Selecting just 10 must-visit dining spots in London is no easy feat. The city boasts a culinary tapestry like no other, with eateries on every corner offering a diverse array of flavors. I’ve had the pleasure of exploring London six times, and while I’ve discovered many hidden gems, these 10 restaurants have consistently beckoned me back for their exceptional offerings.
Yauatcha Soho
Yauatcha Soho, a Chinese restaurant, is a personal favorite. It’s my go-to spot in London, marking the start and end of every trip. Yauatcha’s atmosphere is inviting, avoiding the stuffiness often associated with such establishments. The restaurant is part of the same family as Hakkasan, a Michelin-starred gem. At Yauatcha, the menu is a delightful mix of dim sum, various dough-based dishes, and vegan options. From Wagyu Puffs to silky corn soup, every dish is a treat. When the weather is pleasant, sitting outside in the heart of Soho enhances the experience. As for dessert, while they’re nice, I’d recommend venturing out for a scoop of good ice cream instead.
Where: 15-17 Broadwick St, London W1F 0DL, United Kingdom
Lahpet Covent Garden
My recent discovery, Lahpet, is a hidden gem just a 5-minute stroll from Covent Garden. Nestled in a charming alley, you’d likely miss it unless you were actively seeking it out. This restaurant serves Burmese cuisine with a touch of sophistication. The standout for me is their cabbage salad, a tantalizing mix of pickled ginger, refried beans, shallots, peanuts, and toasted chickpea flour. Another must-try is the soup with egg noodles, chicken, shallots, soft-boiled egg, coconut sauce, and fried wonton. It’s hearty enough to be a main course. The grilled fish dish with sticky rice, tofu crackers, and peanuts is another winner. And for a light snack, don’t pass up the chicken skewers in sweet sauce.
Where: 21 Slingsby Pl, London WC2E 9AB, United Kingdom
Hefaure
For a taste of the world’s most delectable Japanese pancakes, make a stop at Hefaure, a cozy shop adjacent to Chinatown and just a 4-minute walk from Covent Garden. The one-meter-by-meter shop whips up the most heavenly, melt-in-your-mouth cheesy meringue pancakes. My personal recommendation: indulge in them with whipped cream and fresh strawberries. If you’re a coffee lover, you’ll also find excellent brews here.
Where: 108 Shaftesbury Ave, London W1D 5EH, United Kingdom
Aroma Bakery
Aroma Bakery, located just a minute away from Covent Garden, is famed for its handcrafted pastries and top-notch coffee. While many will rave about their butter and honey toast bread, I have a soft spot for their egg and cheese tart. The velvety egg filling paired with buttery, golden dough is pure carb love. The chocolate and pistachio snail is another crowd-pleaser, but really, anything you choose here is bound to be a delightful treat. Keep in mind that it can get crowded, so visit during off-peak hours if possible.
Where: 9 Mercer St, London WC2H 9QJ, United Kingdom
The Grill at Harrods Dining Hall
Though it may seem unconventional, the restaurant complex in Harrods surprised me with its delicious offerings. While the ambiance leans more towards a diner than an upscale restaurant, the dishes I’ve sampled at The GRILL restaurant have been precise, generous in portion, and meticulously prepared. Admittedly, dining at Harrods comes with a price tag fitting for the iconic store. I even requested leftovers to be packed, and they accommodated my request. What’s recommended? The Caesar salad is exceptional, featuring crispy Jim lettuce, a semi-soft egg, croutons, Caesar dressing with yuzu, and delicate parmesan shavings that melt in your mouth. Consider adding rotisserie chicken for an extra twist. The Wagyu hamburger is another standout. The meat is juicy, as you’d expect from Wagyu, and the bun is soft and fluffy. For side dishes, don’t miss the rich and creamy puree and saffron rice topped with a mountain of caramelized onions. The complex also houses other eateries, including MASA, a specialty sushi restaurant, a ramen bar, a high-quality fish and chips spot, a luxury pasta bar, and a Mediterranean restaurant.
Where: Food Halls, GROUND FLOOR, Harrods, 87-135 Brompton Rd, London SW1X 7XL, United Kingdom
Bagel Bakery Bar
If you’re a fan of bagels, you’ll fall head over heels for Bagel Bakery Bar, located in Soho. They bake fresh bagels daily and craft delicious sandwiches. One standout is the bagel sandwich with cheese, omelet, pickle, and tomato—a delightful choice for breakfast or dinner. Opt for the onion-dotted bagel for an extra layer of flavor. Their Sabih-style bagel sandwich, salmon bagel, chicken bagel, avocado bagel, and even a shawarma bagel are all worth a try.
