Where to eat in London: Best restaurants and must-try food

London’s food scene is nothing short of electric. With over 89 world cuisines represented across the city, it’s like taking a global food tour without ever leaving town. In neighborhoods like Brixton or Hackney, you can bite into a flaky Jamaican patty, slurp up steaming Vietnamese pho, and scoop up spicy Ethiopian injera — all on the same street.

With so many flavors to try and hidden gems to track down, you’ll spend plenty of time googling menus, and maps, and reading reviews. So before diving into the best food in London, make sure your SIM card has enough data for London adventures.

This foodie’s guide through London will show you where to eat in London, what dishes you must eat, and which London restaurants are worth the hype. Let’s dig in.

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Must-try food in London

You can’t talk about London’s food culture without mentioning the classics — the dishes that locals still love and visitors seek out. Luckily, many of them are easy to find across central London, whether you’re popping into a bustling café, an old-school pub, or a market stall with a loyal lunchtime queue. 

Some are tied to tradition, others to nostalgia, but all are deliciously worth trying at least once.

Full English breakfast

A full English breakfast isn’t just a meal — it’s a London rite of passage. This hearty spread typically includes eggs, sausage, bacon, baked beans, mushrooms, grilled tomato, toast, and sometimes even black pudding. Perfect fuel for a full day of exploring. Many London restaurants will serve it, but these are the best ones.

Where to try it:

• The Breakfast Club: Retro, cheerful, and always buzzing. This London staple serves a generously sized Full English with a fun twist on the classics.
  • Address: 33 D’Arblay St, Soho, London W1F 8EU
    
• Regency Café: A no-frills, art deco gem that’s been around since 1946 — you might recognize it from films like Layer Cake. The food is simple, traditional, and incredibly satisfying.
  • Address: 17-19 Regency St, Westminster, London SW1P 4BY

Fish and chips

Fish and chips is Britain’s most iconic comfort food and a must try for first timers — crispy golden batter wrapped around flaky fish, served with thick-cut chips, mushy peas, and a splash of vinegar. It’s especially satisfying on a drizzly London afternoon.

Where to try it:

• Poppies Fish & Chips: A retro-styled spot in Spitalfields serving sustainably sourced fish. Think jukebox tunes, old-school diner vibes, and perfect batter.
  • Address: 6-8 Hanbury St, Spitalfields, London E1 6QR
    
    
• The Golden Hind: Serving up traditional fish and chips since 1914, this place is beloved for its light, crispy coating and warm, welcoming service.
  • Address: 73 Marylebone Ln, London W1U 2PN

Sunday roast

The Sunday roast is a weekly tradition for many Londoners. Expect slow-roasted meats, crispy potatoes, vegetables, Yorkshire puddings, and lots of gravy. Whether you’re in a classic pub or a fancy gastropub, it’s a warm and cozy experience you don’t want to miss.

Where to try it:

• The Harwood Arms: London’s only Michelin-starred pub, known for its refined but still hearty Sunday roast. Game meats, seasonal sides, and a very “treat yourself” vibe.
  • Address: Walham Grove, Fulham, London SW6 1QP
    
    
• The Blacklock Soho: Known for its “All In” Sunday roast — a mountain of meat and sides served family-style in a buzzing basement space that feels like a hidden feast.
  • Address: 24 Great Windmill St, Soho, London W1D 7LG

Flat iron steak

Simple, juicy, and satisfying — the flat iron steak has become a local go-to for no-fuss indulgence. It’s not a traditional British dish, but it’s found a solid spot in the hearts (and stomachs) of hungry Londoners.

Where to try it:

• Flat Iron: Unpretentious, buzzy, and excellent value.
  • Address: Multiple locations
    
• Hawksmoor (various): A little fancier, but consistently one of London’s best steakhouses.
  • Address: Flat Iron – 17 Beak St, London W1F 9RW

The best restaurants in London for 2025

From Michelin-starred tasting menus to cozy neighborhood gems, Restaurants in London have something for every craving and occasion. Whether you’re celebrating, indulging, or just curious about what to eat in London, these are the places that food lovers are buzzing about in 2025.

Michelin-starred and fine-dining restaurants

These aren’t just meals — they’re full-on experiences, often centered around signature dishes that showcase a chef’s creativity and precision. With creative menus, exceptional technique, and unforgettable flavors, these restaurants show exactly why London is one of the best food cities in the world.

Akoko

Modern, bold, and absolutely unique — Akoko brings West African flavors into a fine dining space like you’ve never seen. With spice-forward tasting menus, elegant plating, and a warm minimalist setting, it’s an immersive experience that’s both refined and soulful.

• Cuisine: West African
• Address: 21 Berners Street, Fitzrovia, London W1T 3LP
• What to order: The Jollof Rice with Smoked Goat and silky Egusi Soup are standout dishes.

