This was an over rated over priced restaurant. The service was brusque and clearly the staff were more impressed with the reputation of the restaurant rather than impressing the current clientele. I chose the venison and if I got 100 grams it was a lot ...and that cost £35. I've eaten at Michelin star restaurants..this one certainly wasn't. Will never go back. read more

We were in London and a cab driver told us about Rules. We came and had a late lunch on a Saturday afternoon. It was lovely. We started off with a couple of cocktails then dove into an appetizer of Foie Gras, which was heavenly. We decided on the roast beef with yorkshire pudding for two as a main course. London is a hard place to get good food and everything was excellent. The service was formal, yet friendly and solicitous. The atmosphere was old world stuffy england yet the people were not. A wonderful afternoon. read more

Loved loved loved this place. It's old - ok historic. And that's what we wanted. We had our reservations in Europe lined up at some of the most trendiest places, but you gotta also go to the OLDEST restaurant in London!! We had a couple of really nice cocktails - and ordered a standard roast to share, which came with Yorkshire pudding. Golden sponge pudding and toffee pudding for dessert was also amazing. Oh my god if only I could go back this weekend. read more

I agree with all of the positive things said about Rules. I chose this restaurant because I heard it was baby-friendly, something that is few and far between at white tablecloth restaurants in London! We ate here while on vacation with our five month old (at the earliest dinner seating) and the food and service were top notch! The decor was entertaining/stimulating for our baby, and the Yorkshire Pudding and Spotted Dick met our expectations for old-fashioned authentic British fare. Would go back again! read more

A fabulous, cozy restaurant in London - my favorite city! My boyfriend and I ended up here rather randomly while on our trip to London. We were staying nearby at the Waldorf Hilton and the concierge mentioned Rules as a nice restaurant for dinner. We did not have reservations on a Sunday night, but we decided we could always just have a few cocktails and relax while we waited for our table. When we arrived we were escorted upstairs to a cozy little corner table. We had great drinks (including 1 very strong cocktail with Absinthe in it) and then headed back downstairs for dinner about 40 minutes later. I ordered a fish entree that was delicious and my boyfriend had the most delicious lamb chops! (and I normally do not like any lamb) The dish was accompanied by a delightful fresh mint sauce! Nothing like the fake mint jelly/sauces you sometimes see. This is a elegant but comfortable and cozy restaurant with great service and great food! I would elaborate more on the food, but I was quite tipsy after that absinthe cocktail and the details of dinner are a bit blurred in my memory. I do know that I will return to this restaurant next time I am in London and would highly recommend it. Also - it is the oldest restaurant in London, which added a fun, historical element to the experience. read more

This is a great place for those who want to feel like they've stepped into a restaurant that you might see on a BBC period production. In fact, I believe it was mentioned in passing on Downton Abbey. The food is also a sort of classic British cuisine... for better or for worse. It's not my taste, but it's done well. I've used this place for business dinners for those visiting from outside of London and it seems to get the job done. read more

This restarunt in my openion offers outstanding food and service at a premium cost. My family and I enjoyed an excellent meal and service for which I could not find fault ....however they have decided insted of this imiage for which I would happily recomend them to my frinds that instead they are more concerned in reaching maximum profit by ensuring they charge for everything and turn over the tables as often as possible. During my most recent visit I was both asked to limit the time at the table (before even sitting down) and when the bill was presented it included a charge for bread and butter. The total cost was as expected and we had no problem meeting the requested time limit, but the fact that they would charge for bread and try to limit our stay completely soured the experience. read more

Great place to experience, wild game (duck, pheasant, etc) is the only reason to go here. If you're looking for USDA prime steak, you have the wrong place. Service was great, but after eating and drinking wine for 1 1/2 hours and spending 350 pounds the manager asked us to give up our table for other reservations. Will not return on our next trip in September read more

It is more tourists than locals now, but still a necessary stop on any trip to London. Except for perhaps vegans, as the best parts of the menu will certainly involve animals. Although you could enjoy it for the cocktails alone. I have dined there twice on two different trips and both times it was well worth it. It is an experience in history as well as gastronomy. Meaning you're going there for reasons other than the food. But the food is still great. If you are looking for the most amazing food of your life you need to go to The Fat Duck in Bray. For but great food and great experience you will not only certainly enjoy but remember for a long time, Rules is a sure bet. read more

Did you, like me, forget to grow up in mid-1800s London? Well then don't fret - just head over to Rules! I was in London on business with a colleague and Rules stood out to us because it is London's oldest restaurant. Like a bunch of self-important Americans, of course we were underdressed, but the staff sat us immediately and were very courteous regardless. They were having a steak special - I forget the exact name - but it was a special type of beef that they only got on occassion. I went for it and was glad I did, it was very delicious. The bottom line is that this place screams old school gentleman's London. Classy staff who are very courteous, excellent wine, and scrumptuous food prepared masterfully. The doorman in the tails was a very nice touch. I hope to visit this place again for a special dinner next time I am in Jolly Ole'. read more

