring, red tablecloths and wooden chairs. House specials include deep fried aubergines, pizzas and seafood dishes. This is a good option if you have not booked a table for dinner - it is an informal restaurant where lots of tables are saved for walk-ins.
Colossea Italian Restaurant
79 Victoria Street
London
SW1 0HW
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7222 3871
Westminster is an area that is filled with places where you can grab a bite to eat or sit and enjoy a long and leisurely dinner. Have a look at the restaurant and café options that are listed above and see if there is one that suits what you are after. If you are intent on eating in one specific restaurant, booking ahead is a good idea to avoid disappointment. So, make some bookings, enjoy your dinner, and you never know, you might even spot the Prime Minister dining at a nearby table!