64 Goodge Street

Chic but not pretentious, this Fitzrovia bistro channels classic French cooking with rich sauces, hearty plates, and an impressive wine list. It’s the kind of place where you want to linger over a long meal, good bread, and dessert.

• Cuisine: French
• Address: 64 Goodge Street, Fitzrovia, London W1T 4NF
• What to order: The velvety Seafood Bisque and Snails with Bacon are top picks.

The Ritz Restaurant

A showstopper in every sense. Set in one of the most iconic London hotels, this is old-school luxury with white tablecloths, chandeliers, and live piano music. The service is polished, the setting is grand, and the food is refined British with French flair.

• Cuisine: British
• Address: 150 Piccadilly, St. James’s, London W1J 9BR
• What to order: The signature Lobster Thermidor or the dramatic Crêpes Suzette prepared tableside.

Hidden gems and neighborhood favorites

There are plenty of affordable restaurants with reasonable prices throughout London. Not every memorable meal comes with a white tablecloth. These local favorites prove that some of the best food in London can be found in modest spaces if you know where to look. 

St. John

A pioneer of the nose-to-tail movement, this Farringdon institution is known for its honest cooking and reverence for traditional British ingredients. The setting is stripped back — white walls, simple tables — but all the dishes are deeply satisfying and surprisingly elegant.

• Cuisine: British
• Address: 26 St John Street, Farringdon, London EC1M 4AY
• What to order: The legendary Roast Bone Marrow & Parsley Salad or the rich Welsh Rarebit.

Dim Sum Duck

Tucked away near King’s Cross, this classic spot serves some of the best Chinese roast duck and handmade dumplings in the city. It’s tiny, often packed, and a cult favorite for good reason.

• Cuisine: Chinese
• Address: 124 King’s Cross Road, London WC1X 9DS
• What to order: The Crispy Roast Duck and the delicate Dim Sum Selection.

Mambow

This vibrant Malaysian eatery in Clapton brings serious flavor in a casual, cozy setting. Expect bold spices, crispy textures, and creative dishes that are both comforting and exciting. It’s the kind of place where regulars rave, and newcomers instantly feel like insiders.

• Cuisine: Malaysian
• Address: 159 Lower Clapton Road, Clapton, London E5 8EQ
• What to order: The Tom Yam Mama Noodles with squid, pork, and prawns are pure comfort.

London’s top food markets

Markets are where food in London truly comes alive — sizzling woks, wafts of spice, and rows of hungry locals queuing for their favorite street food stall. From iconic spots to less-known places, these six markets offer a delicious way to explore cheap eats that overdeliver on flavor, 

Just a heads up: most vendors accept only mobile payments, so having the best eSIM for London makes tapping to pay (and googling your next bite) quick and easy.

Borough Market

A London institution and a true feast for the senses, Borough Market, located near London Bridge is one of the oldest and best-known food markets in the city. Its historic setting and dizzying variety make it a must-stop for food lovers.

• What to look for: British cheeses, sourdough loaves, sizzling raclette, West African stews, and handmade steamed pork dumplings. You’ll also find stalls serving fresh pasta dishes. It’s some of the best homemade pasta you’ll try without hopping on a plane to try the best food in Italy.
• Address: 8 Southwark St, London SE1 1TL
• Open on: Tuesday to Friday: 10 AM – 5 PM; Saturday: 9 AM – 5 PM; Sunday: 10 AM – 4 PM

Southbank Centre Food Market

Tucked behind the Royal Festival Hall along the Thames, this market is a magnet for weekend wanderers, theatre-goers, and hungry explorers. The riverside backdrop only adds to the appeal.

• What to look for: Afghan dumplings, Polish sausages, Korean fried chicken, flaky French crêpes, and sherry-soaked tapas bites — a nod to the best food in Spain. It’s laid-back, buzzing, and perfect for grazing between cultural stops.
• Address: Belvedere Rd, London SE1 8XX
• Open on: Friday: 12 PM – 8 PM; Saturday: 11 AM – 8 PM; Sunday: 12 PM – 6 PM; Bank holidays: 12 PM – 6 PM

Maltby Street Market

A compact, atmospheric stretch under Bermondsey’s railway arches, Maltby Street is where locals go for big flavors and smaller crowds. It’s a weekend-only gem with loads of charm.

• What to look for: Cheese toasties oozing with sharp cheddar, spicy bao buns, gourmet brownies, and small plates made for sharing. A great mix of comfort food and global flair.
• Address: Ropewalk, London SE1 3PA
• Open on: Saturday: 10 AM – 5 PM; Sunday: 11 AM – 4 PM

Broadway Market

East London’s Broadway Market blends creative energy with a chill neighborhood vibe. It’s the perfect Saturday destination for a foodie stroll, picnic supplies, or canal-side coffee.

