Headed over the pond and looking for the best places to eat in London? I’ve got you covered – the city is absolutely full of world-class markets, 5-star restaurants, and sweet treats, just waiting to be indulged.
London is one of the best foodie cities in the world (along with Tokyo, Mexico City, Singapore, and, in my opinion, San Francisco). It’s a huge melting pot, meaning there’s influence from every part of the world imaginable (and yes, including traditional English cuisine, of course). Asian food, Mediterranean dishes, Middle Eastern delicacies, American BBQ grub, first-class pastries… you name it, London’s got it.
There’s salt beef bagels, spiced duck doughnuts, and authentic fish and chips. Desserts so pretty you won’t wanna eat them, unimaginable sky-high views, and diverse market street eats. Psst – don’t miss high tea complete with scones with clotted cream, enjoying a Sunday roast, and the ever-so-popular bangers and mash.
The city caters to everyone – from vegan and vegetarians to meat-lovers and pasta/pizza aficionados, so no need to worry – you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for!
Because there are just oh so many places to eat in London, deciding exactly where to eat can be overwhelming to say the least! Thankfully, I’ve been a few times, along with Joe from One Day Itinerary – and we’re both sharing our favorites below!
So between checking out the best photo spots in London, be sure to add in a few of these London must-eats!
London Food Tours:
And if you wanna make sure you really don’t miss any specialities, why not book yourself on a London food tour?! I’ve done food tours around the world, and never regret my decision, although my waistline sometimes disagrees. A few recommended ones:
1. 3-Hour Secret British Food Tour
THIS is the London food tour I’ll gladly be doing on my next visit. In this 3-hour food tour of London, you’ll see some of the city’s most well-known food venues (including Borough Market) and try many famous British foods, all guaranteed to get your taste buds tingling. Think English fudges/chocolate, Cumberland sausages, fish and chips, British cheeses, London ales and ciders, and sticky toffee pudding. Read reviews and book your Secret British Food Tour here.
2. 6-Course Luxury Dinner Bus Tour
Don’t feel like walking? Already did your fair share of exercise for the day? Book yourself a luxury dinner bus tour – drive by tons of London landmarks while enjoying a gourmet 6-course dinner menu. I mean, have you ever eaten (at a real table) aboard the top deck of a glass-roofed, luxury coach? And get this – it’s all prepared and cooked fresh on-board – kinda crazy! Read reviews and book your Luxury Dinner Bus Tour here.
3. London East End Food Tour
Ohhh one of my favorite neighborhoods in London! The East End is just exploding with food stops, markets, shops, pubs and restaurants. On the tour, you’ll taste London’s best bacon sandwich (say what?!), savor the fish and chips at Poppies (my personal favorite), and discover the wonderful world of English cheeses. Read reviews and book your East End Food Tour here.
4. Afternoon Tea at Grosvenor House
How can you visit London and not partake in some afternoon tea?! Nope – it’s just not possible! On this tour, you’ll join the English elite for afternoon tea in the place it first became an iconic British tradition: Grosvenor House! It’s a huge private house overlooking Hyde Park, and one of London’s stateliest buildings. I’m itching to do this on my next visit to London. Read reviews and book your Afternoon Tea here.
5. English Tea and Desserts Tour
Now this is reallllly up my alley – did someone say desserts? The tour goes through the best spots for delectable desserts and chocolates in London’s Soho and Mayfair neighborhoods, (the playground of the rich and famous). Think chocolates, cakes, and scones (with cream and jam), enjoyed over a cup of England’s finest tea. And get this – you’ll also visit the Queen’s own grocer and see the foods that are served at Buckingham Palace. Kinda cool, amiright? Read reviews and book your London Luxe Dessert Tour here.
