Best Restaurants for Steak in London: The Vivat Bacchus Braai
Quick summary: Searching for the best restaurants for steak in London? Vivat Bacchus brings a distinctive South African approach to the capital, serving premium cuts alongside a carefully chosen wine list. With restaurants in Farringdon and London Bridge, it is a destination for steak lovers looking for great meat, South African flavour and a relaxed dining experience.
London has no shortage of steakhouses, but Vivat Bacchus offers something a little different. Rooted in South African food and wine culture, the restaurant takes inspiration from the braai, the South African tradition of cooking and gathering around fire.
Founded in 2003, this South African restaurant and wine bar has built its reputation around quality meat, an extensive wine cellar and warm hospitality. If you are searching for one of the best places for steak in London, here is why it deserves a place on your list.
Why Vivat Bacchus is a top choice for steak in London
A memorable steak dinner comes down to more than the cut itself. How the meat is cooked, the quality of the ingredients and what you drink alongside it all matter.
Here, those elements come together with a distinctly South African influence.
The South African braai tradition
The braai is about more than simply grilling meat. In South Africa, it is a social tradition centred around food, fire and spending time together.
That spirit carries through the dining experience, particularly for groups looking to enjoy the dedicated braai offering.
Cooking with fire and flavour
High-heat cooking develops deep browning and a rich crust on steak, bringing out the natural flavour of the meat.
The braai tradition inspires a style of dining that puts quality cuts, bold flavours and sharing at the centre of the table.
A taste of South African heritage
Braai culture is closely associated with gathering, generosity and taking time over good food.
That South African heritage extends beyond the meat to the wine list, sharing dishes and relaxed atmosphere, creating an experience designed to bring people together.
The cuts worth booking for
A great steak restaurant starts with great meat.
The menus feature a selection of steaks and speciality cuts, although individual dishes may change seasonally.
Current and recent menu highlights have included:
Sirloin
Rump fillet
Surrey Hills fillet
Ribeye on the bone, also served as côte de boeuf
Karoo herb-crusted lamb fillet
Ostrich fillet, subject to availability
For the latest dishes and seasonal options, explore the current menus.
Braai boards for sharing
For larger groups, there is also a dedicated BBQ braai menu designed for parties of eight or more.
Sharing boards make the experience particularly well suited to celebrations, dinners with friends and special occasions, giving the table the chance to enjoy a selection of meats together.
For the latest braai options, it is best to check the current menu or contact the team before booking.
How to plan your steak night in London
Whether you are planning dinner for two, a celebration with friends or a larger private event, there are two central London locations to choose from.
Vivat Bacchus Farringdon
47 Farringdon StreetLondon EC4A 4LL
The Farringdon restaurant is also home to a walk-in cheese room, making it particularly tempting if you want to follow your steak with a cheese course.
Vivat Bacchus London Bridge
4 Hays LaneLondon SE1 2HB
Both restaurants offer South African-inspired food, steaks, an extensive wine selection and options for group dining.
If you are planning a birthday, corporate dinner or other special occasion, you can also explore private dining options.
Steak, braai and wine events in London
The events calendar also features food and wine evenings throughout the year, including dinners centred around South African wine, braai and premium meat.
Upcoming events include:
Heritage Day Braai Feast with Bartinney & Plaisir Wine Estates
Friday 25 September 2026
Celebrate South African Heritage Day with a braai feast accompanied by wines from Bartinney and Plaisir Wine Estates.
Club Carnivore at Farringdon
Friday 9 October 2026
Club Carnivore brings together serious cuts of meat and carefully selected wines for an evening designed with meat lovers in mind.
Club Carnivore at London Bridge
Friday 6 November 2026
The Club Carnivore experience continues at London Bridge, offering another opportunity to explore premium meat and wine together.
What wine goes well with steak?
A great steak deserves the right glass alongside it, and wine has always been a major part of the experience.
There is a particular passion for South African wine here, making a visit a good opportunity to explore something different from classic steakhouse pairings.
Fuller-bodied South African reds can work beautifully alongside richer cuts of beef, while the team can recommend a bottle based on the steak or braai dishes you choose.
Pinotage, Cabernet Sauvignon and other structured South African reds are all styles worth exploring with grilled meat.
If you are unsure what to order, ask for a pairing recommendation from the current wine list.
More than a traditional London steakhouse
What sets Vivat Bacchus apart from a conventional steak restaurant is the combination of meat, wine and South African hospitality.
You can visit for a straightforward steak dinner, bring a group together around a braai board or make an evening of it with one of the restaurant's food and wine events.
That flexibility makes it just as suitable for a date night as it is for a birthday dinner, client meal or celebration with friends.
Planning something for a larger group? Private dining options are available at both locations.
Final thoughts
When searching for the best restaurants for steak in London, Vivat Bacchus offers an experience that goes beyond the standard steakhouse formula.
Quality cuts, South African braai inspiration, a strong wine programme and two central London locations make it a distinctive option for anyone who enjoys steak and good wine.
Whether you choose Farringdon or London Bridge, expect a dining experience shaped by the South African traditions of good food, generous hospitality and bringing people together around the table.
For group bookings and private dining enquiries, email events@vivatbacchus.co.uk.
People also ask
What are the best restaurants for steak in London?
London has many excellent steak restaurants, with options ranging from traditional British steakhouses to international styles of cooking. Vivat Bacchus offers a distinctive South African approach, combining premium meat, braai-inspired dining and an extensive wine selection at its Farringdon and London Bridge restaurants.
Does Vivat Bacchus cook steak over fire?
The restaurant draws heavily on South Africa's braai tradition and offers a dedicated BBQ braai menu for groups of eight or more. Its wider menus also feature premium steaks and South African-inspired dishes.
Which steak cuts does Vivat Bacchus serve?
The menu changes, but current and recent selections have included sirloin, rump fillet, Surrey Hills fillet and ribeye on the bone or côte de boeuf. Speciality meats such as ostrich and Karoo herb-crusted lamb have also featured.
For the latest selection, check thecurrent menus.
Can I book Vivat Bacchus for a group steak dinner?
Yes. Both restaurants cater for group dining, and a dedicated braai menu is available for groups of eight or more. Private dining options are also available for larger celebrations and events.
Visit theprivate dining page or email events@vivatbacchus.co.uk to discuss your booking.
