The Ultimate Foodie Guide To London
Blink and it’s time already to pen this foodie’s most recent summer guide to visiting London.
When I first started this series (all the way back in 2016!), I did so for all my friends and family abroad, who’d look to me as on-demand source of recommendations when flocking to London over the summer. Nothing’s really changed since then, with the 2024 edit continuing to compile the city’s exploding mix of epicurean essentials.
To help you navigate through culinary landscape of London, this foodie guide is divided into a number of sections from the new (& noteworthy!) to timeless favourites, hidden gems and more. We cover everything from the best brunches to family-friendly restaurants across town.
As always, I hope that this golden guide holds as much appeal for all those visiting in the coming months, as it does for Londoners alike. Let’s go.
A Foodie Guide To London
New(ish) & Noteworthy
- Akira Back. Korean-born, Colorado-raised Michelin-starred chef Akira Back helms 25 restaurants around the world from Bangkok to Seoul, Paris to Las Vegas. He’s bringing his inimitable brand of modern Japanese-Korean fusion cuisine to the heart of Mandarin Oriental’s ritzy new hotel in Mayfair’s Hanover Square. Back’s classics are the star of the show of course (AB Tuna Pizza anyone?), alongside the likes of gochujang tofu, miso mozarella aubergine and a very comforting bibimbap mixed table-side. 22 Hanover Square W1S 1JP | https://www.mandarinoriental.com/en/london/mayfair/dine/akira-back
- ABC Kitchen. Meanwhile, celebrated chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten has also found a glitzy London home for his trilogy of ABC Kitchens from New York. Nestled within The Emory (the highly-anticipated new hotel from The Maybourne Group which is behind The Connaught, Claridges & Berkeley), the ingredient-led restaurant majors in globe-trotting sharing plates perfect for a breezy lunch. Expect the likes of pea guacamole, a very crisp dosa paired with coconut yogurt and Jean-Georges’ legendary truffle pizza, of course! Old Barrack Yard SW1X 7NP | https://www.the-emory.co.uk/restaurants-bars/abc-kitchens/
- La Maison Ani. Could this be the new LPM, is what you’re undoubtedly thinking about this Dubai import channeling French flavours. Taking over a grand-ish dining room within the Jumeirah Carlton Tower hotel in Knightsbridge, this all-day restaurant is from the hospitality group which brought you Gaia, so you can expect it to be a sensationally-sceney spot for the summer. The Carlton Tower, 1 Cadogan Pl, SW1X 9PY | https://lamaisonanilondon.com
- Alley Cats. This fuss-free pizzeria in Marylebone has fast amassed a loyal following for its New York style pies dished up with a dash of nostalgia. The base is crisp (with an unexpected crunch and salty touch), holding up a saucy layer that is all but begging to be lovingly folded and eaten envelope-style (forks and knives be damned!). 22 Paddington St W1U 5QY | https://www.alleycatspizza.co.uk
- Sale e Pepe. To be fair, this Italian restaurant is something of an old-world institution (with a history dating back to 1974). It has however, been renovated, refreshed and reopened with modern-day grandeur, albeit with their refined take on classic dishes intact. 9-15 Pavilion Rd SW1X 0HD | https://www.saleepepe.co.uk
The Usual Suspects
No foodie guide to London would be complete without timeless favourites to return to.
