Our trip to London was one for the books.
When I tell you we ate our way through the entire city, I'm not even remotely exaggerating. We averaged about 30k steps a day, saw basically every neighborhood on our list, and ate 3, 4 and sometimes 5 little meals a day so we could take it all in. And let me tell you something.... London does not disappoint!
It's been a minute since I've been to London. We went a handful of times as kids for Wimbledon and surprise vacation, and again when I graduated high school for my senior trip! But I haven't been since that high school trip and let me tell you something... the food scene has changed.
London has a little something for everyone from every corner of the world. The restaurants and bars are incredible, the food was some of the best we had all year and the city is just so much fun!
So without further ago... here's a comprehensive food guide to everywhere we ate / drank / stayed etc so you can plan your trip accordingly!!
Where to Eat
- Darjeerling Express - make a reservation well in advance and get ready for some of the best Indian food of your life.
- River Cafe - a London institution... get the chili squid and anything that comes out of the wood burning pizza oven.
- Koya - if you're in London in the winter months, this udon shop is the best way to warm up!
- Bourough Market - honestly my dream food market! There's a little something for everyone and you just need to spend 3 hours here eating everything
- Paul A Young Chocolate - go grab a brownie while you're wandering around Soho, you won't be disappointed!
- Nopi - one of Ottolenghi's restaurants that has towers of salads, incredible specials and a casual vibe!
- Ottolenghi - any of the small shops around town are churning out incredible pastries and snacks!
- Dishoom - omg this might be a chain but OMG was the Indian food amazing. Some of my favorite of the trip!
- Bocca di Lupo - if you're going to see a show in London, this is the place to grab a glass of wine and a bowl of pasta after! Grab a seat at the bar for a nightcap.
- Smoking Goat - best chicken wings of my life and just incredible Thai food!!
- Pophams - go for the croissants
- Palomar - Israeli food x 100000. Favorite meal of the trip.
- Burger and Beyond - double bacon cheeseburger... that's all you need to know!
- Padella - if you're into waiting in lines, this pasta shop in Bourough Market will blow your mind.
- Duck and Rice - it's half pub half Chinese restaurant and really freaking good
- Kiln - Laotian food in the middle of Soho is absolutely not to be missed.
- The Wolseley - go for high tea or cocktails!!
- Bubula - you know I won't miss a chance to eat some incredible Middle Eastern food and this is not to be missed.
- Lina Stores - Italian food! Quick and easy and super cute.
Where to Drink
- Omotesando - Thomas dubbed this the best coffee in the city
- Kaffeine - second best coffee in the city
- Prufrock Coffee - third best coffee in the city
- Punch Room - at the Edition Hotel in Soho... you HAVE to try the Milk Punch
- Scarfes Bar at the Rosewood - easily my favorite lobby bar of all times.
- Churchill Arms - really fun pub to grab a beer while you're walking around Kensington
- Noble Rot Wine Bar - some incredible small batch wines with a few little bites to eat!
What to do when you're not Eating
- Buckingham Palace
- Big Ben
- Westminister Abbey
- Covent Gardens
- Holland Park // Kyoto Gardens
- Victoria and Albert Museum
- Natural History Museum
- Kensington // Kensington Palace
- Hyde Park
- Tower Bridge
- Tower of London
- Notting Hills
- Harrods
- Columbia Road Flowers
- Shoreditch Street Art
- Spitalfields
- Chelsea
Where we Stayed
- Rosewood London - such a magical hotel!! It's a bit pricey but the rooms were huge, the service was impeccable and it's right next to the Tube station so it's very easy to get around the entire city!! 10/10 would absolutely stay there again!
Do you have a guide that you used in London?
we don't - we did it ourselves
It's so awesome, Gaby!!
I have a dream for visit to London, someday. I love your post. It's so beautiful and so inspiring me 🙂
Thank you for this! I am planning to go for my birthday next January - how was it visiting in the winter?
chilly but incredible
We’ll be going there for a week. Did you get to leave the city at all? Bath, Windsor by any chance? Places to eat there?
didn't leave the city this time!
Thanks for your guide! Love it, just like the rest of your guide. How many days do you think a couple would need to fully enjoy London and not feel rushed?
4-5!
Thank you so much for this awesome guide! I'll be heading to London for the first time in November and your suggestions will definitely take some of the guesswork out and save some time.
How many days do you recommend staying in London to see and do all of this?
we were there for an entire week!
Thank you! We are going there this summer! We take your advice!
Fabulous! Loved the video!
Thank you for this wonderful post! I know London quite well, but I will discover more on my next trip, thanks to you!
Great job!