Discover London Food – Exploring the City’s Vibrant Food Scene
London is an incredible city for fantastic food and wonderful drinks. From the most renowned restaurants to the hidden gems tucked away in the city’s nooks and crannies, we’ve got you covered. In this post, we’re off to discover London food experiences and restaurants with recommendations for your visit to London.
We share some of our favorite places to eat and drink, introduce you to London’s budding restaurant scene, and give you a few tips for planning your food tour of London. So pour yourself a tea, grab a scone, and read along as we explore the culinary delights of one of our very favorite major cities of the world.
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Introducing the London Food Scene
Picture this – stepping into a chic dining establishment with an ambiance that oozes sophistication. The tantalizing aromas wafting through the air immediately awaken your senses, promising a feast fit for royalty. London is home to some of the world’s top restaurants, where culinary masterminds conjure gastronomic wonders that will leave you spellbound. From Michelin-starred establishments to trendy eateries, each bite is a culinary revelation that will transport you to food heaven.
But it’s not just about the big names. London is also a treasure trove of hidden culinary gems waiting to be discovered. Venture off the beaten path and stumble upon quaint little cafes serving up delectable treats, or stumble upon a street food market where the world’s flavors collide. These hidden gems showcase the diversity and multiculturalism that defines London’s food scene. Explore the vibrant street food culture and indulge in everything from fragrant Indian curries to authentic Mexican tacos.
We understand that you want advice from those who know London like the back of their hand regarding restaurant recommendations. We’ve visited the city several times and sought advice from locals and visitors with first-hand experiences with the city’s restaurants. By tapping into these insights and recommendations, we offer our suggestions for London eateries trusted by food enthusiasts.
So, look no further if you’re searching for a fine dining experience that will leave you breathless or craving a taste of London’s eclectic street food culture. Our guide to London’s food scene is your ticket to a gastronomic adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more. Get ready to savor the flavors, immerse yourself in the ambiance, and discover why London is a true food lover’s paradise.
🤩 We recommend the London Food Tour in the Borough Market with Eating Europe
Inspiration from Somebody Feed Phil
One of the sources that has inspired our foodie sensibilities is the popular Netflix show Somebody Feed Phil. If you’ve seen the classic sitcom Everybody Loves Raymond, you are familiar with the work of Phil Rosenthal.
Hosted by comedy writer Phil Rosenthal, the show “Somebody Feed Phil” follows him around the world as he visits different countries and indulges in local cuisine. From sushi in Tokyo to empanadas in Buenos Aires, Phil captures his experiences with enthusiasm and humor, making it easy to get inspired to explore the world’s culinary offerings.
In one episode, we watched him visit notable food stops in London, England. We rewatched the episode shortly before our trip to London and planned to visit several of the same eateries there. This is just some of the inspiration for our latest food tour in London.
10 Best Restaurants to Discover London Food
1. Dishoom Restaurant (Indian Cuisine)
We are huge fans of Indian cuisine, and Dishoom was one of the restaurants featured on the London episode of Somebody Feed Phil. This popular Indian restaurant has several locations in the city – we stopped at their Kensington location.
The atmosphere is warm and inviting, with dark wood accents and comfortable seating, and the interior design is influenced by the art deco style of 1940s Bombay.
The menu features traditional Indian flavors enhanced with modern cooking techniques to create a unique take on classic dishes. While Phil sampled dishes with bacon, lamb, and chicken during his visit, as we are pescatarians, we looked for different foods to eat – and the menu has robust options for vegetarians.
We almost ordered the Samosas for an appetizer, but we get those often when we eat Indian, so we decided to go for something different than what we typically find back home. We chose the House Chaat as our starter – sweet potato, beets, yogurt, pomegranate seeds, greens, carrots, and mint, and served with three different sauces on the side. The Chaat was our favorite item of the evening. Amazing.
Recommended selections at Dishoom
Popular dishes at Dishoom include the house black daal, okra fries, grilled meats, and biryanis. And while we didn’t have it, we hear the house chai is a must-order. The chili broccoli salad with red chilis, pumpkin, pistachios, dates, lime, and honey makes an excellent side, as do the Gunpowder Potatoes. You also must try their signature black daal, which they cook for 24 hours.
For dessert, the Basmati Kheer is wonderful. It’s a silky, caramelized rice pudding cooked with vanilla-infused coconut milk, cardamom, and cashews and topped with a blueberry compote. It’s not overly sweet. This ranks as the best rice pudding we’ve ever had.