- Delfino. This family-run establishment on Mayfair’s Mount Street champions wood-fired pizza with perfectly crisp edges, a thin base and the softest cheese crowned with craveable toppings. In an era where tiramisu is typically prepared table-side to propel those Instagram views, Delfino’s rendition remains refreshingly simple and faultless – generously-apportioned with the perfect ratio of sponge to cream. 121A Mount St W1K 3NW | https://www.delfinomayfair.com
- The Barbary. A diminutive restaurant suffused with big and bold flavours journeying along the Barbary Coast of North Africa. With just 24 stools snugly dotted along the open plan kitchen counter, the clattering high-octane setting plunges diners right into the heat of things as vivacious dishes are brought to life in a flurry of activity from live-baking to grilling and frying. The Barbary, 16 Neal’s Yard, WC2H 9DP | https://thebarbary.co.uk
- Roka Mayfair: While there are many Roka restaurants across the city from Canary Wharf to Fitzrovia, the one in Mayfair always has us coming back for their robatayaki grill (a great counter dining spot for smaller groups) and moody ambience softly soundtracked by a lively chatter. A veggie-friendly menu is a bonus, starring contemporary Japanese dishes from impossibly-tender slivers of aubergine glazed with miso, to fiercely-grilled tofu skewers and a meaty rice toban (hot-pot) loaded with truffles and Japanese mushrooms. 30 N Audley St, London W1K 6ZF | https://rokarestaurant.com/en/roka-mayfair-london
- Hakkasan Mayfair. Another Mayfair-based darling set apart with a sultry allure that ebbs from day to night with effortless flair. The modern Cantonese menu caters remarkably well for vegetarians and vegans, with certain dishes (including a succulent take on mock chicken) the closest some might come to eating meat. Don’t be shy to ditch your usual glass of wine for the signature lychee and sake-infused Hakka; but to really up the ante, round off your evening with the contemporary chocolate caviar. 17 Bruton St, W1J 6QB | https://hakkasan.com/mayfair/
HIDDEN GEMS
A guide for venturing off the beaten path, to help you stumble upon the revelatory thrill of delicious foodie finds in London.
- Cantinetta Antinori. Tucked away from the bustle of Sloane Street, this intimate and rather refined establishment is backed by the Antinoris, a legendary Florentine wine-making family with a history dating back 26 centuries. As you’d expect, the wine list is superlative, crossing over from Tuscan grapes to deeper reds from Piedmont (Barolo anyone?). The regional Italian plates are just as impressive, elegant in composition yet big on those rich and comforting flavours. You ought not to miss the pistachio tiramisu for afters, finished with a theatrical flourish. 4 Harriet St, London SW1X 9JR | https://cantinetta-antinori.uk
- Hunan. Expect the unexpected at this Pimlico-based restaurant that has its roots in the Hunan region of China. There is no menu to choose from here. Simply flag any dietary restrictions up-front and sit back as Chef Peng’s team pushes out a parade of perfectly-apportioned plates, uniting mind and palate in delighted surprise. 51 Pimlico Rd, SW1W 8NE | https://www.hunanlondon.com
- Titu. Billing itself as a gyoza bar, Titu feels like a pocket of secret Mayfair in the heart of storied Shepherd Market. With seating for just fifteen, this cosy space is brought to life by a pastel palette and vibrant dishes that encapsulate the concept of fusion Asian cuisine. 1A Shepherd St, Mayfair, W1J 7HJ | https://www.titurestaurant.com
- Bubala. The boisterous beauty of Middle Eastern food takes shape in an ensemble of dishes so emboldened with flavours, that most diners might not realise that the menu just happens to be entirely vegetarian! 15 Poland St, London W1F 8QE | https://bubala.co.uk/soho/
Best For Brunch
- Christopher’s. Celebrated as one of London’s best American restaurants, weekend brunch at Christopher’s is something of a weekend mandate, replete with all the classics from eggs any which way you like them, to a Lobster Mac N’ Cheese. Of course, you’re really here for the Chocolate Brioche French Toast. You’ve never had anything quite like it before! 18 Wellington St, WC2E 7DD | https://www.christophersgrill.com
