London is truly a city of endless surprises. From its architecture, to its vibrant street style scene, to its food scene, every single day in London feels like a feast to the senses. There’s always something new to see, new to eat, new to try. That, I think, is the true essence of London. It always leaves you wanting more and more. Here is a list of 14 must-visit restaurants in London.
Ready to start drooling? Let’s get right to it.
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This is where to get the best Sunday roast in London
Well we can’t start this blog post without first talking about the cherished British tradition: having a proper Sunday roast. This is the go to thing to do when you live in the United Kingdom.
What is a Sunday roast?
Sunday roast is a traditional British meal that features roasted meat, roast potatoes, stuffing, Yorkshire pudding, veggies, and lots of gravy. It’s a very hearty meal and it’s a quintessential part of being British. When you’re a Brit, Sunday afternoons are reserved for Sunday roasts with close friends and family.
You absolutely have to have Sunday roast if you’re visiting London (or just the United Kingdom in general!).
The Owl & The Pussycat in Shoreditch
The best Sunday roast can be found within the walls of The Owl & the Pussycat in Shoreditch. You can eat outside at the back patio while watching rugby or upstairs, where it’s super cozy and has a feel good feeling to it. The service is great here as well, the servers treat you like you’ve been friends for years. The portion side is incredibly generous. They also have vegetarian and vegan options for you as well.
Reservations aren’t all the way required, but it’s good to have one just in case it’s going to be a busy weekend for London.
Also if you have any allergies, they will literally bring out a binder full of ingredient lists of every single meal, which I found to be very impressive.
The best Japanese restaurant London can be found in Notting Hill
SUMI Restaurant in Notting Hill
Sue me, but I think SUMI is literally the best Japanese restaurant I’ve ever been to in my life.
Japanese cuisine is all about artistry, presentation, the balance of flavors, and not to mention, passion that goes into it.
SUMI is a Michelin-recognized restaurant in Notting Hill, and it’s very easy to see why. From its gorgeous interior, first class service, and of course, it’s delicious meals, this is pretty hard to beat. This upscale casual restaurant has so much energy, great for all ages, and perfect for those who have an appreciation for amazing cuisine.
The menu offers sushi and sashimi selections, melt-in-your-mouth dishes, and a great cocktail menu. I say it’s worth every penny and worth adding to your list of must-visit restaurants in London.
Where to get American food in London
Rita’s Fining in Soho
Oh to be an American and eat American food outside of America. It’s oddly funny for whatever reason?
Rita’s Dining is perfect for those who are catching up with friends or taking visitors out when they’re visiting London for the first time. Bonus points if the visitors are American.
All jokes aside, Rita’s menu offers soulful flavors and hearty portions, just like American cuisine. Each meal is so memorable and very photogenic. Their menu changes seasonally to always make sure that they are bringing their customers the freshest ingredients and the newest innovations in their curation of American-British meals.
This is where to find the best friend chicken in London
Coqfighter in Soho
Coqfighter is so finger-lickin’ good. Nestled in the heart of Soho, this is the perfect place to eat some fried chicken and people watch. Make sure to get a table at the window for the full experience.
Coqfighter is widely celebrated for serving the crispiest, tastiest, and most scrumptious fried chicken in the heart of London. Decently priced (prices range comfortably between £6 and £16), this is the go to spot for lunch, dinner, and a late night snack. I totally recommend ordering the Laksa sauce wings.
No, THIS is the best Indian restaurant in London
Punjab in Soho
Everyone always has that one place that has the best Indian food in London. I am part of that statistic. I think Punjab is the absolute best Indian restaurant in London.
This Indian restaurant in Soho has the yummiest, most authentic dishes you’ll ever have. Its interiors also feel very homey and cozy. Very family friendly. Service is great, as it’s pretty straightforward. I love that they simply take your order, check in on you once, and then hand you the card reader as soon as you ask for the check. Sometimes I don’t want to talk to my server and be friends with them. Sometimes I just want to sit down, have a delicious meal, and go about my business.
Punjab is a staple restaurant and definitely a must-visit restaurant in London.
The most iconic place to get fish & chips in London
What’s the history of fish & chips and why is it so popular in the UK?
Fried fish has been around since the 17th century, believe it or not, but really rose to fame in the 1860s thanks to Joseph Malin, a Jewish immigrant who had the genius idea to pair fried fish with chunky chips. Now, it’s as quintessentially British as In-n-Out is quintessentially Californian.
