London's legendary dining spots: 6 iconic restaurants

The title of the world’s oldest restaurant often goes to Madrid's Restaurante Sobrino de Botín, which has been serving up roasted meats since 1725 in an oven that’s nearly 300 years old. However, London is home to several historic dining establishments that aren't far behind.

Although London's culinary scene has experienced a surge of innovation in recent years with new and exciting chefs, these establishments are merely the latest additions to a dining tradition that dates back to the mid-18th century in England.

Here are six of the city’s most celebrated and long-standing gastronomic institutions:

1. Wiltons

Wiltons' history dates back to 1742, when George Wilton opened a shellfish stall in the bustling Haymarket, a hub for hay and fresh produce in 18th-century London.

A skilled oyster vendor, Wilton quickly earned the trust of the British royal family, becoming a preferred supplier. Over the years, his stall grew into Wiltons Oyster Rooms, changing locations and owners several times.

During WWII, when a bomb landed near St James’ Church, Bessie Leal, the then-owner, was so rattled by the blast that she decided to sell Wiltons and retire from the business.

A regular customer quickly agreed to purchase the restaurant, famously asking Leal to add it to his bill. Now 275 years old, Wiltons holds the title of London's oldest restaurant, though other establishments also claim to be the oldest.

Oysters from Loch Ryan in Scotland and West Mersea in Essex continue to feature on the menu, alongside Rhug Estate beef and Dover Sole, showcasing the best of British produce. Today, Wiltons exudes the charm of a private gentleman’s club, fitting for the historic St. James’s area in Central London.

Wiltons, 55 Jermyn Street, St. James’s, London; +44 20 7629 9955

2. Rules

When Thomas Rule opened his oyster bar in Covent Garden in 1798, Napoleon was embarking on his Egyptian campaign. The bar quickly gained a reputation for its 'porter' (a dark beer), pies, and oysters.

Rules proudly claims the title of 'oldest restaurant in London,' directly challenging Wiltons' claim. In its 219 years, the restaurant has been owned by just three families.

A true reflection of British tradition, Rules is adorned with portraits of Queen Elizabeth II and former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, underscoring its cultural heritage. Its clientele has included British literary giants like Graham Greene, H.G. Wells, and Charles Dickens, alongside Hollywood stars such as Charlie Chaplin, Clark Gable, and King Edward VII.

The menu features produce from across the British Isles, with game season bringing classic dishes like grouse and woodcock to the table.

Rules, Covent Garden, 34-35 Maiden Ln, London; +44 20 7836 5314

3. The Ivy

While not the oldest in London, The Ivy has certainly earned its place as a dining institution. Opening its doors in 1917 as an Italian café, it quickly transformed from humble beginnings with paper napkins to a luxurious restaurant with fine linens, becoming one of London's most iconic spots.

Nestled in the heart of London's theater district near Covent Garden, The Ivy became a favorite among actors and performers. Owner Abel Giandellini even took to delivering meals to actors’ dressing rooms between shows.

In the early days, if a customer wanted a drink, waitresses had to fetch it from the nearest pub. Thankfully, that’s no longer the case. Today, Champagne, wine, and cocktails flow freely, keeping the conversation lively among a glamorous mix of London's elite.

Paparazzi often wait outside for glimpses of celebrities leaving the restaurant. Recently renovated to mark its centenary, The Ivy is celebrating with special menus, cocktails, and even an exclusive performance by Australian singer Kylie Minogue.

Popular dishes include the comforting shepherd's pie and Executive Chef Gary Lee’s signature dessert, 'A Window to The Ivy,' inspired by the restaurant’s iconic stained-glass windows.

The Ivy, 5 West St, London; +44 20 7836 4751

4. Sweetings

Another long-standing London establishment owes its origins to bivalves.

Founded in 1830, Sweetings began as John S. Sweetings, Fish and Oyster Merchant, in Islington, North London. Known as 'very superior oyster rooms,' it offered a variety of seafood including Dover sole, salmon, lobsters, and, of course, oysters.

After relocating several times, Sweetings has been firmly established in its current spot in the heart of the City of London financial district for over a century. The vintage décor remains charmingly untouched, with framed cricket bats and chalkboards listing the daily specials.

As expected, British seafood is the star of the menu – best enjoyed in dishes like potted shrimps, smoked eel, or the chef’s signature fish pie. For dessert, indulge in steamed syrup pudding or the famous Welsh rarebit, elevating cheese on toast to an art form.

Sweetings, 39 Queen Victoria St, London; +44 20 7248 3062

5. Simpson’s in the Strand

With its soaring ceilings and grand chandeliers, Simpson’s in the Strand evokes the feel of an 18th-century private club. The atmosphere is fitting, especially as the restaurant celebrates its 189th anniversary this year, serving a high-profile clientele.

Over its long history, Simpson’s in the Strand has been a favorite haunt of famous figures, including Charles Dickens, George Bernard Shaw, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and even his legendary character, Sherlock Holmes.

A landmark since 1828, when it opened as a chess club and coffee house, Simpson’s in the Strand was a pioneer of the carving trolley. Joints of British beef, lamb, and pork would be silently served tableside to avoid disrupting the intense chess matches.

One of the original chefs insisted that everything in the restaurant should reflect British culinary traditions. To this day, the menu remains focused on UK favorites, including the iconic roast beef served tableside.

Simpson’s in the Strand, 100 Strand, London; +44 20 7836 9112

6. F Cooke

London’s dining scene is as diverse as ever, and the 155-year-old F Cooke pie and mash shop proves that classic, home-cooked comfort food still attracts crowds. Since 1862, Robert Cooke’s simple yet satisfying dishes, such as pie, mash, and parsley sauce, have been beloved by locals.

Remarkably, F Cooke continues to use the same original recipes, and the shop is still owned by the Cooke family, now in its fourth generation.

F Cooke's reputation is so strong that it attracts a steady stream of celebrity chefs, including Heston Blumenthal of the three-Michelin-starred Fat Duck in Maidenhead, west of London.

Another beloved dish, to many people's surprise, is eels. Traditionally served in a cold jelly, F Cooke’s eels can even be taken away, offering travelers a taste of this historic dish on the go.

F Cooke, 150 Hoxton St, London; +44 20 7729 7718

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