Award-winning

St. JOHN Smithfield

Name: St. JOHN Smithfield
Address: 26 St John Street, London, United Kingdom, EC1M 4AY
Telephone: 020 7251 0848
Price range: £41 and over
Rating: 4.8

4.8

3741 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 booking

No. of diners

2 people

DateTime

1 Dec 2023

23:30

Booked 42 times today

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
£41 and over
Cuisines
British
Hours of Operation
Lunch Mon–Sat 12:00–15:00 Sun 12:00–16:00 Dinner Mon–Sat 18:00–22:30
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
Award-winning
1. MICHELIN 1 Star 2023
Area
Farringdon
Parking Details
None
Public Transit
Farringdon Station, Barbican Station
Additional
Banquet, Bar Dining, Beer, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Private Room, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Popular dishes

What 3,741 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

4.7Food
4.7Service
4.7Ambience
4.5Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

City of London
Best Overall
City of London
Best Food
City of London
Best Service
City of London
Best Ambience
City of London
Best Value
City of London
Innovative
City of London
British
City of London
Most Booked

3,741 Reviews

RB
RobinBroadhurst
London
7 reviews
4.0
7 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
overall4food5service5ambience4
Don’t change. I like everything just as it is. Always enjoyable with an exciting variety of original dishes on the menu.
Is this helpful?
e
emcm
Bath
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fabulous, interesting food and immaculate, friendly service.
Is this helpful?
CC
CharlesCarr
London
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Superb as always, real institution. Already looking forward to my next visit. Hazaar
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Los Angeles
2 reviews
vip
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Lovely experience. Great food and service. Cheers from Los Angeles.
Is this helpful?
JD
JakeD
Cambridge
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 4 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
My friend and I were treated like royalty and had an absolute laugh with Edwin. Both of us had been so eager to dine here and it lived fully up to the expectations. The Bone Marrow was an absolute Knock-out and truly worth the wait. I hope very much to dine here again!
Is this helpful?
DE
DavidE
Exclusive
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 4 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always quietly and understatedly wonderful. See you in the NY.
Is this helpful?
JC
JamieC
London
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Simplicity as it’s absolute finest. A culinary masterpiece. Food, service, wine, environment all perfection. A bucket list restaurant for me, expectations exceeded.
Is this helpful?
LC
LucaCullacciati
London
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 7 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Probably the best lunch of my life. incredibile atmosphere, every One was a top performer of his job and the confidence show tò the pubblic was Amazing. Keep pushing like that and continue tò set the level tò achive for every chef and maitre of the world. GIÚ IL CAPPELLO! LUCA and ALESSIA from Italy
Is this helpful?
F
Fantastic
London
6 reviews
vip
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on 23 November 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing as always - you would have to work very hard to have a bad time.
Is this helpful?
WB
WilliamB
London
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 21 November 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
One of the best in London. A uniquely brilliant dining experience.
Is this helpful?
B
Byron
London
5 reviews
3.0
5 reviews
Dined on 20 November 2023
overall3food4service3ambience4
For the restaurant that all the chefs want to go to, I found it average tbh. Expensive too.
Is this helpful?
J
Jane
San Francisco
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on 20 November 2023
overall3food3service2ambience4
We were so excited to eat here after coming all the way from the States. We’ve done our fair share of dining at Michelin-starred restaurants and this was unfortunately a miss for me. The food was fine. Service for me was okay but overall a miss—seemingly-harried and then one of our dishes (of course the only dish our son was really interested in) was forgotten or missed or who knows even after it was read back to us. Again, everything was fine but not worth the extra time and effort to get there and certainly not worth the price. Sure, it’s an institution but I expected better. Goes to show that stars aren’t everything.
1 person found this helpful
KK
KonK
London
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on 17 November 2023
overall5food5service4ambience5
Dining at St John is a true gastronomic experience. You dont often get the chance to try offals, ox heart or guinea fowl cooked to perfection. Great ambience and relaxed vibe.
Is this helpful?
CO
COralcmc10
London
12 reviews
4.0
12 reviews
Dined on 17 November 2023
overall4food4service5ambience5
We would definitely return, the food was delicious, the pig skin salad being tastier than you could imagine. We shared the Pheasant and trotter pie for two, it was delicious but I could not eat a whole half pie and unfortunately did not have room to try a dessert and the dessert menu looked lovely. The green veg side was okay, it needed a heap more butter and seasoning for my taste. The service was very warm, friendly, accommodating and helpful and the atmosphere was lovely. I would return again and have a lighter main so that we could fit in desserts. The wine menu was immense.
