5 Best Restaurants in England

Seemingly everyone involved in the West End theater world hangs out at this legendary subterranean spot for its ever-enchanting blend of New York comfort food, nightly jazz piano, and wall-to-wall signed theaterland memorabilia. Established in 1977, enduring classics include Joe's slow-braised smoked baby back ribs, New York strip steak, a not-so-secret off-menu hamburger, and a classic PB&J ice cream sandwich.

One of London's most spectacular dining rooms is set in a soaring glass-ceilinged conservatory at the chic NoMad London hotel, located opposite Covent Garden's famed Royal Opera House. Don't miss the signature Creedy Carver roast chicken with foie gras and black truffle or the leisurely weekend brunch where you can enjoy eggs Benedict or chili avocado toast.

Co-owner Missy Flynn and chef Gabe Pryce bring a joyous and playful spirit to Modern American dining to this spot on Soho's gastro-central Lexington Street. Sit at cute raised tables or the red-leather booths and enjoy densely flavored Americana like hearty baby shrimp boil, spicy chicken wings, or corn-crusted turbot with macha pico salsa. The wines are all organic, low intervention, or biodynamic, and you can't go wrong by kicking off dinner with a gorgeous gilda martini. 

This small and buzzing bistro has a rock-and-roll flavor, thanks to the walls adorned with posters of music icons. Diners squeeze onto benches and into booths to savor dishes made with local seafood, including a majestic bouillabaisse, or just a simple "Samburger." Steaks and "super salads" are also on the menu. You may have to wait for a table, but there's a slinky lounge-bar upstairs for a preprandial drink.

Glide past the parked royal-blue Armstrong Siddeley, through the foyer of the five-star hotel The Beaumont, and into the swank art deco--inspired dining salon of The Colony grill room. Fans of 1920s New York will admire the throwback decor before digging into classics like steak tartare, Caesar salad, and bananas Foster. There's also fine shrimp cocktail, pancakes at brunch, and Suffolk Wagyu beef from the grill. The exemplary service is, naturally, from a gilded age.