The beautiful Regent’s Park is one of London’s eight Royal Parks with an incredible history spanning the centuries. The park covers 395 acres in the very heart of the city, and it is known for its beautiful landscapes, recreational facilities, and formal gardens. As you will see for yourself if you are lucky enough to visit, it was always meant to be a hub of elegant and fashionable activity and culture.
The park itself has not always been open to the public. In 1835 it was accessible only to a few select people. However, over time it became a fully public park filled with attractions and amenities. Among the most exciting additions to the park was the Zoological Society of London in 1826, which led to the creation of London Zoo, which opened in 1828 and remains one of the park’s most celebrated attractions.
Regent’s Park is one of London’s most important green spaces and over the years it has offered the city a blend of natural beauty, architectural grandeur, and recreational opportunities. It is also a cultural hub in the city, and for that reason there are many wonderful eateries around the park, making it an even more attractive place to visit in London. Below is a list of the best restaurants near Regent’s Park.
The Garden Café
This wonderful little spot is tucked away right inside the park itself. This is a beautiful setting in which to eat family friendly food or to stop by with friends for brunch. They serve an array of delicious dishes, from hearty sandwiches to tasty pastries. The park is an incredibly beautiful and tranquil setting, and The Garden Café is a charming and relaxing spot to stop for something to eat.
York & Albany
This fine dining restaurant is located very near to Regent’s Park. York & Albany is a luxurious and sophisticated dining experience, in keeping with the history and culture of the area immediately around the park. The restaurant itself is helmed by celebrated celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay and features a menu inspired by British and European cuisines. The building was part of the original John Nash development and is grade II listed.
Orrery
This romantic French restaurant has gorgeous views and an ever better menu, managed by Chef Igor Tymchyshyn and the D&D group, who manage a portfolio of luxury restaurants in London. D&D restaurants are known for their high-end dining experiences and spectacular locations, and the Orrery is no exception. The restaurant is located in a nineteenth century converted stable. It features a delightful terrace, where it is well worth sitting for a drink before you head inside for your meal.
The Queen’s Head & Artichoke
This lovely gastropub is the perfect setting for a quiet and cosy pint and a meal near Regent’s Park. Set on a corner with wonderful windows and warm wood panelled interior, this is a quintessential British pub and a great place to get a real taste of London while you are visiting. The Queen’s Head & Artichoke serves a variety of delicious small plates so it’s a great place to go with friends to enjoy a variety of high-quality foods while chatting over a drink or two.
La Collina
This restaurant is just a short walk from the park and offers a spectacular menu of Italian cuisine, from pasta to wood-fired pizzas. Located in an historic building conveniently placed near multiple tube stations, La Collina is a simple and elegant restaurant serving proper Italian dishes and good wine. This is the perfect spot to unwind after a long afternoon spent reading in the park.
Naroon
Naroon is a small, beautifully lit restaurant in yet another historic building, focusing on sharing plates which makes it a great place to go with a group of friends. They offer outdoor seating, too, which is a boon in the summer months, especially if you’ve been to the park and want to continue enjoying the outdoors as you eat. Naroon pays tribute to a gorgeous suburb in Northern Tehran, in the hills of the Alborz mountain range. At Naroon, the chefs and staff aim to share a little slice of Persian beauty and hospitality with all their guests.
When you’re out and about exploring such a beautiful and interesting place as Regent’s Park you really need to fuel your body properly. There is so much to see in this spectacular and historic part of London and to ensure that you’re able to take it all in to the best of the body you should definitely spend some time eating what these wonderful restaurants have on offer. The above list is by no means exhaustive, but it’s a start and will definitely keep you going for a fun day out in Regent’s Park.