• What to look for: Vegan Ethiopian platters, indulgent salt beef bagels, handmade tarts and cakes, and some of the best flat whites in the city. Bonus: it’s great for people-watching.
• Address: Broadway Market, Hackney, London E8 4PH
• Open on: Saturday: 9 AM – 5 PM

Brixton Village and Market Row

This South London market pulses with flavor and community. It’s a place to try dishes that reflect London’s African, Caribbean, and South Asian roots — no filters needed.

• What to look for: Jerk chicken, Trinidadian doubles, Indian thalis, empanadas, rotis, and fresh juices. Come hungry and stay curious.
• Address: Coldharbour Ln, London SW9 8PS
• Open on: Monday – Saturday: 8 AM – 11:30 PM; Sunday: 8 AM – 6 PM

Camden Market

Bold, buzzing, and wonderfully chaotic, Camden Market is a sensory overload — in the best way. Expect crowds, color, music, and every kind of street food imaginable. Dishes ranging from Middle East bites, Asian flavours, and good old pizza, you’ll get a crash course in quick bites of international cuisine.

• What to look for: Loaded chicken wings, buttermilk fried chicken, vegan burgers, bubble waffles, and frozen margaritas. It’s a little bit of everything, all in one wild, delicious package.
• Address: Camden Lock Place, London NW1 8AF
• Open on: Daily: 10 AM – late

Best brunch and coffee spots in London

London takes its brunch seriously. Whether you’re craving a pastry-and-latte moment, bottomless mimosas, or an eggs-on-everything kind of situation, the city delivers. From cozy cafés to Instagrammable brunch spots, here are a few places worth adding to your morning itinerary — or afternoon, nobody’s judging!

Grind (Covent Garden)

Cool, stylish, and just a little bit fancy, Grind is a favorite for both locals and visitors looking for a brunch that tastes as good as it looks. The interiors are polished, the espresso is on point, and the cocktails flow freely.

●     What to try: The sweet potato harissa hash, flaky pastries, and a classic flat white.

●     Address: 42 Maiden Ln, Covent Garden, London WC2E 7LJ

Dishoom (King’s Cross or Covent Garden)

This Bombay-style café serves a brunch like no other. Think spicy, comforting, and beautifully designed, with a backstory in every dish. It’s a real vibe — especially if you like your eggs with a little kick.

●     What to try: The legendary bacon naan roll, chai, and the house granola.

●     Address: 5 Stable St, King’s Cross, London N1C 4AB or 12 Upper St Martin’s Ln, Covent Garden, WC2H 9FB

Sunday in Brooklyn (Notting Hill)

Straight from NYC to West London, this all-day brunch spot brings stacked pancakes, chilled vibes, and a short-but-decent wine list. It’s spacious, bright, and super photogenic.

●     What to try: Hazelnut maple praline pancakes or their fried chicken sandwich.

●     Address: 98 Westbourne Grove, London W2 5RU

No.197 Chiswick Fire Station

This leafy west London gem brings laid-back vibes with a design-mag aesthetic. It’s the kind of place where brunch turns into cocktails — and maybe even dinner. Feels like a wine bar, but brunchier.

●     What to try: Buttermilk pancakes, breakfast burrito, or a mimosa (or two).

●     Address: 197-199 Chiswick High Rd, Chiswick, London W4 2DR

Kaffeine (Fitzrovia)

A favorite among coffee snobs (in the best way), Kaffeine serves specialty coffee that’s bold, smooth, and consistent. It’s more grab-and-go than long brunch, but their pastries and toast options are worth pausing for.

●     What to try: Oat milk flat white, ham and cheese croissant, or smashed avocado toast.

●     Address: 66 Great Titchfield St, London W1W 7QJ

Before you dig in

From comforting classics to globally inspired bites, London food is as diverse and exciting as the city itself. Whether you’re visiting London for the first time, aiming for family friendly restaurants, or searching for the perfect brunch spot in Covent Garden, there’s always something new (and delicious) to discover.

And since many stalls and restaurants only accept mobile payments, make sure your phone stays connected. A reliable eSIM should be on your packing list for London, as it makes it easy to use maps, look up reviews, and pay without missing a bite.

Holafly eSIM for the UK is just what you need for the best experience, especially if you want to avoid roaming in the UK. With all these places to see and foods to taste, you don’t have the time to look for a local SIM card. What you need is an eSIM that downloads instantly and gives you access to unlimited data in minutes. With Holafly – that’s precisely what you get!

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Katarina M Arsic

Senior Writer

With a background in English literature and a focus on storytelling, I’ve turned my interests in travel and technology into a career helping others stay connected abroad. Originally from Serbia, I work remotely with my husband, experiencing local cultures firsthand and bringing that perspective to my writing for Holafly. Fun fact: before focusing on content creation, I was a professional volleyball player.

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