Navigating restaurant menus can feel like a challenge when you follow a carnivore diet. It often feels like a research project—figuring out exactly how food is prepared and whether it aligns with your goals. Those of us embracing the carnivore lifestyle may feel out of place at times, but with persistence and clear communication, finding places that cater to our needs is becoming easier.
In this post, I’ll guide you through some of the best carnivore-friendly steakhouses in London, tailored for different occasions and budgets. Whether you’re celebrating a special event or grabbing a quick bite, these restaurants can accommodate your needs—especially when it comes to avoiding seed oils.
How We Selected These Restaurants
MooMap has confirmed that while some of these restaurants may use seed oils in certain dishes, they are all willing to prepare steaks without seed oils on request. This flexibility makes them perfect for a cleaner, more carnivore-friendly dining experience.
Luxury Options
1. Hawksmoor
- Meat Quality: Exceptional grass-fed, dry-aged beef, prepared over charcoal.
- Cooking Oil: No seed oils, exclusively uses beef tallow.
- Price: High-end, but worth it (e.g., £45 for a fillet).
- Location: Multiple prime locations across London.
- Why We Love It: Hawksmoor consistently offers some of the best steak in the city, paired with an elegant, classic dining atmosphere. Ideal for special occasions or when you want to splurge on quality.
2. The Rubens at the Palace
- Meat Quality: High-end British cuts, with a luxury twist.
- Cooking Oil: Natural fats, no seed oils.
- Price: Premium, but you’re paying for both the quality and location.
- Location: Located near Buckingham Palace—perfect for a touristy day out or a celebratory meal.
- Why We Love It: If you’re after a royal dining experience, this place delivers both excellent steaks and a view that’s hard to beat.
Mid-Range Choices
3. Gillray’s Steakhouse
- Meat Quality: Top-tier Aberdeen Angus beef, dry-aged for 35 days.
- Cooking Oil: Primarily uses natural fats in cooking, avoiding seed oils in steaks.
- Price: Mid-to-high range (£26-£40), great value considering the quality and location.
- Location: Stunning riverside views of the London Eye and Westminster.
- Why We Love It: Perfect for a date night or a relaxed evening, Gillray’s combines excellent steak with incredible scenery. Their dedication to British-sourced ingredients makes it a standout.
4. Flat Iron
- Meat Quality: Affordable, high-quality steaks from their own herd.
- Cooking Oil: No seed oils used in steak preparation.
- Price: Unbeatable value (£13 for their signature flat iron steak).
- Location: Several casual spots across London.
- Why We Love It: Flat Iron makes it easy to enjoy a delicious, quality steak without breaking the bank. Its casual setting is perfect for a quick, no-fuss meal with friends.
Casual and Affordable
5. Steak & Company
- Meat Quality: Good quality cuts, focusing on traditional grilling.
- Cooking Oil: Some use of seed oils, but they can prepare steak without upon request.
- Price: Mid-range, with good value for central London.
- Location: Multiple locations in busy areas like Leicester Square.
- Why We Love It: This is a great choice for those looking for a solid steak without paying luxury prices. Its central locations make it perfect for a pre-theatre meal or a casual night out.
6. Bar+Block Steakhouse
- Meat Quality: Decent quality steaks, more commercial compared to others.
- Cooking Oil: Uses some seed oils, but steaks can be prepared without them.
- Price: Affordable, with a laid-back, casual vibe.
- Location: Several branches across the city.
- Why We Love It: Ideal for those seeking a quick, affordable steak. While it’s not the fanciest option, it offers good value and consistent quality across its locations.
More Carnivore-Friendly Choices
7. The Bountiful Cow
- Meat Quality: Known for its well-cooked, traditional steaks.
- Cooking Oil: Natural fats, no seed oils.
- Price: Mid-range and reasonable for the quality.
- Location: Centrally located near Holborn.
- Why We Love It: A solid, reliable choice for a traditional steak in a cosy, pub-like setting. It’s less well-known but worth the visit for carnivores.
8. New Street Grill
- Meat Quality: British-sourced steaks, well-prepared.
- Cooking Oil: Some seed oils used, but steaks can be prepared without them.
- Price: On the higher end, with an upscale menu.
- Location: Near Liverpool Street—perfect for city workers or a post-work meal.
- Why We Love It: If you’re after something more upscale in the city, New Street Grill delivers both in quality and atmosphere.
9. Butlers Wharf Chop House
- Meat Quality: Quality British steaks with riverside dining.
- Cooking Oil: Seed oils used in some dishes, but steaks can be prepared without them.
- Price: Higher-end, but you’re paying for the location and views.
- Location: Along the Thames, with great views of Tower Bridge.
- Why We Love It: Great for special occasions, the riverside setting is ideal for a romantic evening or a leisurely meal with friends.
10. JW Steakhouse
- Meat Quality: High-quality USDA Prime and Irish steaks.
- Cooking Oil: May use seed oils in some dishes, but they can avoid them in steak preparation.
- Price: Expensive, but large portions justify the cost.
- Location: Near Hyde Park, perfect for those seeking a luxurious dining experience.
- Why We Love It: This is the place to go if you’re craving American-style steaks in a high-end setting.
Conclusion
Finding carnivore-friendly restaurants in London is easier than it seems, especially when you know what to ask for. Most steakhouses are more than happy to cater to special requests, including cooking without seed oils. As we continue to raise awareness about the carnivore lifestyle, more and more restaurants are starting to accommodate.
Remember, learning to ask for what you need is key. Whether it’s avoiding seed oils or ensuring the best meat quality, don’t hesitate to communicate with the restaurant. London offers plenty of options to enjoy a delicious, carnivore-friendly meal—so go out, enjoy your steak, and help spread the word about our growing community!
