What to Eat in London: A Foodie’s Checklist

This blog is perfect for anyone wondering what to eat when visiting London. It contains my recommendations after living there for a few months.

In London, you’ll find bustling markets, exploring hidden tea rooms, or even sampling global cuisines. While London is a great city for many reasons, one of my favorite has to be it’s incredibly diverse food scene! Here is my guide on what to eat in London.

TL;DR: Top London Food Spots

Markets to Explore: Borough Market, Camden Market, Portobello Road Market, Old Spitalfields Market, and Brick Lane Market.
Unique Experiences: Secret tea rooms, Camden’s diverse street food, and Brick Lane’s famed bagels.
Hidden Gems: Bread Ahead donuts, secret tea rooms and underground dining spots.
Cuisine Highlights: Indian food at Dishoom, Sri Lankan hoppers at Hoppers, and English classics at the city’s many pubs.
A full list of places is at the end of this post.

A Market-Lover’s Paradise

If you’re wondering what to eat in London, the markets are the heart and soul of its food scene. One of my favorites is Borough Market. Located along the Thames, it’s a haven for foodies. I make it a point to visit the market every time I visit the city to try the various stalls. I love the risotto made fresh, takeaway fresh oils and fruits, but more than anything, I will always grab a Bread Ahead donut when I’m in the city. They are absolutely phenomenal and I will go out of my way to make sure I get one.

Pro Tip: Bread ahead only takes cash, so bring some coins with you.

Camden Market, another favorite of mine, is a hotspot for young creatives and diverse food options. From unique trinkets to vibrant street food, it’s a place to eat, shop, and hang out for hours.

For something even quirkier, head to Brick Lane Market. The indoor and outdoor sections cater to food lovers and shoppers alike, and the legendary 24-hour Beigel Bake is worth the hype. I personally went back a few times while I was living there just to get them. Brick Lane has the most diverse choice of food out of any that I went to, making it perfect for visiting with a group that has different tastes.

Pro Tip: Beigel Bake is so popular that the staff doesn’t necessarily have the time to be super friendly. Be prepared to be rushed through and enjoy your food outside. Regardless, it adds to the experiences in its own way and the bagels are amazing.

Global Cuisines, Local Flair

One of the most memorable meals I’ve had in London was at Hoppers, a Sri Lankan restaurant that serves mouthwatering hoppers and curries. My best friend, who’s Sri Lankan, insisted we go, and it didn’t disappoint. She said the food was pretty authentic and definitely delicious. It’s a super quaint shop so be prepared to wait for a bit, and if you can, make a reservation ahead of time!

Another standout is Dishoom, an iconic spot for Indian cuisine with a vintage Bombay vibe. The black daal is to die for! This one is incredibly popular though, so you have to make a reservation in advance. The food is a bit dressed up, so if you’re looking for authentic Indian food this might not be the best fit for you. While this one is more of a tourist destination, it’s still worth trying if you’re battling with what to eat in London.

For English classics, pubs are a must. Whether it’s a cozy spot like Warwick Arms or a historic pub along the Southbank like Anchor Bankside, you can’t go wrong pairing a pint with some hearty pub grub. Believe it or not, they actually have Indian food at most pubs!

Pro Tip: Most pubs are pretty similar… but also different. It’s almost like bodegas in New York– they’re on every corner and have similar vibes, but each has its own personality! Check out a few to get a feel for how the locals experience them.

Hidden Culinary Experiences

One of the coolest experiences I had was discovering a hidden tea room disguised as a bar. You’d walk up to the counter, ask about the tea shop, and be escorted through a secret staircase to a cozy upstairs room. While the one I visited is now closed, secret tea rooms are a London specialty that’s still pretty unheard of. It’s a fun twist on the traditional afternoon tea, offering the same elegance but with a memorable twist.

Another unique experience was visiting the Ice Bar, where even the glasses are made of ice. It’s an unforgettable spot, especially if you’re visiting in winter and embracing the city’s chilly charm. I love to try unique experiences, since they make eating in London truly memorable.