6. 3.5 Hour Shoreditch Food Tour
Okay, I lied. Shoreditch is my #1 favorite neighborhood in London (I like so many spots in the city, okay?!). The area is oh so funky, and there’s my favorite salt beef bagel over here! Shoreditch is full of British, Ghanaian, Jewish and Indian food, and you’ll get to learn the history and culture of them all, while tasting their specialities. You’ll also learn all about the zoo market, Roman burial grounds, and the French silk trade. Read reviews and book your Shoreditch Food Tour here.
Best restaurants in London
The Golden Chippy
You simply cannot come to the city and not get yourself some fish’n’chips. No, not even if you only have one day in London, you can’t skip on this quintessentially English dish. I mean, that’s just not right. Did you really go to London if you didn’t indulge in some fish ‘n’ chips – nope!
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Look no further than The Golden Chippy for some fried fish and crispy potatoes– not only are the prices very much affordable, but the food is incredibly delicious and the service is impeccable. There’s several types of fish (rock, cod, even scampi) available, but no matter what you get it’ll be incredibly delicious. Burgers, pies, and chicken are also served, but it’s the fish that has made this one of the most popular fish’n’chips joints in London. Be warned – it may get crowded in here, but that’s just part of the fun.
Duck & Waffle
What happens when you combine a playful take on traditional British cuisine with one of the best views of London (complete with floor to ceiling windows)? Yup – an absolutely wonderful dining experience. And plus – they’re open 24/7, kinda wild, right?! The restaurant is located at the top of Heron Tower, 40 floors up.
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Don’t miss the breakfast beverages (think mimosas with freshly squeezed orange juice, bloody marys, and other pops of champagne), duck egg en cocotte, and/or ox cheek benedict for morning meals.
And yes, of course Duck & Waffle serves delectable waffles – I mean, it is in their name afterall! I’d choose either the ‘Full Elvis’ with PBJ, bananas brulee, and chantilly cream, or the Bananas Brulee with homemade nutella, vanilla ice cream, and peanut crunch. Mm… Obviously the ‘Duck & Waffle’ waffle is quite popular, served with crispy leg confit, a fried duck egg, and mustard maple syrup (get in my belly).
Bar 61 Restaurant
How about some tapas?! Bar 61 Restaurant is without a doubt the place to go if you want some of the best tapas in London. These snacks are most certainly the star of the show here, and the menu dedicated to them is quite impressive. Prawns, calamari, olives, scampi, cheeses, chorizo, even ratatouille… you name it and it’s there.
However, there are other dishes apart from that you can try out, and the whole Mediterranean is pretty well covered in terms of gastronomy. Guests can also order vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free dishes, so there’s something for everyone here. If you like this kind of food and want a place with a warm atmosphere and great service, somewhere where you can thoroughly relax and enjoy yourself with your friends, Bar 61 Restaurant is a perfect choice.
Cooke’s Pie and Mash
Sometimes called the oldest fast food restaurant in London, this place has been around since 1862, which is in and of itself incredible. I saw a video about it on YouTube and I knew right away that I’d be visiting it. Don’t expect a diverse menu – meat pie and mashed potatoes are pretty much the name of the game here, but boy is it good.
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I mean, think about it – they’ve been selling that for more than 150 years! You can maybe get some eels to go along with that, though, and everything is covered by a fantastic parsley sauce. The place simply oozes history and has a very special atmosphere, so do go and visit it if you want a quick traditional English lunch. You will love every single bite of it.
Poppies Fish and Chips
An oldie but a goodie! When it comes to this staple of British cuisine, Poppies Fish and Chips is one of London’s favorites. With three locations around the city, you’ll never be too far from some of the best fish and chips around town. The fish is light and flaky (I recommend the cod), the chips are crispy, and the ale is strong.
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But what makes these places so special and popular is that they are an embodiment of nostalgia. The owner, Pat Newland, has been in the business since the 1950s, and the restaurants are full of quirky WWII memorabilia and trinkets from past decades. So if you’re looking for some kitsch, color, and character, head on over to Poppies.
