Where to eat in London: the top restaurants & foods

Last Updated on April 20, 2026 by Ioana

London has one of the most diverse food scenes in the world. You can eat everything from traditional British dishes to incredible international cuisine, often all within the same neighborhood.

But with so many options, it can also feel overwhelming to decide where to eat.

In this guide, I’m sharing exactly where I ate in London, plus a few additional spots and experiences worth adding to your itinerary so you don’t waste time researching. This blog post contains affiliate links. When you make a purchase I may get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Find out more here.

Borough Market: best food market in London

If you only have time for one food spot in London, make it Borough Market.

This was one of my first stops on my last trip and easily one of my favorite experiences. I know I’ll come back here next time I’m in the city of London.

There are dozens of food stalls here, and everything looks amazing. It’s one of the best places to try a lot of good things. It does get busy, but that’s part of the atmosphere.

What I tried (and loved)

👉 Donuts from Bread Ahead Bakery
Soft, filled, and not overly sweet. They have multiple flavors and they’re all worth trying.

👉 Cheese toastie from Kappacasein
This was honestly one of the best things I ate in London. Think next-level grilled cheese with high-quality local ingredients.

👉 Mince pie
A classic British dessert. It’s quite sweet and reminded me of a date cookie. Not my favorite, but worth trying at least once.

💡 Pro tip: If you don’t want to decide what to eat or wait in multiple lines, you can join a guided food tour of Borough Market and try multiple small plates in one go. This tour has a good value given the amount of food you get.

Afternoon tea: a must-do London experience

A proper afternoon tea is one of the most iconic experiences you can have in London.

Yes, it’s a bit touristy and can be expensive, but it’s an absolute must at least once.

I went to Fortnum & Mason and loved the entire experience. It was the perfect spot for afternoon tea since the place itself was very posh.

You’ll get:

• unlimited tea
• finger sandwiches
• scones with clotted cream and jam
• small cakes and desserts

It’s one of those experiences that just feels very “London”.

👉 Tip: Book in advance. Popular spots sell out quickly.

Indian food in London (don’t skip this)

One thing that surprised me is how incredible Indian food is in London.

It’s a huge part of the city’s food scene, and some of the best Indian food in Europe is here.

If you want to explore this properly, I highly recommend booking an East London Indian food tour.

It’s perfect if:

• you want to try multiple dishes
• you don’t know where to go
• you want a more local experience

Fish and chips: a classic London meal you have to try

You can’t visit London without trying fish and chips at least once.

It’s one of the most traditional British dishes and something you’ll see everywhere, from casual takeaway spots to classic pubs.

The dish is simple:

• battered and fried fish (usually cod or haddock)
• thick-cut fries (called chips)
• tartar sauce and sometimes mushy peas

But when it’s done right, it’s really good.

Where to try fish and chips in London

Here are a few solid options depending on your vibe:

👉 Poppies Fish & Chips
One of the most famous spots in London, known for its retro vibe and high-quality ingredients.

👉 Golden Union Fish Bar
A great central option with fresh fish and generous portions.

👉 The Mayfair Chippy
A slightly more upscale version if you want a nicer sit-down experience.

What to expect (so you’re not surprised)

• Portions are big, so you can easily share
• It’s quite heavy, so it’s better for lunch or an early dinner
• Prices vary, but it’s not the cheapest meal in London

💡 Tip: where you eat it matters

For the best experience:

• go to a proper fish and chips shop or pub
• avoid super touristy spots near major landmarks
• eat it fresh and hot

This is one of those meals that’s less about being fancy and more about trying something local and traditional.

Circolo Popolare: one of the best Italian restaurants in Soho

Circolo Popolare was one of my favorite restaurants in London.

I actually found it through Chrissy Teigen’s Instagram, and it completely lived up to the hype.

I ordered the carbonara pasta and it was delicious. The table next to me ordered wood-fired pizzas and they also looked delicious.

The restaurant is very popular, so reservations are recommended. And it’s popular for good reason: the food is exceptional and the restaurant itself is very Instagrammable with a relaxed atmosphere.

💡 If you’re traveling solo, go right when they open. It’s much easier to get a table. This is what I did at their Soho location since I didn’t have a reservation.

