London is the culinary capital of the world. Every foodie’s heaven. Most certainly my personal paradise on Earth (when it comes to food!).
Nom Nom. So, here are some insider tips on the best places to eat in London, your London restaurant guide. You can also book even more local experiences such as a tour around London’s best markets with CityUnscripted. Check it out because there is nothing better than experiencing a city through the eyes of a local.
Fancy a crispy, yet soft Italian pizza with quality ingredients? Pizza East
I love this buzzing place – their pizzas are great and all prepared with a different kind of cheese. Always busy so to avoid queuing, reserve the day before.
Where: Shoreditch, Kentish Town & Portobello Road.
Price: around £10 per pizza
A stylish restaurants just like those old Irani cafés in Mumbai? People are queueing for two hours at Dishoom for a reason.
Haven’t heard a single bad critique about this place. Mouthwatering Indian dishes for which you need to be prepared to queue – a long time. Or arrive before 6pm. Order a few dishes to share. The Okra fries are to die for and so is the black daal. Of course, I could never go without some Naan…
Where: King’s Cross, Shoreditch (picture above), Covent Garden
Price: Unbeatable prices! Breakfast £3-10, Mains £6-12
Sharing a variety of tacos, tostadas or quesedillas with friends Mexican style? Wahaca
Where: Soho, Oxford Circus, Covent Garden, Southbank, St. Paul’s,…
Price: around £5/dish
Feel like spoiling yourself to some fancy sushi and stunning views over London? Sushi Samba
We have had the sushi – fresh fish and fancy creations with perfectly balanced flavors. You absolutely need to book a table – and do it weeks/months in advance. Plus you might have to have an early dinner.
Where: Heron Tower, Liverpool Street
Price: Pricey! Around £15 for a roll and £15 for a cocktail
Authentic Indian dishes bursting with flavor and you can even BYOB? Tayyabs
One of the best Indian restaurants in London! Great for sharing a lot of different dishes with friends and family. You can bring your own booze to this place, too.
Where: Whitechapel
Prices: Very affordable
British food can’t be good? But it is, at Fenchurch Seafood Bar & Grill!
Where: Skygarden (Monument/Bank)
Price: Very pricey!
Burger? Lobster? Have both at Burger & Lobster
I have not been myself but it’s a much loved joint and I need to try it.
Where: Mayfair, Soho, Farringdon, St. Paul’s, Barbican, Knightsbridge
Price: £20 for the menu
Relaxed dining in London? Yep, Lyle’s is your place.
You can have a tasty lunch or dinner at Lyle’s without feeling rushed or stressed out. Great atmosphere.
Where: Shoreditch
Price: 7 course tasting menu for £39; or a main course for around £15
Celebrity spotting while enjoying Michelin Star Cantonese Cuisine? Hakkasan
I have not been there but would absolutely love to go! All their dishes look amazing and I have heard only good things about Hakkasan.
Where: Hanway Place (Fitzrovia) & Mayfair (plus international locations)
Price: Very expensive – it’s a Michelin Star restaurant..
Stunning venue and another reason to convince you that contemporary British cuisine is mouth watering? Go to Berners Tavern.
I was lucky enough to have been invited there with work for a delicious 3-course menu. A nice little twist to traditional dishes and fancy cocktails, too. Need to reserve.
Where: Fitzrovia
Price: about £20-30 for a main course
Looking for your dose of Thai? Rosa’s Thai Cafe tastes like the real deal!
Where: Spitalfields, Soho, Carnaby, Angel, Chelsea & Westfield Stratford
Looking for the best fish and chips in town? Award-winning Poppies Fish and Chips is here for you!
Where: Camden and Spitalfields
Price: Regular Fish & Chips £11.70 (dine in) – believe me, this portion is more than enough!
Fancy something exciting? Try Nikkei cuisine – a fusion of Japanese and Peruvian – at Chotto Matte
Where: Soho
Price: £13 for a main, sharing menu options for £40-60 p.p. and a pre-theater bento box menu for £25 incl. a glass of prosecco (12 – 6.30 pm)
Eating clean? Get your dose of lean protein from the Chicken Shop (free range chicken).
When I was first asked whether I had been to the Chicken Shop I said ‘No’ and that it sounds like an unappealing joint that serves fried chicken much like KFC. BUT. I was convinced otherwise (thank you) and realized I live right next to the one in Whitechapel. You’ll get deliciously flavored, free range chicken in a very cool venue. Beats Nando’s by far! Go there, NOW.
Where: Whitechapel, Tooting, Kentish Town, Holborn
Price: Quarter chicken £6, Half £9.50, Whole £18, Sides £4-6
How does a Raw Bar and Grill sound that doesn’t burn a hole in your pocket? Then Mommi is a Nikkei cuisine place worth trying.
Another restaurant that is high up my list. All dishes look super tasty and for those prices! I might already be in love with Mommi.
Where: Clapham
Fine cuisine at affordable prices? Check out Corner Room at Town Hall
A restaurant just around the corner from where I live. Food is presented in such an appealing manner, yum!
Do you have a thing for supper clubs? Head to Pidgin, sit back, relax and enjoy.
It resembles a supper club and I love the concept. You won’t have to study the menu, feel pressured and make questionable decisions. The menu has already been decided for you and you can simply enjoy the company of your friends, family or partner. I love it.
Where: Hackney
Extravagant environment? Wonderous dishes? Shaka Zulu!
The reviews I have heard were mixed. Some feel it is way too crowded (it’s a huge place). I have not been there yet but judging from photos it seems like it is worth an experience.
Where: Camden
Looking for something ‘dirty’? Honest Burgers!
Where: Brixton, Soho, Camden, Notting Hill, Fitzrovia, King’s Cross, Tooting, Liverpool St, Clapham
