These are the great restaurants in London, England that we go back to over and over again
We've done the leg-work, so you won't have disappointing meals in the capital.
We’ve already shared our guide to fun things to do in London for art and history buffs and our list of tried-and-tested best boutique hotels in London but what about the food?! Well, we’ve eaten our way across England’s capital and present to you this list of great restaurants in London that we keep going back to. We know you’ll enjoy them as much as we do, so be sure to try them all (and wear your comfy pants).
Great restaurants in London that you won’t want to miss
1. Andina | Spitalfields
Every. Single. Thing. Every single thing on the menu here is a divine slice of Peruvian heaven, and that’s the reason we are regulars at Andina, a Picanteria and Pisco Bar near Spitalfields Market. Great for vegetarians and vegans as well as those who love some seafood, the vibe is bright and the staff are just gorgeous.
Our faves include the Crunchy Corn to start followed by Ceviche Andina made with seabass, sweet potato, and amarillo tiger’s milk. Be sure to order the Grilled Octopus and the Corn Cake and wash it all down with a Classic Pisco Sour or a Virgin variety.
Looking for a weekend brunch fix? We love the Peruvian twist they put on classic eggs and pancakes.
Learn more about Andina
2. Bubala | Branches in Soho and Spitalfields
If a Middle Eastern feast laden with dips and small plates is your idea of heaven, then get yourself a booking at Bubala. Meaning ‘Darling’ in Yiddish, both branches serve up a menu of moreish delights, each dish as flavourful and unique as the next.
Our tip? Go hungry and order the Bubala Knows Best Menu (£45pp), a blend of top sellers with unlimited (and divine) Laffa bread to scoop all the burnt butter hummus and confit garlic labneh you can get your hands on. The pickle plate itself is a triumph and the oyster mushroom skewers are the stuff dreams are made of. Did we mention it’s plant-based?
Discover more about Bubala
3. Berenjak | Branches in Soho and Borough
Serving homestyle Persian cuisine, in which you can taste the love, Berenjak is always a good idea. Inspired by the plentiful hole-in-the-wall eateries of Tehran, the Soho branch serves elevated kebabs along with a range of colourful sides, while the Borough outpost offers a taste of different areas of Iran.
Treat yourself to our fave the Ghaimeh Bademjoon, an aubergine stew served at both restaurants and be sure to load up on hummus and yoghurt dips. Oh, and the Baklava Ice Cream Sandwich at the Soho branch is an absolute gem.
Discover more about Berenjak
4. Calabash | Stratford
If you’re ever in Stratford and are wondering what to eat, we suggest making a beeline to Calabash. Specialising in authentic Caribbean cuisine, this popular joint makes some of the best Jerk Chicken in town. Vegetarians will wonder exactly what goes into the Vegetable Curry that makes it so moreish and be sure to order lots of coleslaw, hard food, and roti to enjoy with your feast.
Learn more about Calabash
5. Naifs | Peckham
Whether you’re fully vegan or flexitarian, a trip to Naifs guarantees a flavour sensation. This vegan bistro, tucked away in a residential part of south London is all about good vibes served up in a warm and cosy atmosphere.
Every 8-10 weeks, the set menu, that offers around five creative dishes, changes with what’s in season. You will fall in love with vegetables here, plus they have a great selection of cocktails and mocktails. Book in advance to avoid disappointment.
Read our full review on Naifs.
Find out more about Naifs
6. Laxsa | Soho
Cheap and cheerful and so, so delicious, Laxsa is a Malaysian restaurant in London that gets it right. The signature Laksa is obviously a must and big enough for two. We always order the Gado Gado and the Mushroom King (grilled oyster mushroom skewers), which are both really tasty.
We love the casual vibes here along with the friendly staff and the quirky spiral staircase that leads to a second floor. You may need to book to get in here at peak times though because it’s always popular.
Find out more about Laxsa
7. Persepolis | Peckham
Long beloved by locals, Persepolis in Peckham is a delight for the senses and for the soul. Serving hearty vegetarian Middle Eastern dishes, the menu is huge so going for the feast option is an excellent idea if you’re hungry.
Some of our favourite dishes include the pan-fried Halloumi with sesame and honey, Borani Bon-Jon (garlicky aubergines stacked with yoghurt and tomato, and the daily hotpot. You can’t miss out on sweets here, we love the Hot Paklave Meltdown sundae. Plus, there’s also a store attached to the restaurant offering staples from the region as well as cookbooks by the owner, and takeaway food options.
Book ahead to avoid disappointment at this buzzing spot.
