Top 25 American diners in London

Hotdogs, burgers, ribs, golden fries… it’s no secret the British have a soft spot for American food. And where better to devour a cheeseburger or a plate of crispy southern fried chicken than in a diner? Full of nostalgia, diners are renowned for their casual atmosphere and affordable menus. There’s no need to buy a plane ticket to the US just yet. Here, we uncover the top 25 American diners in London. With a list this good, those cravings won’t last long!

Search flights to London

1. The Diner

Where: Various locations around London

All-American style diner complete with spongy booths, a drool-worthy menu featuring favourites like Mac & Cheese and Corn Beef Hash, and friendly wait staff. Can’t be beat! Oh, and did we mention they deliver?

2. Lucky 7

Where: 127 Westbourne Park Road, Paddington, London W2 5QL

What Lucky 7 lacks in size (there’s only six booths) it makes up in fluffy, flavourful, best-you’ll-eat-in-London pancakes. Oozing a sweet 50s vibe, this place offers a genuine diner experience complete with kitsch decor.    

3. Fatboy’s Diner

Where: Trinity Buoy Wharf, 64 Orchard Place, London E14 0JY

As well as serving up budget friendly burgers, pies and shakes, this iconic 1940s-themed diner is often used in magazine shoots and Hollywood films (does Sliding Doors ring a bell?). Situated a little out of the way, we recommend taking a walk around the wharf before digging in.

4. All Star Lanes

Where: Various locations across London

A glamorous bowling and burger joint loaded with American classics. Order the fried buttermilk chicken and a sticky rack of ribs, then wash it all down with an I Love NY cocktail before hitting the lanes. Strike!  

5. Jack’s at the Junction

‪Where: 252 Lavender Hill, ‪Clapham Junction, London ‪SW11 1LJ

Bottomless filter coffee. Need we say more? Not your traditional style dinner, Jack’s offers an all-day American and British-style breakfast. Cosy, affordable and caffeine-friendly. Winning!

6. Pickle & Rye

Where: 31 Sheen Lane, East Sheen, London SW14 8AB

Got a sandwich craving? Luckily for American food lovers in London, there’s a little deli called Pickle & Rye. Serving old originals like New York Style Salt Beef Reubens, Turkey Clubs or Smoked Salmon Bagels, there’s no doubt the chef in charge knows the secret to a great sandwich.

7. Stax Diner ‪

Where: Kingly Court, London ‪W1B 5PW

Tucked away in Kingly Court, this laidback diner is one to bookmark. For a real taste of America try the Fried Green Tomatoes and a Stax Cheeseburger (if hunger really has a grip on you then go with a Double Stax or a Triple Stax). Piled on an organic soft bun, these burgers raise the bar.

8. The Blues Kitchen

Where: Various locations across London

Arguably the best Texan indoor barbecue in London, The Blues Kitchen knows how to do finger lickin’ good steak, brisket and burgers. Mix the tasty food with one of the largest bourbon collections in the UK, and you’ve got an impressive themed restaurant where top blues musicians from across the world flock to perform.

9. Electric Diner

Where: 191 Portobello Road,
London W11 2ED

After hitting the markets, head to this swanky diner on Portobello Road. With a French-American menu you’ll be choosing from hot favourites like honey-fried chicken and cheese fondue. Bon appétit!

10. Roadhouse

Where: 35 The Piazza Jubilee Market, Covent Garden, London WC2E 8HB

Covent Garden’s one-stop shop for dinner, drinks and late-night fun. Open until 3am, this rock ‘n’ roll-style diner is renowned for its live music and humming party scene. The food isn’t bad either!

11. Tinseltown Diner

Where: Various locations across London

Ever tried Halal diner fare? Now’s your chance. With an extensive menu, Tinseltown Diner serves up quality, nostalgic dishes using only Halal products. Need another reason to visit? The shake list here is raved about.

12. Red Dog Saloon

Where: Various locations across London

Using smokers imported from the USA, Red Dog Salon slowly roasts meat for up to 16 hours to recreate real Texan flavor. Whilst the Southern Fried Chicken is delicious, it’d be a mistake not to try a whole joint. Order the pork shoulder along with some sides, and you’ll feed a whole table.

