Quo Vadis
A timeless Soho institution serving refined modern British cuisine with legendary charm and impeccable hospitality.
A legendary Soho institution since 1926, Quo Vadis is a sophisticated modern British restaurant helmed by acclaimed chef Jeremy Lee. Located on Dean Street in the heart of literary and artistic Soho, this elegant establishment serves refined seasonal cuisine in an intimate setting adorned with distinctive stained-glass windows. The menu celebrates British classics with French bistro influences, featuring iconic dishes like the celebrated smoked eel sandwich and daily pies. With its warm hospitality, curated wine list, and timeless charm, Quo Vadis remains a beloved destination for discerning diners seeking an authentic London dining experience.
A brief summary to Quo Vadis
- 26-29 Dean St, London, W1D 3LL, GB
- +442074379585
- Visit website
- Duration: 2 to 3.5 hours
- Luxury
-
Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 12 pm-2:30 pm
- Tuesday 12 pm-2:30 pm
- Wednesday 12 pm-2:30 pm
- Thursday 12 pm-2:30 pm
- Friday 12 pm-2:30 pm
- Saturday 12 pm-2:30 pm
Local tips
- Book well in advance, especially for dinner service and weekends. The restaurant's intimate size and reputation mean tables fill quickly.
- Don't miss the smoked eel sandwich—it's the restaurant's most celebrated dish and a must-try for first-time visitors.
- The menu changes frequently, sometimes within days. Revisit regularly to experience new seasonal creations alongside signature dishes.
- Arrive with time to linger. Quo Vadis rewards unhurried dining; plan for at least two to three hours for a full experience.
- Explore the wine list with guidance from staff—the selections prioritize drinking pleasure and offer excellent value for the quality.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
Quo Vadis location weather suitability
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Any Weather
Discover more about Quo Vadis
A Soho Legend with Enduring Elegance
Quo Vadis has occupied its Dean Street location since 1926, when it first opened as a grandiose Italian restaurant bearing the same Latin name. Today, it stands as one of London's most cherished dining institutions, a place where literary figures, artists, and industry professionals have gathered for nearly a century. The restaurant's longevity speaks to something deeper than mere survival—it reflects a commitment to excellence and an ability to evolve while maintaining its essential character. The distinctive stained-glass windows that grace the dining room are original features from the restaurant's earliest days, serving as architectural anchors to its storied past. Under the stewardship of the Hart brothers and chef Jeremy Lee, Quo Vadis has been thoughtfully revitalized. A recent comprehensive refurbishment doubled the restaurant's seating capacity, transforming it from an intimate but cramped space into a more convivial dining room that better suits its status as a Soho institution. The removal of the famous revolving door—which now resides at the nearby Groucho Club—marked a symbolic shift toward a more contemporary aesthetic, though the restaurant retained its soul and sophisticated atmosphere. The expanded space now hums with the energy of lively conversation while maintaining the refined elegance that defines the experience.Jeremy Lee's Seasonal Mastery
Chef Jeremy Lee, one of London's most celebrated culinary talents, commands the kitchen with unwavering dedication to seasonality and quality. His menu changes regularly, sometimes within days, as he responds to the availability of the finest ingredients and the shifting demands of the seasons. The cooking style is distinctly British in origin, enriched with European flourishes and occasional Mediterranean touches—a philosophy that rewards repeat visits as diners discover new interpretations of classic dishes alongside beloved signatures. The menu itself is a work of art, presented as a mock broadsheet complete with playful line drawings and witty annotations. It showcases the kitchen's remarkable range, from delicate artichoke vinaigrette to crumbed lamb's sweetbreads with peas, almonds and mint. The famous smoked eel sandwich with pickled red cabbage has achieved near-legendary status among London's food cognoscenti, a dish that perfectly encapsulates the restaurant's ability to elevate humble ingredients into something memorable. Equally celebrated is the daily pie, which changes seasonally and has inspired passionate debate among regulars about its merits relative to other dishes on the menu.Signature Dishes and Culinary Highlights
Beyond the iconic smoked eel sandwich, Quo Vadis offers a carefully curated selection of dishes that demonstrate Lee's technical mastery and creative vision. Pork and duck rillettes arrive perfectly balanced, while the pommes frites—triple-fried to spectacular crispness—have earned particular acclaim. The kitchen's approach to seafood is exemplary, with fresh cured trout and perfectly cooked cod appearing regularly alongside other seasonal offerings. The dessert menu deserves special attention. The Crème Caramel à l'Orange offers a refined take on a classic, while the St Emilion au Chocolat represents a signature Jeremy Lee creation for chocolate devotees. The restaurant's most celebrated sweet course is arguably the Île Flottante, featuring an ethereal meringue floating atop a silky custard, crowned with delicate caramel shards. The QV Profiteroles au Chocolat—glossy, delicate choux pastries filled with double cream and paired with dark chocolate—have become iconic representations of the restaurant's commitment to indulgence executed with restraint and elegance.Wine and Beverage Philosophy
The wine list, carefully assembled by Sam Hart, takes a distinctive approach that prioritizes drinking pleasure over reputation. Rather than relying on famous names, Hart selects wines through blind tasting, seeking bottles with genuine terroir and character. The list emphasizes classic French regions while offering a global perspective, with plentiful by-the-glass options ensuring accessibility for those on stricter budgets. The selection of organic and biodynamic wines reflects a modern sensibility without compromising the restaurant's traditional character. The cocktail program maintains the spirit of old-school Soho sophistication, with a frosty martini serving as the unofficial signature drink.Atmosphere and the Soho Experience
