Long gone are the days when the capital’s pubs kicked you out at 11pm, leaving you with little else to do than grab a kebab from a van before making your way home.
Nowadays, London has a growing array of places where you can find a meal late at night or even 24 hours a day, and to help you find the best options, here’s our guide to the 21 best late-night and 24-hour restaurants in London that can’t be missed.
Best 24-Hour Restaurants in London
Duck & Waffle
Among London’s best-loved all-night eateries, the renowned Duck & Waffle is open around the clock, so you can pop by and fill up at any time of the day or night.
Located 40 floors up in the 110 Bishopsgate tower, one of London’s tallest buildings, this is a restaurant that offers unrivalled views down over the capital.
They describe their food as being traditional British cuisine with broad European influences, and while you’re there, you can expect to tuck into appetising treats such as grilled octopus, goat kofte or Angus beef tartare.
The signature duck and waffle features crispy duck leg confit with fried duck egg and mustard maple syrup, and their late-night specialities include foie gras crème brûlée, wagyu sliders, truffle fries and so much more besides.
They have an extensive drinks menu with a range of creative cocktails too, making it the ideal place to head for a bite and a drink regardless of the hour.
- Address: 110 Bishopsgate, London EC2N 4AY
- Open till: Open 24 hours a day
- Price: £££
Polo Bar
Located just outside Liverpool Street station and open 24 hours a day, Polo Bar serves traditional British food like full fried breakfasts, fish and chips, sausage and mash and shepherd’s pie.
They also have a 24-hour alcohol licence, so you can wash down whatever you order with the tipple of your choice – a tempting option for those who fancy a drink is the Boozy Bottomless Brunch that includes unlimited bubbles or beer.
Polo Bar now also does takeaway, so it’s a convenient choice if you want to pick some food up and take it back with you to enjoy in the comfort of your own home.
- Address: 176 Bishopsgate, London EC2M 4NQ
- Open till: Open 24 hours a day
- Price: ££
VQ Chelsea
In operation for over 25 years, the original VQ restaurant on the Fulham Road is a 24-hour café where you can rock up for a meal or a drink whenever you need to.
The all-day breakfast menu includes classic café fare like full English breakfasts, bubble and squeak or egg and bacon bagels, while the daytime menu features starters like spicy chicken wings and mains such as interesting burger options, teriyaki salmon or barbecue ribs.
They have a 24-hour alcohol licence too, and there’s a respectable cocktail menu along with a full wine list and a selection of beers and ciders to choose from. However, between 11pm and 6am, alcohol can only be served with a ‘significant meal’.
VQ now also has several other outlets across the city.
- Address: 325 Fulham Rd, London SW10 9QL
- Open till: Open 24 hours a day
- Price: ££
Beigel Bake Brick Lane Bakery
For a range of appealing bagels, including salt beef, salmon and cream cheese, tuna, mayonnaise and sweetcorn or chopped herring, Beigel Bake is a reliable option at whatever time of day or night your bagel craving strikes.
They also do a Nutella bagel along with some other classic desserts like cheesecake or fudge brownie for those in need of something sweeter, so this 24-hour bakery is sure to have something for when you’re feeling peckish.
However, they don’t serve alcohol, so if you’re after somewhere to get some booze with your meal, this might not be quite what you’re looking for.
- Address: 159 Brick Ln, London E1 6SB
- Open till: Open 24 hours a day
- Price: £
Best Late-Night Restaurants in London
Bob Bob Ricard Soho
Another of London’s iconic late-night restaurants that’s famous, among other things, for having a ‘press for champagne button’ on every table – this is one reason they claim to pour more champagne than any other restaurant in Britain.
Those facts probably give you an idea about the kind of decadent, opulent vibe of this restaurant, something that’s also in evidence in both the décor, designed by David Collins to reflect the Orient Express and the Golden Age of Travel, and the delectable dishes they serve.
