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St. JOHN Smithfield, London,

St. JOHN Smithfield

4.8
4.8
3368 Reviews
£41 and over
British
Top Tags:
Fergus Henderson’s original home of “Nose to Tail Eating” opened in a former smokehouse around the corner from Smithfield Market in 1994.

Celebrating the finest of indigenous British produce and making the most of what is seasonally best whilst applying straight forward cooking techniques, St. John is now celebrated as one of the 50 Best Restaurants in the World and in 2009 was awarded its first Michelin Star.

Nose to tail eating means that, where appropriate, every part of the animal should be put to good use in the kitchen and so along with Roast Beef and Lemon Sole, diners will find Rolled Pig’s Spleen, Kidneys and Ox Heart, Liver and Chitterlings as well as the Roast Bone Marrow & Parsley Salad, something of a ‘signature’ dish.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 50 times today

Additional information

  • Dining style

    Casual Dining

  • Cuisines

    British

  • Hours of operation

    Lunch Mon–Sat 12:00 pm–3:00 pm Sun 12:00 pm–4:00 pm Dinner Mon–Sat 6:00 pm–10:30 pm

  • Phone number

    020 7251 0848

  • Website

    http://www.stjohnrestaurant.com/

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Diners Club, MasterCard, Visa

  • Dress code

    Casual Dress

  • Executive chef

    Steve Darou

  • Private party facilities

    The Private Dining Room can accommodate up to 16 guests (terms and conditions apply). St. JOHN bar and restaurant is available for private hire. Please contact amelie@stjohnrestaurant.com for details.

  • Private party contact

    Amelie Andre: 020 7553 9844

  • Location

    26 St John Street, London, EC1M 4AY

  • Neighborhood

    Farringdon

  • Parking details

    None

  • Public transit

    Farringdon Station, Barbican Station

  • Additional

    Banquet, Bar Dining, Beer, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Private Room, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

Popular dishes

What 3,368 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.8
4.8 based on recent ratings
  • 4.8Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.5Value

Noise • Energetic

Loved For

  • City of London

    Best Food

  • City of London

    Innovative

  • City of London

    British

  • City of London

    Most Booked

Sort by

Filters

  1. HR

    HowardR

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Still a marvellous place for unusual and imaginative food and very unusual at this level of food excellence in serving top-class cask beer, particularly welcome at lunch times.
  2. MK

    MattiK

    London

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Very nice and loose atmosphere, food was superb. Would recommend to anyone looking for a nice evening with good food.
  3. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    London

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fantastic. The OG!!
  4. JI

    JessI

    London

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    10/10 would recommend to anyone. Very friendly staff with great food
  5. N

    Nice

    New England

    11 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience3
    Great service - simple reparations - beautiful food
  6. RG

    RayG

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had a great experience! All dishes were fantastic!!!
  7. GK

    GullK

    London

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Super fresh, balanced and delicious. Love the cocktails as well
  8. ML

    MarkL

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    I had never eaten in St John’s and have now been twice in a week. Some of the finest food I have eaten and will be coming back very soon.
  9. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing as always, cathartic
  10. K

    Keith

    London

    15 reviews

    4.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on January 20, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience3
    Food and service were as good as ever but it was noticeable how much the prices have gone up.
  11. IH

    IanH

    Glasgow

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fantastic food, super service and a relaxed atmosphere. Loved it
  12. T

    Tomasso

    San Francisco

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on January 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent meal. Excellent service. Not inexpensive but worth it. Pheasant and trotter pie was great as was smoked eal. Everything was great.
  13. JL

    JouL

    London

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    One of the best restaurant experiences in London. Product is treated respectfully and result could not be better
  14. CS

    ChristopherS

    Edinburgh

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Amongst the greatest food I have ever tasted. The roast marrow lived up to the hype and the crispy pigs cheek may be the greatest thing I have ever tasted
  15. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    London

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We were looked after very well. Menu had many special things on it. All of the dishes we had were beautifully cooked and presented - a real treat! The staff were excellent. It was an all round lovely experience.
  16. G

    Glc88

    London

    31 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    31 reviews

    Dined on January 16, 2023

    overall3food3service4ambience2
    A strange venue and atmosphere. The waiters were all very friendly and pleasant and the special dish of mussels was lovely. The side of potatoes were so dry and tasteless. The cold pork starter wasn’t enjoyable and the cheap paper tablecloths are reminiscent of a child’s birthday party. Also I think there may be some sort of drainage issue as the toilets smell strongly of sewage which isn’t nice as you walk down the stairs. I’ve done 212 Michelin restaurants now and this was memorable but not for necessarily the best reasons. I must stress the staff were very affable though.
  17. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Dublin

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing food , great staff
  18. L

    Luko

    Bristol

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on January 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Once again, an incredible visit to St John at Smithfield Food was outstanding coupled with a relaxed a welcoming atmosphere We had a whole crab to start prepared by Arthur the assistant sous chef which was sublime, we also has the cod collar which was amazing! All in all a wonderful occasion shared with my 82 year old father
  19. ML

    MkLondon

    London

    15 reviews

    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on January 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Always love St John restaurant. It's one of my favourite british restaurants.
  20. TT

    TcTc

    London

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It was fabulous. It was fabulous every time before. It will be fabulous every time after.
  21. RM

    RobertM

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Been waiting 20 years to come and was worth the wait. Did not get to stay for dessert as had our kids with us unfortunately. Good ingredients cooked well and served honestly. What more could you want
  22. d

    detritus

    Sydney

    10 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on January 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Best restaurant in London, exceptional unpretentious food with wonderful service
  23. RB