Wild Honey St James: Michelin-star experience for less

If you want to try a Michelin-star restaurant without spending a fortune, go to Wild Honey St James in the heart of London near Piccadily.

They offer a pre-theatre menu that’s much more affordable than a typical fine dining experience at other London restaurants.

You get:

• 3 courses
• high-quality dishes
• a great overall experience

This is one of the best restaurants if you want something a bit more elevated during your trip.

Coffee & pastries: quick and easy options

For a quick breakfast or snack, London has plenty of great cafés.

👉 My go-to: Drury Covent Garden

You’ll find:

• strong coffee
• pastries
• brunch dishes

Perfect for starting your day before sightseeing.

Other great places to eat in London

To round things out, here are a few more popular options worth checking out:

• Dishoom → famous for Indian food (great alternative if you don’t do a tour)
• Sketch → iconic, aesthetic, great for photos
• Flat Iron → amazing steak at a reasonable price
• Padella → fresh pasta, very popular

Final tips for eating in London

• Make reservations whenever possible
• Expect to wait at popular spots
• Mix casual food (markets) with experiences (tea, tours)
• Try international cuisine, not just British food

FAQs about where to eat in London

What food is London known for?

London is known for both traditional British food and international cuisine.

Some of the most popular dishes to try include:

• fish and chips
• afternoon tea
• Sunday roast
• Indian food (a huge part of London’s food scene)

London is one of the most diverse food cities in the world, so you’ll find incredible options beyond just classic dishes from British cuisine.

Where should I eat in London for the first time?

If it’s your first visit, I recommend a mix of:

• Borough Market → for variety and casual food
• Afternoon tea at Fortnum & Mason → for a classic experience
• A local restaurant like Circolo Popolare → for a proper sit-down meal

This gives you a good balance of local experiences and delicious food.

Is food expensive in London?

Yes, London can be expensive, especially in central areas.

However, you can manage your budget by:

• eating at markets like Borough Market that have a more affordable price
• mixing casual meals with one or two nicer experiences
• booking lunch menus or pre-theatre menus at restaurants

What should I eat in London on a budget?

If you’re on a budget, focus on:

• food markets like Borough Market
• quick bites like sandwiches, pastries, or street food
• casual spots and takeaway options

You don’t need to spend a lot to eat well in London.

Is it worth doing a food tour in London?

Yes, especially if you:

• don’t want to spend time researching restaurants
• want to try multiple dishes in one place
• are traveling solo

Food tours are a great way to experience London’s food scene more efficiently.

Options like Borough Market tours or Indian food tours in East London are especially popular.

What is the best food market in London?

Borough Market is widely considered the best food market in London.

It offers:

• a huge variety of food
• high-quality ingredients
• both local and international options

It does get busy, but it’s absolutely worth visiting.

Do I need reservations for restaurants in London?

For popular restaurants, yes.

Places like Circolo Popolare can get fully booked, especially in the evenings.

If you’re traveling solo, you may have more flexibility, but it’s still a good idea to plan ahead.

What time do people eat in London?

Typical meal times in London are:

• Breakfast → 7:00–10:00
• Lunch → 12:00–14:30
• Dinner → 18:00–21:00

Many restaurants close earlier than in other major cities, so it’s best not to leave dinner too late.

Is London good for solo dining?

Yes, London is great for solo travelers.

You’ll find:

• plenty of casual spots and markets
• restaurants that accommodate solo diners
• food tours if you want a more social experience

👉 If you’re traveling alone, check out my full solo travel guide to London for more tips.

What are the best areas in London for restaurants?

Some of the best areas for food include:

• Soho → restaurants, cafés, international cuisine
• Borough → markets and casual food
• Covent Garden → central and convenient
• Shoreditch → trendy and more local

👉 If you’re planning your stay, check out my guide on where to stay in London for the first time to be close to great food options.

👉 And if you want to plan your days, check out my 2 day London itinerary.

What is the best time to visit London for food experiences?

London is great year-round, but some periods stand out:

• Fall → cozy vibes, seasonal menus
• Winter → Christmas markets and festive food
• Spring → outdoor dining starts to open up

👉 If you’re visiting during the holidays, check out my guide to the best hotels near London Christmas markets.