Welcome to our take on the Best Places to Eat in London. In a city this big and diverse, there’s so much to choose from that it can be difficult to know where to start! So, we’ve put together this guide with some of our top recommendations, including the favourites of our very own guides. Read on to find out what the best places to eat in London are and where to find them!
Pubs
If you’re looking for some traditional English food, you should head to the nearest pub. There are over two thousand of them in Central London, meaning you’re never too far away from finding your next meal! Most pubs serve a set variety of meals known as pub classics, typical English cuisine that is hearty, warm and filling. Some pub classics include: Steak and Ale Pie, served with mash, peas and gravy; Fish and Chips, eaten with ketchup, mayonnaise or tartare sauce; and Shepherd’s Pie, lamb mince and vegetables topped with mash. And best of all, if you go to a pub on a Sunday, you will have the chance to try a Sunday Roast Dinner – roasted meat, vegetables and potatoes served with gravy and Yorkshire Puddings.
Covent Garden
Despite the name, this is not a green space but a shopping and entertainment district in London’s West End. Located near Charing Cross and just a short walk from the River Thames, Covent Garden offers a huge variety of global cuisine options, making it the perfect place to wander around until something tasty catches your eye. There’s even a food hall called “Seven Dials Market”, with two floors of independent street food and drinks vendors selling both sweet and savoury dishes. It is also a popular area for street entertainers and buskers, with several theatres nearby too, so it’s worth a visit for dinner and a show!
Camden Market
Historically a hub for alternative fashion and music, Camden Market is now one of the most popular places to shop and eat in the city. With a huge range of creative sellers, street food traders and independent stores, it is the perfect place to grab a bite and soak in the atmosphere. There is every type of cuisine imaginable here, from Persian grills, to Japanese bento, to handmade crepes and bubble tea. Although most retail outlets close around 6pm, the food halls remain open until 9pm, making it a great option for your lunch or evening meal.
Chinatown
This vibrant neighbourhood in the heart of London began as a Chinese community of restaurants and businesses that popped up in the 1950s. Nowadays, it is home to a host of East and Southeast Asian restaurants, cafés, bakeries and bars, selling not just Chinese fare, but also Japanese, Korean, Taiwanese, Malaysian and more. One particularly popular food is the xiao long bao, also known as soup dumplings. These are sold at various restaurants, including Orient London, Plum Valley and Dumplings Legend. Head to Chinatown to sink your teeth into authentic Asian flavour!
Harrods
Although known primarily for being a luxury department store, the food available at Harrods should not be overlooked. If you’re looking for edible souvenirs or food to take home with you, head to one of the three food halls: the Fresh Market Hall, the Chocolate Hall, and the Roastery & Bake Hall. Alternatively, Harrods is also home to a range of fabulous restaurants, café and bars. Enjoy an elegant afternoon tea at The Georgian, sip on hearty broth at Kinoya Ramen Bar, or visit the Dining Hall for seven restaurants in an historic setting, open until late.
Fuller’s London Pride
Although not food, no London dining experience would be complete without mentioning Fuller’s beer. Fuller’s is the last industrial scale brewery left in London and is extremely popular, served in every pub and many restaurants. They make a variety of beers, but their best of all is “London Pride”, a type of amber ale. This triple-malted beer has been brewed by Fuller’s since 1959 and uses 100% British ingredients. And fortunately, many pubs will allow you to taste a sample of the beer before you buy! So, head to your nearest pub and try a sip, or a pint, of Fuller’s to get the best British beer experience.
Guides favourites
And now, we bring to you the personal favourites from some of our brilliant guides! Take advantage of their expertise and local knowledge, and go feast at the best restaurants that London has to offer.
Tom
Brasserie Zédel – a Parisian brasserie located in Piccadilly. Enjoy the atmosphere of this Grand French art deco restaurant with classic brasserie dishes and choucroutes in a 1930s style building.
Daisy
Mildreds – vegan restaurant chain originating in London. They serve globally inspired food and drinks and have locations in Covent Garden, Camden Town, Kings Cross, Dalston, and Victoria.
Freya
Fatt Pundit – Indo-Chinese cuisine originating from Kolkata. Locations in Soho and Covent Garden incorporate traditional Chinese cooking techniques with the spices of India.
Explore more of England’s food!
Thank you for reading this short guide to Best Places to Eat in London, and we hope to welcome you adventurous foodies to this vibrant city soon. And if you would like to explore more of the food England has to offer outside of London, check out our amazing Day Tours from London. We look forward to seeing you on tour!