Seasonal Delights

Speaking of winter, London transforms into a festive wonderland during the holidays. It is the city of endless Christmas markets! This is one of my favorite things to come to London for. Christmas markets full of mulled wine, festive trinkets, and unique spirits are perfect hits if you’re wondering where and what to eat in London. They have a wide variety of things and you get to immerse yourself in the spirit. (I often find the second week of December to have cheap flights and the perfect time to explore before the rush of tourists.)

Some might not be direct Christmas markets, but they still embody the idea. Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is a pop-up amusement park with great food, rides, and Christmas cheer. Borough Market during this time is equally magical, offering holiday treats amidst its usual bustle.

Nightlife and Late-Night Eats

After a night out, Wok to Walk is a lifesaver. This Asian noodle joint lets you customize your meal, making it the perfect comfort food. If you’re near Camden, grab a drink and enjoy live music before indulging in some street food.

I can’t tell you the amount of my times my friends and I stopped here in the middle of the night to grab some noodles on the walk home from the bar or club.

A Comprehensive List

This is a list of a ton of the places I love. While it isn’t every single place I went to, it is a great start for those who are wondering “what should I eat in London”?

Markets

1. Borough Market – Known for incredible donuts (Bread Ahead), diverse food options, and a charming riverside vibe.
2. Camden Market – A hub for street food, drinks, and shopping with a vibrant, youthful energy.
3. Portobello Road Market – Quaint market offering groceries, trinkets, and unique shops.
4. Brick Lane Market – Features both food and shopping, with highlights like Nigerian cuisine and desserts.
  - Beigel Bake – Famous for 24-hour bagels.
5. Old Spitalfields – Try Dumpling Shack.
6. Apple Market at Covent Garden – Great for snacking but also shopping.
7. Canopy Market at King’s Cross – Perfect for getting mulled wine near the Holidays.

Southbank Centre Food Market – A great place for international eats, and fun to pair the food with a walk along the Thames!

Restaurants and Food Spots

Hoppers – A Sri Lankan restaurant serving amazing hoppers and curries.
Dishoom – Iconic Indian cuisine with a vintage Bombay vibe.
Farm Girl Café – Healthy and delicious food, perfect for brunch.
Bread Ahead – Located in Borough Market, famous for their phenomenal donuts (cash only).
Wok to Walk – Customizable Asian noodles, great for late-night snacks or quick meals.
Franco Manca – Known for delicious pizzas, a reliable lunch or dinner spot.
Xi’an Impression – Dumplings near King’s Cross, perfect for Chinese food lovers.
Mercato Metropolitano – go to the Mayfair location for a unique location, and try Elephant and Castle for the food! Get the Badiani Gelato at either.
Shoreditch Box Park – Renovated shipping containers into a whole area for food and activities. Edgy vibe and unique food!
Ffiona’s – Delicious brunch food.
Bill’s – Great chain for brunch food as well.
Churchill’s Arms – Amazing Thai food in a pub!
Padella – Affordable pasta bar, but join the line early (via app).

Pub Recommendations

Warwick Arms – A traditional pub in South Kensington, offering good Indian food and drinks.
Zetland Arms – A classic pub near Hyde Park.
Anchor Bankside – A historic pub near the Thames, great for drinks and a dose of history.
Churchill’s Arms (again) – Amazing Thai food in a pub!

Unique or Themed Experiences

Ice Bar – A bar entirely made of ice, including glasses and sculptures.
Secret Tea Rooms – Hidden tea experiences tucked behind bars or in secret locations.
Ballie Ballerson – A bar with a ball pit; fun for nightlife but requires caution.
Alchemist – Go at least once for unique drinks.
O’Neill’s @ Wardour Street – A bar that turns club-like at night… with live music too.
1. Get Chinese food two doors down after.
Swingers – Mini-golfing and drinks indoors.

Conclusion

From markets to secret tea rooms, London’s food scene is as dynamic as its skyline. Each visit brings new discoveries and beloved classics. So whether you’re a foodie, a market enthusiast, or someone who just wants to figure out what to eat in London, this city has something delicious waiting for you.

Learn more tips and tricks from my own personal experiences for your upcoming London trip here.

London Hacks