Where: 54 Wardour St, London W1D 4JF, United Kingdom
Shiok
Shiok! ranks among the best patisseries I’ve had the pleasure of visiting in London and beyond. It’s part of a restaurant complex that includes a spa hotel and more. Cherish Finden, one of the judges on Bake Off Britain, was previously in charge of the desserts here. Besides an impressive tea selection, you’ll be greeted by a stylish showcase of desserts in vibrant, cheerful colors. Among the desserts, you’ll find delicate strawberry tarts, puff pastries filled with pistachio cream, mango tarts, almond-raspberry tarts, and generously filled macarons. Their savory offerings are limited but exceptional, ranging from croissants filled with salty cheeses to pastries with salmon. Shiok! is conveniently located just a minute’s walk from Borough Market, making it an ideal spot to satisfy your sweet tooth after exploring the market.
Whete: Ground Floor, Devonshire House, 3 Bishopsgate, London EC2M 4JX, United Kingdom
Granger and Co. Notting Hill
Granger & Co. is a beloved establishment among Londoners, and it’s easy to see why. This brasserie focuses on brunch dishes suitable for morning, lunch, and dinner. While the dishes aren’t overly complex, they are meticulously prepared, with the scrambled eggs being a standout for me. With five branches across London (Notting Hill, Chelsea, King’s Cross, Marylebone, and Clerkenwell), you’ll find a variety of options on the menu. In the morning, fresh fruit-based dishes like yogurt with seasonal fruits share the menu with classics such as avocado toast with egg and poached eggs with toasted bread. At lunch, you’ll discover special salads featuring local vegetables, main dishes like a burger with miso-seasoned fries, schnitzel with garlic confit spread, and zucchini carvings, as well as dishes reminiscent of breakfast, like scrambled eggs with sourdough bread. In the evening, the atmosphere shifts, and the restaurant serves smaller dishes such as cucumber salad with yuzu sauce and cod fillet with oregano and spinach sauce. If you’re in the Notting Hill area, make it a point to enjoy brunch or breakfast/lunch here. Granger & Co. also places a strong emphasis on offering a wide variety of fresh vegetables and fruits.
Where: 175 Westbourne Grove, London W11 2SB, United Kingdom
Kikuchi
Kikuchi is a small, unpretentious Japanese chef’s restaurant that stands apart from the crowd. Unlike the typical sushi restaurants with extensive menus and spicy mayo, Kikuchi is a small establishment primarily known among connoisseurs and Japanese patrons
. Here, you’ll find sushi made with the freshest fish, including fatty tuna. The menu is straightforward, with sections for sashimi, classic sushi, and cold dishes like edamame, boiled spinach with sesame sauce, and seaweed salad. That’s about it. You can opt for the chef’s choice, which includes 12 pieces of sushi, or choose a fixed menu featuring a starter, sashimi, a small dish, a hot dish (usually a mild soup), a variety of sushi, and dessert—all for a cost of £130. It’s not a budget option, but it’s an experience for those who appreciate exceptionally fresh fish. Keep in mind that the menu changes based on the fish the chef procures and the seasonal vegetables available.
Where: 14 Hanway St, London W1T 1UD, United Kingdom
Läderach
Established in 1962, the Swiss company Läderach has made a name for itself with 100 stores in 35 countries, including Great Britain. You’ll find one of their shops near the bustling Oxford Street. I initially hesitated due to the high prices of their chocolate, but after receiving numerous recommendations, I decided to give it a try. The verdict? It’s absolutely worth the investment. The London branch offers the signature chocolate pieces synonymous with the company, available for purchase by weight (don’t miss the caramelized white chocolate). They also offer pralines and an array of high-quality chocolates. While it may not be budget-friendly, a small selection of Läderach chocolates can provide a delightful experience.
Where: 254 Regent St., London W1B 3AA, United Kingdom
Afternoon Tea at The Bulgari Lounge
London is brimming with hotels and restaurants serving afternoon tea, a quintessentially British tradition that has evolved far beyond tea and a simple pastry. To truly savor this ceremonial experience, I recommend indulging at one of the city’s prestigious hotels. It’s a memorable ritual that goes beyond the culinary aspect. One such place is the afternoon tea at The Bulgari Hotel, a location that requires early booking due to limited seating. The experience includes a selection of fine teas served in luxurious cups, accompanied by a variety of seasonal finger sandwiches. During my visit, they served outstanding salmon sandwiches and egg salad sandwiches with truffle—an exceptional treat. The meal continues with a towering stand featuring mini sweets and pastries, from petite cakes to warm scones that exude the aroma of butter. These are complemented by freshly prepared jams made from seasonal fruits. To cap it off, vanilla ice cream adorned with tiny black vanilla diamonds is served. While the cost is not insignificant, averaging around £100 per person, it’s a unique experience well worth trying at least once.
Where: 171 Knightsbridge, London SW7 1DW, United Kingdom
