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 | Piccadilly | ££ |
| Quo Vadis | Soho | £££ |
| Koya Soho | Soho | ££ |
| Blanchette | Soho | £££ |
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Editor’s choice
BAO Soho
Why we pick itThe one that started it in 2015, described by the group as a poetic translation of the Taiwanese xiao chi house, and a Michelin Bib Gourmand holder for nine years running. Several dishes are marked exclusive to Soho, so it is the only branch where the menu is the full original.
Worth knowingWalk-ins only: BAO Soho takes no reservations at all, so go at opening or expect a wait.
For the best bun in Soho.
-
Brasserie Zedel
Why we pick itA grand art deco basement brasserie with a set menu still under twenty pounds
Worth knowingThe cooking is competent rather than the point, and service moves fast enough to rush a leisurely evening. You are buying the room and the price.
The grandest cheap dinner in London.
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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.
Worth knowingSkip it if you want something new
Refined British that never dates.
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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.
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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 best restaurants in Soho?
BAO Soho is our editor's choice: The one that started it in 2015, described by the group as a poetic translation of the Taiwanese xiao chi house, and a Michelin Bib Gourmand holder for nine years running. Several dishes are marked exclusive to Soho, so it is the only branch where the menu is the full original. BAO Soho, Brasserie Zedel and Quo Vadis lead the guide, with 5 places in total, all chosen on merit.
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