Menu highlights include several varieties of caviar, oysters ‘Rasputin’, Crab Salad ‘St Petersburg’, lobster macaroni cheese and an exceptional beef wellington for two. They also offer a selection of indulgent desserts to round off the perfect dining experience.
Unfortunately, they’re only open until midnight each evening, but we think that’s just late enough to sneak onto our list because this place is a bit special. The dress code is described as ‘elegant’, with formal fashion wear welcome – although a tie is not required.
- Address: 1 Upper James St, London W1F 9DF
- Open till: Midnight daily
- Price: ££££
Smoking Goat
Located in London’s edgy, trendy Shoreditch district, this is another place that only just scrapes onto our list of late-night restaurants since it closes at the relatively early 11pm. However, it merits a place through its inimitable combination of vibrant atmosphere and exceptional food.
Smoking Goat serves Asian fusion cuisine that’s heavily influenced by the food and flavours of Thailand.
The restaurant’s chef is always innovating, so the menu is constantly evolving, but you can look forward to the likes of chilli fish sauce wings or drunken noodles that match a sweet, rich and salty soy sauce with wild ginger, green peppercorns and several types of chilli.
There are plenty of other original and sometimes surprising culinary creations to discover in Smoking Goat, making it an establishment no self-respecting foodie in London should miss.
- Address: 64 Shoreditch High St, London E1 6JJ
- Open till: 11pm Mon-Fri, 10pm Sundays
- Price: ££
Related Read: Best Restaurants in Shoreditch, London
Opium Cocktail Bar and Dim Sum Parlour
Inspired by the glitz and glamour of 1920s Shanghai, this award-winning venue contains not just one but three separate cocktail bars, each with its own unique style and menu.
You can head up to the ‘Academy Bar’ for comfy sofas and a lounge vibe while the ‘Apothecary Bar’ offers both high and low seating. The smaller ‘Peony Bar’, on the other hand, provides a more intimate experience.
What all three bars have in common is an excellent selection of original and classic cocktails – and of course, some fantastic dim sum options to enjoy with your drinks.
- Address: 15-16 Gerrard St, London W1D 6JE
- Open till: 3am Fri &Sat, 2am Wed &Thu, 1am Mon & Tue, midnight Sundays
- Price: £££
Balans Soho No. 60
Balans Soho No. 60 is a restaurant that serves a diverse selection of food that includes Indian-style curries, gourmet burgers, chargrilled squid and marinated spatchcock poussin.
Furthermore, they have a good range of vegetarian and vegan items, and their all-day brunch offering is also a big favourite.
Since they’re open till 5am every night except Sundays (when they close at midnight), they also have a late-night menu that caters to those waking up early as well as those going home late.
Eggs Benedict, lobster Benedict or the intriguingly named ‘eggs in hell’ are sure to tempt many, or you can opt for something like a beef ragu mac and cheese or a classic fish and chips if that’s more what you’re in the mood for.
In addition, they also take their cocktails seriously, so in short, this is among the top places to head to when hunger strikes at just about any hour.
- Address: 60-62 Old Compton St, London W1D 4UG
- Open till: 5am Mon-Sat, midnight Sun
- Price: ££
Bar Italia
Since Soho is one of London’s main areas for nightlife and entertainment, it’s no surprise that’s where you’ll find the highest concentration of after-hours eateries – and Bar Italia is another that’s more than worth a visit.
A venerable and iconic Soho institution, Bar Italia has been in business since 1949 – although it’s changed quite a bit through the years.
Nowadays, it’s open until 3am every day, making it a popular spot with those making their way home after a night on the tiles.
Expect classic Italian dishes, a trendy vibe and great coffee – just what you need when you’re feeling peckish in the dead of night and you don’t know where else to head.
- Address: 22 Frith St, London W1D 4RF
- Open till: 3am daily
- Price: ££
Cecconi’s Pizza Bar
For wood-fired pizzas, perfectly crafted cocktails and a funky, buzzing atmosphere, Cecconi’s Pizza in the heart of Soho is just the place you’re looking for.
