Best Restaurants in Leicester Square

Named after the drug that transformed many parts of London and China into a series of hidden smoke filled rooms, this restaurant serves up traditional Dim Sum dishes - all intensely flavoured with tender meats, fresh vegetables and seafood. The drinks here are an ongoing battle of flavours, with traditional recipes given an East Asian twang as the finest spirits are carefully blended with herbs and spices to create masterpieces of subtle taste. If you're not drinking? There are a fantastic selection of teas on offer too.

If you're in the mood for quirky restaurants near Leicester Square, Salsa! Soho is sure to impress with its colourful interiors, regular salsa classes and a spacious outdoor dining area. Not only can you nab half price cocktails between 5 and 8pm every day, but there are also mouthwatering eats like fried pork ribs, taco sharing boards and steak or mushroom fajitas on the menu.

Whitcomb's is one of the Leicester Square restaurants open all week long, offering a menu of elegant fine dining blending French and Mediterranean flavours such as tuna tartare or wild mushroom risotto. Get your fill of authentic cuisine, including fresh fish and prime cuts of steak alongside a long list of handcrafted cocktails, while surrounded by pretty plants and modern artwork in this stylish spot.

Nestled beneath the National Portrait Gallery, in its historical vaults no less, Larry's is a hidden gem accessed through a subtle entrance on Charing Cross Road. The bar's ambiance features a mix of exposed brick and art deco decor, creating a quirky yet charming atmosphere ideal for a romantic afternoon.

Indulge in classic cocktails, dive into brunch favourites like blueberry buttermilk pancakes, or savour a set lunch menu offering delights such as house-cured yuzu gin salmon, miso-roasted aubergine, and beef short rib. All of this takes place against the backdrop of over 100 portraits celebrating the legendary figures of London's West End, paying tribute to the venue's central location.

After Leicester Square restaurants with halal options aplenty? Gura Gura is tucked away in St Martins Courtyard, serving up unique pan-Asian fare across two floors. The foliage-adorned ceiling, Japanese-inspired artwork and house playlist create a chilled dining atmosphere that's perfect for dates or catching up with friends, while munching on sushi, dim sum, noodles and more.

A great choice of family restaurants near Leicester Square, Browns Brasserie & Bar is a welcoming and sophisticated space that caters for everything from sumptuous Sunday roasts to elegant afternoon teas and delicious brunches. Delve into harissa-spiced lamb or butternut squash gnocchi with plenty of refreshing cocktails to match, the perfect way to end a busy day in the city.

Right in the heart of Leicester Square, Honest Burgers is slinging out top quality dishes at an affordable price. Ideal for a quick bite to eat before the theatre or after a long day of sightseeing, the casual space features wooden tables and a welcoming atmosphere.

There's plenty to choose from on their extensive menu, which features a number of plant-based options too. Think juicy beef patties topped with bacon, pesto chicken burgers or spicy veggie fritters.

Just around the corner from The National Gallery you'll find All Bar One, where you can feast on a menu packed with elevated pub classics - we're talking beef brisket burgers, king prawn paella and halloumi or chorizo skewers. There are some great deals available here too, such as an £11.95 weekday lunch offer, making this spot a great choice for cheap places to eat near Leicester Square.

Looking for Italian restaurants near Leicester Square? Monmouth Kitchen is found in nearby Covent Garden, blending Mediterranean and South American cuisines to create gorgeous fusion meals. Sip on a pisco sour or a negroni as you dig into spicy nduja pizzas, pecorino and truffle tortellini or pan-fried salmon.

1 Leicester Square Rooftop can be found at in the heart of Leicester Square, nine floors above Hotel Indigo and overlooking the vibrant streets of the West End. It's the perfect place to come for lunch with family, friends, and even a business meeting should you hire one of its rooms. 

Dine among dangling foliage, floor-to-ceiling windows and plush leather booths, and tuck into globally-inspired small plates like Korean fried chicken, honey garlic soy chicken tacos, wagyu beef and black truffle sliders, and Korean BBQ burgers with fries. 

The Leicester Square Kitchen offers Central American food in the heart of London, with a selection of small Peruvian and Mexican sharing plates alongside a wonderful cocktail list of South American mixed drinks. Enjoy the likes of crispy Baja fish, grilled soya mice empanadas and seabass ceviche a la carte, or take advantage of their pre-theatre menu for just £28.

Located within the Leicester House Hotel, Asador Bar & Grill is an elegant dining destination that flaunts sophisticated wooden furniture, dark walls and a marble-topped bar serving cracking cocktails from a signature menu.

They specialise in South and Central American fare here, ranging from Argentinian beef mango salad to sea bass risotto or a chimichurri burger.

When you need your fix of high-quality cuts of meat, take a look at Steak and Company. The contemporary, yet cosy, interiors are ideal for date nights or group gatherings, while the menu offers the finest cuts of steak, from ribeye to aged fillet, served on sizzling blocks and paired with amazing wine recommended by the talented members of staff.

Looking out over the streets of Soho, The Perception at W London is all about striking interiors and great views to accompany your meal. Not only do they offer a cracking afternoon tea, but you can also enjoy dishes like crispy confit pork belly, tempura broccoli and coconut prawn curries, while sipping on signature cocktails like the lavender and rose-infused Through The Looking Glass.

For independent restaurants near Leicester Square, Ochre is coming out on top. Mosey over to the gorgeous National Gallery eatery to settle down in their swish golden and botanical surrounds, where you'll be served all manner of delightful British fare. Think Exmoor venison tartare, delica pumpkin and Jersey rock oysters, with a delightful afternoon tea menu to boot.

Machiya is a go-to for authentic Japanese cuisine in the heart of London, with dishes ranging from chicken or veggie katsu curries to fried tofu in tempura sauce and teriyaki glazed salmon. You can pair these bites with classic or fruit sake, as well as a range of Japanese whiskies and a delicious toasted rice green tea.

For Japanese drinking and dining with rooftop views, check out 8 at The Londoner - a modern take on the traditional izakaya across multiple stunning rooms and the gorgeous Shima Garden. They've got one of the best collections of sake and whisky around, as well as tasty bites like seabass carpaccio, wagyu steaks and vegetable gyoza tacos.

Dripping in 1930s-inspired glamour, Heliot Steak House, Bar & Lounge is a golden palace of wine and mouthwatering eats, looking out over the gaming floor at The Hippodrome Casino. Not only are the steaks top tier, but they also offer everything from pumpkin ravioli and beetroot Wellington to New Zealand tandoori lamb. 

One of the best restaurants near Leicester Square, Farzi is the gorgeous dining den that takes bookings 7 days or more in advance, delving out sophisticated takes on everything from lamb shank to biriyani and tandoori paneer. Better yet, you can wash these down with signature cocktails, which are created using cutting-edge technology like centrifugal machines and a sonic homogeniser to produce some futuristic sips.