St. John

Restaurant | London | England | United Kingdom

Traditional British dishes

"St. John" in London is a legendary restaurant that has enjoyed an unparalleled reputation in the British culinary scene since its opening in October 1994 by Trevor Gulliver and Fergus Henderson. Housed in a former smokehouse in the Smithfield area, it is considered a pioneer of the “Nose-to-Tail” philosophy, which focuses on utilizing every part of the animal—a approach perfected by Henderson, earning him the title of “Godfather of Modern British Cookery.” Over the years, the establishment has developed into an institution, celebrated not only for its cuisine but also for its simple, unpretentious atmosphere. It attracts a loyal following of chefs, food lovers, and culinary enthusiasts who appreciate the authenticity and creativity of the house.

Nose-to-tail cuisine London

Culinarily, "St. John" is known for its uncompromising dedication to traditional British dishes, often with a focus on offal and unusual cuts of meat that are rarely found in other restaurants. An iconic dish is the Roasted Bone Marrow with Parsley Salad, featuring roasted bone marrow served with a fresh, tangy parsley salad combination— a simple yet intense flavor experience that perfectly embodies the restaurant’s philosophy. Equally popular is the Welsh Rarebit, a hearty cheese-mustard mixture on crisp toast, which impresses with its spicy depth. For main courses, the Braised Ox Heart stands out, a tender ox heart slowly braised and served with a rich sauce that reflects the rustic elegance of the house. For dessert, the Eccles Cake entices, a traditional pastry filled with sweet dried fruits and served with a lightly caramelized crust, offering a wonderful contrast to the hearty dishes.

Minimalist restaurant atmosphere

The restaurant is not just a place to eat, but an experience shaped by its atmosphere. The decor is deliberately minimalist, featuring whitewashed walls, simple wooden tables, and an open kitchen that directs the focus to the food. There is no excess decoration—here, only the quality of the ingredients and the art of preparation matter. The service is friendly, knowledgeable, and unobtrusive, with staff often showing an infectious enthusiasm for the dishes and gladly sharing the stories behind the food. "St. John" also has a bar known for its down-to-earth elegance, as well as a private dining room for up to 16 people, making it attractive for special occasions.

Culinary experiences in London

The drinks menu is equally noteworthy, featuring a carefully curated selection of wines, often sourced from smaller, independent vineyards that perfectly complement the dishes. The house even produces its own wines under the label St. John Wines, highlighting its passion for quality and independence. This is complemented by a variety of beers and classic cocktails that support the rustic character of the food. The constantly changing daily menu ensures that seasonal ingredients take center stage, making every visit a unique experience.

Contact details

Web

Phone

Address
26 St John St
Barbican
EC1M 4AY London

Map view

Opening hours

Sunday12:00 - 15:30
Monday12:00 - 22:15
Tuesday12:00 - 22:15
Wednesday12:00 - 22:15
Thursday12:00 - 22:15
Friday12:00 - 22:15
Saturday12:00 - 22:15

Reviews

2584 Reviews

vishakha bahl
08.03.2025

Loved this place and Lewis knew how to engage with all the customers
Susana Rentería
06.03.2025

They cancel my table for minutes late they ask me for a card because I came alone and they bring my bill before my water
lucymitabundestorz tagerbaggs
04.03.2025

Service sings, food shines!
Jamie G
02.03.2025

The staff were incredibly knowledgeable about the food and provided excellent guidance and suggestions. The food itself was on par with any other I’ve had, if not better. I would definitely love to go back!
Laura Mayo
01.03.2025

Beautiful lunch yesterday. Hearty, delicious food and drinks. Would definitely recommend getting the Madeline’s for pudding and taking some in a to go bag for later!
s ishak
26.02.2025

Service sings, food shines!
Anju Rani
26.02.2025

Service sings, food shines!
rwe wer
26.02.2025

Service sings, food shines!
uriastaffyrempebehl sitradong
25.02.2025

Service sings, food shines!
francesca salvati
23.02.2025

Sad establishment, sad people. Pretentious and unpleasant. The service is ice cold and lacks any modicum of attentiveness. We waited ages upon arrival to even be acknowledged, while lots of staff kept passing by just straight up ignoring us. The concept is rustic (paper tablecloth and menu, minimal decor, old crockery) and yet the staff were so uptight. Please treat your clientele with a bit of basic respect. The food was satisfactory at best (cabbage swimming in water, carrots weren't properly trimmed). It wasn't terrible, but it resembled something I could haphazardly throw together in my kitchen. Perhaps they've taken the "rustic" concept a little too literally. Overall a forgettable experience, and most definitely overhyped.
Neel Mistry
23.02.2025