    RobinBroadhurst

    London

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on January 10, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Don’t change anything - consistency is what counts
  24. DW

    DominicW

    London

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent food as ever and superb service. Great atmosphere.
  25. MS

    MeganS

    London

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on January 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I had not been there for years. Took a Client along. It’s casual, but at the same time feels unique. Think the food is reasonably priced and it was delicious.
  26. RM

    RobertM

    New York Area

    7 reviews

    4.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on January 9, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    This is a unique place which serves unusual food, especially meats and is a gem for those who are lovers of 'nose to tail meats. There is a varied menu with some of the more unusual cuts served in innovative ways. The food is very, very tasty and if one is a little adventurous and prepared to get out of the 'norm' then it can prove to be very well worthwhile. This place not only knows what meat to procure (it is right next door to the meat market), but also how to prepare and serve it.
  27. ZV

    ZsofV

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had a really good time at our Sunday lunch! Lovely dining room, good service and really nice dishes. I was surprised how generous the portions are and we've left really happy and full in the end/
  28. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    London

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on January 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing unpretentious food, great service. Devilled kidneys were great (however I was not sure about this idea at the beginning)
  29. d

    davide

    London

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on January 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Still an outstanding experience. Just the right balance between serious cooking and lack of pretentiousness.
  30. AB

    AlexB

    London

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on January 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was served seamlessly between each dish. Simple and cooked perfectly. The wine was amazing value and accompanied the food nicely along with the friendly approachable service throughout the evening from the foh staff. Overall fantastic experience couldn’t fault you guys!
  31. AS

    AbiS

    London

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 4, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience4
    Delicious and great service. Only issue was starters came incredibly quickly meaning we were still drinking our aperitif cocktails.
  32. L

    Luzw

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 3, 2023

    overall5food5service3ambience5
    Just perfect. Never disappointed, always surprised.
  33. JB

    JuliaB

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Superb food. Unusual, simple, lovely environment w/high ceiling. Great service.
  34. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    St. John’s delivered on their reputation. Excellent and innovative cooking with British ingredients and style. From The panned tongue with different vegetables to contrast the flavor to the roasted pig’s pork cheek. Flavorful and crispy skin made it delightful. Karolina the waitress was welcoming and knowledgeable when I asked for suggestions. Anyone that wants to experience offal experience cooking must try this amazing establishment.
  35. SG

    ShelleG

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Every moment of the experience was great, and made better by our server - he was fantastic!
  36. E

    Epitraveler

    Austin

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Far and away the best dining experience we’ve had in London. Excellent service and great kitchen. Go.
  37. JB

    JoannaB

    London

    10 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on January 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We received a warm welcome. The staff are professional yet friendly. The food is delicious. Great ambience. Loved it!
  38. JD

    JamesD

    Chicago

    8 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on December 30, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Love this place... always a priority anytime I travel through London. So glad to have had the opportunity and good fortune for the pork cheek dish after Christmas.
  39. RM

    RussM

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 30, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our party of four visited St. John on the night before New Years Eve. The atmosphere was buzzing, but not overly noisy, with a nice energy about the place. In short, everything about the evening was fantastic. Starting with the service, it was a pleasure having James work with us to navigate the menu, especially given that we had two non-nose-to-tail diners in our group of four. James’s knowledge of dish specifics and his wine pairing suggestions were very helpful. The food lived up to very high expectations. Every appetizer, entrée, and dessert dish was excellent, but particular shout-outs to the infamous roast bone marrow, potted beef, grilled lamb’s heart, ox tongue, and both seafood dinners (poached salt pollack and a superb trout special). We were impressed with how each dish allowed the main ingredient to be the star. And a bit of free advice - do not underestimate the desserts. The date loaf doesn’t sound very sexy, but it was delicious. Ditto for the eccles cake… Also, we had a good view of the kitchen and the sight of one of the chefs prepping a whole pig for the New Years Eve party had us scurrying for some last-minute tickets. Unfortunately, despite James’s best efforts, we came up empty. Next time for sure…!! St. John quickly earned a spot on our London must-visit dining spots. We hope to enjoy it here again soon!
  40. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Hong Kong Islan

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on December 30, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    One of the best restaurant in London, everything was great.

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
    • Sealed or wrapped utensils used
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
    • Contactless payment available

  • Physical distancing

    • Limited number of seated diners
    • Distancing maintained in common areas
    • Extra space between tables

  • Protective equipment

    • Waitstaff wear masks

  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

St. JOHN Smithfield is rated 4.8 stars by 3368 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 50 times today
Google Map for St. JOHN Smithfield

26 St John Street, London, EC1M 4AY

Additional information

  • Neighborhood

    Farringdon

  • Hours of operation

    Lunch Mon–Sat 12:00 pm–3:00 pm Sun 12:00 pm–4:00 pm Dinner Mon–Sat 6:00 pm–10:30 pm

  • Cuisines

    British

  • Dining style

    Casual Dining

  • Dress code

    Casual Dress

  • Parking details

    None

  • Public transit

    Farringdon Station, Barbican Station

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Diners Club, MasterCard, Visa

  • Executive chef

    Steve Darou

  • Additional

    Banquet, Bar Dining, Beer, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Private Room, Wheelchair Access, Wine

  • Website

    http://www.stjohnrestaurant.com/

  • Phone number

    020 7251 0848

  • Private party facilities

    The Private Dining Room can accommodate up to 16 guests (terms and conditions apply). St. JOHN bar and restaurant is available for private hire. Please contact amelie@stjohnrestaurant.com for details.

  • Private party contact

    Amelie Andre: 020 7553 9844

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