Bib Gourmands in London 2023 | Top-Tier, Wallet-Friendly Dining
When the Michelin Guide debuted, only a three Star restaurant was worth a special trip. A two Star spot was only worth a small detour, and a one Star eatery was only worth stopping at if it happened to be on the way to your ultimate destination.
Things have changed a little since then.
Standard have been raised. Like, a lot. And now, there’s a rating for restaurants that don’t quite make the cut for a Star, but which nevertheless deliver an exceptional meal. It’s called a Bib Gourmand – and here’s a list of all the London restaurants that have them, organised by area.
And yes… they’re all worth a special trip.
We’ve updated the list with the new Bibs for 2023: Plaza Khao Gaeng, The Pelican, Evernight and Hām.
CENTRAL
Bancone
Fresh, surprisingly affordable pasta in a cool, industrial Covent Garden space.
Bao Soho
If you like Taiwanese bao buns so good they generate perpetual queues, then this is your spot.
The Barbary
From the people behind The Palomar, a North African counter-dining spot in Covent Garden.
The Barbary
Berenjak
Soho’s own hole-in-the-wall-style Iranian kebab joint.
Brasserie Zédel
One of the best value meals you’ll find in London, served in a cavernous art deco space that looks a million bucks.
Hoppers Soho
Highly authentic Sri Lankan food in Soho.
Hoppers
Humble Chicken
Excellent yakitori skewers in Soho, for which they scorch every part of the chicken.
Imad’s Syrian Kitchen
Delicious, nourishing Syrian food in Kingly Court from big-hearted refugee chef Imad.
Kiln
Regional Thai food inspired by roadside eateries, that is anything but middle of the road.
Kricket Soho
Indian small plates in a laid back space.
The Palomar
One of our favourite restaurants in London, hands down. Israeli food, perfectly executed. Get a seat at the bar.
The Palomar
Pahli Hill
Fragrant Indian food in Fitzrovia, that comes with an eccentric cocktail bar below.
Paradise
A smash as soon as it opened in 2019, Paradise can be found in Soho serving exceptional Sri Lankan fare in industrial surrounds.
Plaza Khao Gaeng | New for 2023
A Thai canteen that could have been plucked straight from Bangkok, with ingredients sourced either from Thailand or grown by the chef himself.
Volta do Mar
Discover the crossover between Portuguese and Goan cuisine in a grand Covent Garden townhouse.
EAST
Brawn
Modern European small plates next to the Columbia Road flower market.
Brutto
The late Russell Norman’s “ugly but good” Clerkenwell trattoria, which has turned out to be very, very good indeed.
Gunpowder Spitalfields
Punchy, modern Indian food in a stylish space.
Gunpowder
Manteca
This casual Shoreditch spot specialises in fresh pasta and fresh charcuterie, and does them both extremely well.
Popolo
A small and buzzy Italian restaurant with a distinct Middle Eastern & Moorish influence.
Popolo
Smokestak
Quite possibly the best BBQ place in London.
St John Bread and Wine
The pioneers of nose-to-tail dining, who also happen to make the best doughnuts in the city.
WEST
Hereford Road
This former Victorian butcher’s shop still brings the meat, with nose-to-tail style dishes.
Kateh
An understated space on a pretty street, Kateh serves some gorgeous Persian food.
Kateh
The Pelican W11 | New for 2023
A strikingly cosy and beautiful gastropub off Portobello Road, serving elegant Modern European small plates and dishes to share.
NORTH
Farang
Some of the best, fieriest, Thai food in the city.
Hām | New for 2023 | CLOSED
A sunlight-drenched dining room with a menu of creative British fare, sadly closed due to rocketing costs.
Plaquemine Lock
Strangely, one of the only New Orleans-style restaurants in the city. And it’s excellent.
Primeur
From the Westerns Laundry team, this stylish space is actually a former garage. Park yourself there for some of the best European small plates in the city.
Primeur
Provender
A comfortable, self-described “bourgeois” brasserie, you’ll find classic French fare, and excellent wines.
Trullo
Some of the best Italian food in North London, from the team also behind Padella.
Westerns Laundry
Superb seafood in a modern industrial space. Everything here feels like they’ve hit the nail right on the head.
SOUTH
Evernight | New for 2023
A sleek, modern izakaya where Japanese culinary techniques are applied to seasonal British ingredients.
José
From celebrity chef Jose Pizarro, this is his tapas-heavy flagship.
Kudu
Kudu
South African food is a rarity in the capital, but Kudu makes you wish it wasn’t.
Legare
A modern, Southern Italian outfit with fresh pasta dishes hand-made daily by a former Trullo chef.
Padella
Hands down the best pound-for-pound meal in the city. Fresh pasta, hand-rolled each day, for extremely low prices.
Padella
Peckham Cellars
A neighbourhood, roughly Mediterranean eatery and wine bar from three locals with serious restaurant credentials.
Upstairs (at Trinity)
If you don’t fancy the formality of Michelin Starred Trinity, you can always head upstairs for a more casual (but also delicious) experience.
Like Bib Gourmands? You’ll love these Michelin Star restaurants in London…