The city of London serves up some of the best meals around. With a variety of cuisines and dining spots, you have an abundance of options and dishes to choose from.
Ready to dig in? Here are the 30 best restaurants in London, Ontario:
David’s Bistro
What is it? Rated #1 on TripAdvisor in London, people rave about this place. It has a European and a-la-carte style approach to food that doesn’t disappoint.
Why go? The food is incredible. The service is warm, friendly, and attentive. You have a great selection of wine and no matter what you order, you are likely going to love it.
Price? Depending on what you get, this place can gear toward the more expensive side. But is it worth it? Absolutely.
Best dish? It’s hard to determine the exact best dish. We recommend going for dinner and definitely ordering a glass or 2 of wine with your meal.
Waldo’s on King
What is it? Waldo’s on King has a variety of options - including vegetarian entrees. They offer a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. If you’re visiting or living in London, this is definitely a restaurant you’ll want to check out.
Why go? The cook hand-picked his team - guaranteeing only the best. The restaurant also conveniently offers underground parking, which means during the cold winter months, you’re covered.
Price? It’s a bit more on the expensive end of the spectrum - especially if you’re heading here for dinner. If you get wine and apps, prepare to spend around $50 or more.
Best dish? The grilled calamari, perch, and chocolate mousse are raved about by many previous customers. Try ‘em out!
Plant Matter Kitchen
What is it? Plant Matter is an organic and vegan restaurant. It’s safe to say that you’ll feel good about eating here.
Why go? The cooks at this restaurant make every meal without artificial ingredients. That means that there are zero chemicals and zero additives in your food - along with next to no processing. It’s just plain and simple delicious and all-natural foods! Previous customers also rave about how tasty all the food is at Plant Matter Kitchen.
Price? It’s reasonably priced - perhaps not for the budget-friendly restaurant adventurer.
Best dish? The vegan mac and cheese hits the mark. Plus, you won’t even know that it’s vegan.
Tamarine by Quynh Nhi
What is it? Tamarine by Quynh Nhi is a Vietnamese and Thai restaurant in the middle of big-town London.
Why go? It’s location in downtown London makes it the perfect spot to start or savour your night out on the town. It’s the ideal restaurant to order a variety of plates and share with your friends or family. It’s also a local favourite - so why not find out what all the hype is about?
Price? It’s a little more expensive than other Vietnamese and Thai restaurants - with average dish ranging between $14-17.
Best dish? The tamari and ginger chicken are highly recommended. (You also can’t go wrong with Pad Thai.)
Tuscanos Pizzeria & Bistro
What is it? Located on Oxford St. E, Tuscanos Pizzeria and Bistro serves up Italian favourites, such as pizza, pasta, and more.
Why go? It’s the spot in London to head to if you’re looking for authentic Italian food. It’s a busy place, so it’s best to make reservations before heading out.
Price? For Italian food, it’s reasonably priced. It isn’t too expensive, but not exactly where you would go if you’re on a budget.
Best dish? The stuffed mushrooms are highly praised.
The Church Key Bistro Pub
What is it? This restaurant is located in a heritage building across from the Grand Theatre in London. It’s kind of like a high-end pub. You can expect all the same pub favourites, but with a little bit more class.
Why go? It’s the perfect spot for brunch, lunch, dinner, friends, and even business meetings. The food and service are said to be top-notch.
Price? It’s reasonably priced for the delicious food you get. Although, we don’t recommend this place if you’re looking to save on eating out.
Best dish? Go for brunch. Or if you head to this spot for lunch or dinner, consider the lamb curry dish.
Thaifoon Restaurant
What is it? Thaifoon is another Thai restaurant located in the heart of London. The place offers an intimate and contemporary setting where you can relax and catch up with old friends during an evening out.
Why go? The food is delicious. And the service is excellent. The subtle lighting also sets an earthy tone throughout the venue.
Price? It’s a little more on the pricey side so prepare to spend a bit more for each dish.
Best dish? The peanut pasta and spring rolls are boasted about by many former customers.
Fionn MacCool’s
What is it? Located on Wellington, this Irish pub comes with a cool name and a friendly atmosphere.
Why go? The pub claims good food and good company. Many reviewers state that the customer service went above and beyond.
Price? It’s completely affordable and a great spot to check out after work or to catch up with friends.
Best dish? Try their steak and mushroom pie - especially if you’ve got an appetite!
Abruzzi
What is it? Abruzzi is a more upscale Italian restaurant. The owners and team place a huge emphasis on using local and in-season food items.