Service and experience at Dishoom
There is a loft above the main dining room, where live music, particularly jazz, plays on certain nights of the week. So, if you like live music to accompany your dinner, you can get that at Dishoom.
They also sell a cookbook if you want to keep enjoying this type of food on your return home. We will be making the chaat in our kitchen.
The staff were excellent – especially a gentleman we met there named AJ. They added to the fun atmosphere. You can check out our visit to Dishoom and Les Filles (mentioned later in this article) on our YouTube video.
We were so impressed with the service at Dishoom that we wanted to leave an extra tip beyond the automatic 12.5%, typically added to the bill. However, we weren’t carrying British cash with us on our recent trip, just our credit cards. And adjusting the bill to accommodate a larger tip seemed an out-of-the-ordinary request. So, we left our extra tip, but in U.S. currency.
Tip (pun intended): For foreign visitors, while it’s becoming easier to travel without cash, having some local currency available for situations, as mentioned above, is handy.
And what does Dishoom mean? Apparently, it’s an Indian word used in Bollywood films to represent the sound made when the hero’s fist hits an opponent’s flesh- like our word “kapow” in English.
Dishoom was as fantastic as we imagined from watching the London episode of Somebody Feed Phil.
Know Before You Go – Dishoom Restaurant
Price range: ££ – £££
Cuisine: Indian, Asian, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options
Location: 4 Derry Street, London W8 5SE England
🤩 London Walking Indian Food Tour
Sample more Indian food in London on this highly-rated tour.
More About Indian Food in London
London is packed with Indian restaurants. Today, there are more curry restaurants in London than in Delhi and Mumbai combined. Britain’s curry tradition stems from the 18th century when the East India Trading Company began frequenting India and brought back spices such as turmeric, cumin, and coriander. Today, there are countless variations of curry dishes to try in London, from spicy vindaloo to creamy korma. It’s a beloved comfort food for many British people and has become ingrained in their culinary culture.
2. Borough Market (Historic Food Market)
Borough Market is a food lovers paradise – with something for everyone. While we have the famous Farmers Market in Hollywood, California, it’s different from the famous Borough Market of London. This is a Farmer’s market on steroids.
This fantastic marketplace offers fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and prepared foods. The variety of cuisines available is vast. The atmosphere is buzzing with energy as locals come here for a bite to eat and to purchase food to take home.
Recommended selections at Borough Market
The food selection here is vast, from fresh produce to prepared salads, artisan cheeses, and more varieties of canned seafood than we’ve ever seen back home. We sampled some baked goods at one of the bread stands. You’ll find smoothies, fresh fruits and produce, yummy desserts, and more!
Put the following on your shortlist to try when visiting Borough Market:
- Borough Market’s Famous Scotch Eggs: These are a must-try when visiting the market. A Scotch egg is a sausage-wrapped hard or soft-boiled egg, coated in breadcrumbs, and then deep-fried or baked. It’s a classic British snack, and you can find gourmet versions with various fillings like black pudding or chorizo.
- Gourmet Grilled Cheese Sandwich: Vendors offer gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches made with artisanal bread and various high-quality cheeses. Some places add ingredients like caramelized onions, truffle oil, or bacon for extra flavor.
- Fresh Oysters: Borough Market offers a selection of seafood, and you should try some fresh oysters. They’re served on the half-shell with various toppings and condiments like lemon juice, shallot vinegar, and hot sauce.
- Salt Beef Sandwich: Salt beef sandwiches are a British deli classic. Tender slices of cured beef are piled high between slices of rye bread and often served with pickles and mustard. You can find excellent versions at Borough Market.
- Paella: If you’re in the mood for something hearty and flavorful, check out the paella stands. Borough Market has vendors who prepare delicious paella with various ingredients, including seafood, chicken, or vegetarian options.
Service and experience at Borough Market
We milled around and tried to see everything available. We saw incredible seafood, cauldrons filled with enticing stews, and just about anything you could desire regarding food. Ultimately, we chose to have some Pieminister savory vegan pies. Mine was a mock-a-doodle vegan chicken pot pie. Julie’s had Jackfruit with a sauce… Very good. We finished our lunch with some fresh juices, which gave our palates a refreshing finish to our tasting experience.
The trick is finding a place to sit and eat your food.
And it offers more than just food – it’s a great place to mingle and people watch. Overall, Borough Market is a great place to spend an afternoon in London.
