Where to Eat in London

Before my trip to London last year, I thought I planned everything I needed to. I spend hours, days, and even months researching the best hotels and neighborhoods. I can’t even count the amount of Excel spreadsheets I made detailing the best sites to see throughout the city. Every museum and tour were booked, every train ticket was secured, and every hotel was reserved for my London trip. Little did I know there was one thing missing. This one missing link became a running issue throughout the whole trip. It was one of the most essential things one needs to plan for when visiting London. This one element is where to eat in London.

Immediately, as we stepped off of the airplane with hungry bellies, we realized we had no clue where to eat. Luckily across from our hotel was a Turkish bakery to fill our stomachs, but we weren’t that lucky for the remainder of the trip. In fact, we were so hungry and so lost, that we found ourselves at awful inauthentic chain restaurants. We spent our time in London eating hotel snacks, McDonalds, Five Guys, and the Hard Rock Cafe. Sure, it filled our stomachs, but it was with subpar food we could find at home. Other than the Turkish bakery in front of our hotel, we disappointingly did not eat any food authentic to London.

We would have had a much better trip if I knew what to look for and where to find it. I desperately needed an article like this. After researching on the last day and speaking with friends and locals in the London area, I’ve compiled a great list of where to eat in London! This way you know where to go before hunger hits.

Chet’s 

Located at 65 Shepherd’s Bush Green, London W12 8QE, Chet’s is an incredibly unique dining experience you’ll only find in London. The restaurant mixes flavors of smoky flavors of Thai and the familiar taste of Americana to create a delicious comforting experience. Though it features American flavors, it is in no way anything you have had before. Nor is it a gimmicky American chain restaurant. In this creatively decorated diner, you’ll find American BBQ drenched in sweet Thai sauces and spicy seasoned seafood. This restaurant also has a long list of wines, cocktails, and desserts, all matching the Thai and American themes. This restaurant is a must-do when looking for where to eat in London. Chet’s is right outside the Kensington area. It serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner for anyone exploring Kensington Gardens or Notting Hill. 

Flat Iron London Bridge

Next on where to eat in London is Flat Iron London Bridge. As seen in the title, this restaurant is for those in the area of the Tower Bridge, Tower of London, or the Shard. This is a fine local place to eat if you’re anywhere in the Flat Iron Borough. The Flat Iron London Bridge is a British steakhouse that serves delicious high-quality steaks each evening. The restaurant boasts a menu full of local flavors such as creamed spinach, Scottish bavette, wagyu steaks, chips, and more. Don’t let the modern decor and mouth-watering menu fool you into thinking it is expensive. Here you can find steaks, burgers, and platters anywhere from $12 to $31. The address is 112-116 Tooley Street, London SE1 2TH.

Da Mario

Third on our list of where to eat in London is Da Mario. This classic Italian restaurant has been a local London favorite since its opening. Made famous by being Princess Diana’s favorite Italian shop, this restaurant is a must-visit. At Da Mario, the menu consists of authentic assortments of Italian food. This includes pizza, fresh seafood, pasta, bruschetta, and Italian desserts such as tiramisu, panna cotta, and so much more. Princess Diana’s favorite branch is Located in Kensington. However, if you are in Covent Garden, there is another branch there with the same menu. The portions are generous, the ambiance is homey, and it is a great experience for fans of history and Lady Di. Find the Kensington location at 15 Gloucester Road, London SW7 4PP.

Rules

Next on the list of where to eat in London, we have Rules in Covent Garden. You’ll find it at 35 Maiden Lane, Covent Garden WC2E 7LB. It is located perfectly between the Covent Garden Underground station and London Coliseum. It is a perfect place for anyone shopping in the garden, exploring Trafalgar Square, or coming from a performance in the west end. Rules restaurant is another traditionally British restaurant that serves local food that aligns with the culture of London. This means your menu will consist of steak and kidney pies, roasted lamb, duck salad, and toffee pudding. Everything on the menu is delicious and exactly what you should be looking for in authentic British food when traveling to London!

Museum Tavern

Then we have the Museum Tavern! As stated in the name, this restaurant is located directly across the street from the British Museum. As I have said in other posts, visiting the British Museum is an all-day affair. Though there is a basic restaurant located inside the museum, when you finish walking and walking, you’ll want something hearty to fill your stomach. This is where the museum tavern comes in. Sitting at 49 Great Russell St, London WC1B 3BA, this location also serves authentic, filling British food.

Their menu is packed with plates of fish and chips, meat pies, duck hash, and chicken kiev. This location also has vegetarian and gluten-free options available for those with dietary restrictions. Here you’ll find a mix of locals and tourists sitting at the pub and booths sharing stories. It is a must-eat and the perfect way to end a day at the British Museum.

Sky Lounge

Last on our list of where to eat in London is the Sky Lounge. This is one of the best places to eat in London simply because of the view. The Sky Lounge is located on one of the top floors of the Shard. Yes, that shard, the tallest skyscraper in London Shard. This is a great location for those who don’t want to pay to go up to the observation deck just to look out. Located just a few floors from the roof, this restaurant boasts the same view of London, but with plates of food and desserts and less crowd. 

Here you can enjoy tasty delights such as British asparagus salad, roasted salmon, wok-fried tamarind prawns, and more. There is also a tasty dessert menu filled with British sweets such as miso cremeux, and chocolate mess. If there is one place you must eat during your trip, it is the Sky Lounge. Not only is the view of London a mesmerizing sight, but the food is a perfect combination of classic British food and diverse Asian flavors. You shouldn’t need an address for the shard, look up in the city and you’ll find it, but if you do, it is at 28 London Bridge St, London.

Now you are prepared!

After going through this list of where to eat in London, you should be able to find a restaurant that meets your needs. Located on each edge of the city, these restaurants have exciting menus full of flavors you won’t find in your local city. Whether you are looking for traditional Asian cuisine, Middle Eastern bites, or classic British meals, you now know exactly where to find them. The meals at these restaurants are delicious, affordable, centrally located, and perfect for lost travelers looking for authentic food. Enjoy!

Need more London travel advice before your trip? Check out 3 things I wish I knew before visiting London!