London Restaurant News

Eating in London can be a little on the expensive side to say the least, especially if you are just visiting and are unsure where to eat. LondonEats.com has put together a simple guide to help avoid any unpleasant dining experiences.

1. If a restaurant is empty at a peak meal time, ask yourself why.

2. Always read the menu posted outside before going in. This avoids you being seated and finding you don't like anything on the menu, or worse yet, that the prices are too high. If the menu is not posted (which by law it should be), ask to see one before deciding to stay. All menus must clearly state the prices, including VAT (value-added-tax is the British equivalent of sales tax); whether a service charge is included and if so, how much; the cover charge; and the minimum charge if there is one.

3. Watch the fine print. A cover charge is per person;a minimum charge is also per person. A steep cover along with a hefty 12 percent service charge on top of a three-course meal with wine, dessert, and coffee could be hard to swallow.

4. The service charge, whether discretionary or added automatically, is the tip. You are not expected to pay a single extra pence, unless the service has been out of this world. Beware of the double service-charge trick.

5. While the set-price two- or three-course meal may have limited choices, it will represent the best value for money on the menu.

Discounted Dinner and Show Tickets

Cuisine Recommendations

American

British

Chinese

Continental / Mediterranean

French

Indian / Balti / Tandoori

International

Italian

Pizza / Pasta

Seafood

Spanish

Thai

Vegetarian / Organic

Restaurant Features