A Foodie's Guide to London, 2025 -

Welcome to the 2025 edition of my London Foodie Guide – a personal, ever-evolving curation of the city’s most craveable corners.

Whether you’re chasing steam-billowing bowls of hand-pulled noodles or lusting after an Italian affair – this year’s update brings together fresh finds, hidden gems and long-time favourites (revisited again and again… for research, of course!).

To help you navigate London’s dynamic landscape, this guide is divided by cuisine and/ or occasion – from buzzy new openings to timeless classics, the best brunches to family-friendly gems. These are the places I keep going back to – and now, so can you.

You may also enjoy exploring the city’s best culinary spots, via this tailored London foodie guide mapped by neighbourhood.

The Ultimate Foodie Guide to London

New(ish) & Noteworthy

A fresh wave of flavours has landed in London this year, proving just how delicious change can be. From beguiling Italian boltholes to crisp‑edged Neapolitan pizzas stealing the spotlight, the city’s love affair with Italian flavours shows no signs of slowing. But the new guard spans beyond pasta and pie too. Here are the newcomers worth knowing.

Nina. Channelling edgy Milanese flair, this candlelit newcomer in Marylebone is one of the hottest reservations to snag this summer. Go for the electric vibe, stay for house-made focaccia and a second round of high-octane cocktails at the gleaming bar; and don’t skip the tiramisu for afters! 18 Thayer St, London W1U 3JY, UK; https://www.nina.london/

74 Duke. This refined Mayfair addition marries Gallic-leaning comfort food with a serious martini game – crisp, cold, and perfectly stirred. Settle in with steak frites and finish with still-warm brown butter cookies to see why in-the-know locals treat 74 Duke like their chic second home. 74 Duke Street, London W1K 6JN | https://www.74duke.com/

Noodle Inn – This fuss-free Soho restaurant specialises in hand‑pulled noodles drenched in chilli oil. It’s quick, authentic, and absolutely delicious — the kind of place you’ll find yourself craving again and again. 4-6 Old Compton St, London W1D 4TA

Spring Street Pizza. Michelin-starred finesse meets the generosity of New York’s iconic pies at this cheerful pizzeria from chef Tom Kemble. The colossal 18″ pizzas are spectacularly crisp and topped with a vibrant, ever-changing mix that goes far beyond the usual suspects. Arch 32, Southwark Quarter, Southwark St, London SE1 1TE | https://springstpizza.com/

Ambassador’s Clubhouse. This outrageously over-the-top addition to Mayfair from the JKS group (of Gymkhana and Brigadiers fame) brings undivided Punjabi splendour to a lavish, nightclub-meets-dining room setting. Expect fiery Indian comfort food served with swagger and a swanky, late-night edge. 25 Heddon St, London W1B 4BH | https://ambassadorsclubhouse.com/

More Italian Favourites

London’s Italian renaissance continues, with a new guard of trattorias, pizzerias and polished ristoranti bringing la dolce vita to every corner of the city. These are the ones I return to on repeat:

Delfino. This fuss-free Mayfair institution majors in wood-fired pizzas that arrive bubbling and golden-edged. Pastas are simple but spot on, while the tiramisu might just be the best in London. Walk it all off with a stroll through Mount Street Gardens after. 121 Mount Street, London W1K 3NW | https://www.delfinomayfair.com

The Dover. Moody, magnetic and effortlessly chic, The Dover channels that inimitable “New York Italian” vibe. The experience is transporting, eased by the breezy glamour of the Swinging Sixties. The menu riffs on Italian staples with confident, seasonal flair. 33 Dover St, London W1S 4NF | https://thedoverrestaurant.com/

Il Gattopardo. This date night darling is soaked in the glamour and cinematic charm of mid-century Italy. Expect dramatic tableside finishes and luxurious dishes that blend nostalgia with new-world polish. 27 Albemarle Street, London W1S 4HZ | https://gattopardo.restaurant/

Crisp W6. This neighbourhood favourite lives up to its name (and the hype!) with impossibly-crisp blistered Neapolitan-style pies and a laid-back, low-key vibe. The dough is pitch-perfect — but in high demand — so be sure to book yours ahead to avoid disappointment. 25 Crisp Rd, London W6 9RL | https://www.instagram.com/crisppizzaw6/

foodie London guide — Cantinetta Antinori

Cantinetta Antinori. Oenophiles ought to run, not walk, to this intimate outpost of the storied Antinori family, famed for over 600s of their wine-making legacy. Expect truffle-laced pastas, impeccable wines, and elegant interiors that whisper quiet luxury. 4 Harriet St, London SW1X 9JR | https://cantinetta-antinori.uk

Alley Cats. A playful, NYC-style pizzeria with a London edge. Think rustic interiors and giant foldable slices (don’t skip the vodka pizza). This one’s great for a casual night out with flair. 22 Paddington St W1U 5QY | https://www.alleycatspizza.co.uk

Asian Haven

Traverse Asia in the heart of London, from fiery Sichuan flavours to refined robatayaki.

