London is one of the most diverse gastronomic destinations in the world. It’s possible to find every type of cuisine imaginable in this fantastic city. Whether you’re visiting for a 24-hour layover or are spending a few weeks traveling around the UK, you’re sure to want to taste the very best that the city has to offer. However, it can be hard to plan a trip itinerary when there are so many markets and eateries to choose from. Read our guide to discover the top food spots in the UK’s capital city.
8 essential foodie experiences in London
- Add a touch of Downton Abbey to your trip with a refined Afternoon Tea. Tuck into a delicious array of mini-sandwiches, delicate cakes, and cream-laden scones… all washed down with a warming cup of tea (or prosecco!)
- Chinatown is a buzzing spot full of Chinese and Asian food spots. Lose yourself for an afternoon exploring the area’s endless array of restaurants, food stalls and markets.
- There are a number of excellent food markets across the city. Some of our favorites include the Borough Market in Southwark and the Maltby Market.
- Tuck into a Full English Breakfast Fry to set you up for a day full of adventure. This artery-clogging typical British fry-up includes sausages, bacon rashers, pudding, fried eggs, baked beans, toast, fried mushrooms, tomatoes, and tea/coffee.
- If you happen to be visiting over a weekend, don’t miss out on the traditional Sunday Roast. A typical Sunday lunch comprises of herby roasted meat (e.g. chicken, beef, lamb, pork, ham), Yorkshire Pudding potato, and roasted veggies served with a liberal pouring of deliciously rich gravy.
- No trip to Britain is complete without a visit to the chippie to taste the traditional Fish and Chips. London has numerous award-winning fish and chip shops to suit all styles.
- For a truly unforgettable gastronomic experience, you could book a meal at one of London’s 67 Michelin Star restaurants. These eateries have been awarded for their unique and innovative approach to the culinary arts.
Discover more of London for foodies
This interesting infographic from LA Stretch Limos offers some great advice on how to have the best foodie experience in London. It includes tips on everything from where to get the tastiest fish and chips to the top spots for Afternoon Tea plus much more!

A foodie’s guide to London – Infographic transcript
1. Indulge yourself with a sophisticated Afternoon Tea
- Add a touch of elegance to your trip by enjoying a refined Afternoon Tea.
- Many restaurants, cafés, and hotels provide a unique take on this English tradition.
- Some of our favorites include:
- Classic Afternoon Tea at The Savoy (£75 pp)
- The Mad Hatter’s Afternoon Tea at the Sanderson Hotel (£48 pp)
- The Science Afternoon Tea at The Ampersand Hotel (£39.50 – 49.50 pp)
- The Peter Rabbit Afternoon Tea at Le Méridien Piccadilly (£35 per adult)
2. Explore London’s streets of Chinatown
- Nestled between Soho and Theatreland, London’s Chinatown sprawls through the area in and around Gerrard Street.
- The streets are full of regional restaurants, supermarkets, food stalls, bakeries and more.
- You can sample a diverse range of Chinese food including Cantonese cuisine, spicy Szechuan specialties, dim sum, and buffets.
- You can also discover cuisines from many other Asian countries such as Korea, Malaysia, Vietnam, Taiwan, and Japan.
3. Treat yourself to a Street Feast
- Street Feast transforms derelict and disused spaces into street food markets.
- Dinerama in Shoreditch takes place in a former bullion truck depot. Sample a variety of foods (from ice cream to dumplings and steak) from an endless selection of vendors.
- Giant Robot offers panoramic views of Canary Wharf along with countless street food stalls and four rooftop bars.
- Set in a warehouse, Hawker House near Canada Water plays host to 8 traders and 6 bars.
4. Tuck into a full English fry
- A typical full English breakfast includes sausages, bacon rashers, pudding, fried eggs, baked beans, toast, fried mushrooms, tomatoes, and tea/coffee.
- This meaty meal is a great way to give you all the energy you need for a full day of sightseeing.
- For a luxurious treat, head to The Guinea Grill in Mayfair where you can supplement your fry with a wide range of options including steak, devilled kidneys, and a kipper.
- The Regency Café in Westminster is a cheap and cheerful greasy spoon with a traditional décor that will transport you right back to the 1950s.
5. Enjoy a sumptuous Sunday roast
- No weekend visit to London is complete without a classic Sunday Roast.
- For a high-end experience, we recommend The Harwood Arms – London’s only Michelin-starred pub.
- For a more budget-friendly option, indulge in for “All In” Sunday Roast at Blacklock in Soho. For just £20 per head, you will be presented with a huge platter of beef, lamb, and pork as well as all of the traditional trimmings.
6. Fish & chips
- Fish and chips are a quintessentially British comfort food and also a budget-friendly snack.
- Be sure to order it with all the trimmings (tartare sauce, mushy peas, a wedge of lemon) for the best experience.
- Freshness is the order of the day at Fish! – an award-winning chippie in the Borough Market. Produce is sourced from the nearby stalls and the fish is sourced from their very own fishmonger.
- For vintage style, head to Poppies in either Soho, Camden or Spitalfields. Complete with kitschy British decor, you can enjoy a trip down memory lane while you tuck into classic bites such as jellied eels and hot seafood platters.
7. Michelin
- Did you know that London has 67 Michelin Star restaurants?
- For the ultimate experience in fine dining, book a meal at one of London’s 3-star restaurants including Alain Ducasse at the Dorchester, Restaurant Gordon Ramsay, and Sketch.
8. Food markets
- The Borough Market in Southwark is a foodie’s heaven complete with street food stalls, specialist food stores, market talks, private food tours, and a demo kitchen.
- The beloved Maltby Street Market in Bermondsey is an outdoor weekend street market. It features 30-plus fresh produce stalls as well as countless eateries and bars.
- The Camden Market is made up of several smaller markets, each of which sells a combination of food, clothing, art, and trinkets. For the best food options, we recommend the section of the market right along the river called KERB.
References
- guide.michelin.com/ie/en/article/features/michelin-guide-2020-michelin-stars-in-london
- harwoodarms.com
- regencycafe.has.restaurant
- secretldn.com/maltby-street-market
- theblacklock.com
- thenudge.com/features/chinatown-london
- ft.com/content/8c67ec46-bd08-11e9-b350-db00d509634e
- savoredjourneys.com/foodie-things-to-do-in-london
- streetfeast.com
- theguinea.co.uk
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