Know Before You Go – Borough Market
Price range: ££
Cuisine: You’ll find a fantastic variety of food to suit nearly every palate
Location: 8 Southwark Street, London SE1 1TL England
🤩 Walking Food Tour in the Borough Market with Eating Europe – This tour offers a good pace and a good sense of humour as you sample foods in the market.
3. The Beauchamp (Eclectic Pub – Restaurant – Lounge)
We found our next restaurant one evening as we decided it was going to be Fish and Chips night. When in London, that’s one of the meals that is a must. Upon wandering into this restaurant in the Knightsbridge area, we were pleased to find a place with an eclectic and trendy atmosphere.
Recommended selections at The Beauchamp
This restaurant offers British pub-style and European cuisines with a modern twist. The ambiance at Beauchamp is sophisticated and refined, making it the perfect spot for special occasions or a romantic dinner.
We split an order of the Traditional Fish and Chips, which was buttered cod served with green beans and tartar sauce. We also split an order of mushroom risotto. And we paired our meal with Guinness.
Visitors rave about the roast as well as fish and chips for dinner and apple pie for dessert.
Service and experience at The Beauchamp
There’s a lot for the eyes to take in at this restaurant. There’s art on the walls, very colorful, with even the ceiling painted bright colors, and the seating is more furniture-like than what you typically find in a restaurant.
On one side was a well-stocked bar (plus a second bar downstairs). There’s an upright menu next to a coffee bar station. On the other side, you have a reading area near a fireplace if you want to relax with a cocktail. The table has a chess board and a selection of coffee table books for browsing.
It had the most comfortable seating I’ve ever experienced in a restaurant – it was like eating at a friend’s house. Very inviting.
Know Before You Go – The Beauchamp
Price range: ££ – £££
Cuisine: Mediterranean & Comfort Food
Location: 43-44 Beauchamp place, London, SW3 1NX
4. Daquise (Polish Cuisine)
Did you know that Polish residents play a significant role in London’s cultural landscape? According to recent statistics, Polish residents make up a notable percentage of the population in the UK, with an estimated number of around 1 million Polish individuals residing across the country. So it’s fitting to include Polish food while eating in London.
We were pleased to find Daquise in the heart of London, just a few steps away from the South Kensington tube stop.
Recommended selections at Daquise
Visitors offer good reviews for the salmon, bigos, and veal schnitzel with creamed spinach on the side. The pierogi are a must for a traditional Polish dining experience. For dessert, try the dumplings stuffed with fresh strawberries and served with whipped cream.
Service and experience at Daquise
Daquise is a spotless restaurant inside with a classical formal ambiance. The staff is highly professional in their service, providing an upscale experience. The food was phenomenal, both in the general sense and in its ambassadorship of Polish cuisine.
We had the beet starter, which was served in a unique, tasty sauce. The cabbage pierogi was fantastically enhanced in its prep. I’m not sure how the cabbage was prepared, but it had a flavor hinting to me of being cooked in a wine or brandy. Our main course was the poached salmon, a very nice complete meal. I also added the potato dumplings – the extra side being optional as the entree is sufficient.
We capped off our meal with cherry vodka—an excellent place for different flavors in London.
Know Before You Go – Daquise
Price range: ££ – £££
Cuisine: Polish, Eastern European
Location: 20 Thurloe Street South Kensington, London SW7 2LT England
🤩 We recommend visiting the Sikorski Museum in London. It’s close to Daquise Restaurant. Operating hours are limited. If you go, show up toward the start of opening hours to get the best experience.
5. Les Filles (Breakfast and Coffee Recommendation)
Next on our London food tour is Les Filles Kitchen. It’s where Phil Rosenthal had breakfast, so we also had ours one morning in London. This Lancaster Gate cafe is a healthy coffee shop and cafe.
They have a great breakfast menu offering cereal, parfait, avocado toast, pesto zoodles, savory crepes, and Middle Eastern offerings.
Recommended selections at Les Filles
You’ll find healthy deli offerings, Natoora fruits and vegetables, and a wide assortment of patisseries, cakes, and more. Everything is fresh, delicious, and unique.
The Buckwheat and Spinach Crepes are an unusual option and recommended for a savory breakfast. These are served with a poached egg, avocado, and grilled halloumi cheese. It’s the type of breakfast entree we don’t have available where we live.
For a light option, the Bircher Parfait includes overnight oats, rhubarb-strawberry jam, granola, Greek yogurt, and strawberries.
