Best Restaurants Near Buckingham Palace

Explore delicious dining options close to Buckingham Palace.

Published: March 31, 2025
buckingham palace

When visiting the grandeur of Buckingham Palace, you'll want to dine like royalty. We've scoured the area to find the best dining experiences for your journey, whether you're looking to splurge, stick to a sensible budget, or find a delectable treat. Dive into our curated list of high-end, mid-range, and budget-friendly restaurants near Buckingham Palace. Each spot promises a unique taste of London. 

High-end 

The Dining Room at The Goring 

Walking distance: 8 minutes
Nearest tube: Victoria
Cuisine: British
Google rating: 4.6 

Start your royal dining tour with a visit to The Dining Room at The Goring. This elegant spot offers a quintessentially British experience, blending traditional recipes with modern twists.  

The tasting menu is quite the catch, with standout dishes like the Dorset crab with lemon and herb mayonnaise, offering a bright start to your meal. Main courses include the beef Wellington, served with rich Madeira sauce—a dish that makes you feel as if you're dining alongside royalty.  

If you're there for lunch, the fish and chips here is surprisingly elevated, perfectly crispy and served with a light, creamy tartare sauce.  

Marcus 

Walking distance: 15 minutes
Nearest tube: Knightsbridge
Cuisine: British
Google rating: 4.5 

Marcus is the culinary masterpiece nestled in the Berkeley Hotel, known for its refined yet approachable atmosphere.  

Here, the tasting menu offers a symphony of flavours, highlighting the best British ingredients, from Cornish lobster to Wiltshire lamb, each dish showcasing culinary craftsmanship. If you're in the mood for something lighter, the afternoon tea is a charming treat, providing delicate sandwiches and intricate pâtisseries.  

The extensive wine list pairs beautifully with your meal, enhancing the overall experience. Marcus is a fitting choice for those seeking high-end delights near Buckingham Palace. 

The Oval Restaurant 

The Oval Restaurant 

Walking distance: 12 minutes
Nearest tube: Green Park
Cuisine: European
Google rating: 4.7 

Located within The Wellesley, The Oval Restaurant enchants with its luxurious, intimate atmosphere and stunning oval ceiling design.  

The menu pays homage to European classics with a contemporary flair, offering items like truffle risotto and pan-seared duck breast delivering a symphony of taste. The cocktails here, such as the signature 'Oval Martini', are expertly crafted, adding another layer of sophistication to your meal.  

Near the palace, The Oval is a gem for luxurious gourmet experiences. 

Cinnamon Club 

Cinnamon Club 

Walking distance: 14 minutes
Nearest tube: Westminster
Cuisine: Indian
Google rating: 4.4 

Set in the grandeur of a former Victorian library, Cinnamon Club blends tradition with innovation, crafting a dining experience that highlights Indian flavours with a contemporary twist.  

Signature dishes include the aromatic lamb rogan josh and the utterly indulgent tandoori monkfish. Each bite promises adventure, with spices that warm your palate and tantalize your senses. The creative cocktail offerings complement the bold flavours of the dishes seamlessly.  

Whether you’re a spice aficionado or trying Indian cuisine for the first time, Cinnamon Club is a must-visit for anyone in the area. 

The Thomas Cubitt 

Walking distance: 9 minutes
Nearest tube: Sloane Square
Cuisine: British
Google rating: 4.3 

The Thomas Cubitt, with its traditional Georgian architecture, is a beloved British gastropub where heritage meets culinary craftsmanship.  

Classic British dishes shine here—try the succulent Sunday roast with all the trimmings, or, for something lighter, the smoked mackerel pâté. It’s hearty fare that offers comfort and satisfaction in every bite. Save room for dessert; the sticky toffee pudding here is a delightful treat.  

With an excellent selection of beers and ales, including local brews, The Thomas Cubitt serves up a quintessential pub experience close to Buckingham Palace. 

St. Ermin’s Tea Lounge 

Walking distance: 8 minutes
Nearest tube: St. James’s Park
Cuisine: British Afternoon Tea
Google rating: 4.5 

If you’re near Buckingham Palace and yearning for afternoon tea, look no further than the Tea Lounge at St. Ermin’s.  

A classic tea service comes with delicate finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones served with clotted cream and preserves, alongside an array of artfully prepared pastries. The impressive selection of teas, ranging from traditional blends to exotic flavours, ensures a perfect pairing for every taste.  

St. Ermin’s offers a slice of British tradition near one of the city’s most famous landmarks. 

Tachbrook Street Market 

Tachbrook Street Market 

Walking distance: 16 minutes
Nearest tube: Pimlico
Cuisine: Various
Google rating: 4.5 

For a vibrant, budget-friendly food adventure, the Tachbrook Street Market should be your go-to.  

