Soho Guide: Best Restaurants, Bars and Things to Do

Why everyone ends up in Soho, and where they should go

1. 1

   Koya

   50 Frith Street · Japanese udon noodle bar · Walk-ins only, 10am–10:30pm daily (extended Friday & Saturday)

   Koya has been on Frith Street since 2010 — one of Soho's originals, and still one of its most quietly compelling places to eat. It's an all-day udon noodle bar rooted in Japanese technique where every morning the noodles and dashi broth are made from scratch. It's open every day, 10am–10pm, and doesn't take reservations – just walk on in, though it's one of the most popular restaurants in Soho so expect to queue. Sit at the counter and watch the chefs work if you want the experience of the room.

   Source: Koya
2. 2

   Kiln

   58 Brewer Street · Thai wood-fired grill · Walk-ins only upstairs, groups up to six can book basement, 12pm–11pm

   This tiny Soho restaurant's minimalist façade belies the flavour-punch delivered by the chefs within. Grab a no-reservations stool at the stainless-steel counter and watch Thai-inspired dishes sizzle in clay pots and flaming woks over hot coals. The grilled pork skewers with sticky rice and the bone marrow curry are both favourites with locals and visitors. Hours are Mon–Sat 12:00–23:00, Sun 12:00–21:00.

   Source: Kiln
3. 3

   Mountain

   16–18 Beak Street · Michelin-starred Basque & Welsh wood-fired sharing plates · Reservation essential, lunch 12pm–2:45pm, dinner 5pm–10pm

   It's all about delicious natural flavours at this fun Soho spot, which comes courtesy of the people behind Brat. Expect top sharing plates like lobster caldereta and if the spider-crab omelette is on, it's a must-order. The caldereta runs about £90 to £120 and feeds three or four. The room roars with open fire and the sound of the grill; book it for celebration because the theatre does half the work.

   Source: Michelin Guide
4. 4

   Yauatcha

   15–17 Broadwick Street · Cantonese dim sum teahouse · Lunch and dinner service, advanced booking advised

   Nestled in the bustling heart of London, Yauatcha is a true gem for dim sum enthusiasts, offering an exquisite array of 'superb dim sum' that consistently delights diners. The restaurant masterfully blends authentic Cantonese flavours with a modern flair, crafting signature dishes like Scallop shui mai and Venison puffs that are 'bursting with flavor.' The vibrant yet elegant teahouse atmosphere, paired with 'fantastic service,' ensures a memorable dining experience.

   Source: OpenTable
5. 5

   Swift

   12 Old Compton Street · Two-level cocktail bar with Irish coffee · Daily from 3pm, basement from 5pm

   Opened in 2016, Swift has become a favourite nesting spot for discerning drinkers in Soho – and a recent entry into The World's 50 Best Bars. A bright, ground-floor bar offers sunny pours, filled brioche rolls and get-them-before-they're-gone oysters, while downstairs is all dark booths and dark spirits, with more than 250 whiskies behind the bar. Tuesday and Sunday Sessions are not to be missed: live jazz and a specially curated menu of sublime cocktails. Monday to Thursday before 6pm enjoy cocktails from as little as £7.

   Source: Bar Swift
6. 6

   Bar Termini

   7 Old Compton Street · Fifties-style Italian café-bar · Day and evening service daily

   This chic, fifties-style Italian café-bar is known for its dinky pre-bottled negronis served straight in bespoke coupe glasses. Pop in during the day to sip an espresso at the marble-topped counter or recline on a green-leather banquette with a bicerin espresso, stirred up with thick chocolate and foamed milk. It's the sort of place where an hour disappears without effort, and the room fills by six.

   Source: Olive Magazine
7. 7

   Kingly Court

   6–8 Kingly Street (near Carnaby Street) · Multi-level dining courtyard with 20+ restaurants · Al fresco, 24 hours access

   Located just off Carnaby Street and serving breakfast, lunch, dinner and late night drinks - Kingly Court is a vibrant three floors home to some of Soho's best dining concepts. Across three floors and a buzzing open-air courtyard, critically-acclaimed restaurants and game-changing concepts serve up fresh food from across the world. Syrian sharing plates, Japanese sashimi, classic Filipino dishes – whatever your taste, you'll find it in Kingly Court. Book a table or pick up and eat outside.

   Source: This Is Soho
8. 8

   House of MinaLima

   157 Wardour Street · Harry Potter graphic design gallery and shop · Daily 11am–6:45pm, free entry

   Located at 157 Wardour Street in the heart of London's historic Soho, the House of MinaLima is a captivating gallery and shop dedicated to the graphic art of the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films. Founded by Miraphora Mina and Eduardo Lima, the duo behind the iconic wizarding world designs, this free exhibition showcases original props, prints, and intricate paper art that bring the magic of the films to life. Visitors can explore multiple floors filled with enchanting visuals and shop for exclusive collectibles.

   Source: Evendo
9. 9

   Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club

   47 Frith Street · World-famous jazz venue with main room and Upstairs at Ronnie's · Shows nightly, tickets from £30, Monday Jazz Jam £10

   Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club is a live music venue in London, open since 1959. It was opened by Ronnie Scott with help from friend and fellow saxophonist Pete King. Notably, Ronnie Scott's is the site of Jimi Hendrix's last ever live performance. The standard price for a seated show starts from £30 per person, bookable online. Make sure you buy your tickets in advance to avoid disappointment at the door. Tickets for the Monday Jazz Jam are £10 and will be available at the door if advance tickets have sold out.

   Source: Visit London
10. 10

    Carnaby Street

    Pedestrianised shopping street (Carnaby Street, Kingly Street, Newburgh Street) · Boutiques and flagships · Shopping hours 10am–7pm peak

    Carnaby is a famous pedestrian street in Soho, historically connected to the 'Swinging Sixties' where it took centre stage in the pop-culture and music revolution of the era. It was a hot spot where the likes of The Beatles, Rolling Stones, Who and other musicians and fashion icons hung out, shopped and dined. In 2026 it is becoming one of the West End's clearest beauty-and-fashion zones, with Sephora preparing to open, Edikted bringing digital-first fashion into physical retail, and Soho's side streets doing more of the work. Peak shopping hours are 10am–7pm.

    Source: West End London