Staying at Dolphin Square, you’ll be within easy reach of London’s finest bars and restaurants. We've pulled together a comprehensive list to get you started.
With an array of traditional pubs, stylish gastropubs and lively bars in the area, you’ll be able to take full advantage of London’s sparkling nightlife without having to worry about a long journey home.
There is also an abundance of international flavour within easy walking distance of Dolphin Square.
And if you jump in a taxi (or on the tube) you've got even more options.
In this guide we'll introduce you to:
For those wanting to dig deeper into the culinary delights that Pimlico has to offer we've explored the local eateries in more detail below:
About: Goya, a Spanish restaurant with a reputation for generous, well-prepared tapas. You don’t have to walk far to find the finest flavours of Spanish Tapas here in the capital, and at Dolphin Square, we’re lucky enough to have the likes of Goya on our doorstep. Specialists in delivering authentic, flavoursome and relaxed dishes, Goya is celebrated for it’s lively atmosphere, fuelled by hearty traditional dishes, from Patatas Bravas and Croquetas de Pollo, to aromatic Arroz al Azafran.
Cuisine: Spanish
Address: 34 Lupus St, Pimlico, London SW1V 3EB
Telephone: 020 7976 5309
About: Uno on Denbigh Street is a busy, modern trattoria serving well-priced pizzas and pasta.
Cuisine: Italian
Address: 1 Denbigh St, Pimlico, London SW1V 2HF
Telephone: 020 7834 1001
About: Family-run Enoteca Turi is situated on the picturesque Pimlico Road, and boasts a menu brimming with flavour-packed dishes inspired by regional Italian cuisine, sprucing up traditional methods of cooking to fit with the contemporary London restaurant scene. In fact, many of the ingredients used in their dishes are rarely seen outside of Italy. Try the Risocotto di Zucca Delica, a rich risotto with Delica pumpkin, dolcelatte, grape mustard and rosemary.
Cuisine: Italian
Address: 87 Pimlico Rd, Belgravia, London SW1W 8PH
Telephone: 020 7730 3663
About: La Poule au Pot on Ebury Street is one of London’s most intimate and romantic restaurants.
Cuisine: French
Address: 231 Ebury St, Belgravia, London SW1W 8UT
Telephone: 020 7730 7763
About: If you want authenticity, and a whole lot of history, pay Grumbles a visit – a long-standing local bistro with rustic wooden boots, Parisian street signs and an illustrious past. Celebrating over 50 years of service, Grumbles opened its doors in 1964, and hasn’t changed since. Grumbles’ founder, Jeremy Friend, wanted diners to feel like they were joining him for dinner in his own home, and now, the restaurant has a loyal, global following.
Cuisine: French
Address: 35 Churton St, Victoria, London SW1V 2LT
Telephone: 020 7834 0149
About: Kazan on Wilton Street offers a fine range of Turkish cuisine and mezze.
Cuisine: Turkish
Address: 93-94 Wilton Rd, Lillington and Longmoore Gardens, London SW1V 1DW
Telephone: 020 7233 7100
About: Kym’s – also on Wilton Street – is a favourite of politicians drawn by the excellent, traditional Cantonese fare.
Cuisine: Cantonese
Address: 19 Bloomberg Arcade, London EC4N 8AR
Telephone: 020 7220 7088
About: Lovers of Japanese food may already be aware of the Ichi-Riki Sushi House, located on Strutton Ground near New Scotland Yard and serving some of the finest, freshest sushi and sashimi in town.
Cuisine: Japanese
Address: 17B Strutton Ground, Westminster, London SW1P 2HY
Telephone: 020 7233 1701
About: True to its namesake Lorne encompasses a classic Australian vibe. For starters, its overall aesthetic pleases the eye with calm, washed-out blues and greys. There's even a sprinkle of millennial-loved marble here and there which is complimented with natural-wooden furniture. The restaurant is made to feel even more personal with hand-crafted pottery and artwork. Despite the Australian interior influences the food professes itself to be typically British and European adapting seamlessly with the season. Current dishes include autumn warming venison and hearty pork belly. Chef Peter Hall, endowed with experience at San Francisco's three Michelin-starred restaurant Benu, opts for native produce but the search wanders further afield for exotica touches to dishes.
Cuisine: Australian
Address: 76 Wilton Rd, Pimlico, London SW1V 1DE
Telephone: 020 3327 0210
About: A neighbour of Lorne is quaint yet high-end bistro About Thyme. Although small in size it's big in flavour. White-washed brick walls and gilded mirrors create a sophisticated atmosphere with tables dressed simply, in white cloth and candles. As well as boasting British classics, with the majority of produce sourced in the British Isles, the menu showcases a Spanish influence. Welsh Lamb Shank and Presa Iberica, despite a fusion of cultures, both comfortably feature on the menu. The restaurant does also work with selected small Spanish businesses to perfect this amalgam, and above all freshness and quality of produce comes first.