Had Sunday lunch at rules. This place is a classic old school establishment. Everyone was so damned polite without being cheesy. We ordered the wild game terrine to share with extra bread. The wife had the Sunday special which was pork roast. I had the wild rabbit braised. She had the chocolate tart and I had the syrup soaked sponge cake with custard. I'm not going to bother with commenting on each as all were excellent. I will say the sponge cake and custard was over the top. It was clearly designed by a fat man at 2am. It was out of control. The service was top notch. I wished I knew our waiter's name so I could recommend him. We were at table 18 which is a corner table near the bar. I could go there again. read more

Delicious food. Nice decor. The air con was really freezing. Unfortunately the dessert of sticky toffee pudding was disappointing. Having informed them it was my birthday the only thing i got was two marshmallows and two tiny pieces of chocolate! Not even a candle on the dessert! Worth having a meal here though since all the dishes ordered were spot on. The crab on toast, fois gras, rib eye beef on the bone. All really good. Expensive. read more

Great lunch just off the Strand We were there 15th Nov -Great set price lunch £18 - we had Fish cakes/Pheasant as main course . Both very well cooked and presented. However a la catre gets v expensive v easily - everything is extra! House wine is good value - lovely Alsace Pinot Gris for £13 read more

A fine solid dining experience. Epitome of English stuffyness- without the stuffyness (Did I spell that right - god knows) . Great for dining with parents or future inlaws- they are always impressed. read more

Caveat: We went here several years ago. As a "landmark" I was a bit apprehensive, however, that concern was quickly removed. The service was amazing. If you have a preconceived notion of English food, toss it out the window. Rules makes great use of wild game and even has a disclaimer on its menu regarding "buckshot" in the food. I cannot say I had any issues with buckshot, however the food was incredible. Cooked to perfection. The desserts were awesome. Even the other restaurant goers around us were incredibly friendly to a couple of Americans. We have this at the top of our list the next time we're in London. read more

Very familiar menu items but executed so exquisitely! It was just prime rib for two. However, it was the best prime rib of my life including the best old fashioned that I have ever had. Worth the trip over to England! read more

A fantastic London setting is Rules restaurant. Just the most quintessentially English place to eat. It could almost be opened as a museum due to the number of treats pinned on the walls. My girlfriend and I dinned on a Monday late lunch so seemed plenty of room and no apparent rush. I can imagine it gets exceptionally busy. The starters were fine. Goats cheese fritters and Morecombe bay potted shrimps. However, i had forgotten how over-rated and what lack of value potted shrimps were and do prefer them warm as a personal choice. Mains were very nice. Nicely cooked venison with chicory and Victoria plums and a slightly chewy ribeye washed down with a cheap Argentinean red (budget option!!). The side dishes were great. The mash was lovely and the Savoy cabbage was great, if a little expensive at £4.50 its only cabbage after all. Puddings were as to be expected, stodgy, but lovely spotted dick being the winner. The service was very good, but I reiterate it was quiet so that may have been misleading. Overall, at about £60 ahead, it was ok. The food doesn't compare to Simpson's in the strand, for example, but the restaurant and atmosphere is much more relaxed than the stuff and pomp of Simpson's. Defiantly worth one visit just to experience the whole surroundings. read more

A very traditional game restaurant - in fact, they claim, London's oldest. Great internal decor with arrays of antlers stamped with evocative dates and places when their original owners were gunned down - Austria 1889 and the like. I had venison which was absolutely delicious. Expensive and absolutely pointless for vegetarians, but if you are a carnivore you must visit it once. read more

Went here with work and loved it! I felt like I had been sent back in time. Very atmospheric, and vey old boys club, with lost of bankers and agents enjoying each others success and letting the rest of the restaurant no about it. The oysters were divine and the lamb was cooked to perfection. I would whole heartedly recommend this place. Central London prices are only to be expected. read more

"This is perfect," said my friend as he studied the menu - and he was right. Anyone with a taste for game or traditional English food of exquisite quality will be in their element !! read more

I had an amazing dinner there when I visited friends in London. Mr. Uncle Peter treated us and we splurged on the finest game meal - fresh from the fields, fine white, excellent dessert. It was a wonderful experience sitting in an establishment that has been around for centuries, it was an honor and I look forward to going there again on my next trip to London. Rules rule! read more

