London Food Guide: What to Eat and Where

Traditional British cuisine in London centers on hearty dishes like roast beef with Yorkshire pudding and classic fish and chips. Simpson's in the Strand and The Golden Hind are reliable spots where you can enjoy these meals for around £14.50 to £45.

Simpson's in the Strand, located at 100 Strand, London WC2R 0EW, has been serving classic British fare since 1828. Their roast beef with Yorkshire pudding and rich gravy costs about £45 for a main course. The dining room’s dark wood panels and the smell of slow-roasted meat create a cozy old-world atmosphere. Arrive early or book in advance, as weekends tend to fill quickly.

Fish and chips aficionados often head to The Golden Hind, found at 73 Marylebone Lane, London W1U 2PN. Portions are generous, with prices starting at £14.50. The crisp batter and fluffy chips pair well with a squeeze of lemon and a side of tartar sauce. The modest, no-frills setting on Marylebone Lane invites casual, relaxed meals.

For more on British dining, see our guide on Michelin-starred restaurants that include traditional influences.

London’s Indian restaurants range from casual cafés to upscale venues. Dishoom recreates Bombay café ambiance with dishes like black daal for around £25 per person, while Gymkhana features refined Indian cuisine with tasting menus priced at £95.

Dishoom, at 12 Upper St Martin’s Lane, London WC2H 9FB, continues to attract crowds with its blend of nostalgic décor and fragrant dishes. The aroma of cardamom and cumin fills the air as you taste their signature black daal, slow-cooked for 24 hours, and the chicken ruby, a rich tomato-based curry. Expect to spend roughly £25 for a main course and side.

Gymkhana at 42 Albemarle Street, London W1S 4JH, holds a Michelin star and serves contemporary Indian dishes inspired by colonial-era gymkhana clubs. Their £95 tasting menu lasts about two and a half hours and includes dishes such as tandoori lamb chops and wild garlic naan. The polished interior with dark woods and leather seats enhances the formal dining scene.

For more on Indian dining and alternatives, see our section on vegan and vegetarian dining options.

Handmade pasta is a highlight in London’s Italian restaurants. Padella features pici cacio e pepe for £8, while Bocca di Lupo serves regional specialties with three-course meals averaging £45 per person.

Padella, located at 6 Southwark Street, London SE1 1TQ, is known for its fresh pasta made daily. The pici cacio e pepe is a simple but flavorful dish combining pecorino cheese and black pepper with thick hand-rolled pasta. The small dining area fills quickly, so expect a wait of up to an hour at peak times.

Bocca di Lupo, at 12 Archer Street, London W1D 7BB, is an award-winning restaurant presenting dishes from all over Italy. The menu changes seasonally, but popular plates include veal saltimbocca and squid ink pasta. Three courses typically cost around £45 per person, excluding drinks. The lively atmosphere and attentive service make it a solid option for an evening meal.

See also our guide to London street food markets for casual Italian options like pizza and arancini.

Asian fusion in London combines diverse culinary traditions. Duck & Waffle serves dishes like crispy duck leg with mustard maple syrup for £22, paired with city views. Chotto Matte features Japanese-Peruvian Nikkei cuisine with tasting menus around £65.

Duck & Waffle, on the 40th floor of 110 Bishopsgate, London EC2N 4AY, is open 24 hours, allowing for late-night dining with panoramic views of the London skyline. The crispy duck leg, glazed with mustard and maple syrup, balances sweet and savory notes. The faint hum of city traffic below blends with soft jazz in the restaurant.

Chotto Matte, at 11-13 Frith Street, Soho, London W1D 4RB, brings the energetic flavors of Nikkei food. Their £65 tasting menu showcases ceviche, tiradito, and tempura with Peruvian spices. The interior features bold pink lighting and contemporary art, creating an upbeat setting.

More fusion options are discussed in our vegan and vegetarian dining options guide if you prefer plant-based fusion dishes.

