London Travels

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Food & Drink in London

Food and drink in London is a tale of world flavours, proper British classics, and local gems that won’t break the bank. Whether you’re after sizzling street food, cosy date-night cuisine, or indulgent dinners, the city serves it all with swagger, and a pinch of that charming London eccentricity. This guide brings together the best spots across four handy categories: street snacks, wallet-wise bites, romantic evenings, and fine‑dining moments, so you can taste the city like a true local.

Street-Food & Casual Snacks

Food and drink in London: Food Truck

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  1. KERB Food Markets (various locations)
    A rotating collection of street vendors serving everything from gourmet bao buns to Venezuelan arepas. Bite-sized adventure, perfect for sampling multiple treats. Just bring cash…
    Location: Camden, King’s Cross, Southbank
    Budget: £
    Nearest Transport: Depends on market (e.g. Camden Town, King’s Cross)
    Insider Tip: Arrive early for the queues to be shorter and the best flavours fresher.
  2. Borough Market Snacks
    While the main hall is great, go for the hidden stalls nearby. Grab a scotch egg or sourdough slice with cheese and sit by the river.
    Location: Bank / London Bridge
    Budget: £–££
    Nearest Transport: London Bridge
    Insider Tip: Fish & chips from Kappacasein go fast: get there just before opening (10 AM).
  3. Brick Lane’s Beigel Bake
    Legendary 24-hour bagel joint known for its salt beef and pickle sandwich. No frills, huge flavours, and perfect for after-hours munchies.
    Location: Brick Lane, Shoreditch
    Budget: £
    Nearest Transport: Aldgate East
    Insider Tip: Try the cream cheese version too. Order double-dip.
  4. Korean Toast at GAIL’s Bakery
    Surprising Korean twist on breakfast sandwiches – think egg, cheese, bulgogi on soft toast – available in select sites.
    Location: Various GAIL’s branches
    Budget: £
    Nearest Transport: Varies by branch
    Insider Tip: Best enjoyed warm, grab and head for nearby park benches.
  5. Street Pizzas at Homeslice
    Outdoor stalls sling wood-fired slices big enough to break in half, a London‑style pizza slice that fills you fast for less than £10.
    Location: Covent Garden, Sheperd’s Bush Market, Dalston Yard
    Budget: £
    Nearest Transport: Covent Garden, Shepherd’s Bush, Dalston Junction
    Insider Tip: Half-and-half toppings are a great way to try two flavours.

Cheap & Cheerful Eats

Food and Drink In London: Fish & Chips with mushy peas

© Charles Haynes, licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic license

  1. Dishoom
    Legendary Bombay café-style chain, offering mouthwatering curries and the famous bacon naan breakfast roll. Expect queue, but worth the wait.
    Location: Shoreditch, Covent Garden, King’s Cross, etc.
    Budget: ££
    Nearest Transport: Varies; suggest the nearest Tube
    Insider Tip: The chai is refillable; order early to beat the rush.
  2. Mildreds
    Creative veggie and vegan fare with dishes from Sri Lankan curry to aubergine burgers, hearty without the price tag.
    Location: Soho, Camden, King’s Cross, Covent Garden
    Budget: ££
    Nearest Transport: Goodge Street, Camden Town, etc.
    Insider Tip: Weekday lunch menu is cheaper, plus it gets busy come dinner.
  3. Flat Iron
    Affordable steaks served in minimalist, buzzy restaurants. (‘Flat iron’ is a cheap cut cooked beautifully.)
    Location: Soho, Covent Garden, Shoreditch, King’s Cross
    Budget: ££
    Nearest Transport: Tottenham Court Road, Covent Garden
    Insider Tip: No reservation, turn up when they open to avoid the queue.
  4. Poppies Fish & Chips
    Retro interior, sustainable fish and triple-cooked chips that locals line up for. A proper British experience.
    Location: Spitalfields, Camden, Soho
    Budget: £
    Nearest Transport: Spitalfields (Liverpool Street), Camden (Camden Town)
    Insider Tip: Opt for “skins on” chips. They’re crispier and tastier.
  5. Honest Burgers
    Simple, locally sourced burgers with rosemary salt chips. They’re honest indeed.
    Location: Multiple (Brixton, Hackney, Soho, etc.)
    Budget: ££
    Nearest Transport: Varies by branch
    Insider Tip: Don’t skip the seasonal specials. They often hit top of the menu.

Romantic & Cosy Dinners

Food and Drink in London: River Cafe

© Ludovic Bertron, licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license

  1. Luca
    An atmospheric Italian restaurant in Clerkenwell that blends rustic charm with modern elegance. Think hand-made pasta, candlelit tables, exposed brick, and a hidden garden conservatory that feels more like a Tuscan villa than central London. The menu focuses on seasonal British ingredients cooked with Italian soul.
    Location: Clerkenwell
    Budget: £££
    Nearest Transport: Farringdon
    Insider Tip: Ask for a table in the garden room. It’s lush, private, and seriously photogenic.
  2. Clos Maggiore
    Tucked in Covent Garden, known for its enchanted garden room and cherry blossoms indoors, possibly London’s most romantic dinner spot.
    Location: Covent Garden
    Budget: ££££
    Nearest Transport: Covent Garden
    Insider Tip: Request a window or garden room table. They fill quickly.
  3. Sabor
    Sensory Spanish dining with tapas and seafood dishes, set in a glamorous space near Victoria.
    Location: Belgravia
    Budget: ££££
    Nearest Transport: Victoria
    Insider Tip: Order the almond tart for two. It’s a tableside classic.
  4. The River Café
    Italian riverside restaurant under Hammersmith Bridge serving seasonal dishes, chic but relaxed.
    Location: Hammersmith
    Budget: ££££
    Nearest Transport: Hammersmith
    Insider Tip: Ask for a riverside table; they’re worth the wait.

Fine Dining

Heston Blumenthal

© Brian Minkoff- London Pixels, licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license

Clare Smyth

© Mind a Gap, licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported license

Gordon Ramsey

© Allan warren, licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license

  1. Dinner by Heston Blumenthal
    Two Michelin stars, historic British dishes reimagined in elegant, modern setting at the Mandarin Oriental.
    Location: Hyde Park Corner
    Budget: £££££
    Nearest Transport: Knightsbridge
    Insider Tip: Signature ‘meat fruit’ dish is a must-order.
  2. Core by Clare Smyth
    Top-tier British tasting menu, understated elegance, and sustainable ethos in Notting Hill.
    Location: Notting Hill
    Budget: £££££
    Nearest Transport: Notting Hill Gate
    Insider Tip: Book weeks in advance and go early to enjoy the kitchen garden entrance.
  3. Restaurant Gordon Ramsay
    Gordon Ramsay’s flagship three‑star Michelin venue in Chelsea: classic, refined, unforgettable.
    Location: Royal Hospital Road
    Budget: £££££
    Nearest Transport: Sloane Square
    Insider Tip: Wine pairings cost more than the food here, opt for a single glass.
  4. The Palomar
    Vibrant Modern Jerusalem-style plates, counter seating, and passionate kitchen theatre make this an unforgettable evening.
    Location: Soho
    Budget: £££
    Nearest Transport: Leicester Square
    Insider Tip: The seat right in front of the chefs gives you the full experience.