Eat The Tube: The Best Restaurants Near Charing Cross Station
Right in the heart of London, Charing Cross station is one of the busiest transport hubs in the city. But look past the commuter chaos and you’ll find plenty of excellent dining options, too. From upscale Chinese fine dining and renowned seafood restaurants to tasting menus and casual eats, these are the best restaurants near Charing Cross station.
Top Restaurants Near Charing Cross Station
Ochre
Ochre, located in the National Gallery at Trafalgar Square, is the modern European eatery that serves sharing plates with an emphasis on seasonality and provenance. With dishes ranging from brunch to afternoon tea, pre-theatre to Sunday lunch, the restaurant shows their passion for supporting British farmers and producers by incorporating ingredients that have been farmed and fished all over the UK.
Start your meal with cheddar and onion croquettes and beef tartare; move on to roasted curried cauliflower or Devon crab linguine; and finish with a white chocolate crème brûlée. Along with the food, the lively cocktail bar and DJ make for a great night out in the gallery.
Where: National Gallery, Trafalgar Sq, London WC2N 5DN
Website: www.ochre.london
J Sheekey
J Sheekey is a renowned seafood restaurant that’s been a fixture in London’s theatre district since 1896, and it’s still a popular spot to catch a glimpse of West End stars. However, it’s not just the celebrity sightings that keep diners returning, but the comfortable atmosphere and delicious classic British fish dishes on offer. The menu boasts a variety of fresh seafood, including oysters, shellfish, and daily market specials, but the simple dishes are the standout, like the sticky tiger prawns with jalapeño, garlic and lime, or the grilled Dover sole with béarnaise sauce.
The interiors are wood-panelled with black and white photos of the stars, adding a theatrical nostalgia. It’s perfect for a discreet business lunch or post-theatre dinner, and while prices aren’t cheap, they’re reasonable given the location and the restaurant’s iconic reputation.
Where: 28-32, St Martin’s Ct, London WC2N 4AL
Website: www.j-sheekey.co.uk
Barrafina
Barrafina is the stylish Spanish restaurant that blends tradition with sophistication. The chic space in the heart of theatreland has a sleek marble bar, polished mirrors and shiny steel, with an intimate and lively atmosphere. The friendly and knowledgeable staff serve up rustic classics like Padrón peppers, tortillas, prawn croquetas, Ibérico ham alongside cured monkfish, milk-fed lamb kidneys, and Iberian pork cheeks.
Pudding-wise, there’s milhojas (layered pastry and cream) or the heavenly crema catalana (similar to crème brûlée), while the extensive selection of Spanish wines, sherries and cava are the perfect accompaniments.
Where: 10 Adelaide St, London WC2N 4DH
Website: www.barrafina.co.uk
Scully
Like so many other restaurants recently, Scully has switched to a tasting menu only offering, and the transition has been hugely successful. The restaurant’s inventive cooking style shines through in every dish, with chef Ramael Scully’s very best creations taking centre stage, while the relaxed atmosphere is complemented by friendly staff and an open kitchen that offers a view of the back-of-house-buzz.
The dishes aren’t like anything you’ve had before, but they really work, like the restaurant’s favourite arepa with aubergine sambal and bergamot labneh. The barbecued sea bass with shio koji butter, sambal belacan, and ikan bilis is another standout dish.
Where: 4 St James’s Mkt, St. James’s, London SW1Y 4AH
Website: www.scullyrestaurant.com
Wild Honey St James
Wild Honey St James, led by chef Anthony Demetre, started out as a pioneer of London’s casual fine dining scene, but now finds itself settled inside the posh Sofitel St James Hotel. The interiors are refined, with marble table tops, chestnut leather and polished wood, and the food is faultless, with creative and expertly cooked dishes that earned the restaurant its Michelin star.