Don’t be discouraged by the line – it moves surprisingly fast. And psst – Poppies has one of the biggest pieces of sticky pudding anywhere.
Hard Rock Cafe Piccadilly Circus
Yeah, yeah. I see you rolling your eyes. The Hard Rock Cafe? Just hear me out. This place is described by the company as “Hard Rock’s flagship location”. Quite a bold statement, but when you come here you’ll see that the place totally lives up to the hype. You probably already know about Hard Rock Cafe’s great reputation, and going into that would take too much space here, but suffice to say that in this restaurant the atmosphere is great and the food is even better.
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It’s always crowded, and you even have the option to buy skip-the-line tickets with set menu options (not something found in many restaurants).
Everything revolves around US gastronomy, so you can expect things like burgers and ribs to take center stage. The selection of drinks is also quite impressive, and the people working here are very kind and extremely well trained, so you can expect fantastic service. If you’re a music fan, a meal here is an absolute must. Don’t miss a visit to the Vault, where incredible pieces of rock memorabilia are kept.
Borough Market
Now, Borough Market is not a restaurant (the clue is in the name), but it nevertheless deserves to be on this list. Why? Because it’s a market fully dedicated to excellent food and the closest you can get to a foodie paradise.
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Everything is fresh here, and the cuisines represented come from literally all over the world. You can buy pretty much whatever you can think of, from all sorts of spices to handmade sweets. Naturally, you can also get yourself something to eat here, no matter if you want something Asian, or just some fresh Italian pasta, a good old burger or some seafood kebabs. Stands and food carts abound, and there is no doubt that no matter what kind of food you prefer, you will find it here. Just follow your nose!
The Ledbury
For those of you who are into fine dining, The Ledbury is the answer. This exquisite place has not one but two Michelin stars, so you know that there is some great food to be had here. The tasting menus are an excellent choice, but don’t skip on the smoked eel or the foie gras, either.
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And if I mention hand-dived scallops, candy beetroot, and aged pigeons, I think you’ll get quite a good idea of what kind of dishes you can expect in this establishment. They are all accompanied by some excellent and very interesting wines, so you really get the full classy experience here and you will be able to see for yourself that those two stars are well deserved indeed.
Coppa Club
Ohhh, Coppa Club. It’s becoming one of the best places in London to snap an instagram photo. And I get it – it’s quite a unique setup. I mean, where else in the world can you enjoy a meal in a transparent domed igloo with a magnificent view of the Tower Bridge in the distance? Do note the igloos tend to book up well in advance, so be sure to make your reservations as soon as you know when you’ll be visiting the city.
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The food is simple yet delicious, and there’s even a kids’ menu, so no matter who you’re travelling with you’ll love it here.
Iran Restaurant
Here’s an interesting choice. A great place for Middle Eastern and Persian cuisine is Iran Restaurant. Lovely warm atmosphere and excellent staff are just the beginning because the food is really something quite special.
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When I was here with my gang, it seemed to me that you simply can’t go wrong with whatever you order. We all got different dishes and every single one of them was sooooo tasty, lamb dishes in particular. But they also serve excellent chicken, kebabs, sea bass, hummus and much, much more. Oh, and their baklava is just divine!
They also have vegan and vegetarian options, obviously. Therefore, for some excellent food from the Middle East you want to enjoy with your friends, just come here. You won’t regret it!
Violet
You have a sweet tooth? Violet will handle that. This lovely cafe/bakery has quite a reputation since its owner was in charge of making a cake for a royal wedding (Prince Harry and Meghan Markle). How’s THAT for a recommendation?! And while you can eat brunch here and other savoury things, pastries are what this place is all about.
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There are loads of different types of cupcakes here, cinnamon buns are great too, but the brownies are an absolute must. I mean, really, they are out of this world! You can buy them to go, or you can head upstairs into a space that is decorated like an old-fashioned living room. I found that to be quite relaxing and felt very nice while enjoying all those delicious treats. Even if you don’t have enough time to sit down, come and pick something up. It’ll make your day.
