Best pies in London: 18 brilliant restaurants to feast your pies on

Pie is a British institution that has been around for centuries, and as a nation we certainly know how to make and eat a proper pie. It should come as no surprise then, that there are loads of incredible restaurants in London that are dedicated to pie, or at least serve up the good stuff. Whether you're after the best pie shop in London steeped in decades of tradition, or the latest opening with an extravagant take on the dish, there's a little something for everyone.

Believe it or not, the first kind of pie recipe recorded in history came from Rome, when the dough was made from rye flour and oil, and was baked with goat’s cheese and honey. While this was a great idea, the north of Europe didn’t have ample access to olive oil - but fats like lard and butter were in great supply. So with a combination of Roman ideas and locally available ingredients, cooks were able to create a different type of pie dough.

These new pies were typically filled with meat, and soon it was discovered that they were ideal for storing food for long voyages and journeys at sea – gone was the need to carry livestock on board and employ a butcher. However the pastry was not designed to be eaten, it was used as a makeshift pot for cooking, and then thrown away once the filling was eaten (outrageous, right?).

The pie has drastically evolved since its beginning as a disposable container and is now a million pound industry in the UK. Nowadays, we have many varieties made from different types of pastry (which can thankfully be eaten) and all sorts of fascinating fillings, from plant-based to traditional steak and kidney.

We hold an immeasurable amount of love for these pastry parcels, and thankfully London is full of them. Take a look through our guide to the best pies in London, and then you're just a couple of clicks away from tucking in. 

London’s best pies

We’ve sourced some of London’s best pies and have certainly covered our bases when it comes to the delicious dish, featuring everything from classic versions to contemporary spin-offs, as well as high-end takes featuring truffle shavings. Enjoy!

Bistro Freddie, Shoreditch

What: Bistro Freddie comes from the team behind Crispin and Bar Crispin, so it was always bound to put on a pretty good spread. The pies here change regularly depending on the seasons and what ingredients are available, but you’ll have to partner up for this one because they’re big and made for sharing. Don’t expect any mash here though, this one’s served alongside a bowl of fries.
Where: 74 Luke Street, EC2A 4PY
Book now: Bistro Freddie

The Pie Room at Holborn Dining Room, Holborn

Why: The Pie Room at Holborn Dining Room is a dedicated space for creating some of the best pastry-based treats in the capital. You can order them to takeaway from The Pie Hole - a hatch onto the main street - or take a seat in the main restaurant and enjoy one without having to dash off. Flavours include chicken, mushroom and leek fondue, potato, truffle, comte and caramelised onion, and braised beef steak. You'll have to allow 30 minutes cooking time when you order one, but they're well worth the wait. 
Where: No. 252 High Holborn, WC1V 7EN
Book now: The Pie Room at Holborn Dining Room

The Pelican, Notting Hill

What: The Pelican has quickly become one of London's more recognisable pubs, thanks in large part to some excellent gastropub cookery. Fine British produce and sustainable principles are held to attention here, and reflected via a menu of simple, well-cooked dishes. Proper pies are one of the things that The Pelican does best, and there have been some real belters here over the years, from a lobster and monkfish pie with lobster head gravy, to a classic beef and Guinness number. Keep an eye on the specials board for what’s on offer that month.
Where: 45 All Saints Road, W11 1HE
Book now: The Pelican

Darby’s, Nine Elms

What: Darby’s aims to be the ultimate neighbourhood restaurant, and the team come with a wealth of experience under their belt having previously opened the likes of The Dairy, Sorella and Counter Culture in Clapham. As far as the pies go, they’re nothing short of extraordinary. The pastry is made using croissant dough for a beautifully flaky topping, it’s filled with a rich beef and bone marrow filling, and there’s a giant piece of bone marrow sticking out the top for extra flavour (and dramatic effect!). 
Where: 3 Viaduct Gardens, SW11 7AY
Book now: Darby’s

Bob Bob Ricard, Soho

Why: Only somewhere as glamorous as Bob Bob Ricard would add a Champagne filling to a chicken and mushroom pie. To add to the decadence, the pastry topping is branded with the restaurant’s name and served alongside truffle gravy – a superbly posh pie. Plus, you can push the 'press for Champagne' button for fizz to go with your food, which is an experience in itself.
Where: 1 Upper James Street, W1F 9DF
Book now: Bob Bob Ricard

Bentley’s Oyster Bar and Grill, Mayfair

What: Bentley’s pie proves that you don’t need a golden pastry crust to make it onto this list; we value a potato top just as much. Of course this one is filled with fish (cod, smoked haddock, prawn and salmon to be precise), before being layered with creamy, buttery mash, and is wonderfully indulgent. This is definitely a restaurant worth visiting when you’re looking for something a little fancy.
Where: 11-15 Swallow Street, W1B 4DG
Book now: Bentley’s Oyster Bar and Grill

Lasdun, South Bank

What: We're huge fans of this brilliant restaurant ensconced in the National Theatre - not only is the cooking absolutely brilliant, it's also deserves more credit for just how drop-dead beautiful it is, doing justice to the brutalist marvel it sits inside. With The Marksman's John Rotherham also watching over the menu here, it's no surprise that Lasdun does a fine pie. This one is a delicious chicken, leek and girolle number, but the fillings change regularly and you can't go wrong with any of them.  
Where: National Theatre, Upper Ground, SE1 9PX
Book now: Lasdun