Cuisine: British
Address: 82 Wilton Rd, Pimlico, London SW1V 1DL
Telephone: 020 7821 7504
About: What once was an old Dickensian pub, Artists Residence Hotel, tucked amidst the streets of SW1, houses one of the area’s most sought after and vibrant eateries - The Cambridge Street Kitchen. Before tucking into a plethora of plates and dishes, guests feast their eyes on the delicious decor. Copper finishes, walls adorned with brightly painted artwork and even a florescent yolk-coloured neon sign that hangs above the kitchen, after all ‘this is where the magic happens’. For breakfast, lunch, dinner or just a coffee you can get comfy and enjoy the seasonal menu which incorporates the best of British ingredients, they champion British produce wherever possible. And whether you go for a sirloin or cod there is always a wine recommendation to be paired with each dish. Championing British producers wherever possible, brightly bedecked Cambridge Street Kitchen is open all day, but dinners are best. Changing monthly, seasonal menus include treats like duck breast beside pickled cherries and gingerbread, or sirloin steak served with broccoli, malted shiitake mushrooms and smoked anchovy butter – plus a suggested wine or ale pairing in every case.
Before all that though, begin by sipping a Passport to Pimlico (gin, hibiscus, elderflower, dry Curacao, sparkling wine) in the low-lit, speakeasy-style Clarendon Cocktail Cellar, and enquire about this building’s history as a Victorian pub of, well, dubious character.
Cuisine: British
Address: 52 Cambridge St, Pimlico, London SW1V 4QQ
Telephone: 020 3019 8622
About: The Goring Restaurant in Beeston Place on the doorstep of Buckingham Palace is always filled with public figures and recognisable faces.
Cuisine: British
Address: 15 Beeston Pl, Westminster, London SW1W 0JW
Telephone: 020 7396 9000
About: Boisdale of Belgravia is a fine Scottish restaurant famous for its ‘full and frank’ wine and whisky lists and for the quality of the 28-day matured beef. Featuring what some say is the best steak in London, the menu also boasts a range of authentic Scottish flavours including haggis, salmon and game, and there is nightly live music in the late licensed Macdonald Bar.
Cuisine: Scottish
Address: 15 Eccleston St, Belgravia, London SW1W 9LX
Telephone: 020 7730 6922
About: Dolphin Square’s proximity to Victoria Station means that residents can enjoy a sophisticated day trip topped off by a sumptuous four-course meal on the British Pullman, a sister train of the Orient Express. The food and service is excellent, with the added bonus of visiting some of Britain’s most beautiful towns and attractions including Bath, Cambridge, Canterbury, Blenheim Palace and Chatsworth House.
Cuisine: British
Address: Platform 2, Victoria Station, Wilton Rd, Pimlico, London SW1E 5ND
Telephone: 0845 077 2222
There's nothing better than a lie-in to kickstart the weekend, rolling out of bed mid-morning in search of a caffeine fix and a remedy to tame the stomach rumbles. Come rain or shine, we've become a nation infatuated by brunches, biting at the bit to get our weekly dose of eggs sunny side up, served picture perfectly next to the green stuff on a bed of sourdough or granary.
To ensure you’re not missing out, we’ve created our very own menu of The pick of the Pimlico brunches.
About: Chic on the outside, chic on the inside; this hotspot on the corner of Cambridge Street was once a “Victorian Boozer”. Now part of the Artists Residence group of hotels, their ever-changing seasonal menu encompasses everything brunch should be. From the classic, Eggs Benedict to the ‘Skillet’ with a King Oyster, this is the ideal hub with an array of offerings.
Cuisine: British
Address: 52 Cambridge St, Pimlico, London SW1V 4QQ
Telephone: 020 3019 8622
About: Half way between Pimlico and Victoria, No. 11 Pimlico Road is spacious, bright and incredibly relaxing. With seating so comfy you’ll never want to move – and after indulging in their perfectly curated menu, you probably can’t. We recommend the Breakfast Sourdough Bruschetta. You can thank us later.
Address: No.11 Pimlico Road, London, SW1W 8NA
Telephone: 020 7730 6784
About: A little less restaurant, a little more café, sitting in Pimlico Fresh feels like being in the hub of the neighbourhood. Perfect for a natter and a catch-up with the company of your choice, if a plate full isn’t for you, perhaps one of their homemade smoothie’s might be. However, we would say the classic avocado and eggs on toast are served up with intention to be devoured.
