15 Best Foodie Places to Eat in London No One Told You About
One of my number one goals while traveling in London for two months was to find the most unique and memorable foodie spots across the city.
Finding the best places to eat in London was definitely a fun venture that demanded I indulge in gooey sweets, juicy meats, and cocktails with a bite (but not too hard).
I’ve broken this list up into sections based on the types of food and establishments:
- Best British Food Spots
- Best East Asian Restaurants
- Best Indian Restaurants
- Best Cafes & Bakeries
- Best Bars
Disclosure: Some links to products and recommendations are affiliate links, and I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase (at no extra cost to you).
How I Found My Favorite Foodie Spots in London
To put together this list of the best restaurants, cafes, bars, and more in London, I was lucky to have friends who knew a place, or I was even invited to collaborate with a restaurant.
And of course, there were viral places to eat in London making the rounds on social media, such as Yorkshire Burrito and Roll Boys Cinnamon Buns.
With that said, anything that was part of a collaboration or invite, I only added them if they deserve the recognition.
After eating all over the city, I’m sharing these as the best places to eat in London for their unique flavors, the pride in their food, and, in some cases, the immersive decor.
Best British Food Spots in London
Boisdale: Scottish Food in Belgravia & Canary Wharf
Boisdale is an English-Scottish restaurant with an interior that took me back to my Grandpa’s parlor room. Yep, while I grew up in the US, there was definitely some Scottish heritage and inspiration at my Grandparents’ home.
Boisdale has an indulgent, rich menu with buttery lobster, oysters, salmon, steak, and more. The drinks menu is also extensive, featuring classic and crafted cocktails, as well as spirits.
And if you’re into cigars, there’s even a cigar room with some catering to very expensive tastes.
If you go on a day with nice weather, definitely grab a table on the balcony in Canary Wharf.
Yorkshire Burrito: Camden, Vauxhall, and Wembley
The Yorkshire Burrito can only be described as a British street food…I know, those words don’t sound like they belong together. But hear me out, it’s one of the best places to eat in London for foodies who want something grubby.
The Yorkshire Burrito has your choice of meat (or veg option!), roasted potatoes, greens, gravy, and stuffing wrapped into a huge Yorkshire pudding.
I had seen it all over my socials, and when the time came to try it, it did not disappoint. I got the beef and cheese, and god damn, it was amazing. You can view all the locations on their website.
Klook.comBest Foodie Cafes & Bakeries in London
Roll Boys: American-Style Cinnamon Rolls in Shoreditch
Being an American in London, I found it hard to say no to trying out the Roll Boys’ viral American-style cinnamon rolls.
My verdict? The OG with the cream cheese frosting and the sea salt caramel pecan was a hit. Goey, sweet, and with the perfect bun-to-frosting ratio.
After seeing lots of videos of the best places to eat in London, this was one of the best places for a sweet treat, it seemed. At least the social media hype built them up a lot.
They may change locations and opening hours, so be sure to check Roll Boys’ socials or website for the latest updates.
The lines do get long, so if possible, arrive 15/20 minutes before opening. You’ll get in faster and won’t miss anything that might sell out.
Peggy Porschen: Sweets and Tea in Belgravia
I found out about Peggy Porschen’s Bakery & Cafe in Belgravia when my friend Jojo pointed out the all-pink exterior. It’s hard to miss even if you’re not planning to go there.
We didn’t have anything to eat, but the iced latte hit the spot. If you like a latte where the espresso stands out, this is a perfect choice to sip.
Now, if you love baked goodies, especially cupcakes and cakes, then that’s one of the best reasons to come here. Heck, they even sell a baking book; that’s how legit they are.
The table next to us came for afternoon tea, which looked so pretty and delicious, an unbeatable combination in my book.
Bill’s SOHO: Cute Covent Garden Stop
Open a New Tab to Read Later: Go City London Pass Review + What it Saved
Bill’s SOHO is one of the cute cafes in London with an Instagrammable presentation from the decor to the plating. And the food isn’t so bad either.
If you want to visit Bill’s but not commit to a whole meal, it’s a great stop for a kettle of tea or coffee so you can still take a break and soak in the ambiance.
As for food, I have been to Bill’s twice as part of the Go City London Pass, which lets you pick from 3 different breakfasts: avocado toast, Bill’s famous pancakes, or the classic British breakfast.
If you’re thinking of getting the London Pass (which saves money and is easy to use), grab breakfast at Bill’s Soho while you’re using it, as it’s included.
Best East Asian Foodie Spots in London
Bun House: Buns in Chinatown
My only regret about visiting the Bun House in London is not trying everything. I mean, yeah, it might take a few trips, but the menu had me craving everything, like the spicy wontons, Suo Yi cucumbers, and fried chicken.
