Some places brag about being ‘open late,’ but let’s be real – 2 a.m. is not late when you’re starving at 4. True heroes don’t just stay open past bedtime; they never close.
And in London, where cravings don’t clock out, a proper 24-hour restaurant isn’t just a convenience – it’s a necessity.
Maybe you need a greasy feast after a wild night out, a caffeine fix before an early flight, or just somewhere to sit with a plate of fries and ponder your life choices at an unreasonable hour.
Whatever the case, these round-the-clock spots have your back. Because hunger doesn’t care about business hours, and neither should you.
Beigel Bake
Media credit: beigel_bake
Location: 159 Brick Ln
Contact: +44 20 7729 0616
Pricing: £
This place is a true 24-hour hero, serving up deliciousness since 1974 when brothers Asher and Amnon Cohen first opened its doors.
Forget greasy spoons, Beigel Bake is a cultural landmark in London’s East End. They’re dishing out authentic Jewish-style ‘beigels’ that are basically famous. If you’re hunting for the top cheap eats in London, this spot is a must.
Seriously, if you’re in London and haven’t had their hot salt beef beigel, have you really been to London? We’re talking melt-in-your-mouth, perfectly seasoned salt beef loaded into a freshly baked beigel. It’s usually served with a good dollop of mustard and some tangy pickles.
They also have a killer smoked salmon and cream cheese beigel that’s equally legendary. They bake around 7,000 of these bad boys daily.
Pro tip:
Beigel Bake is cash-only. Don’t get caught out – make sure you have enough cash on hand.
Refill Eaterie
Media credit: refillcaribbean
Location: 500A Brixton Rd
Contact: +44 20 7274 5559
Pricing: £
Let’s say you find yourself in Brixton with a hankering for some serious flavour. The kind of food that warms your soul. Well, you need to check out Refill Eaterie, a local gem that’s serving up authentic Jamaican cuisine that’s gotten quite the buzz.
The menu is packed with traditional dishes – perfectly spiced jerk chicken, curry goat that’s rich and satisfying, and more.
They also offer homemade punches like soursop and sea moss – a refreshing counterpoint to flavourful meals.
Located just 0.18 miles from Brixton Station, it’s easy to get to.
Pro tip:
This place is popular. If you’d prefer to eat at home, you can order through delivery services like Deliveroo or Uber Eats.
VQ Chelsea
Media credit: vqrestaurants
Location: 325 Fulham Rd
Contact: +44 20 3146 6335
Pricing: ££
VQ Chelsea has been a 24-hour fixture since 1995 (originally going by Vingt-Quatre). It’s a lifesaver for anyone who craves variety, no matter the hour.
This place boasts a menu that’s got something for everyone. From classic comfort food like burgers and fluffy buttermilk pancakes to lighter fare like superfood salads and steak frites, this place has you covered.
The vibe here is modern diner chic – clean lines, minimalist, and super welcoming. It’s just the perfect backdrop for anything from a power breakfast meeting to a late-night feast after hitting the town.
Pro tip:
If you’re planning on late-night drinks (between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m.), you’ll need to order a substantial meal with them.
Polo Bar
Media credit: polo24hourbar
Location: 176 Bishopsgate
Contact: +44 20 7283 4889
Pricing: ££
Directly across from Liverpool Street Station, you’ll find Polo Bar. It’s a true London gem known for its extensive menu of British comfort food classics.
Their legendary English breakfasts and award-winning pancakes are available at any time of day or night. Need a drink to go with that? They’ve got a 24-hour alcohol license, too.
Polo Bar offers three floors of dining and a private room for hire, making it a go-to for everyone from busy commuters grabbing a bite before work to night owls looking for a late-night feast.
Pro tip:
Subscribe to their newsletter to stay updated on their latest deals, events, and everything else Polo Bar.
Duck & Waffle
Media credit: duckandwaffle
Location: 110 Bishopsgate
Contact: +44 20 3640 7310
Pricing: £££
Since opening in 2012, Duck & Waffle has become a London icon. It’s the highest 24-hour restaurant in the city, offering breathtaking panoramic views that are a huge draw for locals and tourists.
The menu features an inventive take on British cuisine with European influences. Their ‘Duck & Waffle’ is legendary. It features a crispy, confit duck leg, a perfectly fried duck egg, and a fluffy waffle. They’re all brought together with a drizzle of mustard maple syrup.
Pro tip:
For an even more incredible experience, try to book your table during sunrise or sunset. The natural light hitting the city during those hours makes the views absolutely magical, elevating your meal to the next level.