Address: 86-87 Wilton Rd, Victoria, London SW1V 1DN
Telephone: 020 7932 0030
About: With a clue in the name, coffee is their thing. Offering beans and blends of fair trade and ethical from around the world, The Roasting will kick-start your weekend with their Italian flair. With a side of toastie or a croissant, you’ll feel perfectly content watching the world go by; from a seat in their windows or, a table outside.
Address: 31 Churton St, Pimlico, London SW1V 2LY
Telephone: 020 7834 6091
What about trying your hand at making your own breakfast? After collecting all the ingredients you need from one of the local supermarkets, swing by Gail’s Bakery to pick up a freshly baked loaf of bread, which will be the pièce de résistance. Why not tweet us your pictures, and show of your masterpieces.
Address: 26 Churton St, Lillington and Longmoore Gardens, London SW1V 2LP
Telephone: 020 7932 0734
When the afternoon is long and the weather is sunny, al-fresco dining has never been more appealing, so we've sourced the best Alfresco Dining in Pimlico for you to kick back, relax and catch a few rays.
Check out this stylish cafe with outside tables and daily changing blackboard menu for a selection of paninis and summer salads. This local deli-come-cafe is a popular haunt amongst residents so make sure you get there early to bag your table outside!
Address: 86-87 Wilton Rd, Victoria, London SW1V 1DN
This popular farm shop is one of our favourites for a deliciously organic, alfresco breakfast. This is a great spot to "people watch" in the buzzy Pimlico Square whilst sipping on a delicious freshly squeezed juice.
Address: 44B Pimlico Rd, Belgravia, London SW1W 8LP
Nestled in the corner of Pimlico Square, with intimate nooks and festoons of dried flowers, La Poule au Pot is considered to be one of the most romantic restaurants in London. We would recommend reserving one of the outside tables (attired in starched linen!) for a romantic evening meal where you will feast on delicious French cuisine in the paved haven of Pimlico Square.
Address: 231 Ebury St, Belgravia, London SW1W 8UT
A firm favourite amongst locals as well as London's more discerning diners, this modern Italian restaurant has a refined feel and offers the ideal outside space for a leisurely lunch in the sun.
Address: 1 Denbigh St, Pimlico, London SW1V 2HF
We’ve gone on a hunt to whittle down the crème de la crème of Pimlico’s top cupcake offerings.
Peggy Porschen is one of the most instagram-worthy locations in London right now, and its cupcakes have gained somewhat of a celebrity status. With exquisite decoration and elegant packaging, these edible works of art are the gift that keep on giving.
Address: 116 Ebury St, Belgravia, London SW1W 9QQ
Lola’s Cupcakes, dotted around London is the perfect stop-off for a treat. Located in Victoria Station, the range of sizeable cupcakes to miniature cupcakes allow you to indulge as little or as much as you wish. Be it buying a box for the office, or just for yourself (no-one is judging here) their takeaway deals are too good to miss, especially the red velvet selection!
Address: 115 Buckingham Palace Rd, Victoria, London SW1W 9SJ
48 Parliament Street
£££
No visit to London is complete without a trip to a proper, traditional British pub. And this is true even if you don’t drink alcohol - we go for the unique ambience and atmosphere.
If it’s your first time in a British pub, the Red Lion will serve you well. There’s ample ale and cider on tap, and the extensive menu caters to everyone on the pub cuisine spectrum. The traditionalists amongst you will savour the pie tasting board, or maybe a proper plate of fish and chips. The nouveau-cuisine crowd can kick back with Sriracha halloumi fries, a buttermilk chicken breast burger, or even the roasted squash with tahini and dukkah. Be sure to sit back and soak up the vibe. British pubs really are special, and this is a sterling example.
Churchill War Rooms
££
Here’s a real slice of history to go with a really delicious slice of cake. Halfway around the Churchill War Rooms - “the underground nerve centre where Winston Churchill and his inner circle directed the Second World War” - you’ll find the Switchroom cafe. The menu offers timeless British favourites like pies, stews and tarts for your main course, followed by one of many classic puddings: Gingerbread, Bakewell tart, and more. And the backdrop is guaranteed to get a conversation going: This is the nerve centre of one of our most famous governments, after all!
Note: You can only access the cafeteria with a ticket to the museum. But if anything, this is a plus rather than a minus.