Hunan. Tucked away in Pimlico, this cult favourite offers a no-menu tasting experience inspired by the bold and spicy flavours of China’s Hunan province. Simply flag your allergies and let the chef unveil a parade of perfectly balanced, heat-laced plates — each one more unexpected than the last. 51 Pimlico Rd, SW1W 8NE | https://www.hunanlondon.com

Nobu. The legendary binchotan-grilled black cod here needs no introduction. With its sleek décor, signature dishes (hello miso aubergine and rock shrimp tempura) and smooth cocktails, Nobu Old Park Lane remains a cornerstone of haute Japanese dining in London.

Roka Mayfair – A stylish temple to modern Japanese cuisine, Roka’s robatayaki grill excels in grilled aubergine, tofu skewers, and rice hot-pots infused with truffle and mushrooms. The vibe is always buzzing, the cocktails sharp, and the cooking deeply satisfying. 30 N Audley St, London W1K 6ZF | https://rokarestaurant.com/en/roka-mayfair-london

Duck & Rice. A cross between a traditional British pub and Chinese dining room, this Soho stalwart is a go-to for restorative dumplings, crispy duck, and an unexpectedly excellent vegetarian selection (hello, Hakka paneer and black pepper mock chicken). All best paired with a frothy pint under the glow of ornate lanterns. 90 Berwick Street Soho, London W1F 0QB | https://theduckandrice.com/

Bao. A minimalist ode to Taiwanese street food, Bao delivers playful flavour with zero frills. Steamed pillowy buns, xiao chi snacks, and crisp little plates take centre stage – each one packing a punch far bigger than its size. 56 James Street, London W1U 1HF | https://baolondon.com

Middle Eastern Feast

No foodie guide to London would be complete without a nod to the bold spices, warm hospitality, and shareable plates that define the city’s Levantine landscape.

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! Expect laffa bread, silky dips, charred brassicas, and punchy pickles — best enjoyed through their curated “Bubala Knows Best” set menu. 15 Poland St, London W1F 8QE | https://bubala.co.uk/soho/

Barbary – With just 24 stools snugly wrapped around a fiery open kitchen, this tiny restaurant offers a front-row seat to the action. Smoky, spiced and full of drama – dishes come to life in a flurry of live-baking, grilling and open flame-cooking. Drawing from North African and Middle Eastern influences, bold plates land with contagious energy. Think sesame studded Jerusalem bagels, spiced cauliflower and sultry dips. The Barbary, 16 Neal’s Yard, WC2H 9DP | https://thebarbary.co.uk

Carmel. Carmel brings laid-back Levantine charm to Queen’s Park, with wood-fired flavours, golden tahini-drizzled dishes, and a menu built for sharing. It’s the kind of place where lunch easily lingers into late afternoon. Ground Floor, 23-25 Lonsdale Rd, London NW6 6RD | https://www.carmelrestaurant.co.uk/

Best for Breakfast & Brunch

Start your day in style. From art-filled dining rooms to sun-drenched neighbourhood favourites, these spots turn breakfast into an occasion.

Christopher’s. This cornerstone of Covent Garden champions an American-style brunch with all the trimmings. Think chocolate brioche French toast, eggs every which way, lobster mac & cheese, and pancakes stacked high with unapologetically indulgent toppings. 18 Wellington St, WC2E 7DD | https://www.christophersgrill.com

Granger & Co. Bringing easy, breezy Aussie charm to London, Granger & Co is the weekend go-to for iconic ricotta hotcakes, crispy corn fritters and that golden-hued sense of sunshine on a plate. 105 Marylebone High St, London W1U 4RS | https://grangerandco.com

Mount Street Restaurant. Start your day surrounded by Auerbach, Picasso and Lucian Freud. This art-filled dining room in the heart of Mayfair pairs refined British cooking — like lobster pie at brunch — with understated luxury and quietly flawless service. First Floor, 41-43 Mount St, London W1K 2RX | https://mountstrestaurant.com/

North Audley Cantine (NAC). A chic Mayfair favourite for light, beautifully plated brunch. From açai bowls to ricotta pancakes soaked in dulce de leche, NAC elevates the classics with an effortless sense of je ne sais quoi that keeps regulars coming back. 41 N Audley St, W1K 6ZP | https://naclondon.co.uk

Family-Friendly Dining

These are the elegant cafes and restaurants that keep both grown-ups and little ones happy, striking that elusive balance between style, comfort, and food everyone wants to eat.

L’ETO. With vibrant outposts across central London, L’ETO feels tailor-made for families. There’s room for prams, patisserie displays that run on a loop of temptation, and a savoury menu spanning croque monsieurs to seasonal salads. Their new Children’s Menu seals the deal. Various Locations | https://letocaffe.com/

Claridge’s ArtSpace Café. Light, airy, and wonderfully under the radar, this design-forward café is a calming pitstop for all ages. Spacious seating, excellent coffee, and standout cakes make it a win for grown-ups, while the adjoining gallery gives curious minds plenty to explore. Brook St, London W1K 4HR | https://www.claridges.co.uk/claridges-artspace/

Homeslice. This cult pizzeria serves 20″ wood-fired pies or generous-by-the-slice options with bold, often playful toppings. It’s relaxed, fast-moving, and fun — ideal for a casual family meal that doesn’t compromise on flavour. Various locations | https://www.homeslicepizza.co.uk