After having spent almost 4 years living as an expat in London, I’m always getting asked by friends and family on where the best food spots are in the city. Of course, London is far too large and every-changing for this to be a comprehensive and permanent resource of the best dining options in the city, but this is a compilation of some of my ‘go-to’ favorites. Check out my ultimate London food guide below, and enjoy!
Breakfast and Brunch Spots in London
Dishoom
It’s likely that you’ll encounter the name ‘Dishoom‘ on any ultimate London food guide – this Indian-Iranian restaurant is much-loved staple for the locals and always a safe bet (I’ve been several times and have NEVER had a bad meal). While it’s a great spot for dinner (get the classic black daal or the jackfruit biryani!), it’s an even better spot for an affordable, fiery, and unique brunch. Brunch-goers also get access to unlimited Chai tea! You will almost certainly have to wait in line to get into the restaurant, but the food is worth the wait.
What to get: Bacon Naan Roll with Chili Jam, the Kejriwal (two fried eggs on chili cheese toast), and the House Granola with Coconut Yogurt
Location(s): Multiple locations – Kensington, Shoreditch, King’s Cross, Carnaby, Covent Garden (our favorite locations are the King’s Cross or Shoreditch locations)
The Good Egg
This cozy, hipster-esque restaurant serves up dishes inspired by the bold and fresh flavors of Tel Aviv, with a nod to the comfort of old Jewish delis. Warm and fluffy pitas. Bittersweet and aromatic chocolate babkas. Yum. The Stoke Newington Good Egg location also serves bagels to go!
What to get: Shakshuka, Sabih, and the Babka French Toast
Location(s): Soho, Stoke Newington (our favorite location is the Stoke Newington one)
Related Post: The Best Places to Eat in Tel Aviv (+ Other Tips)
Fink’s Salt and Sweet
A simple, no-frills spot featuring your favorite brunch classics. We love Fink’s Salt and Sweet for the quaint laid-back neighborhood feel, the light and airy cafe space, and the baked goods! Come here if you want to hang with the locals.
What to get: Fink’s Granola and Yoghurt, Cinnamon Bacon Toast, and the Avocado on Toast with Chevre
Location(s): Finsbury Park
Pachamama
Pachamama is a trendy Peruvian-inspired bar and kitchen featuring a sharing-plate menu and a Pisco bar atmosphere. While the small plates are great for an evening of drinks and fun, the brunch menu is really where it’s at (and a bit of a hidden secret). Opt for the bottomless brunch (with a prosecco or mimosa option) if you’re feeling extra cheeky, or if you’re looking for something less filling, order a brunch waffle and a small snack. The waffles are sooooo good – slightly crunch on the outside, soft-and-fluffy on the inside.
What to get: English Berries waffle (with the buckwheat base), and the Peanut Butter waffle (with sweet potato base)
Location(s): Marylebone, Shoreditch (we always go to the Marylebone location)
215 Hackney
This cool brunch and coffee spot is an absolute gem. Featuring Middle-Eastern inspired dishes, 215 Hackney serves a variety of options from Tel-Aviv street food to Lebanese baked goods and Syrian platters. The platters are definitely where it’s at!
What to get: Morning Palestine Platter, Hackney Vegan Feast Platter
Location(s): Stoke Newington, Woodberry Down (our preferred location is the Stoke Newington branch)
Chiltern Firehouse
A luxury hotel and restaurant, Chiltern Firehouse is one of the hippest venues in London and also a famous celeb haunt. It’s not the cheapest brunch option, and you’re likely going to need to book reservations several weeks in advance, but trust me, the high-stack of buttermilk blueberry pancakes are worth the splurge and effort.
What to get: Buttermilk Pancakes, Flaming Benedict
Location(s): Marylebone
Cheap Eats in London
Bun House
Kevin and I can’t visit the Chinatown/Soho area without making a pit stop at Bun House. This tiny little shop tucked in the heart of Chinatown features a variety of steamed buns and Cantonese small plates, perfect for a cheap lunch (4 buns for 10 pounds!) or afternoon snack. Be careful when eating the fluffy, piping-hot egg yolk custard buns – the filling is extra creamy and runny and oh-so-delicious.