In a room of white so still, Where linens drape and time stands still, Plates arrive, a work of art, Each a feast, a perfect start. The menu shifts with each new day, Check ahead, don’t lose your way. The staff will guide if you’re unsure, A dining haven, calm and pure. For six we booked, a lucky find, Weeks ahead, the stars aligned. Crab and herring, bright and bold, Flavors fresh and stories told. Gurnard, golden, placed with care, Pork cheek rich beyond compare. Greens and potatoes on the side, Simple joys that none denied. Then dessert—a final cheer, Honeycomb and sponge appear. Sticky, sweet, and deeply spun, Every bite a perfect one. Steep the price, but worth it all, A meal to hold, a night to call. For here, the food alone will shine, A masterpiece in every line.
Niamh Spurr
22.02.2025

Was everything OK? Sigh *YEA*. However, what was the point in complaining? Sending it back would have only resulted in the same thing, and that's not the maddening experience one needs. All was as the kitchen intended, but nothing was right. Seriously underwhelming, verging on the reason why other nations have notions that food in the UK is terrible. Thankful for the brown crab and pigeon. Bored by the bread that came with many items and required a hacksaw, as well as the sad tasteless marrow. A true disappointment, set in a space that seems to have have the joy sucked out of it, close to resembling a morgue. Simple done well is hard to do, and St John has done it (once upon a time), but might now be time to give it a hard pass.
Stuart Diamond
06.11.2021

Had a tremendous lunch here, food, wine & service was top notch. The Welsh rarebit was incredible and the freshly baked madelines a delightful end.
Harriet Cawley
16.02.2025

Haven’t been to the OG St John in years & it was a joy to be back. Gorgeous food, service & surroundings. A perfect meal.
Yannis Gidopoulos
15.02.2025

Lewis is the best waiter in town. And Laurent, thank you for the table. Excellent food, with character. Must go.
Niall Greenwood
13.07.2022

Our favourite restaurant. Never been disappointed and the service is always on point, offering everything from great wine pairings to just an all around fun time! We love st. John! EDIT: Unfortunately on our last visit the service was sub par. All the staff we interacted with (with exception of the host) seemed uninterested with our waitress not providing the usual enthusiasm or knowledge we have come to know at this restaurant. We would annually visit St John to meet with distant friends, but moving forward we will be looking elsewhere for our catch ups. It is a shame, as we hold fond memories of the place.
Kristjan
12.02.2025

Took a pilgrimage to St. John. Food was stellar except for the guinea fowl which was just a touch dry. The fried tripe, bone marrow (obviously), and the pigs cheek were all delicious. Don’t skip the puddings.
Lluc Giménez Caseras
09.02.2025

Ojo cuidado. Literalment tothom m'havia recomanat aquest lloc I amb raó. El bone marrow es excepcional, despres de provarlo El Welsh rarebit sembla una llesca que et faries a Les 3 del mati Quan tornes a casa borratxo amb gana, esta bona pero te la pots estalviar. Vam fer un entrant mes I El pie, que esta molt bo i es gegantí. Vam acabar demanantlo per endur. S'havien de provar Les Magdalenes I no decepcionen, broche de Oro a una bona cita. El vi El serveixen en El mateix got que serveixen l'aigua que es El que TE la teva Avia a casa seva em VA agradar molt. Bon servei desenfadat I alegre alhora que cordial.
Sacha Ostern
07.02.2025

A disappointing visit to what had been one of our favorite restaurants. The quality of the food at St. John has always been the foundation of our love for the institution, but it feels as though there isn’t the same care for the preparation as there has been in the past. The bone marrow was remarkably dry. The other dishes lacked any flavor. The only saving graces were the Welsh rarebit and the lemon tart.
Sascha Sajjad
07.02.2025

One of the best meals I've had in recent memory, it feels rare that every dish available is individually brilliant. The beef pie for two was amazing, and even better for the sheer size allowing for a second helping the next day!
Mathias Laursen
02.02.2025

I wanna say a lot but I can sum it up by saying that this is my favourite restaurant in the world

 

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