Why go? If you love Italian and are looking for something with a little more class, Abruzzi is the place for you. It’s in a great location downtown with a cozy atmosphere and great service.
Price? Abruzzi is a more high-end place, making it a bit more expensive than other restaurant venues.
Best dish? Order a dish with gnocci. It’s worth it!
Pasto’s Grill
What is it? Pasto’s Grill is considered by many Londoners to be a hidden gem. All dishes are inspired by Italian recipes and culture.
Why go? The service, atmosphere, and food are perfection - and for a reasonable price!
Price? Affordable!
Best dish? Eat up any of their pasta dishes. Start off your meal with their delicious pear salad.
The Tasting Room
What is it? The Tasting Room is a traditional wine bar with plenty of good eats. Located in downtown London, it’s close to all the action.
Why go? The location is extremely convenient. It also comes strongly recommended by past customers. It’s warm, casual with a touch of upscale and high-end ambience.
Price? It’s reasonably priced. Not too expensive, but definitely not on the cheap side either.
Best dish? Start off with the customer favourite, artichoke dip, and go from there!
zen’Za Pizzeria
What is it? zen’Za Pizzeria is exactly what it says - it’s your local pizzeria! With a prime downtown location, you can order vegan and non-vegan options here.
Why go? Want good pizza and a good atmosphere? zen’Za Pizzeria has it all! They also have a ton of options so you’ll have plenty to pick and choose from.
Price? It’s affordable and reasonably priced.
Best dish? The vegan pizza is great! But really any pizza with your own selection of toppings hits the spot.
Toboggan
What is it? This place was inspired by the surge of Micro Brewing that is taking place across the country. With a mix of great food and great beer how can you go wrong with the Toboggan.
Why go? This is another restaurant where the location is key. It’s nearby to the Grand Theatre, Centennial Hall, Victoria Park and the Convention Centre. The atmosphere also hits the mark - offering a comfortable place to grab a meal before a show or after a game at Budweiser Gardens
Price? Average to Medium price
Best dish? Any Pizza or the Bacon Bomb Sandwich!
Thuan Kieu
What is it? Thuan Kieu is a family-friendly Vietnamese restaurant located off of Highbury Avenue.
Why go? Established in 1996, it’s a great place to bring the family for a delicious Vietnamese meal. Family run and owned, the food is superb.
Price? The food is reasonably priced - not too expensive which is perfect for a family outing.
Best dish? Pho is a staple at Thuan Kieu. If you’re unsure what to order, pho is the perfect go-to.
The Works
What is it? The Works is a renowned burger place, with many locations across Ontario.
Why go? You get all kinds and every kind of burger imaginable. Some combinations you wouldn’t normally try - but then, you might be surprised by how great they taste together. Located right on King Street, The Works in London is in a prime spot for the city’s busy nightlife.
Price? It’s totally affordable!
Best dish? Their Smokey Mountain burger is a fan favourite. However, don’t be scared to branch out and try something new!
The Black Trumpet
What is it? The Black Trumpet offers up cocktails and international cuisine.
Why go? It has a welcoming ambience and friendly atmosphere. With a beautiful garden, the venue can seat up to 60 guests. And the restaurant itself offers variety - claiming that there is something for everyone.
Price? The Black Trumpet is on the expensive end of the price spectrum. But you do get what you pay for!
Best dish? The beef tenderloin comes highly recommended by previous customers at this one-of-a-kind spot.
The Keg Steakhouse & Bar
What is it? The Keg Steakhouse & Bar is another restaurant with locations across the province. It’s the ultimate steakhouse.
Why go? If you want a great steak and a friendly atmosphere, this is your place to go. You can’t go wrong with the meat cooked up at The Keg Steakhouse.
Price? It’s affordable and if you’re on a budget, you have options here!
Best dish? Try out their prime rib.
Garlic’s of London
What is it? Garlic’s of London is located on Richmond Street in London. It’s considered a more romantic dining spot with Italian and Canadian entrees.
Why go? The food is excellent. The service is friendly and attentive. But if you plan on going on a Friday or Saturday, you should book a reservation. It can get crowded and the wait times can get long.
Price? The food is a bit more expensive than other Italian and Canadian cuisine places in and around London.
Best dish? Previous customers recommend the garlic soup or duck.
Mai’s Cafe & Bistro
What is it? Mai’s Cafe & Bistro cooks up tasty and exquisite Thai dishes. Customers boast about the authenticity of the Thai food, with many stating that they will definitely be back.
