Best restaurants in St Paul's

There’s more to Paternoster Chop House than the Channel 4 television programme 'First Dates', namely robust yet refined plates fresh from the Josper grill. Meat and fish feature heavily, and the heated covered terrace is a lovely spot of an evening.

Sip wine or fizz by the glass and tuck into small bites and charcuterie boards featuring the likes of salt-marsh lamb with roasted tomato as you take in the outstanding views of the cathedral from this al-fresco spot high above the city.

Situated in the shadow of St Paul’s Cathedral, this family-run Italian joint has been delivering good, honest trattoria food for more than 30 years. The service is charming and the excellent homemade pasta is worth visiting for alone. 

Dotted around the city, these Italian restaurants make for excellent stop-off points for seriously tempting platters of antipasti, cheese and sharing plates. Prices are on the high side, but dishes such as Angus fillet beef carpaccio with black truffle are delicious enough to warrant them.

Dependably delicious and refreshingly limited, the menu at Burger & Lobster’s City location is short but sweet. Take your pick from meaty burgers, juicy steamed or chargrilled lobster, and buttery lobster rolls in toasted brioche.

Dishes at this Pan-Asian chain are designed to share, making it a great place to dine in a group. From dim sum to har gau, bao buns and spring rolls, the menu is full of classic favourites that won’t break the bank. 

Established in the sixties, Taberna Etrusca is a classic trattoria-style Italian restaurant serving up fresh homemade pasta in a classically luxe setting. You’ll find plenty of internationally-inspired dishes too, alongside mostly Italian wines.

Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day of the week, Bread Street Kitchen is a safe bet for mixed groups. The globally-inspired menu covers all bases meaning even the fussiest of guests are sure to find something they like the look of.

Head to the Ivy Asia for Asian-inspired dishes such as miso black cod, avocado and crispy tofu with lime and ginger dressing, and salmon fillet teriyaki. The restaurant also serves up a wide range of cocktails inspired by the continent.

Obica’s mozzarella is hand-made using premium buffalo milk and comes in a variety of different ways – in paninis, ciabattas, focaccia and salads. Enjoy alongside the seasonal soups, plates of bresaola with fennel, and pastries.

This is a wonderfully versatile restaurant where you can eat by the slice US-style or opt for bottomless pizza. The charred aubergine pizza is a great shout for vegans, while the breakfast pizza is probably the best idea anyone’s ever had.