13. Dirty Bones

Where: 20 Kensington Church St, London W8 4EP

Kiosk by day, underground eatery by night, Dirty Bones brings hotdogs and cocktails into the neon lights. Serving several versions of the old American classic could be considered risky but when you bite down on The Asian (topped with kimchi relish, crispy seaweed and wasabi mayo) or the Brit dog (layered with Treacle bacon, mature beer cheddar, curried gherkins), you’ll be wishing it was your idea.

14. Joe Allen Restaurant

Where: 13 Exeter Street, London WC2E 7DT

Want something a little more high-end? Head to the West End and grab a seat at this classic American brasserie. Mirroring his New York restaurant of the same name, Joe Allen prides himself on serving ribs, grills and salads in a sophisticated way. Worth pulling out the heels for!

15. Sticky Fingers

Where: 1 Phillimore Gardens, Kensington, London W8 7QB

A bustling atmosphere and great music go hand-in-hand at this rock ‘n’ roll diner. Owned by Rolling Stones legend Bill Wyman and named after the band’s album, Sticky Fingers is a treasure trove of memorabilia. A haven for the fans, but also worth the trip for lovers of good food.

16. Spuntino

Where: 61 Rupert Street, London W1D 7PW

Full of attitude, Spuntino is a tiny diner so cool that you wish you didn’t like it. But you will. And there’s no real reason not to. The food which marries American staples with Italian cuisine is divine, the dim lighting and cracked walls add to the ambience and the bar seating means you’re likely to end up sharing stories with your nearest stool neighbour. Perfect!

17. The Breakfast Club

Where: Various locations across London

Got a weekend day free in London? Best to get brunchin’ at The Breakfast Club. Arrive early to ensure you beat the crowd and then hit the American spot in your belly with a homely breakfast. For the wow-factor try the Boston Beans or The All American.

18. Joe’s Southern Kitchen & Bar

Where: 34 King Street, Covent Garden, London WC2E 8JD

Step into this converted warehouse and you’ll be transported to a Deep South food heaven without leaving the heart of London. Flowing over two levels (with a sneaky bar in the basement), visit on a Sunday and make the most of an all-day Happy Hour. We know it’s crazy, but don’t tell them!

19. Big Easy

Where: Various locations across London

Fancy some seafood with your hush puppies and deep fried pickle chips? Big Easy has got you covered. Start of slow with the popcorn shrimp, then jump into the deep with the Lobster Fest where you’ll refuel over a whole fresh lobster, a side of fries and a chilled schooner for only £20. Sea-licious!

20. Honky Tonk

Where: 16a Clapham Common Southside, London SW4 7AB

An all-American diner worth visiting alone for the signature “Not Fried Chicken”. And with a name like Honky Tonk, you can’t get much more American without jumping on a plane.

21. Ed’s Easy Diner

Where: Various locations across London

With the first Ed’s opening in 1987, this fun and playful gem overflows with a noisy bunch of loyal Londoners and visitors craving a dose of Americana. If you’re in Soho, lunch here is a must!

22. Patty & Bun

Where: 54 James Street, London W1U 1HE

What started out as a pop-up has expanded to a hot venue with a banging menu. Jam-packed burgers that go by names like Lambshank Redemption, Hot Chic and Jose Jose will send taste buds into a frenzy.

23. Mac’s Diner and Grill

Where: 3 Cross Deep Court Heath Road, Twickenham, London TW1 4AG

Quintessential American food, generous portions and friendly staff make Mac’s a family hotspot for an affordable dinner out.

24. Antenna’s American Diner

Where: 22 Westow Hill, Crystal Palace, London SE19

If you’re vegan, vegetarian or gluten intolerant, but still want to enjoy a slice of Americana in London, this diner is for you. Not only do they accommodate food variations, but also for the meat eaters among us they use organic free-range beef and pork.

25. The Orange Buffalo

Where: The Old Truman Brewery, Ely’s Yard, London E1 6QL

Okay, so it’s more of a street food stall then a sit-in diner, but when a place serves possibly the best New York style Buffalo Wings in London, it would be rude of us not to mention it.

(Featured image: Dan Nelson)