Service and experience at Les Filles
We found the staff helpful, dedicated, and anxious to please the customers. If you require gluten-free offerings, you’ll find options here.
Know Before You Go – Les Filles
Price range: £ – ££
Cuisine: International, Cafe, Healthy
Location: 27 Craven Terrace, London W2 3EL England
6. D’afrik (Eritrean & Ethiopian Cuisine)
We found our next restaurant on London’s West side, just north of Hammersmith Station. D’afrik is a unique restaurant that offers a fusion of African and European cuisines, emphasizing Ethiopian cuisine. As you step inside, the tantalizing aroma of spices greets you. The atmosphere has traditional African decor and modern accents.
Recommended selections at D’afrik
The lady who served us recommended a Licorice tea with a beautiful aroma. It is a light beverage and worth trying.
The star dish at D’afrik is the Bebiaynetu ahmilti – an assortment of vegetarian sides – lentils, salads, green beans, and cooked greens – served on Injera, a spongy bread. You best come hungry, as this is a filling meal, and if you’ve never eaten Ethiopian food, we highly recommend it.
Service and experience at D’afrik
We found the service at D’afrik to be warm and friendly. The staff was very helpful in recommending dishes from the menu. The atmosphere is that of a family-owned eatery that cares greatly about the food it prepares.
Know Before You Go – D’afrik
Price range: £ – ££
Cuisine: African, Ethiopian
Location: 78 Goldhawk Road, London W12 8HA England
7. Afternoon Tea at The Muffin Man Tea Shop (Traditional English Tea)
You can enjoy a traditional tea service at The Muffin Man. It’s just one of many places in London to experience afternoon tea, and it’s a restaurant we enjoyed during our travels in London.
Recommended selections at The Muffin Man
The Muffin Man takes great pride in their carefully crafted sandwiches, served with various delicious fillings, from classic cucumber and cream cheese to savory smoked salmon.
And when it comes to cakes, you won’t be disappointed. From light and fluffy scones to rich and decadent pastries, each treat perfectly balances flavors and textures.
We chose Early Grey tea to accompany our afternoon sandwiches during our visit. Our tea service included a choice of cake so we had the carrot cake and the Queens cake (delicious and not overly sweet with dates, nuts and chocolate).
Service and experience at The Muffin Man
The Muffin Man offers a delightful experience of enjoying traditional English afternoon tea. As you step into this charming establishment, you are greeted by the inviting aroma of freshly brewed tea and the staff’s warm hospitality. Indulge in a quintessential afternoon tea experience with delectable sandwiches and mouthwatering cakes.
During our visit, we called this an early dinner instead and enjoyed what was, hands down, our best tea experience during our UK travels.
Whether you’re a tourist or a local looking to immerse yourself in the afternoon tea traditions of England, The Muffin Man is an enjoyable visit.
Know Before You Go – The Muffin Man
Price range: £ – ££
Cuisine: Cafe, Bakery
Location: 12 Wrights Lane Near Kensington High Street, London W8 6TA England
🤩 Enjoy an Afternoon Tea Bus Tour Through London
Ride a vintage double-decker bus and feast on sandwiches, scones, cakes, tarts, and hot drinks while enjoying a route of top landmarks.
8. The Lamb and Flag (English Pub)
The Lamb and Flag pub in London is a must-visit for any London tourist looking to experience the charm of a traditional British pub. Nestled in the heart of Covent Garden, this historic establishment exudes an authentic atmosphere that takes you back in time.
The Lamb and Flag has a rich history, dating back to 1623. It has been a popular watering hole for locals and literary figures, including Charles Dickens, who reportedly frequented the pub. It’s not the oldest pub in London (a common misconception) but the oldest one in Covent Garden.
Recommended selections at The Lamb and Flag
This is easy – come here to drink a pint or two.
The Lamb and Flag is known for its selection of real ales and classic pub grub, offering visitors a chance to savor traditional British dishes while sipping on a perfectly poured pint.
Service and experience at The Lamb and Flag
During an afternoon exploring Covent Garden, we stopped here for pints. There was no outdoor seating, but we enjoyed the pub atmosphere while we sipped our ales.
Like many old historic pubs in the city, outdoor space is limited to the pavement outside the front, where folk can enjoy an after-work pint. Alternatively, you can sip your pint upstairs in the Dryden room and enjoy a freshly cooked traditional meal.
The Lamb & Flag has a cozy interior, with its low ceilings, wooden beams, and warm lighting, creating a welcoming ambiance that invites you to relax and mingle with friends.