The Palace of Westminster
£££
Deep inside the Houses of Parliament, you’ll find the Stranger’s Dining Room. The rich, luxurious decor is quintessentially British, and if you ever get a chance to visit, you can’t help but be amazed. The name comes from the affectionate nickname used to refer to friends and visitors of Members of Parliament. This room was where Members host ‘Strangers.’
This room is for hire or by invite only, so it’s unlikely you’ll get to dine here unless you rent the whole space or happen to know an MP. If neither of those apply, though, you can check out the Pugin room… Named after Augustus Welby Pugin, director of the design and decoration of the Houses of Parliament, this room offers public dining experiences on certain days of the year. Check here for availability.
10 Bridge Street
££
Another pub. What, so you didn’t think a guide to restaurants in central London would only include one pub, did you? The TripAdvisor review for St Stephen’s notes they’re renowned for “serving pints to politicians,” meaning that if you time it right, you may get to rub shoulders with an MP. And if not, you can still enjoy a pint of very fine tipple and an award-winning steak pie.
Or, if you’re vegetarian, teetotal, or both, you can enjoy any number of fine selections from the menu or behind the bar. This pub has been standing since 1875, making it a real piece of London history. They still have a division bell that was used to inform any Members of Parliament who were “working remotely” that they had just a few minutes left to cast their vote in the chamber.
Bridge Street, near the station
£
Maybe you’ve heard of Greggs before? If so, hear us out. It does belong in this list of the quirky and the prestigious. If you haven’t heard of Greggs, let us introduce you.
This initially-unassuming bakery has a special place in our nation’s heart. The humble blue sign, adorned with white text and a neat orange logo, hints gently at the wonders you’ll find inside. Approach the counter and you’ll pass fridges replete with handmade sandwiches, salads, and snacks. Under the counter, safely ensconced behind a pane of glass, you’re greeted by cakes and pastries to put Willy Wonka to shame. Every imaginable sweet flavour is represented, from traditional bread pudding, right through to innovative treats at the forefront of baking technology.
Greggs is cheap, cheerful, and loved by the majority of the country. Their sausage rolls are world-famous. Their bacon sandwich and coffee deal is a fine start to any morning. And whatever you go for, you’re sure to love it.
Westminster Bridge Rd
££
Afternoon tea – also known as "old-fashioned tea", "family tea" and "high tea" – is something of an English institution, and nowhere does it better than London. With an array of delicate sandwiches and cakes, plus speciality teas, no two places offer the same experience, and it's often themed to play into popular culture.
Served in Gillray's bar, which has views of the Thames, London Eye and Parliament, The Library at County Hall promises a "dining legacy". It offers a traditional afternoon tea with a modern edge. Heading into a near-perfect 5 stars on Trip Advisor, attendees list its beautiful, Downton Abbey-esque setting and free-flowing bubbles as some of the best reasons to book, while The Library notes its finger sandwiches, scones and British sparkling wines.
County Hall, Westminster Bridge Rd
££££
Gillray's, the setting for The Library afternoon tea, is itself notable, particularly for mouth-watering steaks and its well-stocked bar, which boasts over 600 gins. Described as an "old-world hotel restaurant with classy crystal chandeliers", it's well worth the price tag – with clientele remarking its food is "the real deal" and "to die for". Close to the London Eye, it could be set to become just as iconic, and already describes itself as "the best steakhouse on London's Southbank". Of course, eating out isn't just about the food, and the atmosphere here certainly doesn't disappoint – the bar is situated in a real library, which is where it's afternoon tea got its name.
89 Westminster Bridge Rd
£££
When looking for restaurants near Park Plaza and Westminster Bridge, you could do worse than this little Italian. Not only does Cotto concoct the most delectable pizzas and portions of pasta, but it's also got that cosy, dreamy ambience that brings friends together and makes dates feel that bit more relaxed. Nearly 500 Google reviews have brought it close to 5 stars, and many commenters note the authenticity of its food.
Cotto's menu is full of dishes done simply and effectively, without extravagance, but with maximum flavour and atmosphere – and the prices are nothing short of fantastic, with pizzas starting from just £10. There are plenty of options for the gluten-free crowd, too.
Unit.2B, 125-131 Westminster Bridge Rd
£
Ila Vegan & Veg is the perfect solution for vegans and vegetarians looking for a restaurant near Westminster Bridge that ticks the boxes but doesn't scrimp on choice or flavour. It's also got a flexible menu that jumps around different cuisines – Indian lentil curries, American-style pulled Jackfruit burgers and homely stews all feature. Popular in the Westminster area, one of the best things about the place is the option to have your food to take-away – so you can explore the city as you eat, instead of watching the world go by from the window.
