Dining in London isn’t about grabbing something on the go – it should be a part of your holiday that you savour as much as seeing the sights. The restaurants in London are of a stunningly high standard and there are tastes for every palate whether you want something from abroad or the best of British.

Simple and hearty

When done well, British food is simple and hearty – and the top London restaurants serve only the finest British produce, including everything from roast beef and game to fish and chips.

One of the finest examples of the best of British cuisine is the Boisdale of Belgravia, which is housed in a Regency building close to Buckingham Palace. It has a primarily Scottish menu focusing on haggis, potatoes and whisky. If you prefer something more English however, then check out Porters English Restaurant, a Covent Garden favourite, with its famous steak and kidney pudding; as well as beer battered cod and creamy fish pie.

Roast offers views over the bustling Borough Market and focuses on the best British cooking with a seasonal menu that places the emphasis on traditional favourites such as roast beef, potted shrimps and English wine. Rules, in Covent Garden, is London’s oldest restaurant, with an emphasis on oysters (pictured), game, pies and pudding; while Simpsons in the Strand is a place for real meat lovers.

Anyone looking for kosher dining will be spoilt for choice with everything from Italian restaurants to Chinese restaurants to choose from. Aviv has a traditional Israeli menu with sizeable portions; while Bevis Marks is considered one of London’s premier kosher restaurants with a focus on British food including hard-cut chips and rib-eye steaks. Meanwhile, Kaifeng offers fabulous Chinese food; Met Su Yan specialises in authentic fusion dishes; and Tutti Gusti is the place for Italian cuisine.

Pubs and clubs

After all that good food you’re going to need something to wash it all down – and London, unsurprisingly, is not short of drinking options. There are plenty of traditional gastro pubs, some of the best of which include: The Gun, a Victorian pub that has been beautifully renovated; Paradise by Way of Kensal Green, with its enormous angel sculpture; The Coach and Horses, which is rumoured to have a few ghosts; and The Bull and Last with outstanding seasonal food.

For a glass of champagne, check out Amuse Bouche Solo, with its in-house DJ on Friday nights; Catch & Champagne Bar, which is popular with the after-work crowd; and Kettner’s Champagne Bar, which regularly plays host to the rich and famous.

Of course if you just want to have some fun on your night out then check out one of London’s karaoke bars, such as: Lucky Voice Soho, which has nine private karaoke rooms; Karaoke Box Smithfield and Soho; and The Source Below, one of London’s original and best-loved karaoke bars. There are also too many clubbing options to mention in the city, but some of the best include: Adventure Bar; Club de Fromage; and the electric sounds at Electric Brixton.

Tomorrow: London Shopping.