St John Bread and Wine, Spitalfields

Photo credit: Sam A Harris

What: St John is known for its hearty British classics and unapologetic use of offal, so it comes as no surprise that the pies here can include some slightly unusual ingredients. Whether it’s chicken, ox tongue and mushroom or beef and trotter pie, you’re guaranteed to try something you won't find elsewhere - and we promise you it’ll be delicious.
Where: 94-96 Commercial Street, E1 6LZ
Book now: St John Bread and Wine

The Devonshire, Soho

What: The Devonshire really hit the ground running when it opened in late 2023 - with reservations booking up within minutes of going live. Not only do you have a wood panelled pub downstairs where theatre-goers rub shoulders with city workers, but there's an intimate restaurant on the floor above. The big hit here is the beef cheek and Guinness suet pudding that goes perfectly with a pint of the good stuff.
Where: 17 Denman Street, W1D 7HW
Book now: The Devonshire

Mount St. Restaurant, Mayfair

What: Mount St. Restaurant's lobster pie always turns a few heads. Not only does it hit the brief for an aesthetically pleasing plate of food (a lobster head poking out the top is enough to catch anyone’s attention), but it tastes equally as impressive too. This is a pie for when you’re looking to push the boat out and indulge in something a little different.
Where: 41-43 Mount Street, W1K 2RX
Book now: Mount St. Restaurant

Quo Vadis, Soho

Why: Quo Vadis is a delightful historic gem serving up traditional British fare, with a special pie of the day featured on the hand-drawn menus. The eclectic restaurant and members club oozes class and you can’t go wrong with its rich meats and intense flavours encased in a gorgeously buttery, crispy pie.
Where: 26-29 Dean Street, W1D 3LL
Book now: Quo Vadis

Putney Pies, Putney 

Why: The clue’s in the name of this Putney joint, which specialises in all different types of the pastry-clad item. Upstairs, the restaurant resembles a run-of-the-mill pie shop, but head downstairs to The Vault, a cave-like room accentuated by an arched ceiling, and you can groove out to live music and DJs post-pie and mash. Look out for the beef bourguignon, chicken and chorizo, and pulled pork pies - they are our favourites.  
Where: 2 Putney High Street, SW15 1SL 
Book now: Putney Pies

The Camberwell Arms, Camberwell

What: The Camberwell Arms has amassed a cult following amongst South Londoners, not least for its warm hospitality, epic Sunday roasts, and generous, seasonal menus. There's usually a pie up for grabs on the menu, with previous flavours including beef, onion and Guinness, and chicken and smoked ham. Order alongside buttery greens and chunky chips for the perfect meal. 
Where: 65 Camberwell Church Street, SE5 8TR
Book now: The Camberwell Arms

Kanishka, Mayfair

Why: Kanishka only does one pie and it is unlike anything you will find anywhere else. Chef-owner Atul Kochhar was the first Indian chef to hold a Michelin star and it’s easy to see why with his innovative approach to the baked dish. His take on the classic involves a flavourful tikka masala and cumin scented berry compote – a must try.
Where: 17-19 Maddox Street, W1S 2QH
Book now: Kanishka

J Sheekey, Covent Garden

Why: Even if you’re not hankering for a pie, J Sheekey is an outstanding choice, and if you are, then you’re in for a real treat at this historical establishment. The centuries old seafood restaurant is a favourite among famous faces and you’ll understand why when you order the highly-praised fish pie, decadently filled with carefully-sourced cod, salmon, and a creamy sauce.
Where: 28-32 St Martin's Court, WC2N 4AL
Book now: J Sheekey

The Guinea Grill, Mayfair

Why: The Guinea Grill is a fine steakhouse establishment in Mayfair, but it also serves an array of award-winning pies. Each one is topped with a suet pastry lid and flavours are reliably classic: steak and mushroom, beef, Guinness and oyster, and a vegetarian potato and Wensleydale Pie with truffle, leeks and a poached egg.
Where: 30 Bruton Place, W1J 6NL
Book now: The Guinea Grill

Willy’s Pies, London Fields

What: Okay so this one isn’t technically a restaurant, but they’re too good to miss off our best pies in London list. Willy’s Pies is one of those remarkable lockdown stories that started selling food to keep the pennies coming in, but became so popular that it’s now a fully fledged business. These pastry parcels are packed with filling and you can expect anything from ox cheek and Guinness to cauliflower, leek and Neal’s Yard Dairy cheddar.
Where: 13, 23 Westgate Street, E8 3RL

The Barley Mow, Mayfair

What: Part of Cubitt House group, The Barley Mow is a smart British boozer just a stone's throw from Oxford Street that's had a major menu overhaul courtesy of chef director Ben Tish. At just over 20 quid, its beef pie with mash and parsley liquor sauce is impeccably good value for this part of town, and you can add a fried oyster for an extra £4 if you so wish. We recommend that you do.
Where: 82 Duke Street, W1K 6JG
Book now: The Barley Mow

Love carby, wholesome foods? You’ll want to check out our guide to the best pizza in London. There's something you just can't beat about those doughy delights, and their unbeatable versatility. Want to go simple with margherita? Or maybe you fancy mushroom and truffle? Or you can even fold it in half and turn it into a calzone - the possibilities are endless.