- Granger and Co. Australian restaurateur Bill Granger knew a thing or few about serving up sun-drenched dishes that all but transport you beyond the grey walls of London’s gloomy weather. Brunch here is a daily affair, incomplete without at least two servings of Granger’s fabled ricotta hotcakes alongside crispy corn fritters and a devilishly-decadent grilled cheese with kimchi. Various locations | https://grangerandco.com
- North Audley Cantine Mayfair. Loosely channeling contemporary French bistro cuisine, weekend brunch at NAC (as this neighbourhood institution is fondly known as) never disappoints. The fiery shakshuka is a favourite, served with pillowy pockets of pita to mop up the best bits. It would be criminal not to follow this with a colossal stack of dulce de luche pancakes and crushed milk chocolate cookies too. A strong contender for the title of “the best cookies in town,” this is a dessert that is as Instagrammable as it is craveable, not least for the swoop of Frosties-studded soft serve served on top. 41 N Audley St, W1K 6ZP | https://naclondon.co.uk
- Dovetale Mayfair. This chic new restaurant is part of the very glamorous yet eco-conscious 1 Hotel Mayfair, with an outdoor terrace that I suspect will be overbooked during the summer months. Helmed by two Michelin star chef Tom Sellers, brunch here is a breezy affair braced by frozen margaritas flying out from a Knickerbocker Glory Cart. For the record, they do serve up a rather decadent sundae too, with all the trimmings down to popping candy! 1 Dover Yard W1J 8NE | https://www.1hotels.com/mayfair/taste/dovetale
More Family-Friendly Favourites
- Claridges ArtSpace: It’s all about culture, community and picture-perfect patisserie at this understated hideout from the grandest dame of London hotels, Claridges. Art is an integral focus, with a contemporary art gallery downstairs and Sharpies, pencils and paper pads dotted around, should you wish to sketch over a cup of coffee (or hot chocolate!). The search for the perfect crêpe ends here, with both sweet and savoury options, including a seafood cocktail pancake inspired by Claridges’ legendary lobsters. Brook St, London W1K 4HR | https://www.claridges.co.uk/claridges-artspace/
- Gloria: Entering this jaunty trattoria in Shoreditch is not unlike being transported to 1970’s Capri. From sun-drenched achingly-cool interiors to crockery you wish your home was stuffed with, more is simply more here. Nothing is too over-the-top in this maximalist setting where your pasta is cooked in a giant wheel of cheese and the Incomparable Lemon Pie arrives with a towering 5’9-inch layer of meringue. 54-56 Great Eastern St, EC2A 3QR | https://www.bigmammagroup.com/en/trattorias/gloria | Read the full review, here.
- Lina Stores. In the midst of U.K.’s tepid high street chain restaurants, Lina Stores’ minty-hued pasta bars stand out as a dining option that is both reliably delicious and reasonably-priced. The truffle tagliatelle is the real deal and a real steal (relative to prices across the rest of central London anyways). Don’t forget to stop by their deli counter after to stock up on high-grade Italian ingredients for your pantry. Various locations | https://www.linastores.co.uk
- Francomanca. A frontrunner for the best Neapolitan pizzas in London, the cornicone (edges) are especially fluffy here, not a soggy bottom in sight – a feature of the sourdough being left to slow-rise before being undergoing a blast-cooking process. Crayons and colouring are in plentiful supply for children, with Aperol and a decent wine list for the grown ups. Various locations | https://www.francomanca.co.uk
- Knoops: A chocolate cafe championing every possible percentage of cocoa – from milk all the way up to 100% dark – Knoops is a must-visit this summer for customisable milkshakes, cold-chocolate and the silkiest swoops of soft serve. Various locations | https://knoops.co.uk
Filed under Miscellaneous but Unmissable
No foodie could share a guide to London without a mention of these dining destinations.