Think crisp Tamworth pork pig’s head with miso hollandaise and pickled watermelon radish; roasted fallow venison with violino pumpkin and roast cauliflower, filled medjool dates; and pain perdu with Seville orange marmalade and warm custard. The restaurant also takes its cocktails seriously, with a negroni (named ‘I am very specific with my negroni’) made with house-made vermouth that’s one of the best in town. Dining here doesn’t come cheap, but it’s worth it for the faultless food and impeccable service.
Where: 8 Pall Mall, St. James’s, London SW1Y 4AN
Website: www.wildhoneystjames.co.uk
The Savoy Grill
The iconic Savoy Grill has received a stunning makeover recently and is already the talk of the town as one of the most exciting revivals of the year. Reopening with a refreshed look, elevated menu and a brand new Wine Experience Room, the brand new space features opulent deep-red velvet-lined booths, blush silk-lined walls and metallic and glass accents. Retaining its original charm and elegance, several features, including Churchill’s favourite clock and Swarovski chandeliers, have been preserved.
The menu, crafted by Executive Head Chef Michael Turner, is a celebration of seasonal ingredients, with highlights including Louet-Feisser oysters, lobster thermidor and beef Wellington. Guests can also now select their own wines from the exclusive Wine Experience Room, and the renowned Chef’s Table is also available for those seeking a more exclusive experience.
Where: 100 Strand, London WC2R 0EZ
Website: www.gordonramsayrestaurants.com
Bancone
If you’re after delicious handmade pasta, then look no further than Bancone. From the outside, you can see the kitchen team hand-rolling dough, which is a testament to the care and craft that goes into each dish. The dining room is chic, with neutral décor, white marble tables and an open kitchen, and the best seats in the house are at the counter.
The menu changes regularly, but you can expect the likes of braised oxcheek papardelle, bucatini cacio e pepe, or silk handkerchiefs, walnut butter and confit egg yolk, as well as gluten-free options available. Don’t forget to save room for dessert – the indulgent chocolate, mascarpone and lime is a must-try.
Where: 39 William IV St, London WC2N 4DD
Website: www.bancone.co.uk
Gouqi
Gouqi is the newest restaurant by acclaimed chef Tong Chee Hwee, who’s previously won seven Michelin stars through his work at Hakkasan, Yauatcha, and HKK. Located by Trafalgar Square, the restaurant’s luxurious and sophisticated, with marble surfaces, brass accents, and plush banquette seating.
The menu offers refined Chinese cuisine, with classic dim sum and delicate starters leading up to signature dishes like the Legendary Peking Duck with Oscietra caviar, and the slow cooked A4 wagyu with chef’s special sauce. Whether you’re after a private dining experience or a night out with friends, Gouqi’s a must-visit for elevated Chinese cuisine.
Where: 25 Cockspur Ct, St. James’s, London SW1A 2TS
Website: www.gouqi-restaurants.co.uk
Fallow
Fallow’s location in St James’s might suggest a formal dining experience, but the atmosphere here is anything but stuffy. The passionate and knowledgeable staff are eager to introduce diners to the restaurant’s inventive dishes, like the signature cod’s head coated in homemade sriracha butter sauce or the crispy, corn on the cob “ribs”.
The menu is carefully crafted to champion sustainable cooking, and the chefs are passionate about cooking consciously. Even the Instagram-worthy soft serve dessert is more than just a gimmick, with intense chocolate flavour and crunchy cocoa nibs and nuts incorporated. It’s innovative, indulgent, and thoroughly enjoyable.
Where: 52 Haymarket, St. James’s, London SW1Y 4RP
Website: www.fallowrestaurant.com
Tandoor Chop House
A unique blend of North Indian cuisine and classic British chop house, Tandoor Chop House is just a few minutes away from both Embankment and Charing Cross tube stations, offering a comfortable and intimate atmosphere with its bare wooden tables, tiled floors and open kitchen.
