The ultimate foodie guide to London

There’s a reason why London is one of the leading food destinations in the world – the city is a labyrinth of lip-smacking finds, with award-winning fine dining establishments located a stone’s throw away from food halls nurturing the next best street-food superstars. It’s a place where traditional fish and chip shops sit shoulder to shoulder with restaurants serving up food from far-flung lands. 

In this gastronomic guide to London, we call out the best spots to eat, drink and be merry – along with some not-to-be-missed dishes – with expert tips from some of the leading names in the capital’s food community. 

London’s tastiest neighbourhoods

Soho

Over the years, Soho has transformed from a bohemian hub with a debaucherous reputation into a foodie hotspot where the city’s most talented chefs are cooking up dishes from all over the world. Discover Filipino food at Kingly Court darling Donia, enjoy modern American fare at Rita’s or buy a ticket to an intimate dinner hosted by one of the guest chefs on rotation at Carousel.

Notting Hill

“I love the vibrancy of Notting Hill,” says cookbook author Alexandra Dudley. Though many flock to this West London neighbourhood for its charming, colourful houses and vintage shopping, it also has a booming food scene. Alexandra’s picks? Michelin-starred Dorian, comfort food crowd-pleaser Dove and Greek-inspired Zephyr.

Shoreditch

Shoreditch has been a playground for artists and creatives – and yes, hipsters – for decades, and with this ingenuity comes an eclectic range of food options. Chef and restaurateur Isaac McHale knows the area well and, when not at his two-Michelin-starred modern British restaurant The Clove Club or new pintxos and grill venue Bar Valette, you’ll find him at Thai it-spot, Singburi.

Mayfair

Home to the tailors of Savile Row and luxury hotels such as Claridge’s, Mayfair is an area steeped in history and romance. When in the neighbourhood, Jesse Burgess, host of social media sensation TOPJAW – which is celebrating its ten-year anniversary this year– suggests popping into Wine Bar for its small plates menu. “It’s accessible via the farm shop above on a basis of ‘if you know, you know’, which now you do,” he reveals.

Essential eats: the capital’s must-have dishes

Chef patron Stevie Parle – who’s had rave reviews for his new British brasserie Town in Covent Garden – knows a thing or two about standout dishes. His go-to? “Roti and dhal at Malaysian street food institution Roti King is one of my favourite things to eat in the world.”

Now when it comes to iconic British dishes, few come close to good ol’ fish and chips – Jesse’s vote goes to the version at 18th-century Fitzrovia pub The George – but Alexandra and Isaac argue that a true London classic comes in the form of farm-to-table pioneer St JOHN’s roasted bone marrow and parsley salad.

Plant-based and sustainable-first dining

Food trends come and go, but one thing never changes – London is always at the forefront of the hype cycle. If we’re talking plant-based dining, Alexandra is all over Middle Eastern restaurant Bubala. “What these guys can do with mushrooms defies physics,” agrees Jesse. The Big Smoke is also one of the trailblazers of sustainability-first dining, an area Stevie is incredibly passionate about.

“The Scratch menu at Somerset House restaurant Spring (a creative, zero-waste dining experience) is a great example of a chef contributing to changing people’s perceptions when it comes to food waste and sustainable eating,” he shares. Another chef who’s leading the charge is Douglas McMaster – Isaac tells us his zero-waste restaurant Silo in East London is one of the top places to see this trend in action.

Unmissable food experiences

The dynamism of London’s food landscape means there’s something to suit every style and budget. Splurge on a fine dining feast at Hélène Darroze at The Connaught – the three-Michelin-starred restaurant at one of the city's swankiest hotels – or enjoy some wallet-friendly bites from beloved Taiwanese spot Bao, which has branches across the city.

Eager to take part in a quintessential British tradition? Book a table for afternoon tea at The Peninsula London in Belgravia or indulge in a Full English at historic pub The Troubadour in Earl’s Court – top tip, it turns into a live music venue in the evening and is where everyone from Adele to Bob Dylan got their starts. To fully immerse yourself in the city’s culinary diversity, tantalise your taste buds with global street food eats from The Kitchens at Old Spitalfields Market.

Decadent desserts and dreamy drinks

Looking to satisfy your sweet tooth? The team at Aguamiel, London’s first Mexican churrería, will sort you out – theatre fans queue out its Covent Garden door for delicious churros con dulce de leche and cups of the signature horchata cold brew. If you’re after something to beat the heat, Gelupo whips up some of the best gelato in town.

When it comes to tipples, the capital has you sorted, whether you’re after sky-high drinks at Decimo in King’s Cross or prefer to hop from one brewery to another on the Bermondsey Beer Mile. For an experience to write home about, sip on a martini poured by the legendary Alessandro Palazzi at DUKES Bar or sneak into the Evans & Peel Detective Agency in Earl’s Court for Prohibition-era cocktails.

High-low dining by London’s landmarks

Here’s where to eat when you’re visiting…

Trafalgar Square and Piccadilly Circus

Savoury splurge: Expect bold, globally inspired plates at Scully made using British produce, such as arepas with eggplant sambal.
Affordable eats: Café in the Crypt is a charming spot hidden beneath historic St Martin-in-the-Fields church that’s perfect for comforting, no-fuss meals.

Hyde Park

Savoury splurge: Dinner by Heston is a playful and imaginative take on British culinary history from chef Heston Blumenthal. The ‘Tipsy Cake’, featuring spit-roasted pineapple, is to die for.
Affordable eats: Med Salleh Kopitiam serves up vibrant Malaysian street food that’s full of authentic ingredients.

Borough Market

Savoury splurge: Oma is great for Mediterranean small plates with bold flavours. Try the wild red prawn giouvetsi (a Greek baked pasta stew).
Affordable eats: Don’t miss Arabica’s brilliant coffee and simple Middle Eastern snacks.

Natural History Museum

Savoury splurge: Claude Bosi at Bibendum delivers Michelin-starred French dining in a stunning Art Nouveau setting.
Affordable eats: Comptoir Libanais is perfect for fresh, colourful Lebanese fare and a lively, casual vibe.

Savour London’s flavours