Where The Royals Eat in London

They might have their own chefs at home, but even the royals like to go out to eat sometimes. Many members of the Royal Family are based in London, and eagle-eyed diners might spot them enjoying a bite to eat at one of the capital’s finest restaurants – if you know where to look. Read on to discover where the royals eat in London.

The Royals Family’s Favourite London Restaurants

Mount St. Restaurant

In 2022 Artfarm, the hospitality leg of Hauser & Wirth, revamped a long-standing pub in Mayfair. The new venue features a pub downstairs, The Audley, alongside a fine dining eatery upstairs: Mount St. Restaurant – where King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla were spotted recently. It’s a beautiful, art-filled spot open from breakfast through to dinner, with the kitchen headed up by chef Jamie Shears, serving traditional British fare with a modern twist.

First Floor, 41-43 Mount St, London W1K 2RX, mountstrestaurant.com

Dean Street Townhouse

It’s not uncommon to spy a famous face in Soho House – and that includes royalty. Fun fact: one of its restaurants, Dean Street Townhouse, was the setting for Harry and Meghan’s first ever blind date. It was reportedly set up by Soho House director Markus Anderson, and the details of the evening were divulged in Omid Scoobie’s book, Finding Freedom, which describes how the couple discussed their mutual passion for philanthropy and voluntary work. Apparently, the second date took place in Soho House Toronto, where Meghan was filming Suits.

69-71 Dean St, London W1D 3SE, deanstreettownhouse.com

The Ivy

While there are branches of The Ivy all over the capital now, the original in Covent Garden is arguably the most glamorous. It was one of the few restaurants where the late Queen Elizabeth II would dine – she was last seen eating there in 2017. The hotspot was closed to the public for a friend’s private birthday celebration, unfortunately lessening the likelihood of a ‘don’t look now, but at your 3 o’clock, the Queen is eating chips.’ 

1-5 West St, London WC2H 9NQ, the-ivy.co.uk

L’Escargot

Famed Soho restaurant L’Escargot is one of the oldest restaurants in London, having been around in its current iteration since 1927 (though in some capacity dating back to 1896). Earlier this year, fans were sad to learn it was closing – yet it reopened back in May. The restaurant has always attracted high-profile guests, from Judy Dench to Coco Chanel, and it was a favourite of Princess Diana, who would reportedly order the seared tuna with lentils. 

48 Greek St, London W1D 4EF, lescargot.co.uk

Bellamy’s

Mayfair’s famed French brasserie Bellamy’s was another favourite of the late Queen Elizabeth, who visited at least twice: first for her 80th birthday, and again 10 years later with Princess Anne and Princess Alexandra. Apparently, she ordered the smoked eel mousse, caviar and roast quail.

18 Bruton Pl, London W1J 6LY, bellamysrestaurant.co.uk

Bluebird Café

This modern European spot on the King’s Road is rumoured to be one of Kate Middleton’s favourites. The café’s upscale burgers and salads fuelled a few dates between her and Will before their marriage, and she was also spotted there with her sister Pippa, having lunch on the cafe’s terrace.

350 King’s Rd, London SW3 5UU, bluebird-restaurant.co.uk

Chiltern Firehouse

Since opening its doors back in 2014, Chiltern Firehouse has been one of the city’s prime places for celebrity spotting. Royals-wise, Meghan was seen sipping cocktails there back when she lived in London, and it was the setting for Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank’s engagement celebrations in 2018. Pop in to try the famous crab doughnuts, and keep your eyes peeled.

1 Chiltern St, London W1U 7PA, chilternfirehouse.com

The Goring

Located just round the corner from Buckingham Palace, The Goring has a strong connection with the Royal Family. It hosted royalty during the Coronations of both George VI and Queen Elizbeth II, and in 2013 the hotel received a Royal Warrant, making it the only hotel to have been granted one for hospitality services. The royal suite played host to Kate Middleton the night before her wedding, and she has been back plenty of times since with Prince William.

15 Beeston Pl, London SW1W 0JW, thegoring.com

Launceston Place

In the 1990s, Launceston Place was one of Princess Diana’s favourite places to eat on account of its discreet small rooms and its cheese soufflé, which is now named in her honour. Chef Ben Murphy currently heads up the kitchen, serving modern British cuisine with flair.

1A Launceston Pl, London W8 5RL, launcestonplace-restaurant.co.uk

Dans Le Noir

A tricky one to confirm because the entire restaurant is pitch black, but we won’t be the first to float the speculation that Will and Kate used to head to Dans Le Noir for date night. Diners are invited to relinquish normal authority over their eating experience and sit beside strangers, in the dark and with a choice of menu only insofar as white (surprise), red (meat), blue (fish) and green (vegetarian).

69-73 St John St, London EC1M 4NJ, danslenoir.com

Bocca Di Lupo

The Duchess of Sussex has displayed royally good taste with her affinity for this Italian gem, located in Soho, with Princess Eugenie also a fan. Whether trying small plates at the bar or seated at the chef’s table, an evening here is always fun, with an ever-changing menu that brings you the best of Italy’s highly distinctive regional specialities.

12 Archer St, London W1D 7BB, boccadiluppo.com

The Arts Club

It’s not news to anyone who has watched The Crown that the late Prince Phillip didn’t mind a party or two. He was known to enjoy a trip to this literary and arts club in Mayfair, which boasts a legacy of members like Charles Dickens and Rudyard Kipling. Good luck getting in.

40 Dover St, London W1S 4NP, theartsclub.co.uk

Featured image: The Goring