Why go? The restaurant is locally owned and the restaurant owners have over 10 years experience in the restaurant industry. It’s a cozy little nook worth checking out.
Price? This cafe and bistro are affordable. You’ll feel like you’ve got your money’s worth.
Best dish? Try their green curry or cashew chicken.
Shmokey’s BBQ
What is it? If you’re looking for slow-cooked meats and BBQ’d delights, Shmokey’s BBQ serves it all.
Why go? They have homemade sauces and many locals rave that it’s the best BBQ place around. All the flavors and the incredible atmosphere make for one heck of a restaurant experience.
Price? You will pay for your BBQ - all that meat costs a little bit more than the usual.
Best dish? Give a brisket dish a try. You won’t regret it.
Sweet Onion Bistro
What is it? Located in Wortley Village, this restaurant offers a mix of European and American cuisine, with Greek nights galore.
Why go? Greek night is worth checking out. You definitely get the value for your food here. Plus, you get a variety of options so you’ll definitely find something you’ll enjoy.
Price? It’s reasonably priced.
Best dish? The lamb burger is highly rated.
The Italian House Pizzeria
What is it? Located right on Dundas Street, The Italian House Pizzeria serves up some of the best pizza around.
Why go? For a cozy and late-night vibe, this pizzeria doesn’t disappoint. The pizza is highly recommended and raved about by new and old patrons.
Price? Reasonable.
Best dish? Any kind of pizza!
Unique Food Attitudes
What is it? At Unique Food Attitudes, get ready for the ultimate polish food experience. Located on 697 Dundas, it’s perfect for a little pre-theatre grub.
Why go? They have perogies and stuffed cabbage rolls - food items that are hard to find anywhere else.
Price? Although not entirely budget-friendly, it’s reasonably priced for one of the only polish places around.
Best dish? Hands down - get the cabbage rolls.
Mandarin Restaurant
What is it? Mandarin offers Asian foods in all varieties. It’s the perfect place to get your full. With a full-blown buffet, you won’t go hungry here.
Why go? Simply: choices. The buffet has endless options. You’ll be full before you get a chance to try them all. And don’t be surprised if your eyes are bigger than your stomach.
Price? It’s perfect if you’re on a budget. You’ll get more than enough food for the buffet price.
Best dish? The sushi and crab legs!
Addis Ababa
What is it? Addis Ababa serves up Ethiopian cuisine that’s worth checking out. If you’ve never tried African food, this is a great start.
Why go? It’s something different. While there are plenty of Italian restaurants in London, there aren’t as many Ethiopian cuisine spots. And the food is superb.
Price? Reasonable.
Best dish? Go for the combination platter. You’ll get a little bit of everything.
The Springs
What is it? The Springs restaurant provides a bistro-style menu often mixed with live music and a fair-sized patio.
Why go? It’s surprisingly good! Frequently underrated, this little gem has great service and tasty eats.
Price? More on the expensive side.
Best dish? Order the venison dish.
Vietnam Restaurant
What is it? Exactly as the name says - it’s a Vietnamese restaurant located on Dundas Street.
Why go? Regular customers boast that they’ve never been disappointed. They further expand on the great prices and great food. It can’t bebe beaten
Price? Affordable, and absolutely budget-friendly.
Best dish? Try their chow mein and spring rolls.
Dolcetto
What is it? Dolcetto is another Italian favourite in London.
Why go? The service and warm atmosphere offer something different at this Italian cuisine spot. Some customers have even claimed that they serve better food than they’ve had in Italy.
Price? Reasonable.
Best dish? Any pasta dish.
The Early Bird
What is it? Located in the busy downtown area, The Early Bird offers up a delicious breakfast and lunch. They focus on using local and fresh ingredients - giving their customers nothing but the best.
Why go? They do breakfast well. And the pricing is completely affordable. They are also open until 8 pm Thursday through to Saturday.
Price? Affordable.
Best dish? Try their chicken and waffles.
Idlewyld Inn Restaurant
What is it? The Idlewyld Inn Restaurant is located in the charming Idlewyld Inn. The Inn itself is styled after a Victorian Mansion, and the dining follows this classy vibe. The menu is mainly contemporary with a well-stocked wine list for all different kinds of wine lovers.
Why go? The beauty surrounding you while you eat speaks for itself. The ambience, the food, and the service all play a part in making this an incredible and memorable dining experience.
Price? More expensive.
Best dish? Go for brunch. If you attend the Inn for lunch or dinner, try the seared halibut.