The menu features a short selection of Anglo-Indian combinations with quirky options like Nutella naan for dessert and Tandoor Tacos with Latin-Indian toppings. The house tandoor chicken is a standout, but the Instagram-worthy Mighty Tali is a must-try for groups. Heat-seekers might find the spices restrained, but the friendly service and fun cocktail list make Tandoor Chop House a hit with young professionals, couples, and families alike.
Where: 8 Adelaide St, London WC2N 4HZ
Website: www.tandoorchophouse.com
Ekstedt at The Yard
Niklas Ekstedt, the Michelin-starred chef from Stockholm, has made his mark in London with his first restaurant, Ekstedt at The Yard, housed in the historic Great Scotland Yard Hotel. Here, Ekstedt introduces his signature approach to cooking, incorporating Scandinavian techniques with seasonal British ingredients. The restaurant’s décor is a warm and inviting mix of exposed brick, tan leather, and golden lighting that provides a perfect backdrop for the open-fire cooking.
Traditional techniques such as smoking, pickling, and fermenting are used to create unique, flavourful dishes like juniper-smoked halibut, ember-baked trout, and wood-oven baked Alaska. With its unorthodox menu, theatrical embellishments, and innovative approach to cooking, Ekstedt at The Yard is a hit with in-the-know London foodies.
Where: 3-5 Great Scotland Yard, London SW1A 2HN
Website: www.ekstedtattheyard.com
Kerridge’s Bar & Grill
Kerridge’s Bar & Grill at the Corinthia London is the culinary venture from acclaimed chef Tom Kerridge, and the intimate setting boasts leather banquettes, a buzzy atmosphere and sublime food. The menu features both classic British dishes and favourites with a luxurious twist. Think hand dived Orkney scallop with Thai green velouté, salty fingers, marinated cucumber and Exmoor caviar; or banana souffle with coconut sorbet and rum chocolate sauce.
There are also pre-theatre menus, Sunday roasts, and bar snacks like cheese straws with truffle cream cheese and Welsh rarebit on toast. To drink, there’s a great selection of British draught beers, gins, and signature cocktails on the menu.
Where: 10 Northumberland Ave, London WC2N 5AE
Website: www.kerridgesbarandgrill.co.uk
Rockwell
Rockwell at the Trafalgar St James Hotel is every botanical and faux foliage lover’s dream. And the food and drinks are just as good as the décor.
Cocktails are made to perfection, while the food menu offers a wide range of crowd-pleasing options, from Sunday roasts to Tipple Tea (afternoon tea with cocktails).
Where: 2 Spring Gardens, St. James’s, London SW1A 2TS
Website: www.trafalgarstjames.com
The Northall
The Northall, tucked away within the luxurious Corinthia London hotel, is a culinary haven with a touch of opulence. Headed up by award-winning Chef Andre Garrett, the restaurant boasts double-height ceilings, studded leather chairs, and dazzling crystal chandeliers, and prides itself on using only the freshest, highest quality ingredients, which are transformed into dishes bursting with vivid flavours.
Dishes include hand rolled strozzapreti with chicken stock emulsion and black truffle, and fillet of Loch Duart salmon with
yuzu koshō butter sauce, while the dessert table is stocked with sweet treats like a raspberry Eton mess and a lemon meringue éclair.
Where: 10a Northumberland Ave, London WC2N 5AE
Website: www.corinthia.com
Fatt Pundit
Once you go here the first time, you won’t be able to stop yourself from returning again. This gem specializes in Indo-Chinese cuisine, a fusion born from the meeting of Chinese cooking techniques and Indian spices. The restaurant itself boasts a welcoming atmosphere, with the industrial-chic space being perfect for a casual lunch or a dinner with friends.
Start with their small plates – ideal for sharing. Sample the sticky sesame vegetables or tamarind glazed potatoes for a sweet start. Move on to the szechuan honey duck or black bean dust lamb chops for a spicy and savory end. Their menu has so much left to offer which automatically makes Fatt Pundit a must-try.
Where: 6 Maiden lane, Covent Garden, London, WC2E7NA
Website: www.fattpundit.co.uk
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