For some reason, Britain was seen as the poor man of foodie Europe until quite recently. But I sense Rules, as London's oldest restaurant, has been flying the flag for fine dining since the day it opened. If you want old English charm, delightful surroundings and classic dishes, this is the place to come. But perhaps save it for a special occaision as we did it's not cheap. The whole place retains an air of its own, as well as London's, history. All around amid the deep red, cushioned booths, there are satirical prints on the walls, and waiters cut a dash as they busy themselves in their crisp, fine livery. Service, as you would perhaps expect, is of the highest order. The menu is seasonal, and therefore changing subtly all the time. Food in a place like this is naturally cooked to order, and ingredients represent the best of British beef, lamb, game, fish and shell fish sourced from the finest corners of our Isles. I had a delicious and filling onion soup, akin to French soup, with a giant crouton, gloopy with juice on its underside. My partner had a perfectly prepared pigeon breast, pink and glistening. By the end of this starter I was fit to burst, but had to carry on until every last morsel was eaten from my main plate. I can't wait to return. read more

The smoked eel salad was amazing! Hot smoked - who knew! Vibrant and sincere service. Wild game so fresh it may contain lead shot.

My parents took me and my fiance here to celebrate our engagement and it was amazing! The staff are fantastic, willing to do anything for you and so polite. And the decor is eccentric English with a great mural of Maggie Thatcher! As for the foodabsolutely fantastic. I had steak which was beautiful, and my fiance had pie which had huge chunks of great quality meat in. Even the vegetables were delicious! It is very expensive but completely worth it for a special occasion. We had different wine with every course as well as three courses each and it was worth every penny! You are treated extremely well by the staff which makes the evening even more enjoyable. read more

Established in 1798, Rules has served traditional English fayre for over 200 years. This warm and inviting restaurant sits snuggly in a back street of London's Covent Garden. The red banquettes and varnished wood detail are complemented by a wealth of treasures adourning the walls of the intimate dining area. From Vanity Fair prints (I had the honour of being seated next to the Prince of Monaco) and exquisite portraits to a collection of game bird prints and mounted antlers. You are transported to a world of English tradition: a mixture of hunting, shooting and fishing, the elegance of the country manor and warm caring atmosphere of the family dining room. In this age of always online connectivity, Rules' no mobile phone policy helps to ensure a relaxed and uninterrupted meal. Even I, a self-diagnosed text junkie, appreciated a break from the constant barrage of beeping, buzzing and vibrating. There is no dress code, however, I would advise a minimum of smart casual. You run the risk of feeling slightly out of place if you arrive in your shorts, t-shirt and flip-flops. I had the pleasure of visiting during the Christmas season. The glistening decorations only added to the snug homely feel. Rules is one of the most flexible and accommodating restaurants around. Perfect for a family meal (well behaved children only please) or a sophisticated get together with some friends. I dined alone (I do have friends but I had left it rather last minute to find a lunch partner). So many restaurants can make lone diners feel very awkward. But not so here. My single table was tucked away but not hidden. Above my seat was a magazine rack with an assortment of today's papers, providing a welcome change from staring as the table cloth (normally I would send a few text messages, but see above for mobile phone policy!) The staff at Rules are helpful and polite and are not over-bearing. I find it extremely annoying to be asked every five minutes whether everything is ok or whether I need anything else. But the waiters provided a well-balanced service, impeccably turned out in traditional uniforms. The menu is bursting with country favourites and nursery classics. The food is kept simple, but the use of fresh, high quality produce makes a very noticeable difference to the taste. I am a very keen proponent of fresh ingredients, locally sourced and packed full of flavour, as opposed to tasteless supermarket pap. And so it seems are Rules. Rules owns The Lartington Estate, Teesdale in the High Pennines, which produces an array of high quality game and meat, which is used in the restaurant. I started my lunch with the Potted Shrimp. This classic of the Afternoon Tea arrived presented with a small salad garnish and some toast. The shrimp was well seasoned, with a peppery after taste, but without overpowering the flavours of the sea. Although the portion looked small - it was just enough to whet my appetite. The main course consisted of roast partridge, with bacon, brussel sprouts and chestnuts. The golden bird arrived in a small copper roasting dish, surrounded by vibrant buttery sprouts and crumbly chestnuts. The partridge was still juicy and succulent and was complimented by its sweet, but not sickly, jus. Presentation is as important element of the eating experience. I was delighted to see the couple at the table in front of me being served their soup at the table from a small silver soup dish, as opposed to arriving ready-plated. These little touches may seem eccentric, but somehow make you appreciate the food more. I finished my lunch with my good friend the apple crumble. Baked and served in an individual ramekin, it provided a substantial portion of my favourite dessert. The Bramleys had a lemony hint to them and were slightly too tart for me (I have a very sweet tooth). The crumble was excellent and was fairly thick (my favourite part of this pudding really - the thicker the better!). The icing sugar garnish would have been better replaced with caster sugar (slightly caramelised). Each course was separated by a comfortable break. At no time did I feel rushed or pressured to give up my table. And after a sumptuous lunch I didn't feel too full or bloated. Traditional, succulent and well-balanced - Dining at Rules is like being at a friend's house for lunch. PS: Rules also do a beef roast with all the trimmings, but this is for a minimum of two persons. read more

