Dining
The 5 Best Restaurants in Soho
Counter seats, old institutions, and last week's opening: the Soho doors worth the queue.
In short: our top picks are Bao Soho, Brasserie Zedel and Quo Vadis. 5 places in total, chosen on merit, with the full reasoning below.
Soho packs more good eating into half a square mile than anywhere in London, from counter seats to old institutions to whatever opened last week. The trick is knowing which doors are worth the queue. These are ours.
| Place | Area | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Bao Soho | Soho | ££ |
| Brasserie Zedel | Soho | ££ |
| Quo Vadis | Soho | £££ |
| Koya Soho | Soho | ££ |
| Blanchette | Soho | £££ |
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Editor’s choice
Bao Soho
Why we pick itA tiny counter doing pillowy Taiwanese steamed buns and little else, very well. Queue, order the classic bao and a beer.
For the best bun in Soho.
-
Brasserie Zedel
Why we pick itA vast art deco brasserie in a basement off Piccadilly, with French classics at prices that feel like a misprint.
The grandest cheap dinner in London.
-
Quo Vadis
Why we pick itA Soho institution doing refined British cooking in a handsome dining room. The kind of place that never goes out of style.
Refined British that never dates.
-
Koya Soho
Why we pick itA small udon bar where the noodles are made fresh and the broth is the point. Quietly one of the best lunches in Soho.
The best quick lunch on the list.
-
Blanchette
Why we pick itA buzzy little French spot doing small plates and natural wine, good for a quick bite or a long, loud dinner.
For small plates and a loud night.
Before you book
Much of the best of Soho is no-reservations, so go early or eat late, and be ready to leave your number and have a drink while you wait. Lunch is quieter and better value. And walk a street off the main drag: the quieter corners hide the gems.
Common questions
What are the top picks in this guide?
Bao Soho is our editor's choice: A tiny counter doing pillowy Taiwanese steamed buns and little else, very well. Queue, order the classic bao and a beer. Bao Soho, Brasserie Zedel and Quo Vadis lead the guide, with 5 places in total, all chosen on merit.
How does Lamplit London choose its recommendations?
Every place is chosen on merit, after first-hand visits where possible, with no pay-for-placement. Read our full method at https://www.lamplitlondon.com/how-we-choose/.
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