Is this helpful?
JU
JimU
Chicago
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on 16 November 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing bucket list meal. We were well attended to and the server curated a great menu for us to ensure we had the best experience possible.
Is this helpful?
TL
TobyL
London
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on 15 November 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Brilliant service, delicious food. Faultless. If you haven’t been, go.
Is this helpful?
B
Belf
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on 14 November 2023
overall4food3service5ambience5
Chose the ox heart, radish and aioli, 3 whole radishes that were hard to spear or cut with the cutlery provided, sent with a cream sauce, not aioli but ox heart was delicious. Gurnard for main, couldn't fault it, cooked superbly. Treacle tart for main, fridge cold, would have been better warm. Service impeccable, drinks superb, atmosphere was a lovely buzz with the hum of the bar permeating the restaurant.
Is this helpful?
A
Antonio
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 14 November 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Era da tempo che volevamo venire in questo posto . E finalmente abbiamo prenotato e ci siamo riusciti . Posto fantastico da ritornare
Is this helpful?
GP
GPisola
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 13 November 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing meal as always.. the legendary Bone marrow salad never lets you down, enjoyed the cured Dexter with prune and horseradish, the anchovy dressing in the venison’s salad was perfect. Incredible selection of wines, service impeccable as always.
Is this helpful?
S
Sean
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 13 November 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent restaurant, history, great food, great wine. Would definitely visit again.
Is this helpful?
ML
MollieL
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 11 November 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The service was impeccable. The best I have ever had in London
Is this helpful?
O
Outtolunch
London
25 reviews
5.0
25 reviews
Dined on 9 November 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Delicious food, knowledgeable and attentive service. Thank you.
Is this helpful?
SK
SarahK
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 8 November 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Absolutely wonderful experience. I’ve wanted to visit for years and finally made it for a friend’s 40th. Staff were extremely attentive and knowledgeable, it’s a cool, minimalist space and it was quiet enough to have a conversation. The food was stunning - unusual, flavourful, and beautifully presented. We had the best time and will certainly be back.
Is this helpful?
CD
CatherineD
Northampton
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on 8 November 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Real, honest, hearty food with great service and atmosphere.
Is this helpful?
BF
BernardoF
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 7 November 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
St. John is a staple, a must go for everyone interested in modern cuisine and British cuisine. If you haven't been there, stop reading this and go book a visit. Now.
Is this helpful?
LS
LunchingSwede
London
10 reviews
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on 7 November 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
A glorious, long lunch with friends. Much laughter, Champagne, perfect food and just the best service ever. What a treat!
Is this helpful?
JK
JackK
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 3 November 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fantastic food, helpful, informative and very friendly service and an excellent dinner! Can't wait to return!
Is this helpful?
WF
WillF
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 2 November 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
St Johns is absolutely excellent. It is classy and cool. The waiters are polite, engaging and knowledgeable; they make you feel at home. The food is simple but delicious and high quality. I recommend it highly to everybody for a special dinner.
Is this helpful?
O
Olivia
London
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on 31 October 2023
overall4food3service5ambience4
overall it was good but the bone marrow was a little bland and the dexter beef not overly special. The smoked cod's roe, squash and welsh rarebit were delicious as was the bread and butter pudding.
Is this helpful?
HG
HarryG
New York Area
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on 31 October 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Everything was good from the martinis to the desserts. Cooking was as precise as ever and service helpful and cheerful. St John continues to set the standard for the type of British cooking they invented here,
Is this helpful?
JJ
JanJ
New York Area
5 reviews
vip
3.0
5 reviews
Dined on 30 October 2023
overall3food3service3ambience5