Find out more about Persepolis
8. Beza | Elephant & Castle
Another fully vegan resto, Beza delights with its flavourful Ethiopian menu. Working with fresh, local ingredients, expect delicious dishes here along with a team of wonderful staff. Our recommendations? Shuro Wot: ground chickpeas with garlic and ginger; Mung Beans: kidney beans with red onions, garlic, red onions, and turmeric; or order a platter with a selection of vegetables alongside rice or injera (teff pancake) – yum!
Learn more about Beza
9. Tayyabs | Whitechapel
This beloved east end restaurant has been serving Punjabi cuisine in one way or another since 1972! Famed for its lamb chops, we’ve never been disappointed by anything that we’ve ordered at Tayyabs. The Dhal Baingun is so good and the Karahi Fish is a must-order. Finish it off with some Gulab Jamun and you’ll be done and dusted.
Find out more about Tayyabs
10. Mildreds | Branches across the city
The OG plant-based London hang since 1988, these days Mildreds has spots across the city but still brings in a huge crowd. Everything on the menu is vegan, and the menus are regularly updated to keep things exciting.
We usually order, whipped f’ta, korean fried chick’n, kiri hodi, and chilaquiles – yum! There’s a great weekend brunch menu and an interesting selection of cocktails, mocktails, juices, and smoothies too.
Discover more about Mildreds
11. Evi’s | Dulwich
This neighbourhood Greek restaurant is an absolute must-visit if you’re ever in Dulwich. Small, yet perfectly formed, the interior is bright and breezy with a few outdoor tables available too.
On the menu is a range of Greek favourites, all made with love and served with a smile. We recommend the grilled squid, the courgette fritters, and a mixture of homemade dips to go with the fluffy flat bread.
Learn more about Evi’s
12. Mukbap | Shoreditch
While the chances of getting a table at Mukbap are slim, they only have a few and it fills up quick around mealtimes, you can sample the delights by delivery on Deliveroo. Crafting vegan Korean food, this is one of the most legitimate Korean restos I’ve visited outside of the country itself.
Dip your Fat Gimbap in your Tteokbokki while munching on Kimchi Pancake and you can’t help but be happy. Be sure to order all the vegetable sides including my favourite: Kong Ja Ban (sticky sweet and savoury beans).
Find out more about Mukbap
13. Nopi | Soho
If you are a fan of all things Ottolenghi then be sure to treat yourself to a night at Nopi. The elevated restaurant from chef Yotam Ottolenghi brims with exceptional fare that changes with the seasons.
Vegetables sing on this menu, and we have no doubt that you’ll fall in love with all of the sharing plates here. Be sure to try the restaurant’s selection of house cocktails which include unique ingredients like aquafaba, beetroot, and activated charcoal.
Learn more about Nopi
14. Mr Bao | Peckham
Mr Bao has been a stalwart on the Peckham dining scene since 2016. Touted as Taiwanese, but definitely more fusion than authentic, the buns here are bursting with flavour. My repeat order? 2 x Shiitake Mushroom Baos, smacked cucumber, sesame spinach, corn ribs, all washed down with a Lychee Daiquiri. My meat eating pals love them some Bao Diddly (fried chicken) and the OG Mr Bao filled with juicy pork belly.
If you’re not Peckham bound, the group has similar outposts at Daddy Bao in Tooting and Master Bao at both Westfield Stratford and Westfield Shepherd’s Bush.
Find out more about Mr Bao
Elodie | South Croydon (Now closed)
Nestled away in Birch, Selsdon is a brand new restaurant that we can’t get enough of. Helmed by Michelin-starred Chef Lee Westcott, Elodie serves up farm-to-fork delights with many ingredients grown on property.
Offering a six-course seasonal menu for just £69, you’ll enjoy exceptionally creative dishes that are big on flavour. The service here is truly exceptional, as are the cocktails and wine selection. Grab a table while you still can!
Read our review on our stay at Birch, Selsdon.
Learn more about Elodie
London Stock | Mayfair (Now closed)
If you’re on the hunt for fine dining in the heart of the city, make a beeline for London Stock. Awarded 3 AA Rosettes, this modern European eatery puts an emphasis on local produce and unique flavour pairings. A good choice for both vegetarians and meat eaters, we heartily recommend the smoked burrata and the wonderful ceviche.
Don’t skip out on dessert either as the sweet treats they create are some of the best in town.
Read our full review of London Stock.
Learn more about London Stock
But wait, there’s more…
- These are the trendiest boutique hotels in Chicago
- We recently stayed at Hotel Arts Barcelona
- Or read our latest short travel fiction: Ale with monks and goats