Borough Market and Camden Market are top destinations for street food. Borough Market’s Kappacasein toasted cheese sandwich costs £7, and Camden Market’s halloumi fries at Oli Baba’s go for £6.50.

Borough Market, at 8 Southwark Street, London SE1 1TL, runs from 10 am to 5 pm on weekdays, closing earlier on Saturdays and Sundays. The market buzzes with smells of fresh herbs, grilled meats, and baked goods. Kappacasein’s toasted cheese sandwich is a standout: golden, crispy bread filled with molten raclette cheese and a tangy tomato chutney.

Camden Market, located at Camden Lock Place, London NW1 8AF, opens from 10 am to 6 pm daily. The halloumi fries at Oli Baba’s are served hot, sprinkled with za’atar and a drizzle of pomegranate molasses, offering a crunchy and creamy texture. The lively sounds of street performers and chatter fill the air.

See our detailed London street food markets guide for more venues and tips.

Reservations are strongly recommended for popular restaurants, especially on weekends. Tipping usually ranges from 10 to 12.5%, and many places accept online bookings. Inform venues of dietary needs when reserving.

Booking ahead is crucial at high-demand spots like Michelin-starred restaurants and trendy street-food vendors. Many restaurants use platforms such as OpenTable or direct websites for reservations. If you prefer walk-ins, arriving early (before 7 pm) on weekdays can reduce waiting time.

Tipping is customary but not mandatory. Most restaurants add a service charge, but if not, leaving 10-12.5% is standard practice. London’s diverse culinary scene caters well to vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergy-sensitive diets, but giving advance notice helps ensure your requirements are met.

Visit our full London Travel Guide: Everything to Know Before You Go for more dining and travel advice.

Peggy Porschen Cakes features cupcakes for £4.50 each, while Chin Chin Labs in Camden is known for nitro ice cream at £5 a scoop. Both provide rich, flavorful sweets in inviting settings.

Peggy Porschen Cakes, at 116 Ebury Street, Belgravia, London SW1W 9QQ, presents pastel-colored cupcakes and beautifully decorated cakes. The scent of vanilla and buttercream greets visitors as they enter the boutique-style shop. It’s a popular spot for photos and afternoon indulgence.

Chin Chin Labs, found at 49-50 Camden Lock Place, London NW1 8AF, specializes in liquid nitrogen ice cream. The burnt butter caramel flavor is especially popular, with a smoky aroma and creamy texture. The shop’s industrial décor and open kitchen create an engaging atmosphere.

For more on sweet dining, check our afternoon tea in London guide.

Duck & Waffle is open 24 hours, serving dishes like crispy duck leg from £22. Voodoo Ray’s features New York-style pizza slices until midnight or later, with slices costing around £4.

Duck & Waffle’s location at 110 Bishopsgate allows for dining with city views at any hour. The kitchen remains busy through the night, and the atmosphere is relaxed even after midnight. The combination of savory, sweet, and sharp flavors in dishes like the duck leg makes it a solid choice for late dining.

Voodoo Ray’s (95 Kingsland High Street, London E8 2PB) is a casual spot for pizza lovers. The ‘Full Moon’ slice with ricotta, spinach, and garlic is a customer favorite. On Fridays and Saturdays, they stay open until 2 am, catering to night owls and after-party crowds.

See our food tours in London section for guided late-night culinary options.

Food tours in London offer tastings across neighborhoods like Soho and Bermondsey. Prices range from €57 to €104, covering local dishes and craft beers with knowledgeable guides.

The “Hungry for Soho” tour costs about €103.78 and lasts around three hours. Participants sample dishes from historic eateries, absorbing the area’s food culture through tastings such as pies, cheeses, and street snacks. It includes walking distances of approximately 2 km.

For beer lovers, the Bermondsey Beer Mile tour (€57.18) visits several craft breweries along Druid Street and Tanner Street. The guide explains brewing processes and features tastings of IPAs, stouts, and lagers. Tours typically run for two to three hours.

Find more details on food tours in London and tips for making the most of them.