Lastly, Whether you’re seeking a taste of history, a cozy hideaway, or simply an authentic pub experience, The Lamb and Flag will leave a lasting impression on any London tourist.
Know Before You Go – The Lamb & Flag
Price range: ££ – £££
Cuisine: British pub
Location: 33 Rose Street Covent Garden, London WC2E 9EB England
9. Chop Chop (Chinese Food)
Chop Chop Restaurant in London is a hidden gem for those seeking an authentic Chinese dining experience. Situated near Chinatown, this culinary haven has gained an impeccable reputation for its quality Chinese food. This restaurant offers a unique blend of traditional flavors and contemporary twists on classic dishes.
Recommended selections at Chop Chop
With an extensive menu featuring traditional favorites and unique regional specialties, Chop Chop Restaurant is a haven for food enthusiasts. Whether you’re craving steaming hot dim sum, flavorful stir-fried dishes, or mouthwatering Peking duck, this establishment always impresses.
The signature dumplings, Peking duck, and kung pao chicken are three dishes that stand out as most popular among diners.
Service and experience at Chop Chop
From the moment you step inside, the tantalizing aromas and vibrant atmosphere transport you to the bustling streets of China. The skilled chefs meticulously prepare each dish, ensuring that every bite is a burst of flavor and a true delight for the senses. You’ll find a cozy and inviting atmosphere inside with attentive staff who ensure you have a great dining experience.
Know Before You Go – Chop Chop
Price range: ££ – £££
Cuisine: Chinese, Asian, Vegetarian friendly
Location: Cranbourn Street The Hippodrome Casino, London WC2H 7JH England
🤩 Experience a 3 Hour Chinese Dumpling Cooking Class in London
Create delicious homemade-style Chinese dumplings completely from scratch
10. Kensington Creperie (Crepes)
Every now and then, the mood hits us for crepes. If you’re in that same mood, head over to Kensington Creperie. What sets this place apart is its incredible variety of savory and sweet crepes.
Recommended selections at Kensington Creperie
You’ll find a great variety of crepes, from traditional fillings like ham and cheese to more adventurous options like smoked salmon and cream cheese. They are freshly made to order.
For those with a sweet tooth, the restaurant offers a delectable selection of dessert crepes drizzled with chocolate sauce, topped with fruits, and finished with a dollop of whipped cream.
Service and experience at Kensington Creperie
The cozy ambiance and friendly staff make the dining experience even more enjoyable. Whether you’re in the mood for a savory or sweet treat, Kensington Creperie is the place to be.
Know Before You Go – Kensington Creperie
Price range: ££ – £££
Cuisine: European cafe
Location: South Kensington 2-6 Exhibition Road, London SW7 2HF England
🤩 London Gin Safari
After your crepes, celebrate the eccentric side of Britain. It’s a liquid history lesson on bicycles, with laughs and banter.
More Food to Discover in London
Full English Breakfast
The traditional Full English Breakfast usually includes eggs, bacon, sausage, beans, and toast. It’s the perfect hearty meal to start your day off right. Check out our post on making a vegetarian full English breakfast.
Cheese Fun Fact
Most people associate cheese with France, but did you know that the UK has more types of cheese and a broader range of flavors than their neighbors across the Channel in France?
Drinks to Try
Apart from food, there are also some quintessential British drinks that you must try when in London. Of course, there’s the traditional English breakfast tea, but if you want something stronger, try a pint of ale or cider at a local pub. In recent years, London has also become known for its craft beer scene, so be sure to check out some of the microbreweries in the city. And for a taste of something genuinely British, try a glass of Pimm’s – a refreshing gin-based cocktail that is a staple at summer events.
🤩 English Wine and Cheese Tour from London
Full-day trip from London to Kent’s Chapel Down Vineyard and Silcocks Farm
Listen to our Podcast – A Taste of London
Final Thoughts on the London Food Scene
London’s vibrant food scene is a true delight for all the senses. From the aromatic spices of Indian cuisine to the timeless elegance of British classics, the city offers a culinary journey like no other.
As we come to the end of our blog post about discovering the London food scene, we invite you to further explore London by diving into our related post about Fun Things To Do For Couples in London.
Yes, London is a great place to visit for its history, sights, and attractions. And it’s an equally exciting place for exploring an extensive culinary culture. Bring your appetite and be prepared to try new foods.
Thanks for reading this article. It’s time to get ready for your food adventures in London, and we hope to see you at the places where we go.
Julie & Art
