Located in the heart of central London and named for Lord Nelson’s victory over the French and Spanish at the Battle of Trafalgar, Trafalgar Square has been a gathering place for tourists and locals since 1844. There is much to see, from the Nelson’s column, guarded by four bronze lions; to the Fourth Plinth, occupied by a changing list of provocative contemporary sculptures. Trafalgar Square is also home to the National Gallery. If you’re feeling hungry, there are countless restaurants within a few minutes’ walk. In this article, we look at 10 of the best.
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Coffee in the square
Direction
London WC2N 5DU, UKGet directions
Telephone
+44 20 7983 4095
Web
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Can’t get away from the hustle and bustle of Trafalgar? Head to Café on the Square, located at the bottom of the central staircase that connects the square with the National Gallery at the top. The outdoor chairs and tables are great for people watching and tanning in the summer, while the menu features traditional British cafe fare. Expect homemade sandwiches and pastries, and seasonal creamy teas. The cafe is open every day from 9 am to 6 pm in summer and from 10 am to 5 pm in winter.
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The admiralty
Direction
66 Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DS, UKGet directions
Telephone
+44 20 7930 0066
Web
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The Admiralty pub overlooks Nelson’s Column and pays tribute to its flagship, the HMS Victory, with its wood paneling and vintage nautical décor. It is also the most central pub in London. The Admiralty is owned by Fuller’s Brewery and carries its best draft beers on tap. Order a pint of London Pride and pair it with traditional fish and chips or an artisan cake. If you can’t decide on a flavor, opt for a cake and beer tasting table. Open from 9am daily (10am on Sundays), the pub also serves full English breakfasts.
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Coffee in the crypt
Direction
Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 4JH, UKGet directions
Telephone
+44 20 7766 1158
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A two minute walk from Trafalgar Square takes you to the 18th century church of St Martin on the Fields. Beneath the church is Café in the Crypt, a true London gem complete with original vaulted brick ceilings and recessed gravestones in the floor. The food is served buffet style and is prepared with sustainable, British and fair trade ingredients. In addition to being tasty, it is also excellent value for money with the proceeds going to the maintenance of the church. Café in the Crypt is open from 10 am every day except Sundays, when it opens at 11 am
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Tandoor Chop House
Direction
8 Adelaide St, London WC2N 4HZ, UKGet directions
Telephone
+44 20 3096 0359
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A three-minute walk away, the Covent Garden Tandoor Chop House restaurant receives rave reviews from diners and food critics. Part of the British Chop House and part of the North Indian Communal Restaurant, it serves delicious cuts of meat prepared with Indian spices and Indian marinades in traditional ovens. Share small plates with your friends, eat with your fingers, and order seconds of specialties like chickpeas and beef kheema. The restaurant is open from noon to late, Monday through Saturday. Sundays open from 1 pm to 10 pm
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Portrait Restaurant & Bar
Direction
St. Martin’s Pl, London WC2H 0HE, UKGet directions
Telephone
+44 20 7306 0055
Web
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For a sophisticated celebratory meal, consider Portrait Restaurant & Bar, located on the top floor of the National Portrait Gallery. The restaurant is known for the quality of its excellent British cuisine, with specialties including pheasant and sole from the south coast. Large windows offer stunning views of iconic London landmarks such as Nelson’s Column, the Houses of Parliament and the London Eye. Come for lunch or afternoon tea; or for a pre-theater dinner before heading to the West End on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
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Rules
Direction
34-35 Maiden Ln, London WC2E 7LB, United KingdomGet directions
Telephone
+44 20 7836 5314
Web
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Rules was established in 1798 and is the oldest restaurant in London. Decorated in red and gold, its walls are adorned with drawings, paintings and cartoons from its historical past. Many stage and screen stars have dined here, including Laurence Olivier, Clark Gable, and Charlie Chaplin. For more than 200 years, Rules has specialized in oysters, cakes and puddings and also offers classic game dishes sourced from its own High Pennines estate. His Covent Garden address is a seven-minute walk from Trafalgar Square.
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Barrafina
Direction
10 Adelaide St, London WC2N 4HZ, UKGet directions
Telephone
+44 20 7440 1456
Web
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Are you in the mood for something Spanish? Head to Barrafina on Adelaide Street. The closest of the four London locations, this restaurant is a four-minute walk away. Guests sit on red leather stools in the marble-topped bar and watch chefs prepare authentic tapas in an open kitchen. Pair your choices with a glass (or two) of Spanish wine, cava, or sherry. Barrafina is open daily for lunch and dinner and can accommodate groups of up to four people. It’s walk-in so be prepared to wait for a spot at the bar.
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Italian restaurant Vespa
Direction
9a Irving St, London WC2H 7AH, UKGet directions
Telephone
+44 20 7839 6678
Web
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Nestled between the National Portrait Gallery and Leicester Square, the independent Italian restaurant Vespa is a three-minute walk away. With its exposed brick walls and friendly wait staff, it’s a welcome departure from the pizza chains that dominate central London. The menu includes artisan pizzas, creamy risottos and fresh pastas. In summer, imagine that you are in Florence and have snacks at one of the tables on the pavement. The restaurant is open from noon to 11 pm every day, except Sundays, when it closes an hour earlier.
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B bakery
Direction
6-7 Chandos Pl, London WC2N 4HU, UKGet directions
Telephone
+44 20 3026 1188
Web
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Add a touch of Parisian elegance to your Trafalgar experience with a visit to B Bakery, located five minutes away. Order macarons, cupcakes, pies and cakes in the delicious display; or call 24 hours in advance to arrange a traditional afternoon tea. The bakery also caters to vegan, vegetarian, halal, and gluten-free visitors. Alternatively, continue sightseeing at one of the Afternoon Tea Bus Tours bakeries. See famous attractions like Big Ben and Westminster Abbey while sipping tea aboard a classic double-decker bus.
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Kanada-Ya
Direction
3 Panton St, London SW1Y 4DL, UKGet directions
Telephone
+44 20 7930 3511
Web
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For delicious noodles, walk for six minutes to the Kanada-Ya branch on Panton Street. This Japanese chain specializes in tonkotsu ramen but also serves authentic rice dishes and small plates. There is a special children’s menu and an allergen menu that shows visitors with dietary needs what they can and cannot eat with a single glance. Wash your food with hot or cold sake or choose from a menu of whiskeys and Japanese beers. Kanada-Ya also has branches in Covent Garden and Angel.
