The Top Steakhouse Restaurants in London

When it comes to atmosphere, Blacklock has more than the usual chophouse. Diners at this restaurant’s original location in the heart of Soho will find themselves tucking into generous stacks of charcoal-cooked chops in a building that once housed an iconic brothel! Now, however, there’s just plentiful cuts of Cornish meat, cooked to perfection and served with a range of heartily seasoned sides. Meals are best enjoyed with a cocktail or two (or perhaps even three). A raucous, unforgettable evening out.

JW Steakhouse head chef Paul Bates is fastidious about his suppliers. The steaks served in this elegant but laid-back eatery are sourced from a variety of local and international specialists, including Highland Wagyu—a family-run firm based in the Scottish Highlands, known for producing some of the finest beef in the world. For diners who want to pair their meat with a drink, bourbon is the tipple of choice here, with one of the largest selection of different bourbons in London on offer. Cheers!

In summer, High Timber offers dining on a sun-soaked terrace, while in winter visitors might prefer to cozy up in the warm and well-appointed cellar. Wherever they dine they’ll enjoy a palette of honest, earthy flavors… and the knowledge that all the food served here is ethically sourced and prepared with individual care and attention. The steaks come aged for a minimum of 28 days, and head chef Mircel McSween imparts everything from the sides to the soup with a touch of heady South African flavor to brighten even the coldest of winters.

Maze Grill Mayfair is the most central of Gordon Ramsay’s chain of London bistros, and is a favorite for special occasions. Inspired by the grill culture of Manhattan, this relaxed but refined eatery serves up a range of rare breed steaks, along with more traditional dishes featuring fresh fish and poultry… as well as sushi. That’s right: Maze Grill has carved out a reputation for itself as a place to go for the freshest sushi and sashimi, served from its legendary Raw Bar.

For anyone looking for a satisfying meal pre- or post-theater, Hawksmoor Air Street could hardly be better situated. In the very heart of the West End, this art-deco restaurant serves up a range of steaks and seafood, in most cases cooked to perfection over charcoal. Their Express menu is perfect for diners in a rush, but many of their à la carte dishes well and truly merit some lingering attention. Combined with a cocktail from their “anti-fogmatic” collection, diners will have a meal that’s both filling and exciting.

Steak and seafood are the staples of Hawksmoor Guildhall, prepared in most cases over real charcoal. The focus is on rich and bracing dishes, designed to invigorate as much as they are to nourish. The “anti-fogmatic” breakfast options are well worth a look, as is the generous and varied set of sharing menus. Hawksmoor isn’t shy about the quality of their steaks, which they describe as “dictionary-thick.” For once, that’s a thoroughly accurate description; even the most avid diner won’t be disappointed!

This Argentinian establishment transforms itself over the course of a working week. From Monday to Thursday, it’s a quiet, intimate eatery where diners can escape the hustle of North London for a relaxed and sophisticated bite to eat. Come the weekend, however, things do get rather more merry, with raucous celebrations carrying on late into the night. With some of the best steak in London, classic Argentine starters, and flavorful full-bodied drinks on offer, there’s plenty here to celebrate. Pop in for their Electro Brunch Feast for a very special start to the day.

Blacklock is known for their quirky locations, and this City outpost is no exception. Situated in what was once the largest meat market in the City of London, diners can experience not just the signature chops for which the chain is known, but also an expanded menu of sides ranging from charred courgettes to coal-roasted beets. There’s also a large bar area offering cocktails and wine on tap. Despite the traditional location, Blacklock City doesn’t disappoint when it comes to fun and atmosphere.

The Gaucho chain of steakhouses have caught on big-time in London — and considering the sumptuous array of classic Argentinian dishes, the thick high-quality steaks, and the chic atmosphere—it’s not hard to see why. Gaucho Sloane is to be found in well-heeled Chelsea, where it’s a favorite of local diners. While the main restaurant offers a relaxed hideaway from the world, the adjoining bar is likely to be lively on any given night of the week. Whether diners are seeking a melt-in-the-mouth sample of the best steak in London or a cocktail to start their evening, Gaucho Sloane has them covered.

The original Hawksmoor steak and seafood grill in London. This venue has a stripped-back, uncomplicated feel, at least as far as the décor goes. The menu is filled with pleasant surprises, from the extra-large steaks cooked to order over real charcoal, to the impressively luxurious express menu, for diners in a hurry. Head chef Richard Turner has created a menu that brings new life to classic dishes, and an environment in which diners can enjoy comfort, calm, and first-rate service.

Based in a converted historic warehouse close to Liverpool Street, New Street Grill has a reputation for excellent service. Diners here will still see evidence of the building’s industrial past in the exposed brickwork and beams, but will nonetheless dine in comfort on antique leather chairs (or, if the weather is good, outside on the terrace). The menu, which features Josper oven-prepared steaks, as well as a range of seafood classics, is supplemented by an extensive wine list—over 500 to choose from.

Gaucho Piccadilly is the flagship restaurant of this much-admired London chain. Visitors will find everything they might expect from a Gaucho, from some of the best steak in London, to the cowhide-upholstered seating and chic décor throughout. In addition to the usual dining room and bar, this venue offers a vaulted cellar room and a covered terrace for diners to enjoy during the warmer months. Visit during the week for an intimate and relaxed dining experience, or at the weekend for something rather more adventurous.

A visit to the O2 can be an assault on the senses, from the crowds to the noise to the hustle and bustle. For those that need an escape, this outpost of the popular Gaucho chain of Argentine steakhouses could be ideal. Set over three floors it offers a variety of sumptuously decorated spaces, including a sunken cocktail bar, and a dining room topped with crystal chandeliers. The food is no less wonderful, including some of the best steak in London and other gorgeous Argentinian fare. Whether visiting to shop or see a show, Gaucho O2 is the perfect place to dine.

Gaucho restaurant chains can be found all over the capital, but few are as well-placed as this one. Situated just seconds from historic Tower Bridge, this venue offers unrivalled views. Diners can enjoy hand-selected Argentinian steaks and a wide range of other dishes in comfortable, understated surroundings. Perfect for a quiet lunch or a business meeting during the day, this spot gets a lot more raucous when the sun goes down. In the evening or at weekends cocktails in the lounge area are the order of the day.

The Jones Family Kitchen delivers perfectly cooked food served with a personal touch from a location in the very heart of London. Perfect for anyone who wants to experience some of the best steak in London (or even some lighter nibbles) before catching a show. Guests can settle in to a venue that manages to be both sumptuous and comfortable, and tuck into a signature porterhouse cut cooked the way they want it in a Josper charcoal oven. The Jones Family Kitchen aims to make every diner feel at home.