London has no shortage of places to eat, but it is always fun to imagine which spots a royal icon slipped into when she wanted a good meal and a bit of normal life. Princess Diana had a handful of favourites that felt relaxed, welcoming and wonderfully unpretentious, and they reveal a surprisingly down-to-earth side to her.
There is something charming about retracing those restaurant choices and seeing how they each offered a quiet corner away from the spotlight.
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1. Le Caprice
Le Caprice was one of Princess Diana’s most well-known dining spots, especially during the late eighties and early nineties. She enjoyed the restaurant’s elegant yet relaxed atmosphere, which allowed her to slip in without attracting too much attention. Staff members later shared that she was always warm, friendly and polite during her visits.
The restaurant became so closely associated with her that it is still mentioned today whenever people discuss her favourite places in London.
2. San Lorenzo
Tucked away in Knightsbridge, this family-run Italian eatery became Diana's sanctuary during her most challenging years. Owner Mara Berni treated the Princess like family, offering both delicious food and genuine friendship.
Diana adored the homemade pasta and simple Tuscan flavours that reminded her of Italian holidays. The restaurant's no-photography policy meant she could finally relax and enjoy meals without constant scrutiny from cameras.
3. Da Mario
Princess Diana visited Da Mario in Gloucester Road, a neighbourhood restaurant she is genuinely known to have liked. The team there remembered her as someone who appreciated simple, unfussy meals in a casual setting.
She often brought Prince William and Prince Harry, making it one of her familiar family stops in Kensington. The restaurant has openly spoken about her visits, and it remains part of their history to this day.
4. L'Escargot
L’Escargot in Soho was one of the classic London restaurants attended by Diana, noted in biographies and staff recollections. She enjoyed the discreet, artistic atmosphere, which gave her space to dine without feeling watched.
The restaurant was popular with creatives and public figures, making it a natural fit for someone seeking privacy in a busy part of the city. Her visits are still referenced when people talk about the restaurant’s long line of notable guests.
5. Launceston Place
Nestled in a charming Kensington townhouse, this Michelin-starred gem offered Diana exceptional British cuisine in an intimate setting. The restaurant's understated elegance matched her own refined yet approachable style perfectly.
Chef Rowley Leigh's innovative seasonal menus impressed her greatly, featuring dishes that celebrated British ingredients with French techniques. The discreet entrance and private atmosphere made it ideal for personal celebrations with family and friends.
6. Bombay Brasserie
Princess Diana is documented as having dined at Bombay Brasserie in South Kensington, especially during the period when she was exploring more international cuisine. The restaurant was known for offering refined Indian dishes in a polished, quiet setting she found comfortable. Staff accounts and media coverage have confirmed her presence there on several occasions.
Today, it is still remembered as one of the London spots she genuinely enjoyed visiting.