What to get: Pig Bun, Beef Bun, and Custard Bun
Location(s): Chinatown
Nilly’s Turkish in Old Spitalfields Market
Kevin and I worked right across the street from Old Spitalfields Market in between Liverpool and Shoreditch Stations, and a go-to lunch spot was always Nilly’s Turkish Kitchen. Serving made-to-order traditional Turkish wraps, lunch boxes, and gozlemes (flatbread stuffed with potato, chives, cheese, spices), Nilly’s will not disappoint. The meat is extremely tender, juicy, and flavorful, but there are several vegetarian and vegan offerings available too! Each box comes with a side of bulgur and salad.
What to get: Mixed veg gozleme and the lamb box
Location(s): Old Spitalfields Market
Beigel Bake
There’s a LOT on the menu at bagel shop Beigel Bake – so much so that ordering can be an overwhelming situation. Ignore the list and heed my advice – the only thing you need to try at Beigel Bake is the Salt Beef Beigel with all the toppings (mustard, pickles). This melt-in-your-mouth sandwich is salty, juicy, chewy, tangy…perfect for late-night munchies. Open 24/7, and churning out over 3,000 bagels a day, this iconic shop located on Brick Lane almost always has a line out-the-door (especially at 2am).
What to get: Salt Beef Beigel
Location(s): Shoreditch
E. Mono Restaurant
I debated on whether I should include E. Mono on this ultimate London food guide – not because it doesn’t deserve a spot on the list, but because I selfishly want to keep this hidden gem all to myself. Kevin and I were regulars at this hole-in-the-wall kebab shop (read: frequented at least 1-2x a month for several years), and the owners always remembered our order (two chicken shwarmas with a side of halloumi – one in a box, one in wrap-form). The menu is small, and the interiors are nothing to write home about…but the food….the food is really something special.
What to get: Chicken Shwarma or Chicken Shish
Location(s): Kentish Town
Go-to Dinner Spots in London
Le Relais de Venise l’Entrecote
Le Relais de Venise l’Entrecote is definitely one of my favorite restaurants. The original restaurant was an Italian restaurant in Paris, bought by a winemaking French family who decided to convert it to a classic French bistro (they didn’t bother stripping the restaurant signage…hence the confusing name). They only have one menu offering (this is how you know it’s good…they don’t need anything else on the menu!) – your classic French steak-frites. Served with a buttery lemon garlicky sauce, a side salad, and an endless offering of crispy fries…it really is the perfect meal. Oh! With a side of red wine. Can’t forget about the wine.
What to get: Steak-frites
Location(s): Marylebone
Related Post: A Guide to Bordeaux and the Marathon du Medoc
Laksamania
For authentic Malaysian food, look no further than Laksamania. Located on a quiet side street right off the bustling Oxford Circus, this unassuming restaurant serves the best laksa soup I’ve ever had. If you’ve never had laksa before – GO TRY IT OUT! This spicy noodle soup is typically made from a rich, spicy, and aromatic coconut broth, and topped with chicken, veggies, and/or seafood. Your taste buds will be happy! And perfect for gray, rainy days (London weather ya know?).
What to get: Green Papaya Salad, Singapore Curry Laksa, Soft Shell Crab Laksa
Location(s): Oxford Circus
Franco Manca
This popular pizza restaurant chain may be the reason Kevin and I ended up moving to London. Okay, not really. BUT, we did discover this cozy sourdough pizza restaurant on our first visit to London as we were walking to the Tube station from our hotel in South Kensington, and had fully intended on dining there, but unfortunately couldn’t fit a visit into our trip itinerary. We swore we’d go back to London just to visit Franco Manca because the pizza looked THAT good. Want to guess what our first dinner was on our first night in London as official ‘expats’? Yep, Franco Manca.
What to get: The number two (tomato, mozzarella, and basil), or the number seven (spicy salami, tomato, mozzarella, caramelised red onions, chili oil, and basil)
Location(s): Multiple locations including Soho, Kentish Town, Chelsea, Richmond, Canary Wharf, Covent Garden, and King’s Cross
Le Sacre Couer
This quaint bistro is snuggled in the heart of Angel, and is one of our favorite go-to affordable dinner date spots. Everything about Le Sacre Couer oozes unassuming French charm – from the patterned tablecloths and classic French decor, to the dim lighting and romantic ambience. It’s a little slice of Paris in London!
What to get: Any of the three-course set menu offerings is a great value
Location(s): Angel
Smokestak
I know what you’re thinking….American barbeque in London? Yes, really! We first discovered Smokestak when I was desperately trying to find a decent barbeque joint in London (it’s a classic birthday tradition for Kevin…we have barbeque for his birthday dinner every year!). This place is the real deal. Yes, it’s a little swankier than what you might find on a Texas roadside, but the meat is legit. Crispy, charred, wood-smoked, saucy meat. We went here for every one of Kevin’s birthday celebrations while we were living in the city.