But I came for the buns, which did exactly what I expected: made me a very happy foodie. We tried the savory lamb and beef buns, as well as the salted egg yolk custard bun. Salted egg is one of my favorite flavors from dishes I used to eat in Taiwan, so this took me right back.
Be careful, though, because no matter how gently you pop the custard bun open, you might end up with some of the custard on you. So hold it a bit away from you or open it outwards.
Taro: Japanese Food in Victoria, SOHO & Halloway
Taro, a Japanese restaurant with a few locations in London, really impressed me. I went to the Holloway location, which is unassuming at first glance, but the food and drinks were so memorable.
I personally recommend the Arsenal Bento, which has a variety of tempura, nigiri, seaweed salad, and sashimi. Even thinking about it now, I’m getting the itch for it.
The drinks were also amazing. I ordered a gin drink with cucumber (I forgot the name), and it was perfection — not too sweet either. Of course, they also have sake, which can be served hot on a chilly day.
DOZO Sushi: Covent Garden and Kensington
If you want a location that brings together the full Japanese restaurant experience, DOZO is gonna be one of your best places to eat in London. The interior design, Japanese-style furniture, and the food are a 10/10 when brought together.
I visited the SOHO location, but I felt transported back to Japan with how fresh the nigiri and sushi rolls were.
The beef donburi was so cozy with perfectly blended flavors and soft, melt-in-your-mouth slices of beef.
If you’re looking for a fatty salmon belly, get it here. My goodness, that was absolute heaven.
But if I were to go again, I wouldn’t order the edamame or the vegetable tempura — they were good, but for the price, I want every bite to impress me.
Belt Noodles: Biang Biang Noodles & BBQ in Chinatown
Belt Noodles is one of the best restaurants in London I won’t stop raving about it.
With the claim to fame of having the longest and widest noodles in London, they are also up there in flavor.
My recommendations are beef noodles, grilled oysters, chilled cucumbers, seaweed salad, and dumplings. To be fair, everything was delicious.
Only the sesame chicken noodles I wasn’t crazy about. Otherwise, everything gets a “god damn” rating from me.
They also have a grill at the table, so you can whip up some skewers.
Klook.comBest Indian Food Spots in London for Foodies
Dishoom: Bombay-Style Dishes (Try the Breakfast)
Dishoom is one of the best places to eat in London, whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
I’m so glad my friend Hayden suggested this spot (and his personal recommendation: the breakfast naan roll) because everything was done perfectly. The eggs were gooey, the bottomless chai tea not too sweet, and the spices in the dishes stood out yet remained balanced.
I had the omelet and the cheese-and-egg naan roll; I would order both again. Then again…everything else on the menu is tempting.
Oorja: Indian Food in Covent Garden
Oorja is an Indian restaurant in London that prides itself on its dishes, from the flavors to the way they’re cooked.
I can’t find anything negative to say about the food. Just remember to bring a friend or 2 so you can try as many dishes as possible.
They also make a unique array of negronis, such as the Masala Chai Negroni.
The Standard: Indian Restaurant included in London Pass
The Standard Indian Restaurant in Shoreditch is one of the best places to eat in London that’s part of the Go City London Pass.
I’d added it here as the Go City London Pass offers over 100 things to do in London, saves money, and the all-inclusive pass means meals too!
The London Pass saved us about £90 with our one-day London itinerary, and this restaurant was my favorite of those included in the pass. If you get the pass, don’t skip it!
And without the pass, this is still a good spot to eat if you’re craving Indian food in Shoreditch.
Klook.comBest Bars in London
Opium: Chinatown Cocktail Bar
Opium is one of the coolest bars in London; it screams date night but would fit perfectly for a group of friends too.
The red glow of the lighting and 1920s-inspired Shanghai decor give this London bar an irreplaceable vibe.
And the cocktails? Don’t get me started. They take pride in their creations, from the balanced flavors to the presentation.
They also serve dim sum, but we didn’t have the chance to try it.
Gordon’s Wine Bar: Embankment Wine Bar in Old Cellar
Gordon’s is London’s oldest wine bar with over 130 years in service.
As you descend the stone steps underground into the cellar, you’ll immediately see why it’s one of the best bars to visit in London.
Aside from the endless wine list, they also have cheeses, breads, and even bar snacks like Scotch eggs.
Savage Garden: Bar & Restaurants with Views of Tower Bridge
I’m gonna be upfront, the food at Savage Garden didn’t wow me. Although the brownie…that was actually insanely good. If you have a sweet tooth, don’t skip out on the brownie.
So why did they earn a spot on this list? The view and the cocktails.
Savage Garden has an amazing view over Tower Bridge and the Shard in the distance. The cocktails were also delicious and had so much variety.
Beyond the Best Places to Eat in London
Here are more of my UK & Europe travel guides to make your trip even easier:
