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
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
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 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
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
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
By The Handbook
Tandoor Chop House
Ochre
J Sheekey
Barrafina
The Savoy Grill
Bancone
Gouqi
Kerridge’s Bar & Grill
Rockwell
The Northall