What to get: Brisket Bun, Salt Baked Beetroot with Goat Cheese, 30-day Dry Aged Beef Rib, Fennel and Herb Salad, and the Sticky Toffee Pudding
Location(s): Shoreditch
Gloria Trattoria
Really incredible Italian food. I love every single Big Mamma Group restaurant I’ve ever visited (a Parisian restaurant group known for fashionable and fantastic Italian trattorias across Paris), and was very excited when I heard that Big Mamma Group was opening up two locations in London: Gloria Trattoria and it’s sister restaurant Circolo Populare. Every one of their restaurants is an Instagram hot-spot, but for good reason: beautifully-decorated interiors, huge portions, and the most photogenic spaghetti tossed in a full wheel of cheese. But most importantly, the food tastes delicious too. Book a reservation at least a month in advance or expect long waits.
What to get: Burrata con Marinara, Principessa Sofia Pizza, Mafaldine Al Tartufo, and La Gran Carbonara (serves 2)
Location(s): Shoreditch
Shoryu Ramen
It’s not the BEST ramen I’ve ever eaten (that designation would be reserved for Ichiran Ramen in Tokyo), but you can always find a darn good bowl of ramen at Shoryu Ramen. Each bowl of the creamy tonkotsu pork stock takes over 12 hours of cooking time, and you can choose how you like your noodles – standard, hard, or very hard.
What to get: BBQ Pork Bun, Shoryu Ganso Tonkotsu Ramen, Chicken Katsu Curry Ramen
Location(s): Multiple locations including Soho, Shoreditch, Covent Garden
Related Post: Highlights of Japan Part 1: Tokyo
Ottolenghi
Yotam Ottolenghi is a famous chef and culinary genius, and you really can’t go wrong if you visit any one of his many Middle Eastern-inspired delis or restaurants in London. Ottolenghi in Spitalfields was a much frequented lunch and/or dinner spot with my colleagues. The menu offerings are fresh and fragrant (note: while the meats are good, the veggie offerings are the the real star dishes at Ottolenghi), and the baked goods are to-die-for.
What to get: The salad and side offerings change frequently depending on what’s in season, but you can’t go wrong with any aubergine, cauliflower, or white bean option
Location(s): Multiple locations including Spitalfields, Notting Hill, Angel, and Marylebone
Okan
This tiny Japanese canteen is an homage to classic street food in the bustling city of Osaka, Japan. Okan means ‘mom’ in Osakan Slang, and is a term of endearment; I swear, you can taste the love poured into every dish at this local, independent restaurant. Okan serves teppanyaki, yakisoba, okonomiyaki, and a variety of noodle soups – if you’ve never had okonomiyaki before, it’s a savory pancake that is typically packed with meat, seafood, cabbage, and other veggies…and slathered in Japanese mayo.
What to get: You really can’t go wrong with any okonomiyaki (add cheese, add mochi) offering on the menu, or the spicy udon noodle soups
Location(s): Brixton, South Bank
Barrafina
Barrafina specializes in modern, Spanish tapas. The food is easy-to-share, and perfect for when you’re in the mood for variety. Here, you’ll find a bustling bar scene and classic tapas favorites like fluffy tortillas, pan con tomate (tomato spread on toast), ham croquetas, patatas bravisimas, and a great selection of dried meats and Spanish cheeses.
What to get: Ham Croquetas, Arroz Negro (Squid Ink Rice), Stuffed Courgette Flowers, Iberico Ham, and the Tuna Adobo
Location(s): Multiple locations including King’s Cross, Covent Garden, and Soho
Jin Kichi
Really authentic Japanese cuisine in the heart of Hampstead Village, and another one of those ‘hidden gems’ that I almost kept to myself! The food at Jin Kichi is high quality – from the meats from the robata grill to the fresh sushi and sashimi. Reservations are an absolute must at this tiny family-run restaurant.
What to get: Suimono, Mixed Sashimi, Temaki A, Set B Grilled Skewers, Torikawa
Location(s): Hampstead
For a Celebratory Affair in London
Hawksmoor
A great British steakhouse, featuring a daily chalkboard highlighting the day’s offerings – all giant premium cuts of meat cooked on an authentic charcoal grill. A meal here ain’t cheap, but it’s a fine dining steakhouse at it’s best and great for when you’re looking to celebrate an occasion or impress. In typical British fashion, you can order some beef fat triple-cooked chips on the side, and a sticky toffee pudding (with the largest mound of clotted cream) to close out a truly divine meal.
