5 Best restaurants charing cross london

Introduction

In central London, Charing Cross is a food lover’s paradise, brimming with eateries, cafes, and bars. So whether you want fine dining or casual bites, international or British classics, this area has you covered.

Charing Cross restaurants are ideal for tourists, business professionals and theatre-goers due to proximity to Trafalgar Square, Covent Garden and the West End theatres and restaurants. This guide will take you through some of the best places to eat, from Michelin-starred spots to budget-hidden gems.

Charing Cross – Why Eat Here? – Restaurants Charing cross London

directly sustainable due to the meeting of market-linked lifestyles; supremest of senses at Charing Cross; Charing Cross is among the top area of dining in London due to;

✔ Central Location – Near Charing Cross Station and top attractions like Trafalgar Square and Covent Garden.

✔ Different Cuisine — From British fine dining to Japanese, Italian, Indian and Mediterranean.

✔ Historic charm – Many restaurants are in landmark buildings with interesting stories.

✔ Great for Pre-Theatre – London’s West End theatres are just a stone’s throw away from here, so it’s a good spot for dinner before you go to the show.

So without further ado, here are the top restaurants in Charing Cross, London ️

The Best Restaurants In Charing Cross, London – Restaurants Charing cross London

The Northall – Luxe, British Fine Dining

📍 Location: The Corinthia Hotel, Whitehall Place London

⭐ Best For: Fancy-british cuisine in a super-luxury environment

The Northall is one of Charing Cross’ highest-rated fine dining restaurants serving seasonal British dishes, with a focus on sustainable, high quality ingredients. Located within The Corinthia Hotel, it provides a refined dining atmosphere ideal for special events and business meetings.

Must-Try Dishes:

✅ Cornish crab avocado, citrus dressing

✅ Steak: Scottish beef fillet and béarnaise sauce

✅ Chocolate fondant with salted caramel ice cream

Barrafina — authentic Spanish tapas

📍 Where: Adelaide Street, London

⭐ Important Information: Traditional Spanish tapas in a lively atmosphere

Barrafina is one of the best restaurants near Charing Cross if you want authentic Spanish cuisine. The open-kitchen design allows diners a front-row seat to chefs making traditional Spanish tapas including Iberian ham, seafood paella and tortilla Española.

Must-Try Dishes:

✅ Gambas al ajillo (prawns in garlic)

✅ Octopus in paprika with olive oil

✅ Crema Catalana (Spanish custard dessert)

Tip: It’s a no-reservations place — so be prepared for a brief wait at Barrafina — but it’s worth it!

Rules – The Oldest Restaurant In London – Restaurants Charing cross London

📍 Directory: Maiden Lane, London

⭐ Best For: Traditional British cuisine in a historic setting – Restaurants Charing cross London

Founded in 1798, Rules is the unofficial oldest restaurant in London, known for game meats, shellfish and other classic British dishes. It’s not every day you eat in a 19th-century building envied for Victorian-style decor and history.

Must-Try Dishes:

✅ Roast grouse, red cabbage and bread sauce

✅ Steak and kidney pudding

✅ Sticky toffee pudding

If you like historic restaurants with traditional British flavors, don’t miss Rules.

The Oldest Wine Bar in London: Gordon’s Wine Bar

📍 Where: Villiers Street, London

⭐ Best For: Wine lovers and cheese enthusiasts – Restaurants Charing cross London

For lovers of delicious wine and cheese, Gordon’s Wine Bar is an hidden gem in Charing Cross. Founded in 1890, it is London’s oldest wine bar, with a candlelit cellar vibe that sweeps its visitors away to another era.

Must-Try Pairings:

✅ Old bottle of Bordeaux with truffle brie

✅ Iberian charcuterie with Rioja Reserva

✅ Champagne with smoked salmon pâté

Ideal for a cozy romantic evening, or a drink with friends.

The retinal association – London’s most romantic restaurant

📍 Location: Covent Garden, London (5-minutes walk from Charing Cross)

⭐ Best For: For fancy French fare in a dreamy setting – Restaurants Charing cross London

Clos Maggiore is one of the most perfect romantic restaurants for couples in Charing Cross, London. A Michelin-recommended spot known for its glamorous floral-filled interiors, candlelit ambience and fine French dishes — perfect for date nights.

Must-Try Dishes:

✅ Lobster bisque with cognac cream

✅ Rosemary Jus with Slow-Roasted Lamb

✅ Grand Marnier soufflé

Broughton Street | Reservations are highly recommended as it is quite popular.

Flat Iron – Best budget steakhouse

📍 Address: Henrietta Street, London

⭐ Best For: Good quality steak at reasonable price – Restaurants Charing cross London

Flat Iron, owners of premium-quality steak at surprising low prices for steak lovers. Its signature Flat Iron steak with side salad and dripping-cooked fries is a particular favourite with visitors.

Must-Try Dishes:

✅ | Flat Iron steak with peppercorn sauce

✅ Wagyu beef burger

✅ Salted caramel ice cream, house-made

A great value near to Charing Cross.

Special Diet Restaurants in Charing Cross, London – Restaurants Charing cross London

🌱 Vegan & Vegetarian:

Mildreds (Soho): Known for its style of plant-based comfort food.

The Real Greek: Vegetarian-friendly Mediterranean mezze platters.

🐟 Best Seafood:

Bentley’s Oyster Bar & Grill: Oyster, lobster, fish & chips.

🍣 Best Japanese:

SUSHISAMBA: A mélange of Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian flavors.

How to Select an Appropriate Restaurant within Charing Cross

So many dining options; here are a few tips to help you decide:

✔ For Fine Dining One Michelin-Starred: The Northall, Clos Maggiore

✔ For Casual Eats: Flat Iron, Gordon’s Wine Bar

✔ For Other International: Barrafina (Spanish), SUSHISAMBA (Japanese-Peruvian)

✔ For Historic Dining: Rules, Gordon’s Wine Bar

Final Thoughts – Restaurants Charing cross London

Charing Cross is one of London’s fine dining enclaves, home to a mix of flashy restaurants, low-key spots and hidden treasures. Whether you’re after a more romantic fine-dining experience, a historic British meal or a quick bite before the theatre, you’ll find no shortage of options here.

So next time you find yourself in central London, take a look at these top restaurants in Charing Cross, London and treat yourself to an extravagant meal that you won’t forget!