The dining room at Quo Vadis exudes understated elegance. White tablecloths and refined furnishings create a sense of occasion, while the stained-glass windows provide privacy and a soft, flattering light. The atmosphere strikes a rare balance—sophisticated without pretension, elegant without stuffiness. The restaurant welcomes guests with genuine warmth, beginning with a courteous coat check and continuing through attentive, knowledgeable service. The space itself seems designed for lingering, whether over a three-hour lunch or an evening that stretches into the night. Located in the thick of Soho, a neighborhood steeped in literary and artistic heritage, Quo Vadis attracts a distinctive clientele—industry professionals ducking in for a glass of wine before the theatre, longtime regulars who have claimed their favorite tables, and visitors seeking an authentic taste of London's dining culture. The spirit of the restaurant is relaxed and merry, a place where formality serves the food rather than constraining the experience. The copper bar provides a convivial gathering point, and the few street-side tables offer rare opportunities to dine al fresco on beautiful days.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Leicester Square
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Café de Paris
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Spirit of Soho Mural
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Harry Potter Statue
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Mr Bean Statue
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Mary Poppins Statue
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Neal’s Yard (Courtyard)
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Discover Neal’s Yard, a colorful hidden courtyard in Covent Garden transformed from dereliction into a thriving hub of community, sustainability, and alternative culture.
Unmissable attractions to see
The Nellie Dean
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Ronnie Scott's
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Experience world-class live jazz nightly at Ronnie Scott’s, London’s legendary Soho club since 1959, where music history and vibrant atmosphere meet.
Club49Soho
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Discover the vibrant nightlife at Club49 Soho, a premier bar and live music venue in the heart of London's iconic Soho district.
#O hello sunshine Public Art Sculpture
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A vibrant rainbow sculpture celebrating Soho’s LGBTQ+ community spirit and creativity in the heart of London’s cultural district.
The Smallest Gallery in Soho
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Discover London’s tiniest gallery on Dean Street, where big ideas shine through a small window, open 24/7 to inspire and engage all who pass by.
Self-Guided Audio Tour - London's Soho, Theatreland and Chinatown
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Discover the vibrant soul of London’s West End with an immersive self-guided tour through Soho, Theatreland, and Chinatown’s cultural and culinary gems.
Self-Guided London Beatles Tour
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Explore London’s Beatles landmarks at your own pace with an immersive self-guided audio tour featuring iconic sites and hidden gems.
Victorian Penny Chute
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Discover the Victorian Penny Chute in Soho—a charming historic coin chute that channels charity donations through time at the House of St Barnabas.
The Admiral Duncan - Soho
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Experience the vibrant atmosphere at The Admiral Duncan, Soho's iconic bar and pub, celebrating inclusivity and entertainment in the heart of London.
Paul A Young Fine Chocolates
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Soho Square Gardens
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Soho Square
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Sounds of the Universe
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Prince Edward Theatre
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Experience the magic of live theatre at Prince Edward Theatre, a historic venue in London’s vibrant West End, showcasing spectacular performances.
Bar Soho
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Discover the vibrant atmosphere and innovative cocktails at Bar Soho, a quintessential cocktail bar in London’s lively Soho district.
Essential places to dine
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La Bodega Negra Restaurant
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Experience daring Mexican cuisine and vibrant nightlife in Soho’s provocative La Bodega Negra, where edgy ambiance meets inventive flavors.
Meet Fresh
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Social Eating House
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New Loon Fung Restaurant
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Bantof
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Evelyn's Table
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Discover Evelyn's Table, a Michelin-starred, intimate dining counter in Soho offering inventive British cuisine with French and Japanese flair.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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Glassworks London - Soho
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Discover limited-edition London fashion at Glassworks Soho: quality designs, weekly drops, and timeless style on vibrant Berwick Street.
Radha's Boutique
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Pop Up 38
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A compact, curated boutique on Broadwick Street offering rotating seasonal pieces and design-led accessories in the heart of Soho.
Goldsmith Vintage
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Iconic Soho vintage shop since 1990: two floors of handpicked retro dresses, blazers, bags & accessories from decades past, with sales from £10.95.
Machine-A
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Small but influential Soho boutique showcasing curated avant‑garde and emerging fashion with gallery‑like presentation.
Oxford Street Gift Shop
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Primark
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
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Sophisticats Soho
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Sunset night club
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Bordello London
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101 Nightclub London
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Zoo Bar & Club
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The Roxy
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Romantic
- Sophisticated
- Lively
- Entertaining
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Art Deco Styles
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Art & Design
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Business Friendly