Franco’s
Who doesn’t like Italian cuisine? If you want to enjoy it thoroughly, go to Franco’s, a restaurant that has been around in London for decades now. You won’t get pizza here, but you will get everything else and it will be incredible. Parma ham, risottos, pasta, and all that lovely stuff is yours for the taking, plus the wine list is excellent. Pro tip: you can always ask for carbonara, even if it’s not listed on the menu – it’s a great choice.
The desserts are just as good, their tiramisu in particular, so there can be no doubt that you will eat well here. It’s a classy restaurant, well respected all over London, with vegan and vegetarian options as well. They are open all day, so you can come here for a nice Italian breakfast, too.
Dishoom
You cannot visit London without eating at Dishoom – the city’s favorite retro Indian restaurant. I repeat, you cannot visit London without eating at Dishoom. It’s kind of a big deal, and by far one of my favorite places to eat in London. Yes, you’ll typically find a wait, I promise you it’s worth it. I mean, even the little drink samples they pass out on line are top-notch. Dishoom pays a tribute to the Irani cafes of Bombay, and the dishes match while being surprisingly affordable.
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You can even buy their own cookbook, which makes for a great souvenir. What to order: pau bhaji – a bowl of mashed veggies, Chowpatty Beach style (yeah, it sounds weird, I know – I thought the same thing, but it’s actually a favorite on the menu), bacon naan, chicken tikka, and a hot chai to wash it all down. Ugh, now I’m salivating – time to go back to London for me!
Homeslice
For some excellent pizza, go to Homeslice. Now, this chain has six restaurants, I believe, but the original one is still widely regarded as the best. It’s in Neal’s Yard, so if you’re close and you want some pizza drop by and you just may be pleasantly surprised. This is because the pizzas these guys make are huge – 20 inches wide! – although you can simply pick up a slice if a whole pie is too much for you.
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The pizzas have a nice thin crust, and some of the toppings you can get are quite unique. How about cauliflower shawarma, tahini, pomegranate and chickpea for vegetarians? Or spiced lamb, yogurt and cabbage? Or wagyu beef with truffle crème fraiche? Yes, there are some truly delectable options, but if that’s not something for you, things like pizza Margherita are available, too.
Restaurant Gordon Ramsay
And now for something truly special. Probably the most famous angry chef in the world opened his first restaurant in London, at Royal Hospital Road. While the name Restaurant Gordon Ramsay may seem a bit unimaginative, the food is anything but! As a matter of fact, this is one of only five restaurants in the United Kingdom to be awarded THREE Michelin stars.
With 22 years behind it, the restaurant is still going strong, and French cuisine is at its focus. Ravioli are an excellent starter dish, trout and cod are wonderful lunch choices and the dessert are absolutely spectacular. But there are several menus to choose from, including a seasonal and a vegetarian menu, so prepare to be impressed, not just by fancy names but also by the food’s quality. Three Michelin stars, remember?
Yuu Kitchen
Fancy something Asian, something from the Far East? Yuu Kitchen serves great Asian dishes in a relaxed environment, which means you will thoroughly enjoy the food you get here. The menu is divided into several categories, from raw to crispy, and there are vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options, too. Baby octopus karaage is something very, very tasty, but their rice and salmon is also something you should consider.
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Chicken and pork dishes are also available, though, and they even have some tasty cheeseburger rolls. Sounds great, right? Almost forgot: their bao buns are incredible! All dishes are served sharing style, which makes this really an excellent place for just hanging out and relaxing. The staff is also very competent, so all in all, you will have a blast here.
Beigel Bake
By far one of my favorite places to eat in London, and that’s no understatement. The shop is located in the edgy area of the East End on Brick Lane in Shoreditch. Here you’ll find traditional Jewish-style filled bagels, with chopped herring, cream cheese, and mustard beef. However, the real star is Beigel Bake’s salt beef bagel – it’s absolutely HUGE, and loaded with pickles and hot mustard.