- La Petit Maison. Yes LPM is a name now recognised world-over, but you’ll always find your way back to this timeless and effortlessly-glamorous bolthole off Bond Street for a European take on traditional Niçoise dishes. Not to mention the finest crème brûlée this side of The Channel. 53-54 Brook’s Mews W1K 4EG | https://lpmrestaurants.com/london/
- MiMi Mei Mayfair. This chic jewel-box of a restaurant is divided into a number of dining rooms, each equally-exquisite yet unique in character with floral screens, elegant wallpapers and old-world furnishings that hark back to a bygone era. Steam-billowing baskets of dim sum are followed by a lavish selection of comforting Chinese classics from fried rice startlingly-speckled with olives to a claypot cocooning a silky compilation of tofu and aubergine. 55 Curzon St W1J 8PG | https://mimimeifair.com
- Duck and Rice. Cantonese roast duck might be the name of the game at this striking Soho-based pub-style restaurant, but there’s a soulful selection for vegetarians too, spanning the likes of Hakka paneer, black pepper mock chicken (don’t knock it, until you’ve tried it) and deeply-restorative bowls of Sichuan dumplings. All the dishes are generously-rich and well-suited to the cosily snug surrounds! 90 Berwick Street Soho, London W1F 0QB | theduckandrice.com
- Layla. This artisanal Notting Hill cafe has fast become a neighbourhood darling for its sourdough and pastries (baked fresh on-site) and specialty coffee. Their bow-shaped croissants are a thing of true beauty, laminated with crisp flaky layers cocooning a symphony of unexpected flavours. On our most recent visit, we bit into a lemon yogurt filling that left tart and zesty notes lingering with us long after our last bite! 332 Portobello Rd W10 5PQ | https://www.laylabakery.com
- Zephyr: Another Notting Hill favourite, Zephyr is a bit of a delicious secret, only to be stumbled upon by the chic few in-the-know about the understatedly-elegant yet oh-so-vibey Greek restaurant and bar. The discreet decor is uplifted by colourful artworks and an eccentric mish-mash of highly-covetable glassware randomly assigned across the tables. While no two pieces of serve-ware are the same, each exquisite bowl or plate is united in its determination to deliver a modern interpretation of traditional Greek food, rich in flavour and texture. 100 Portobello Rd, London W11 2QD | https://www.zephyr.london
- Homeslice. The laidback charm of this rustic fuss-free pizzeria is elevated by superlative thin-dough 20” pizzas. The ginormous shape lends itself to a “half and half” option if your party is having a difficult time choosing between all the enticing toppings on offer. You could also opt for pizza by the slice if you’re more keen on a small yet substantive bite on the go. Various locations | https://www.homeslicepizza.co.uk | Read a pizza lover’s guide to London, here.
- Bao: Simple no-frills dining is often where the unabashed joy of eating reveals itself; and this certain feels true of the minimalist Taiwanese dumpling house Bao. A short and concise menu divides itself into xiao chi snacks and small plates, freshly-folded dumplings and pillowy pockets of bao, sheathing the most lustworthy filings. Various locations | https://baolondon.com
More Foodie Destinations
- Borough Market: Strolling past the artisanal stalls, storied cheesemakers and bakeries of Borough Market is a bit like wandering through a culinary curiosity shop. Let your senses direct you to the heady aromas drifting over from gargantuan pans heaving with anything and everything from seafood paella to truffle mushroom spelt risotto. Don’t leave without braving the crowds at Padella, for arguably the best pasta in the city – hand-rolled the very same day and draped in the richest of sauces, including Padella’s legendary Cacio e Pepe tossed together with pici (chewy heffalumpish strands of hand-rolled pasta) London SE1 9AL | https://boroughmarket.org.uk
- Neal’s Yard. Spinning off from Covent Garden, is the quirky network of inter-crossing streets known as Seven Dials. The colourful folds of Neal’s Yard are particularly enchanting, cosseting some of London’s most iconic restaurants and cafes, including St John’s Bakery for those stuffed doughnuts; Homeslice for colossal 20″ inch pizzas; and of course, The Barbary (highlighted above).
- Mercato Mayfair. This is not just an indoor food market. With its sustainably community focus, Mercato Mayfair sets itself apart with its jaw-dropping setting, spread across three floors of a regenerated church. Start with an artisanal gin cocktail or at the wine bar upstairs, before working your way through the multitude of cuisines on offer, finishing of course with sultry scoops of Badiani’s iconic gelato. St. Mark’s Church, N Audley St W1K 6ZA | https://mercatometropolitano.com
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