The starters arrived about 20 seconds after the drinks. So I had a negroni with my bone marrow, which really is an acquired taste. My friend enjoyed his Tom Collins with his starter whatever that was. I informed the waiter what happened ,to which he answered that the drinks were from "a different station". I told him that I didn't quite understand what he meant by that, but that it was unacceptable to do this. I was about to order the wine, for the main course, but the waiter disappeared huffing and hissing and apparently asked for a new waiter to be assigned our table. So, a new waiter, a very nice one I might add, showed up and I ordered the wine and the evening ended without any other upheavals. Ok, I have been around for a while and done a few restaurants in my life, and I recognize bad when I see it. This was bad! Perhaps it was an "off night" who knows? But no, there was something else, like looking down on the guests, excusing mistakes where there should not be any excuses AND bone marrow bones, with or without Negronis, cannot be too thin - because then there is no bone marrow!! (A hint to the kitchen). The pork dish - and I get it - you use all of the animal, should not consist of 95% fat, not a good idea. Or, perish the thought; Perhaps this is exactly what you serve, a culinary Emperor's new clothes a la St. John!!
Is this helpful?
GB
GracchusBabeuf
London
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on 30 October 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
Excellent if you want to binge on meat protein. Unsuitable for vegetatarians. Excellent service, staff very helpful. Restaurant was packed on a Monday evening. Quaint premises, converted industrial building. Lots of steps, stairs, unsuitable for wheelchair users, people on crutches.
Is this helpful?
JC
JudyC
London
9 reviews
4.0
9 reviews
Dined on 30 October 2023
overall4food4service5ambience3
Very traditional meaty British food, well cooked. Both mussels starter and lamb kidneys main course were excellent. Surroundings a bit basic but service good.
Is this helpful?
F
Filip
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on 27 October 2023
overall4food5service3ambience4
We didn’t get our drinks/Wine served before our main Got served but overall really friendly service and wonderfull Food and drinks menu
Is this helpful?
A
Aldersgate
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on 26 October 2023
overall4food4service4ambience3
original menu . Well cooked . Served well. Good selection of wines
Is this helpful?
A
Alex
London
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on 23 October 2023
overall4food3service4ambience5
Starters and mains were delicious with a great and reasonably priced bottle of wine. Staff were polite and friendly. Unfortunately a disappointing dessert - the profiteroles were burnt and I’m surprised they would be served like that. Really frustrating as everything else about our meal was great.
Is this helpful?
AS
AustinS
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 23 October 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food and great service. Loved the ambience of the dining room and waiters were attentive. The food was absolutely fantastic and will be coming back the next time I'm in London
Is this helpful?
M
Michelle
London
11 reviews
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on 22 October 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Another fantastic meal at St Johns, every dish was superb. The lamb risolle, egg and anchovies was a particular standout which was on the specials. The service was incredibly friendly and helpful and gave great recommendations for wine and desserts. Can't wait to go again!
Is this helpful?
T
Tilly
London
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on 19 October 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Went for a surprise 30th birthday and had a fantastic evening! Food was incredible and hosts/servers were lovely. Will definitely recommend and would love to go back. Thanks so much!
Is this helpful?
J
James
London
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on 18 October 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Absolutely the finest restaurant in the world (I've been there 20-odd times).
Is this helpful?

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitising
- Surfaces sanitised between seatings
- Digital, disposable or sanitised menu provided
- Sealed or wrapped utensils used
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily
- Sanitiser 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
- Waiting staff wear masks
Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

St. JOHN Smithfield is rated 4.8 stars by 3741 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a booking

No. of diners

2 people

DateTime

1 Dec 2023

23:30

Booked 42 times today

26 St John Street, London, EC1M 4AY

Additional information

Award-winning
1. MICHELIN 1 Star 2023
Area
Farringdon
Hours of Operation
Lunch Mon–Sat 12:00–15:00 Sun 12:00–16:00 Dinner Mon–Sat 18:00–22:30
Price
£41 and over
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

St. JOHN Smithfield

Make a booking

Additional information

Popular dishes

Roast Bone Marrow and Parsley Salad

Pheasant and Trotter Pie

Green Salad

Menu

What 3,741 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitising

Physical distancing

Protective equipment

Screening

FAQs

How is St. JOHN Smithfield restaurant rated?

Is St. JOHN Smithfield currently accepting bookings?

Make a booking

Additional information