The Good Food Guide has published its top 100 local restaurants for 2026 and 11 locations in London make the list
London’s culinary empire is fast gaining a reputation to rival its other charms of sightseeing and West End Theatre. Britain may once have been derided for its unadventurous cuisine, but the past 30 years has seen an innovative foodie revolution one which has put London firmly on the gastronomic map.
It’s no surprise then, that The Good Food Guide has named 11 London restaurants among its top 100 local restaurants of 2026, listed in ranked order for the first time. Many of the venues double up as daytime cafés and delicatessens, and hardly any have appeared in national listings before.
The Good Food Guide reflects: “In a year of rapidly rising costs for hospitality, this year’s list reflects the proliferation of micro restaurants and multi-strand business models. While 10 per cent of entrants squeeze in 20 or fewer guests, more than 25 per cent of businesses in the list rely on additional income from trading as delis, wine shops or cafés.”
Here, we dive into the 11 London venues honoured in the list.
Gina, Chingford (number 4 out of 100)
London’s highest entry – Gina is a chophouse-style restaurant serving “comforting, thoughtully-prepared” European meat and fish dishes, run by TV chef Ravneet Gill and her husband Mattie Taiano. The venue opened its doors in Station Road, Chingford, on June 11 last year and has enjoyed a rapid rise to success, being awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand in 2026. For bookings, see here.
Tiella Trattoria, Bethnal Green (number 6)
Critics are raving about Tiella Trattoria – a rustic Italian restaurant snugly situated in a 175-year-old former Victorian pub on Columbia Road, with a focus on the cuisine of Italy’s northern Emilia-Romagna region. Tiella Trattoria was founded just six months ago by chef Dara Klein and restaurateur Ry Jessup, with daily-rotating pasta and classic dishes. For bookings, see here.
Les 2 Garçons, Crouch End (number 14)
Founded in late 2021 by chef Robert Reid and restaurateur Jean-Christophe Slowik, Les 2 Garçons in Crouch End has become one of London’s best-loved French restaurants thanks to its exquisite cooking, and a warm, unpretentious atmosphere becoming of a neighbourhood French bistro. The Good Food Guide named it London’s best restaurant in 2023, and it remains in third place three years on. For bookings, see here.
Ida, Queen’s Park (number 20)
People love Ida in Queen’s Park for its earnest, home-cooked Italian cuisine and intimate atmosphere. One of the older entries on the list, Ida was founded in 2007 by husband-and-wife duo Avi and Simonetta Wenkert and was named after Avi’s mother. Located in a Grade II-listed building, the restaurant specialises in reshly made pastas, especially the rich ragù Marchigiano and four-cheese lasagne. For bookings, see here.
Mambow, Clapton (number 26)
Mambow is a small Malaysian restaurant in East London’s Clapton district which opened last year and has an action-packed menu. A Tripadvisor reviewer wrote: “This is not a traditional Malaysian restaurant but a more modern ‘elevated’ concept, so my interest was piqued. I would say this is pretty authentic Malaysian levels of spice and as a Malaysian, I’m glad they didn’t hold back! The service was fine and we loved the bustling but relaxed atmosphere.” See here for bookings.
Janda Diner, Peckham (number 37)
Another Malaysian entry on the list, Janda Diner is renowned for its bold, flavourful street food, boasting generous portions for incredibly affordable prices, such as its popular milk-fried chicken, beef rendang, and intricate sage crepes. Janda Diner opened as a tiny pop-up space by the White Horse Pub on Peckham Rye in late 2023, before moving to a larger home on Rye Lane in April 2024. See here for bookings.
Home SW15, Putney (number 49)
Home SW15 is a highly-rated restaurant in Putney, that has earned praised from customers for its cosy, “home-away-from-home” atmosphere, welcoming hospitality, and modern food menu making the best use of seasonal British-European dishes, like the signature shrimp burger, alongside great weekend brunches and sociable dining options. See here for bookings.
Logma, Hackney
One of East London’s most popular bistro cafes, Iranian-inspired Logma represents a new breed of restaurant in the capital that shifts from a casual daytime canteen to evening fine dining. It runs as a restaurant only on select evenings with diners seated around a communal table, with its hearty kofte and aubergine pitta “sandwiches” cited as a particular delight. See here for bookings.
Teal by Sally Abé, Hackney (number 52)
Diners have taken Teal by Sally Abé to their hearts since it opened in Wilton Way, Hackney, in March of this year. The restaurant takes on the mantle of classic British cuisine – with highlights such as Knife and Fork Bacon, the Dorset Crab Royale (or Devilled Crab Tartlets), and the Brawn Scotch Egg- served in a laid-back bistro atmosphere. For bookings, see here.
Calong, Stoke Newington (number 81)
Korean restaurant Cálong has become a staple in Stoke Newington elevated foodie scene, with a blend of Far East and European cooking techniques. Situated on Church Street, it’s run by husband-and-wife duo Joo and Sujin Won. Joo previously held a Michelin star as head chef at Galvin at Windows. Dish highlights include crispy kimchi fritters and Joo’s famous sweet chili fried chicken. See here for bookings.
Lupa, Highbury (number 99)
Lupa in Highbury may be one of the most fashionable places to dine in the capital. Founded by White Lotus actor Theo James and restaurateur Ed Templeton, the venue offers a little taste of Rome with its painstakingly-researched, authentic spaghetti carbonara, light-fried courgette flowers and crispy-skinned porchetta. See here for bookings.
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