58 Great Peter St
£
Pizza, pasta, and wine. If there’s any better combination, we don’t want to know about it. This unassuming eatery prides itself on delicious pizza, authentic pasta, and all the other trappings of a memorable Italian-inspired meal. Rocking a perfect five-star rating on TripAdvisor, Mio caters to all tastes. Meat lovers will be sated by various forms of Italian sausage, while the vegans amongst you can enjoy specially-created recipes to meet your requirements.
76 Vincent Square
££
If you’re a foodie, Vincent Rooms needs to be on your radar. All the food here is cooked by highly-trained students, meaning it’s the perfect place to spot up-and-coming talent. And what’s more, income from the restaurant goes back into the culinary school, so you’re investing directly in their future. The Escoffier room - named after famous chef Auguste Escoffier - offers a different tasting menu each week, where the creativity and competence of catering students is put to the test.
The Brasserie offers a more traditional dining experience, and the menu boasts many ingredients that are smoked on-site. The Vincent Rooms offer dining experiences to suit any palette.
17-19 Regency Street
£
This greasy spoon went from humble origins to become the fifth most popular place to eat in London in 2016 - a huge achievement. Unimposing from the outside but unforgettable on the inside, you’ll enjoy traditional British cafe fare cooked to a highly delicious standard. A proper Full English is a quintessential part of our country’s heritage, and we heartily recommend it to any visitor.
The decor is original - dating back to the 1940s - and you may very well see film crews on your visit: The restaurant has been used as a location for many famous TV shows over the years.
54 Buckingham Gate
££££
Another British cultural staple is the afternoon tea: Delicate dainties presenting an explosion of different flavours, washed down with our nation’s favourite drink. There really is nothing like it, and Kona makes a world-class contribution to the genre. Their rotating selection of themed afternoon teas put novel and innovative twists on this beloved tradition. Alice’s Queen of Hearts Afternoon Tea combines the magic of Wonderland with the quaintness of the experience. The Jasmine Indian Afternoon Tea brings British and Indian cuisine into beautiful harmony. Take a look at their website and see which teas are on offer during your visit - you won’t regret it.
60 Horseferry Road
£
This cafe and restaurant has built a solid reputation over the years for providing real, honest cooking. You’ll enjoy a welcoming local atmosphere, hospitable staff, and a good plate of food. And really, what more do you want from a restaurant? The location is fairly chilled, nestled neatly between Westminster and Pimlico. Reviewers a quick to note the generously-sized portions, and the comfort food that’s to be found on the menu. And with 4.5 stars from 330 reviews, they must be doing something right.
43 Buckingham Palace Road
££
If you want South African cuisine in a space characterised by modern twist on colonial decor, then Bbar is catered exactly to your needs. Think cocktails, quality burgers, and thematic links to safari and big game. A distinct and novel restaurant with food served at a calibre that matches the ambience. The location is striking, too: Opposite the Royal Mews of Buckingham Palace, just a short walk from Westminster.
2 Caxton Street
££££
Alexander Boyd replaced Masterchef runner-up Adam Handling as head chef in 2016, providing a succession of world-class culinary talent at the helm of Caxton Grill. This high-end eatery is guaranteed to impress, with a modern twist on classic cooking, and fresh ingredients sourced directly from their rooftop kitchen garden. Themes of provenance and sustainability pervade the entire menu, meaning a delicious plate of food (or several) that won’t weigh heavy on your conscience.
143 Strand
£
17-minute walk
Who doesn’t love a curry? Paradoxically, this imported cuisine has become something of a national dish in the UK, and it’s restaurants like India Club that made this possible. This eccentric curry house has barely changed in the five decades since it opened. It’s tucked away at the top of a staircase off The Strand and is renowned as a jewel in the city’s culinary crown.
The food is excellent, and its heritage is fascinating. The India Club provided a welcome respite for the UK's Asian population when attitudes to immigration were less forgiving, and these four walls have played host to all sorts of groups and associations. You’ll be hard-pressed to find another restaurant that retains its authentic family feel after more than fifty years in business.
The Old Westminster Library, 30-32 Great Smith Street
££££
The Old Westminster Library is a historic Grade II listed building in the heart of Westminster. Dine under the archways and beside the bookshelves of this beautiful space, knowing you're sitting amongst a little slice of local history. Claiming to be the birthplace of modern Indian fine dining, The Cinnamon Club will delight all of the senses with its gourmet menu designed by award-winning chef, Vivek Singh. Located just behind Westminster Abbey this restaurant is a 20-minute stroll or quick taxi ride from Dolphin Square.