National Dining Rooms
Image: The National Dining Rooms
Eat and drink
Meet, eat, and drink in our cafés, restaurants and bar, from the stunning National Café to the award-winning National Dining Rooms
Enjoy a quintessentially British afternoon tea or light lunch with views over Trafalgar Square at The National Dining Rooms.
Serving salads, open sandwiches and a seasonally changing menu of modern British and European dishes, this café-restaurant champions fresh, quality ingredients from around the British Isles.
The National Dining Rooms are in the Sainsbury Wing, Level 1.
Opening times:
Monday – Sunday 10am – 5pm
(Fridays 10am – 9pm)
Book a table:
Book online
Tel: 0207 747 2525
Please note: The National Dining Rooms will be closed for refurbishment from 27 August for the duration of September; our other cafés and restaurants are open as usual during this time.
The National Café
Image: The National Café
The National Café offers all-day dining, from classic brunches and decadent afternoon teas, to exhibition-inspired set menus, with a focus on quality British ingredients and local scouring. In the heart of London's West End, it's perfect for pre-theatre dining.
The Café also has a Grab and Go self-service area (open from 8am on weekdays and 9am on weekends), offering barista-made coffee, tea and a superb selection of fresh sandwiches, salads and indulgent cakes – great if you're short of time.
The National Café is located by our Getty Entrance.
Opening times:
Monday – Thursday: 9.30am – 8.30pm
Friday: 9.30am – 10pm
Saturday – Sunday: 9.30am – 6pm
The Grab and Go area opens from 8am (9am on weekends) and closes at 6pm (9pm on Fridays).
Book a table:
Book online
Tel: 0207 747 2525
The National Espresso Bar
Image: The National Espresso Bar
The Espresso Bar is the perfect pit-stop for a coffee, cake and planning your route around the Gallery.
Choose from a selection of Peyton and Byrne cakes, pastries and freshly-made sandwiches, as well as a full range of teas, barista-made coffee, soft drinks and juices.
Opening times:
Monday – Sunday: 10am – 5.30pm
(Friday: 10am – 8.45pm)
No booking required.
Peyton and Byrne
Image: Oliver Peyton
All dining options at the National Gallery are run by Peyton and Byrne – a catering company from celebrated restauranteur and ‘The Great British Menu’ judge, Oliver Peyton. Passionate about food, provenance and the skill of their craft, Peyton and Byrne use seasonal British ingredients as the cornerstone of all their menus and consider the entire dining experience as essential: from the design of the dining space, to the level of service provided, to the stylish and sociable ambience their customers enjoy.