What to get: Cuts change on a daily basis but you can’t go wrong with the ribeye or the chateaubriand. The sticky toffee pudding is a must.
Location(s): Multiple locations including Spitalfields, Covent Garden, Canary Wharf, Shoreditch
Patron Cave a Manger
A classic Parisian-inspired French brasserie for a romantic night out. One of my favorite memories in London was at this restaurant – it was a hot and hazy summer evening and we were hoping for some al fresco dining. The owners were so kind and down-to-earth, and pulled a table out on the sidewalk so that we could enjoy a nice charcuterie and cheeseboard (and bottle of wine) out in the open air.
What to get: Seasonal Cheeseboard, Foie Gras, Camembert Fondu, and the Venison Bourguignon
Location(s): Kentish Town, Highbury
Trishna
This Michelin Star modern Indian coastal restaurant was the first Indian restaurant we tried in London. A meal at Trishna can get expensive, but the food is vibrant and exciting…it’s not your ‘standard’ curry house. Expect good portions, flavorful plates, and impeccable service.
What to get: Seafood Pilau, Dorset Brown Crab, Chemmeen Manga Curry, Paneer Tikka Anardana, and the Aloo Tokri Chat
Location(s): Marylebone
Farang Thai
Authentic Thai cuisine featuring bold flavors. The Thai Tasting Sessions at Farang are really popular events, featuring carefully crafted tasting menus served by the chefs that created them. If you can’t book a dedicated Tasting Session, you can get a ‘taste’ (pun intended) by ordering the three-course Feasting Menu for two. The whole coconut chili jam crispy seabass is phenomenal.
What to get: Whole Crispy Seabass, Spicy Tiger Prawn Curry, the ‘Gai Prik’ (Crispy Thai IPA battered chicken)
Location(s): Islington
The Savoy Grill by Gordon Ramsay
Owned by celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay, the legendary Savoy Grill restaurant has been frequented by diners such as Frank Sinatra, Sir Winston Churchill, Oscar Wilde, and Queen Elizabeth. It was the ‘place-to-be’ during the 1900s and remains a London institution. It boasts English and French classics, for when you’re looking for a impressive but traditional fine dining. And located right around the corner from London’s West End, it’s a great pre-theatre dinner spot. After having watched multiple seasons of Master Chef (guilty pleasure), Kevin and I knew we had to try Gordon Ramsay’s famous classic beef wellington while living in London. I was skeptical (usually not the biggest fan of classic English cuisine), but it was…phenomenal.
What to get: Warm Carlingfod Oysters, Chicken Liver and Foie Gras Parfait, and Classic Beef Wellington (serves two)
Location(s): Covent Garden
Weekend Favorites in London
The Bull and Gate
You can’t visit London without trying a traditional Sunday Roast. Read more about one of my favorite local pubs (and Sunday Roast spots) in this dedicated blog post here.
What to get: Rump of Beef, Braised Pork Belly Roast, or the Squash and Chestnut Filo Parcel
Location(s): Kentish Town
Related Post: The Bull and Gate: My Favorite Place to have Sunday Roast in London
Royal China Dim Sum
This Chinese Cantonese restaurant is the BEST place to get dim sum in London. Go early on the weekend to avoid a wait. The atmosphere in the large and family-friendly Royal China dining room is always bustling, with waiters rolling carts from round table to round table, and dolling out everything from traditional dim sum cuisine (shu mai! turnip cake! egg yolk pastries!), to signature dishes like pan-fried scallops with foie gras and lobster noodles.
What to get: Lobster Noodles, Sticky Rice with Crab, Shu Mai, Taro Rolls, Honey Roast Pork Puffs
Location(s): Multiple locations including Marylebone, Fulham, Canary Riverside (our preferred location is Marylebone)
La Poule au Pot
La Poule au Pot is an absolute charmer of a restaurant, with an interior that looks as though you’ve stepped back in time, or into some whimsical secret garden. The restaurant also features one of the best al fresco dining spots in the city, for those nice summer days that deserve a long, leisurely weekend lunch. The food is authentically French featuring classics like cassoulet, coq au vin, and beef bourguignon.