They’re open till 3am on Fridays and Saturdays, so it’s perfect after a night out drinking or dancing, and they have DJs playing at the weekend to make things even livelier.
Cecconi’s now has locations around the world, including Hollywood, Miami, Istanbul, Barcelona and Berlin, so they must be doing something right.
However, London was where it all began, and the Soho branch is the ideal venue to sample their delicious Italian food, cocktails and yummy desserts when most other places nearby have long since closed.
- Address: 19-21 Old Compton St, London W1D 5JJ
- Open till: 3am Fri & Sat, midnight Mon-Thu
- Price: ££
Sushi Samba
For something a bit different to end your night out in style, consider a trip to Samba Sushi, a restaurant concept that combines Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian culinary influences to create something truly unique and memorable.
Look out for crispy taquitos, wagyu gyoza, tuna or salmon ceviche, amazing steaks, samba rolls and so much more. In fact, this place will be such an adventure for your tastebuds that one visit is unlikely to be sufficient.
- Address: Heron Tower, Bishopsgate, London EC2N 4AY
- Open till: 2:30am Thu-Sat, 1:30 Sun-Wed
- Price: ££££
The Laughing Heart
A late-night bistro-style restaurant and wine bar in Hackney serving modern takes on classic dishes from around Europe, The Laughing Heart is an after-hours venue with a menu to please even the most discerning diner in need of a feed.
The restaurant offers carefully selected gastronomic set-menus, but those stopping by in the early hours are more likely to be interested in the à la carte menu.
Look out for the likes of Sicilian red prawn ravioli or monkfish with artichokes and mousseron mushrooms – but the menu changes constantly with whatever is in season, so the best thing to do is pay them a visit and see what takes your fancy on the night.
The restaurant also has an extensive wine list, and you can purchase wines from the connected off-licence – to drink elsewhere – at reduced prices too.
- Address: 277 Hackney Rd, London E2 8NA
- Open till: 2am Thu-Sat, midnight Sun & Wed, Mon & Tue closed
- Price: £££
MEATliquor W1
Another of Soho’s restaurants that’s open till the early hours, and as you can probably guess from the name, this is one that’s aimed at dedicated carnivores.
Head there for a range of mouth-watering takes on all your fast-food classics like burgers, hotdogs and more – and believe it or not, despite the name, they do have a decent selection for vegans and vegetarians too.
The kitchen is open till 2:30am every day, which is just perfect for grabbing a snack before heading home after a few pints. The bar is open till 3am too, so it’s also an option if you just want to keep drinking.
- Address: 37-38 Margaret St, London W1G 0JF
- Open till: 3am daily
- Price: ££
Bagel King
Another late-night bagel place but one that also offers a whole lot more than just bagels, including Jamaican jerk meals and rice dishes.
Ideally located for those out partying in South and East London, this is a busy eatery that’s made a name for itself as a place to go for an after-hours snack.
Like Beigel Bake above, they don’t serve alcohol, but there’s plenty of choice when it comes to juices and other soft drinks.
They stay open till 2am, so it’s an ideal option if you want something inexpensive to get stuck into on the way back after a big night out on the town. Note that they only have limited seating inside the restaurant, but you can always order takeaway instead, so it’s no big deal.
- Address: 280 Walworth Rd, London SE17 2TE
- Open till: 2am daily
- Price: £
Three Eight Four
Although not open as late as some of the places on our list, Three Eight Four doesn’t shut until 1am on Fridays and Saturdays, so it’s worth heading over there before closing time to sample some of their small plates for the perfect late-night snack.
On offer are tasty morsels such as octopus, pig’s cheek tacos or bavette steak, and you can accompany your choices with a glass or two of whatever takes your fancy from their wine or beer list.
During the day, they also serve brunch dishes – and if you want to get things off to a boozy start, you can add a kir royale or bloody mary, two glasses of prosecco and an espresso martini to your order for just an extra £25.