Poppies in Spitalfields
And if you ask any Londoner about the best fish and chips in town, most will lead you straight to Poppies. This vintage-styled gem of a restaurant is renowned for serving up some seriously mouth-watering fish ‘n chips, with an awesome side of British nostalgia. It’s located in the trendy Spitalfields area.
The best Thai food is inside a pub in Kensington
Churchill Arms in Kensington
The best Thai restaurants in London can always be found in a pub. In this case, my choice of restaurant for Thai food in London is Churchill Arms in Kensington.
It’s such a beautiful spot. I mean, who could resist an outfit of the day photo in front of the building?! With all the flowers just beautifully adorning the exterior?!
This is a must-visit restaurant in London because the food is so delicious and very authentic, and it’s ridiculously cute inside. After having your meal, you can have a drink in the actual pub and admire the hundreds of teapots that are hanging off the ceiling. I felt like I was transported back in time being there.
This is the best Chinese food you’ll ever have in London
Dim Sum Duck at King’s Cross
Yes, I stood in line for 30 minutes for Dim Sum Duck, and yes it was worth every single bite.
This is the yummiest dim sum spot in London, and it’s even on the Michelin guide to prove that. Authentic and delicious, I was craving for more! Even though I was full, I still wanted to more.
The service is great and so quick that you get your meal in less than 10 minutes. The blend of rich flavors, quality ingredients, and quick service made this a 10/10 in my book.
Where to find the best Thai food in Acton
Rodfai Thai Street Food in Acton
We stumbled across Rodfai Thai Street Food in Acton, which is a neighborhood right outside of London, and fell in love. Very authentic, very aesthetically pleasing, and super filling.
If you’re willing to venture outside of the city and into Acton, this is a must-visit restaurant in London to add to your list.
The most memorable Italian restaurant in Shoreditch
Manteca in Shoreditch
Manteca is the best Italian restaurant in London that’s worth every single penny. Manteca has been recognized by Michelin, and is known for its brilliant fusion of traditional and innovative Italian cuisine.
With their impressive list of fine Italian wines, meals that will make you open your eyes wide and say ‘wow’ out loud, and beautiful interior, this is another must-visit restaurant in London.
Quite possibly the best Greek food in London
Hidden away in Notting Hill is a stunning Greek restaurant known as Zephyr.
The decor is super chic and has a cool girl vibe to it. You’ll find the snazziest glassware, candlesticks, and gorgeous plates adorning your dinner table. It’s very photogenic and Instagram-worthy.
Where to get the best fine dining Italian experience in East London
Allegra inside the Stratford Hotel in East London
Inside London’s chicest hotel, The Stratford, lies an even chic-er Italian restaurant, Allegra. This gorgeous destination for Italian cuisine stirs a sense of sophisticated charm with its vibrant yet chic atmosphere.
With an impressive menu, incredible interior design, and exceptional service, you won’t regret adding this to your list of must-visit restaurants in London.
Now, let me give you a little heads up – the portions at Allegra may lean towards the smaller side. But it’s all part of the show here – they flawlessly demonstrate that less can, indeed, be more. Every dish is a rich exploration of flavors that leave you savoring each bite. Plus, the smaller portions mean you can try a wider variety of dishes, exploring that menu to the fullest!
This is the best Spanish restaurant in London
Pizarro on Bermondsey St.
Pizarro is one of those restaurants you go to and never ever want to leave. Serving the best Spanish cuisine in London, you really won’t go wrong with what you order. Under the Head Chef, Maya’s careful eye, she makes sure that every single meal is made to perfection. If you’re a fan of tapas and are looking for a greaet dinner spot before going out on a rendezvous on the town, this is the perfect starting place.
And let’s not forget the champion behind this Spanish sanctuary – owner José Pizarro! José’s love for his culinary roots and his commitment to sharing this vibrant gastronomic heritage can be felt throughout the restaurant, from the intimate, snug decor to the warm, welcoming staff. Indeed, his winsome personality and impeccable hospitality elevate Pizarro from a mere restaurant to an unforgettable Spanish experience.
Where to get brunch in Notting Hill
The Shed in Notting Hill
An embodiment of rustic charm, The Shed is the loveliest farm to table restaurant in Notting Hill. I recommend this as a great go to lunch spot on a sunny day in London. Offering a very relaxed ambience, this is the place to sit back, relax, indulge in a wholesome conversation, and eat delicious food.
And those, are the must-visit restaurants in London
I hope you get to try these restaurants while in London. These places are truly delightful and you’ll have a happy tummy every time!
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