What to get: Pintade Rotie, Cassoulet, or the Saumon Grille
Location(s): Belgravia
Tandoor Chop House
British chop house meets Northern Indian tandoori. The highlight of Tandoor Chop House is their Sunday Thali Feast (available on Sundays from 12-4pm only), featuring a variety of North Indian-inspired dishes. Each thali feeds 2-3 people, and you get an array of sauces and dips, salads, curries, breads, and meats from the tandoor.
What to get: Sunday Thali Feast
Location(s): Covent Garden
The Wallace in the Wallace Collection
This is a hidden gem tucked away in Central London’s winding maze of crooked side streets. The Wallace Collection is a national museum that is free of charge to visit. It’s located at Hertford House in Manchester Square and features an array of eighteen and nineteenth century French paintings, and a large collection of medieval arms and armor. I loved spending a weekend exploring the collection and then popping into the drop-in cafe located in the central courtyard for some lunch or afternoon tea. The courtyard is filled with natural light, trees, and sculptures and makes for a wonderful oasis in the middle of the city!
What to get: Scone with Jam and Clotted Cream, the Daily Quiche
Location(s): Marylebone
Goddards at Greenwich
There’s nothing more quintessentially British than a traditional meal of pie, mash, and liquor. For the best pie and mash in the city, head South towards Greenwich to dine at Goddards at Greenwich. This no-frills pubs has been serving pie and mash for over 130 years. Once you’ve had your fill of butter, meat, and pastry dough, you can burn some calories by strolling around the centre of Greenwich visit the indoor market, the Cutty Sark, Greenwich Park, and the location where the eastern and western hemispheres meet.
What to get: Steak Pie with Mash and Liquor (the liquor is better than the gravy)
Location(s): Greenwich
Padella Pasta
If you’re obsessed with pasta like me, then you have to visit Padella in the heart of Borough Market. This tiny restaurant serves some of the best fresh pasta in London. You will almost certainly have to wait (they don’t accept bookings, but they do have a virtual queue which makes it convenient if you’re perusing the surrounding market), and the food comes out fast! There’s not much on the menu other than pasta and alcohol, but what else could you possibly need?
What to get: Pici Cacio e Pepe (my favorite), Pappardelle with 8 hours Dexter Beef Shin Ragu, Tagliarini with Dorset Crab Chili & Lemon
Location(s): Borough Market
Best Coffee Shops and Bakeries in London
AIDA
For the best rose latte in London, look no further than AIDA. This is the place to go if you want to feel really really cool (a safe haven for hipsters and Instagrammers); of course, I’m definitely not cool, but my inner Foodie was determined to try out their infamous rose latte. This multi-concept store sells clothing and homeware, but also features a tiny little coffee shop. Choose from classic coffee. smoothie, and juice options, or be adventurous with a specialty latte (Matcha, Turmeric, Chai, or Rose).
What to get: Rose Latte, Turmeric Latte
Location(s): Shoreditch
Host Cafe
You might be confused when you first enter Host Cafe because it’s also the location of one of the oldest churches in the city. This is the place to visit if you’re looking for some quiet reflection, but also if you’re looking for a seriously good cup of joe. Host Cafe was one of my ‘go-to’ spots while working in the city – you can bring your own lunch, the WiFi is free-of-charge, and they offer a variety of cakes and breads from local bakeries.
What to get: Coffee and a Pastry (selection changes on a daily basis)
Location(s): Watling Street in the City
Popham’s Bakery
This artisanal bakery creates some of the most delicious and unique viennoiserie pastries I’ve ever had! Buttery, flaky, interesting flavor combinations…just thinking about Popham’s baked goods makes my mouth water. They also serve a variety of freshly-made soups and toasties if you’re looking for something more substantial.
What to get: Bacon & Maple Croissant, Rosemary and Sea Salt Twist
Location(s): Hackney, Islington (our preferred location is the Hackney one)
Half Cup
Conveniently located near King’s Cross Station, Half Cup is one of my favorite coffee shops in London (they also serve a mean brunch!). The colorful wallpaper also makes me smile.
What to get: Flat White, Oreo French Toast, Veg Halfcup Full English
Location(s): King’s Cross
Creme Cookie
Hands down, the best cookie in the world (dare I say, the UNIVERSE?!?!). Creme cookies are not your typical cookies – they’re a bit denser, more cake-like soft-baked cookies. Gooey and soft on the inside, crispy on the outside…and absolutely massive. This pastel pink shop is cookie heaven, and they serve soft-serve and coffee too!