Brimming with stalls offering a diverse range of cuisines, this lively market serves everything from spicy curries to savoury Greek souvlaki, ensuring you’re spoilt for choice.  

Grab a hearty falafel wrap or indulge in some freshly made sushi.  

Regency Café 

Walking distance: 12 minutes
Nearest tube: Pimlico
Cuisine: British
Google rating: 4.6 

The Regency Café offers a nostalgic dive into classic British fare.  

Known for one of the best traditional English breakfasts in town, this spot serves up hearty platters with bacon, eggs, sausages, beans—the works—all for a friendly price. The lunch menu shines with comforting dishes like pie and mash or a satisfying roast dinner.  

Despite its budget-friendly prices, the Regency Café keeps diners coming back, making it the perfect spot for those craving a taste of traditional British comfort food near Buckingham Palace. 

The Laughing Halibut 

Walking distance: 10 minutes
Nearest tube: St. James’s Park
Cuisine: British Fish & Chips
Google rating: 4.4 

No trip to London is complete without sampling some classic fish and chips, and The Laughing Halibut offers just that.  

This charming, low-key spot invites you in with crispy, golden-battered fish and freshly cooked chips, served with a side of mushy peas for good measure. The simple yet satisfying menu has made it a beloved favourite for both locals and visitors.  

Perfectly located for a post-sightseeing refuel, this is a must-visit if you're in the area. 

Strutton Ground Market 

Strutton Ground Market 

Walking distance: 11 minutes
Nearest tube: Victoria
Cuisine: Various
Google rating: 4.5 

Strutton Ground Market is a hidden gem for budget-friendly eats, offering a vibrant mix of food stalls that cater to all tastes.  

From aromatic Thai curries to freshly prepared Italian pasta dishes, the variety is delightful. You can also find artisan pastries or freshly brewed coffee to round out your meal.  

The market is bustling with energy, giving you a true taste of London’s street food scene just a stone's throw from Buckingham Palace. 

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Cambridge Henry VIII
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Amazing Historical Facts About Henry VIII

Way back when, on the 28th June 1491, one of England's most famous monarchs was born. King Henry VIII. Known for his six wives, desperation for a male heir, and desire to separate from the Catholic church, jolly old Henry continues to fascinate us even today. That's why we've put together some of our best historical facts about this rotund royal, so you can think about him all over again. It's exactly what he would want. So, here are our favourite facts about Henry VIII! 1. He was not expected to rule Henry was the second son of Henry VII and Elizabeth of York. His elder brother, Arthur, was heir to the throne until he died from sweating sickness at 15. Yes, that's a thing. And yes, they were sorely lacking antiperspirant back in ye olden times. Then, when Henry was just 17 his father passed away. Once atop the throne, Henry VIII continued living a leisurely life for a monarch - preferring to sleep in. In fact, he only really got up to hunt, hawk, dance, gamble and play cards over his official duties.  2. He was a published author Before separating from the Catholic Church, Henry VIII wrote a 30,000-word response to Martin Luther's protestant Ninety-five Theses, praising the church in Rome. He was the first English king to publish a book and the Pope declared Henry VIII "Defender of the Faith". A declaration he would rescind years later when Henry VIII created the Church of England and separated from the Catholic Church, so he could get divorced. Classic Henry. 3. Paranoia and illness Henry was obsessed with sickness and death, specifically the sweating sickness and the plague. Which is fair enough, because living in a time before medicine, proper hygiene and the discovery of bacteria and viruses would have been terrifying. That, and by the age of 30 he'd already caught smallpox and malaria. Any time there was an outbreak, he would minimize his risk of infection by leaving London and limiting the number of ambassadors he saw. Even when Anne Boleyn caught the sweating sickness in 1528, Henry stayed far away until she got better. A true gentleman. 4. Weight issues Yes, some of the more well-known facts about Henry VIII are due to his enviable size. Despite being a tall, handsome and athletic young king (yes, really), older age was not kind to Henry VIII. When he died in 1547 after ruling for 30 years, he weighed nearly 400 pounds and had a 54-inch waist. This was partly due to some pretty severe jousting accidents and ulcers on his legs stopping him from his previous activities and partly because he loved a feast. 5. A merciless king In his later years, Henry grew more paranoid and ill-tempered. Crowds of prisoners were sent to the Tower of London at his orders. He sent more men and women to their deaths than any other English monarch. It's estimated 57,000 - 72,000 people were executed during his 37-year reign. 6. Multi-talented Not only could Henry speak Latin, French, Ancient Greek and Spanish, but he also played the lute and organ, sang, played tennis and jousted. Who knew that a life of luxury gave people time to do so much cool stuff?  7. Serial womaniser Henry VIII's womanising reputation has lasted throughout history thanks to his six infamous wives and mistresses. In spite of this reputation, we only know of three specific mistresses, one of which was Anne Boleyn's sister Mary. Not cool, King Henry. You should have kept playing tennis instead of playing the field. 8. Wife after wife There's a common belief that Henry married and discarded his six wives in quick succession, but that's not exactly true. He married his brother's widow Catherine of Aragon when he came to the throne at 17, and they remained married for nearly 24 years. That is - until he had their marriage annulled to marry Anne Boleyn. His shortest marriage was to Anne of Cleves, which lasted six months- she is buried in Westminster Abbey. 9. Belgium rule He is the only English monarch to have ruled Belgium. After capturing the significant town of Tournai in 1513, Henry eventually handed the territory to France in 1518. Truly a generous king. 10. Henry VIII's legacy In spite of his obsession with producing a male heir, Henry VIII had four children. Three were from his marriages. The other, who was named Henry Fitzroy (which means son of the king) was from his mistress Elizabeth Blount. His three "official" children went on to be kings and queens, with his youngest, Elizabeth I, becoming an iconic monarch in her own right. And those are our favourite facts about Henry VIII! Know any more tasty tidbits about the Tudor's best rapscallion? Let us know in the comments below. Oh, and while you're here, why not check out more of Britain's most famous figures throughout history? Or some fascinating facts about Henry's old home, Hampton Court Palace? And, if you want to see some of his old haunts up close, be sure to check out the very best London attractions the captial has to offer! Experience everything London has to offer with The London Pass® Planning your London trip? With The London Attraction Pass®, you can explore big-name landmarks, local hotspots and epic tours, all on one pass, all for one price. Not only that, but you'll enjoy savings of up to 50%, compared to buying individual attraction tickets. ✈️ Buy The London Pass® ✈️
Dom Bewley
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Valentine’s Day in London