- Address: 384 Coldharbour Ln, London SW9 8LF
- Open till: 1am Fri & Sat, midnight Sun-Thu
- Price: ££
Voodoo Ray’s
Voodoo Ray’s is all about huge slices of American-style pizza, loaded with toppings and dripping with delicious gooey cheese – which in certain circumstances can be just about the most perfect after-hours snack imaginable.
The prices are extremely reasonable, and they have a decent selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks to go with your pizza, all of which explains why this place is always thronging with customers.
- Address: 95 Kingsland High St, London E8 2PB
- Open till: 1am Fri & Sat, midnight Thu, 11pm Mon-Wed, 10pm Sun
- Price: £
Somine
Of course, there’s no shortage of places to buy a kebab in London after most of the bars have closed, but if you want to try something a little more upmarket and elegant, head to Somine in Kingsland High Street.
They serve a range of typical Turkish dishes, with the menu changing every day – they prepare an incredible 150 different types of stew, of which six different options are available each day and can be ordered alone or with rice.
The menu also includes meat skewers, mixed grills – for one or to share – fish dishes, vegetarian options and more, and since they’re open late at the weekend, it’s a great place to head when your night out is drawing to a close but you’re still in the mood for eating.
- Address: 131 Kingsland High St, London E8 2PB
- Open till: 2am Fri & Sat, 1am Sun-Thu
- Price: ££
Park Chinois
Another Chinese restaurant that’s open late, but this time right at the other end of the price scale, so it’s not the kind of place you’ll want to be stumbling into in search of a quick midnight snack after a couple too many beers.
The interior of the restaurant is unashamedly extravagant, providing a fitting backdrop to the food they serve, which is elegant, contemporary and beautifully presented.
They offer an à la carte menu, but their sharing menus are a great way to sample a selection of their best and most unmissable dishes.
To complete the experience, there’s also live cabaret, helping transport you back to the heady days of 1930s Shanghai, which is the inspiration for the restaurant.
Park Chinois requires reservations, so plan ahead and book your table if you intend to eat here.
- Address: 17 Berkeley St, London W1J 8EA
- Open till: 2am Fri & Sat, 1am Wed & Thu, midnight Sun-Tue
- Price: ££££
Old Town 97
Here’s one more Chinese restaurant that serves food until 3:30am every day, and this one is firmly in the unpretentious, affordable category, so it’s a firm favourite for late-night revellers who want a quick snack or even a big meal at the end of their night out.
The menu has a huge range of dishes, mainly based on Cantonese-style cuisine – the name of the restaurant recalls the date of the return of Hong Kong to China from Britain. However, they serve several Sichuanese and Singaporean favourites too.
No need to book in this restaurant, simply turn up whenever you feel hungry!
- Address: 19 Wardour St, London W1D 6PL
- Open till: 3:30am daily
- Price: ££
Lanzhou Lamian Noodle Bar
When it comes to late-night food options in London, Chinese cuisine is particularly well represented, and the Lanzhou Lamian Noodle bar is another excellent choice.
It’s an inexpensive eatery that specialises in simple but delicious authentic Chinese hand-pulled noodles at surprisingly reasonable prices – look out for the spicy dan dan noodles or the classic sliced beef noodles. They also serve other dishes including fried rice and dim sum.
If you’re a night owl, one of the best things about this restaurant is that it’s open late – they don’t close until 4:30am on Fridays and Saturdays. That means you’ll be able to get a tasty bowl of noodles at almost any time you want while you’re in London.
- Address: 33 Cranbourn St, London WC2H 7AD
- Open till: 4:30am Fri & Sat, 1:30am Mon-Thu, 9:30pm Sun
- Price: £
Also Read: Best Buffet Restaurants in London
Places For All Tastes, Appetites and Wallet Sizes
As you can see, whether you want a quick snack, a healthy meal, a greasy burger, something more upmarket or just somewhere to grab a bite while you keep drinking, London has you covered.
Whatever kind of food you’re looking for, however much your stomach is growling and whatever the size of your wallet, you’ll be able to find the perfect late-night meal in London – and now, with our guide, you’ll know where to start looking.