Whether you just moved to London, you’re visiting for the first time, or simply looking for a new restaurant recommendation there are plenty of options for foodies in the diverse city. So much so that it can sometimes feel like a daunting task to find the perfect spot to eat. The myth that London cuisine is bland and tasteless has long been busted. Some attribute the London food scene’s rise in popularity to the city’s more recent display and support of its diverse population. Whatever you’re looking for, this list will help you avoid some of the tourist traps and find the perfect London restaurant to fit your taste.
The Horniman At Hays - located in Hay’s Galleria - is a classic English pub with a diverse menu including meat pies, fish and chips, and nachos. The Horniman At Hays is about a five-minute walk from the Tower Bridge. It provides a fun pub experience with a wide range of guests due to its central location. If you’re looking for a quick bite to eat and a pint of beer or a glass of wine, this is the place for you.
Buns and Buns is a unique Asian restaurant with a beautiful location in the center of the Covent Garden Piazza building. The restaurant specializes in steamed bao buns and features fusion dishes, salads, and ramen as well. Buns and Buns sets the atmosphere with trendy music that will have you dancing in your seat and houses a bar that serves creative cocktails like the Passion Fruit (By Drake) and the Wasabi Martini. The restaurant stays open until 11:30 p.m., making it a great spot for date night.
Happy is located in Picadilly Circus, one of London’s more high-traffic, touristy areas. Though the chain originated in Bulgaria, I would describe the restaurant as more American with larger portion sizes. Happy’s menu features a large selection of cuisines, including different kinds of pasta, steaks, salads, and seafood dishes, as well as burgers and fries. The menu also includes some fun cocktails and decadent desserts. You can expect a little bit of a higher bill and sometimes a wait due to the restaurant's popular location.
The Ivy Kensington Brassier is located in London’s Kensington borough, which is known to be more of an upscale area. The Ivy Kensington Brassier is a high-end restaurant that serves modern British cuisine. Though the prices may be a bit high, this restaurant is a great spot to celebrate a birthday, anniversary, or other special occasion. The menu features seafood and vegetarian options, classics like fish and chips, and starters like duck liver smoked salmon. The service at The Ivy Kensington Brassier is sublime, so if you’re unfamiliar with British dishes, feel free to ask your server for recommendations. The restaurant tends to get busy, so make a reservation earlier in the day.
The Electric Diner is one of several eateries located inside The Ned Hotel in London’s business district. It’s a classic American-themed diner with red leather booths and a dessert counter filled with pies and ice cream. The Electric Diner’s full menu features breakfast items like avocado toast, eggs benedict, and buttermilk pancakes as well as burgers and salads. The drink menu features unique cocktails and adult milkshakes. Though this location is inside the hotel, you do not need to be a guest to stop by for a delicious meal.
The Folly is a uniquely decorated botanical bar and restaurant located in central London near the city’s business district. The Folly’s decor is garden-inspired with flowers and greenery dripping from every inch of the place. The Folly’s all-day menu features plenty of seafood and vegetarian options as well as burgers and other seasonal dishes. The menu also features tasty drinks that get more creative as they change each season. The Folly’s diverse menu and large dining area makes it a great location for a group of friends or coworkers.
Creme De La Crepe - located in London’s Covent Garden - is an excellent spot for brunch or even dessert. The menu features breakfast crepes filled with eggs and ham or cheese and tomatoes. The menu also includes vegetarian options as well as deliciously sweet crepes with fruits, chocolate, or Nutella. One thing to note; Creme De La Crepe’s Covent Garden location has a small dining area that doesn't have much seating.
Spaghetti House has a few locations across London and provides an affordable menu of delicious Italian classics. The menu features a variety of pasta dishes, pizzas, and desserts. I found Spaghetti House to be the perfect lunch spot due to the small portion sizes and quick service. If you’re looking for a quick bowl of spaghetti and a cheap glass of wine, this spot is for you!
As a lover of sushi and all things convenient, Itsu is one of my favorite ‘fast-food’ restaurants. The Japanese-inspired restaurants have locations all over England that serve quick, affordable, and fresh sushi as well as noodle and rice bowls. If you’re looking for a quick spot to grab a bite, Itsu is for you!
Amorino Gelato Au Natural is a simple yet delicious gelato shop with a few locations around the city of London (and even a few locations in the U.S.). On a warm summer night, Amorino Gelato Au Natural is the perfect place to stop for a cup of gelato, a gelato waffle, or - my personal favorite - a gelato macaroon.
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