Valentine’s Day in London isn’t just for the loved up. It can be for those in couples, sure. But it’s increasingly a day that caters to those looking for love. And those giving love the cold shoulder this year, tired of dating and the hype and the ceremony of it all. Those who say things like, “Valentine’s Day was just invented by greetings card companies.” Those who don’t. If you take it seriously, red heart balloons and all. Or if you go round popping said balloons. There’s something for you this Valentine’s Day in London. So dig into our guide on what to do this Valentine’s Day in London, including... Romantic Thames cruises for couples An evening under the stars, straight out of the movies A couple of unique twists on traditional speed dating, for those looking for love A murder mystery evening for those who are looking for a suspect And much, much more... The View from The Shard The View from The Shard are hosting a super special Valentine's Day event this year. Book as a couple and head up to London's highest viewing platform to catch the sunset, taking in incredible views across the city. Enjoy a complimentary glass of champagne to the soothing sounds of a live harpist. You'll get a souvenir digital photograph and a single red rose too. Outside of special event times, a trip up to see the View from The Shard is included with The London Pass. Click the button below to discover how you can see The View from The Shard with The London Pass, along with many, many other top London attractions. The View from The Shard, 32 London Bridge St, London SE1 9SG. For more details and to book, head HERE. theviewfromtheshard.com[/caption] Valentine’s Day Thames River Cruises with City Cruises For plenty of people, a Thames River cruise on Valentine’s Day is as romantic as it gets. Getting out on the water, seeing the city’s most famous landmarks pass by, drifting off into the sunset. It’s hard to think of a more classically romantic way to spend Valentine’s Day in London. City Cruises are offering three different cruise options on 14th February. Take it slow with an afternoon tea cruise, enjoying sandwiches and cakes to a soundtrack of smooth, smooth jazz. Or treat one another to a three course dinner with a live band for company. Finally, the evening cruise is the best option for those looking to dance off into the sunset together. Interested in a sightseeing Thames River Boat Cruise without the Valentiney twist? 24 hour access to City Cruises’ main services is included with The London Pass. Find out more about Thames River Boat Cruises available with The London Pass below. 14th February. To find out more about the three special Valentine's Day cruises run by City Cruises and to book, head HERE. citycruises.com[/caption] London's Rooftop Bars For many, there’s nothing more romantic than a rooftop bar. Cocktails and heights just do it for lots of people. You can survey all those beneath you, say, “Look, there’s my office,” and watch the sun go down. They’re usually pretty swanked up. For places lucky enough to have roof space, it’s good London real estate worth spending a penny or two on. Have a read of our article on the best rooftop bars in London to find your perfect date location for Valentine’s Day in London. Valentine’s Evening with the Stars, Royal Observatory Greenwich Ross and Rachel and the juice box. The two jazzed up lovers in La La Land. That scene in Manhattan. Planetariums are romantic, guys. Head up to the Royal Observatory Greenwich for a romance themed planetarium show, the chance to see space through an 18-tonne Victorian telescope and some time holding hands across the Greenwich Meridian. These special lates take place on February 8th and 14th, with tickets costing £24 for adults. To visit the Royal Observatory Greenwich during normal opening hours, get yourself The London Pass. Entry to the attraction, and many more of London's finest, is included with the pass. 14th February. Royal Observatory Greenwich, Blackheath Ave, Greenwich, London SE10 8XJ. To find out more and to book, head HERE. [caption id="attachment_6260" align="alignnone" width="1000"] rmg.co.uk[/caption] London Valentine’s Speed Duetting Night Find someone you can truly harmonise with at this unique speed dating event. You’ll be split into groups, then paired up in a private karaoke booth to have a go singing a classic duet. It might go a little flat and fail to hit the high notes, or it might be the moment you find the Sonny to your Cher, the Simon to your Garfunkel. If you’re looking to take a chance doing something completely different this Valentine’s Day in London, this could be the show-stopping event you’re looking for. For daters aged 24 to 38. Lucky Voice Holborn, 84 Chancery Lane, London WC2A 1DL. For more information and to book, head HERE. [caption id="attachment_6261" align="alignnone" width="1000"] luckyvoice.com[/caption] Valentine's Vegan Speed Dating at Fortnum's Find love under the guidance of an eggless Eros at this vegan speed dating night. Another twist on the speed dating format, this event seeks to pair up like-minded meat and dairy-free singles. If you get beyond chatting about how long you’ve been a vegan, and start coming up with your favourite London vegan restaurants for a possible second date, you’ll know you’ve met your meatless match. Fortnum and Mason provide the perfect finger food accompaniment to this evening of green romance. 11th February. Fortnum's Bar and Restaurant, The Royal Exchange, The Courtyard, London EC3V 3LR. For more details and to book, head HERE. Love Letters Live This special take on the Letters Live series sees a host of famous faces and voices read out love letters sent by some of history and popular culture’s most interesting and important thinkers, artists, revolutionaries and lovers. From professions of love to confessions of heartbreak, interrogations of love and odes to its power, the letters read here approach love from every direction, offering new perspectives on the lives and thoughts of those who penned them. Letters Live has previously seen the likes of Benedict Cumberbatch, Olivia Colman and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie read letters written by David Bowie, Che Guevara and Maya Angelou. This special event is raising money for the charity Help Refugees. 14th February. Shoreditch Town Hall, 380 Old St, Hackney, London EC1V 9LT. For more information and to book, head HERE. [caption id="attachment_6262" align="alignnone" width="1000"] letterslive.com[/caption] 'Cooking With Cupid' Valentine’s Cookery Class What’s on the menu tonight? It’s love, of course. With a side of green beans. This couples cookery class is designed to add a bit of spice back into the kitchen. People flirt with food. A date at a fancy restaurant. Planning a romantic meal where you cook that one thing you know how to cook. But cooking with and for your partner can quickly collapse into a question of who’s going to boil the pasta this evening and who forgot to get the milk and why did you put the carton back in the fridge if it’s empty and fine, just forget it, let’s get a takeaway and for goodness sake can you just make up your mind where you want to order from and it not take an hour and a half. This Valentine’s cookery class is looking to change all that. And it includes bottomless booze. Which is sure to turn even the most reluctant cooks into accomplished, artistically minded, flamboyant chefs. For the night, at least. 14th February. The Avenue Cookery School, 3 Enterprise Way, Wandsworth, London SW18 1FZ. For more information and to book, head HERE. [caption id="attachment_6263" align="alignnone" width="1000"] theavenuecookeryschool.com[/caption] Valentine’s Heart in a Jar Class Tired of the ephemerality of love? Jaded by the over-commercialisation of romance? Into taxidermy? Stuck for Valentine’s Day gift ideas again this year? Then this heart pickling class is for you. Spend the afternoon learning how to dissect and preserve an animal heart, then take your very own specimen home with you in a glass jar. Give it to your partner. If they love it, you were meant to be together. If they hate it, well, they can always regift it come Christmas. 16th February. The British Academy of Taxidermy, Islington Arts Factory, 2 Parkhurst Road, London N7OSF. For more information and to book, head HERE. Anti-Valentine’s Day Murder Mystery in the Sky Head up to the London Sky Bar for this inventive antidote to Valentine’s Day: a murder mystery evening set in a Prohibition era speakeasy. The bar’s proprietor has been found murdered. It’s your job to piece together all the evidence, interrogating suspects and working together to get to the truth. Find out who did him in, on Valentine’s Day of all days. When you’ve closed the case, take in the views from this wonderful vantage point, 29 floors up and overlooking the Thames. 14th February. London Sky Bar, Millbank Tower, 21-24 Millbank, Westminster, London SW1P 4QP. For more information and to book, head HERE. Right, that’s your lot. However you spend your Valentine’s Day in London this year, we hope you have a swell time. And let us know of any alternative ideas you’re cooking up in the comment box below.
Matthew Pearson
Tower of London from southbank
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