You’ll find a line out the door anytime of day, but just wait. I promise you – the salt beef bagel is well worth the long line. And so is the cheesecake.
Thankfully, this bakery/bagel shop is open 24/7, so you can get your fix any hour of the night.Do note that it’s cash only, so be sure to be prepared (I wasn’t and thankfully forced myself back to the front of the line, whoops!).
E Pellici
E Pellici is a cafe, but not just any cafe. This place has been open since the year 1900, so there is certainly something very special about them. The incredibly cosy atmosphere, the immensely nice and kind members of the staff, excellent coffee and superb food – you get all of that here. There is a very homely feeling to the place, something that can be a welcome reprieve from the hectic city outside.
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Come in and take a break along with a cup of great coffee, and get yourself some fruit pancakes to go along with that if you haven’t had your breakfast yet. If you’re here for brunch or lunch, however, Cannelloni de la mama will blow you away. Truth be told, all pasta dishes are great, but the cannelloni really take the cake.
Andy’s Greek Taverna
Should you find yourself in Camden Town, make sure you look up Andy’s Greek Taverna. It’s another very warm and cosy place, a place that has been around for more than half a century. There is plenty to choose from, all kinds of food, kebabs, pork dishes, Greek salad, halloumi, but seafood is at the centre of everything.
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Therefore, get their fish platter, just so that you don’t have to miss out on anything. Mind you, the portions are quite big and the prices are really fair, so you will be getting fantastic value here. Their pastries are just as awesome, though, and at the end of the evening, have a shot of ouzo to fully dive into that fascinating Greek spirit.
Bodean’s BBQ Soho
Apparently, smokehouses have become quite popular in London over the last few years. Bodean’s BBQ Soho must be one of the main reasons why. Their brisket simply melts in your mouth, and the secret sauce they’ve come up with in this joint is something to remember.
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The owner is a native of Kansas City, so it won’t surprise you that the menu here is composed of good old US classics. Think nachos, fried chicken, chicken wings, Mac’n’cheese and stuff like that, but that’s just the beginning. The ribs here will make your mouth water, but for me, the main star is hands down the pulled pork. It comes in a variety of ways and is incredibly tasty and you simply can’t go wrong with it. Meat lovers paradise!
Old Spitalfields Market
Markets are definitely great places for foodies, and Old Spitalfields Market is a great example of that. It has a centuries-long tradition and it’s also a melting pot of the various cultures that permeate the city. Therefore, you can be sure you’ll find plenty of great stuff here, especially if you’re looking for some street food because there are plenty of street food trucks to choose from.
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Brazil, Nigeria, US, Italy… These are just some of the countries whose dishes are represented here, and you can get yourself some great wraps, burgers, fresh pasta, smoked meat and plenty of other delights here. Do not miss out on this!
Zuma
Last, but most certainly not the least – Zuma. Now, this is a Japanese restaurant and a pretty fancy one, at that. With a little bit of luck, you can see a famous singer or your favourite footballer here. But that’s not the only reason why you should come. This place is an excellent example of modern Japanese gastronomy, with some very interesting sashimi and sushi dishes (their spicy yellowtail is fantastic).
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Don’t worry, if you’re not into raw fish, there are plenty of other things to choose from, as they serve things like Irish beef and king crabs, for example. What was particularly interesting to me was the selection of cocktails they serve here, but there is a pretty good wine list, too. This somehow seems to me like a great place for a big date, so if you’re in the city with your significant other, bring them here and you will certainly enjoy it.
Are you headed across the pond soon? Which of these places to eat in London will you be adding to your city trip?
Hey Jess, thanks for sharing your well researched article on restaurants of London. I have a plan to visit London in a month. Your guide will definitely help me a lot.