What to get: White Chocolate Miso
Location(s): Soho
Gail’s Bakery
We lived right across the street from a Gail’s Bakery, and so I have fond memories of Kevin picking up freshly baked pastries and coffee, and us having breakfast in bed together on lazy weekends. This bakery serves up great local coffee, bakes fresh, handmade bread, pastries, and cakes every day, and also offers numerous seasonal offerings (the mince pies during Christmastime are divine…and I usually hate mince pies).
What to get: Sea Salt Caramel Banana and Pecan Cake, Sour Cherry and Dark Chocolate Drop Scone, Ham and Cheese Croissant
Location(s): Multiple locations including Kentish Town, South Kensington, Camden, King’s Cross, Chelsea
Fabrique Bakery
This Swedish cult bakery can also be found in London, and thank goodness for it! I can just imagine the smell of cinnamon, cardamom, and butter wafting through the air. If you’ve never had a cardamom bun before, then RUN, don’t WALK to Fabrique. This gooey and dense pastry is similar to a cinnamon bun, but is slightly less sweet, and offers a bit more of a spicy punch in the mouth.
What to get: Cardamom Bun
Location(s): Multiple locations including Shoreditch, Covent Garden, Notting Hill, Fitzrovia, and Holborn
La Creperie de Hampstead
This little crepe stand in the heart of Hampstead Village always has a queue, but don’t be deterred…they’re worth the wait. Served freshly made and piping-hot, you can choose from a variety of sweet or savory options. Grab a crepe to go, and take a walk at Hampstead Heath!
What to get: Ham and Cheese Croissant
Location(s): Hampstead
Related Post: Where to get Unique Desserts in London
Markets and More
Harrod’s Food Halls
Harrods’ food halls are a foodie heaven, and one of my absolute favorite places to peruse in London. Food halls are similar to food courts, but tend to provide a more upscale experience with local artisanal products. While the ingredients and food offerings come with a heftier price tag than you would find at a standard grocery store, the quality is top-notch. This maze of delights features fresh produce, fish, meats, baked goods…and a variety of prepared foods and desserts. Indulge in best-in-class chocolate and bonbons at the Chocolate Hall, enjoy a lazy afternoon with coffee and a sweet at the Roastery and Bake Hall, or pick-up some ready-to-eat foods (pasta! sandwiches! freshly tossed salads! dim sum! naan! rotisserie chicken!) at the Fresh Market Hall for a gourmet picnic at nearby Hyde Park.
What to get: Everything. I mean it. It’s hard to go wrong here.
Location(s): South Kensington
Selfridge’s Food Hall
Another great British food hall to visit is the Selfridge’s Food Hall. It’s not as big as the Harrods Food Hall, but is conveniently located on Oxford Street within Selfridge’s (this London landmark is known to be one of the first examples of a ‘modern’ department store). Kevin and I went there often to pick-up items for a casual date night dinner – usually a couple of cheese and charcuterie options, and a salad or two.
What to get: Avocado Salad, Truffle Creme Brie
Location(s): Oxford Circus
Broadway Market
There’s no shortage of farmer’s markets in London – it’s one of the best things about the city! Broadway Market is our favorite weekend market in London (only open on Saturdays from 9am to 5pm). Located in Hackney near London Fields, this lively market is also arguably London’s hippest market featuring hundreds of stalls selling an array of fresh produce, flowers, used books, street food, local art work, and vintage goods.
What to get: It depends on what stalls are open, but I usually never leave without getting a scotch egg!
Location(s): Hackney
Borough Market
You can’t really visit London without a stop at Borough Market. London’s largest and most famous food market is worth a visit (or multiple), even if it means rubbing elbows with hundreds of other tourists.
What to get: Cheese Toastie at Kappacasein, Monmouth Coffee, Bread Ahead Donuts, Hazelnut Gelato at Gelateria 3BIS, baked goods at Flor Bakery
Location(s): South Bank
Mercato Metropolitano
There are a few of these Italian Food Halls scattered around London including one at Mayfair and another near Elephant and Castle. Head to the South location (Elephant and Castle), which is a short walk away from Borough Market. Besides several food options, the Mercato Metropolitano also features a quirky Backyard Cinema, a monthly vintage market, a vibrant covered outdoor area (great for a cold beer!), and a much-loved Italian deli shop.
What to get: Neapolitan Pizza at Fresco, Arepas at Guasa, Sausage and Beer at German Kraft
Location(s): Mayfair, Elephant and Castle
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