I wandered in here one night on my own when travelling with work. The staff were charming & the food of excellent quality. I do think that it is slightly over-priced at over £60 for 2 courses, a glass of wine and a G&T, but cannot fault the food or service. The interior is stunning and the traditional menu well-executed. Overall it's a lovely restaurant & would be a great choice for a special meal. read more

Oldest restaurant in London, amazing traditional British food and beer served in goblets gives it a special touch. Decor of the restaurant is 1700's esque (because it was founded in 1798). The meat is very fresh here and the service is top quality. Rules is a must when in London. read more

This was my third time dining at Rules and sadly this visit was not the five star review I have given it in the past. I was craving the fish and chips but the fish was greasy and the peas which in the past were delicious were over-reheated and dried out. I couldn't eat them. My date's sirloin was OK; not nearly what I'd expect for the price. The atmosphere remains one of the best in London, but there are far-better venues for the price. read more

Loved the attitude of the staff. Very polite and prompt. The food was obviously great.

Ok, this place is not cheap, but the food and ambiance is glorious. You eat history here and not just a fine British meal. Worth the price for a special occasion; but make sure it's for dinner. That's when they bring out the best chef. read more

I was afraid it was surviving on its name of being the oldest restaurant in London but I now know there's a good reason it has been around so long. The service was professional and pleasant. I was afraid at first that it seemed a bit too cold but the waitstaff warmed up and got friendlier in response to us so I decided they let the guests set the pace. The food was delicious and the atmosphere was warm and charming. I couldn't decide between the venison and the duck so we ordered both and shared and I found both to be very tasty. Game can be tricky but it was cooked perfectly. As far as price, I did not consider it overly expensive but I live in Manhattan so everything is relative. I would gladly return. read more

Rules is a fabulous restaurant. The meat and game were delicious. The boar pie was fabulous. The Stilton cheese dessert was the perfect ending to an outstanding meal. read more

We decided to go to this restaurant since it toted being the oldest restaurant in London. It was a beautiful place with nice staff. I got the Stroganoff and my friend got the steak. Both dishes were good but they were not amazing. It was a good experience to eat there however they are a little pricey. If you are looking for absolutely delicious food then I recommend you look elsewhere. If you are looking for historical value then this is the place for you. read more

Splurge restaurant in London. We went for a late lunch on a Sunday afternoon after strolling through the Covent Garden Market and before the London Eye. Rules claims to be the oldest restaurant in London, founded in 1798, and specializes in (what else?) traditional British food such as classic game cookery, oysters, steak and kidney pies and puddings. It is a beautiful restaurant, so much so that we felt as if we had walked into a British stage set! . Despite it's formality, they did not seem to be bothered that we were in blue jeans though many patrons were more dressed up. Service was friendly enough and effecient. read more

Widely regarded as London's oldest restaurant, Rules still thrives in the heart of Covent Garden, thankfully not succumbing to the tourist trap. The dining room is dark and cosy, with a gentlemen's club feel to it, but the food is the real attraction, with its focus on seasonal ingredients, with game being a notable highlight. read more

My dad used to work at this restaurant for over 30 years (now retired) and I heard many stories of the famous people he waited on, including Maggie Thatcher. However I've never even stepped foot in the door until recently. I decided to make my first visit with my fiancee and I have to say that I truly regret not having visited eariler. The decor and ambience is very traditional, usually not my type of thing but hey. The food was exquisite especially the creme brulee, although the other half didnt't really take to his first venture at eating pheasant. Minor downside, slighty Obnoxious waiter and hefty final bill. Also the manager there (Phil) seemed quite pushy on the 2 hour limit they have on each table. But alas, all in all, quite a novel place to go. enjoy :) read more

The atmosphere is nice and cosy. You should try the Pea and Bacon soup and also the Chargrilled leg of lamp- they are mouth-watering and delicious. read more

My favourite restaurant in London! You have to try this place at least once, it is wonderful! Food and service are both excellent and it is a real experience! read more

I liked the restaurant but the flavoring was a little bland for me. I think the restaurant must very British. They offered lamb and some kind of bird but went for the Shepard's pie or something similar. Atmosphere is a must try. read more

this is a fantastic restaurant, staff brilliant and food excellent. The whole ambience and the interior is just right but I felt a little crammed in as it was very busy on the night I went. Down-side is that it is very expensive but you do get what you pay for so I would recommend it to all as a treat. read more