A Foodie's Guide to London, 2026 -

Welcome to the 2026 edition of my London Foodie Guide.

Part address book, part love letter to a city that never stops delivering — this is my personal, ever-evolving curation of London’s most craveable corners, bringing together fresh finds alongside long-time favourites. These are the places I love and keep going back to. Now, so can you.

The Ultimate Foodie Guide to London

The It List

fie guide London 2026 — Dover Street Counter

Dover Street Counter. The younger, sassier sibling to The Dover — hidden two doors down on the eponymous street in Mayfair — Dover Street Counter is nothing short of a cinematic experience. Perch at the gleaming chrome bar looking into an open kitchen, surrounded by what might be the best-looking crowd in London, all equally absorbed in watching the chefs work. Go for the disco fries (dressed with pickled chilli, ginger and mayo), stay for the spaghetti all’Assassina and the kind of late-night energy that makes it very hard to leave. 31 Dover St, London W1S 4ND | doverstreetcounter.com

Automat. A speakeasy in the truest sense, this reincarnation of a London classic is hidden behind a leather goods boutique on Mount Street, Tanner Krolle. Duck between all those gorgeous bags to discover a low-lit, moody brasserie dishing up mid-century American classics — from lobster rolls to a mean mac and cheese. 127 Mount St, London W1K 3NU | automatdining.com

74 Duke. This refined Mayfair addition marries Gallic-leaning comfort food with a serious martini game — crisp, cold and perfectly stirred. Settle in with pain et beurre, frites and a meaty morel rigatoni, and finish with still-warm brown butter cookies. 74 Duke Street, London W1K 6JN | https://www.74duke.com/

Favourite spots for pizza & pasta

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

Nina Marylebone. Channelling edgy Milanese flair, this candlelit spot in Marylebone is one of the most sought-after reservations in town. 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 even think about skipping the tiramisu. 18 Thayer St, London W1U 3JY, UK; https://www.nina.london/

Crisp W1. Bringing its magic from W6 to W1, Crisp lives up to its name — and the hype — with impossibly crisp, blistered pies and a laid-back, low-key vibe. The dough is pitch-perfect but in high demand, so book ahead. | instagram.com/crisppizzaw6

Cantinetta Antinori. Oenophiles ought to run, not walk, to this intimate outpost of the storied Antinori family — famed for over 600 years of winemaking legacy. Expect truffle-laced pastas, impeccably paired with full-bodied wines and understated interiors that epitomise quiet luxury. 4 Harriet St, London SW1X 9JR | https://cantinetta-antinori.uk

Cafes & Bistros

Layla. An artisan neighbourhood bakery in Ladbroke Grove that has quietly built a cult following — and for good reason. Everything is made fresh daily, from seasonal pastries to show-stopping croissants, with the chefs visibly rolling and shaping behind the counter. 332 Portobello Rd, London W10 5PQ | laylabakery.com

Le Café NAC, Belgravia. A stylish all-day bistro on Motcomb Street that manages to feel both neighbourhood and occasion all at once. Mirrored walls, amber lighting, marble-topped tables and an easy-going menu running from ricotta pancakes at breakfast through to crushed burrata and radiatori alla vodka for lunch and burgers come dinner. Walk-ins only — which somehow only adds to its charm. 16/17 Motcomb Street, London SW1X 8LB | lecafenac.com

Alaïa Café and Bookstore. Tucked on the second floor of Maison Alaïa’s Bond Street flagship, this is a very stylish pit-stop. Created in collaboration with Violet Cakes — a California-influenced East London bakery of royal wedding fame — and bookseller Claire de Rouen, the minimalist space is built around a central aluminium table designed for lingering: over a pastry, a rare photography book, and the particular pleasure of discovering a deliciously secret spot. 139 New Bond St, London W1S 2TL

Arome. Achingly cool, this minimalist bakery effortlessly marries the finesse of French patisserie with the umami depth of Asian flavours — with results that are anything but predictable. Think apple danish with miso caramel and chocolate pain suisse suffused with sansho pepper. 9 Mercer Street, London WC2H 9QJ | https://aromebakery.co.uk

Miscellaneous but unmissable

Bubala. The boisterous beauty of Middle Eastern food takes shape in an ensemble of dishes so emboldened with flavour that most diners won’t even notice the menu is entirely vegetarian. Laffa bread, silky dips, charred brassicas, punchy pickles — best navigated through the “Bubala Knows Best” set menu. 15 Poland St, London W1F 8QE | https://bubala.co.uk/soho/

Zēphyr, Notting Hill. Named after the Greek god of the west wind, this Portobello Road gem from the Pachamama Group brings a contemporary, sun-drenched take on Grecian cooking to West London — minus the airfare. Sculptural lighting and a quirky mix of glassware and crockery lend whimsy to a space that’s otherwise elegantly understated. Portobello Road, London W11 | https://www.zephyr.london

Mount Street Restaurant. If you fancy your meal with a side of Auerbach, Picasso and Lucian Freud, you’ve found your table. This art-filled dining room in the heart of Mayfair pairs refined British cooking — lobster pie at brunch, anyone? — with understated luxury and quietly flawless service. First Floor, 41-43 Mount St, London W1K 2RX | https://mountstrestaurant.com/

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

Asian Haven

Nobu. The legendary binchotan-grilled black cod needs no introduction. Sleek décor, signature dishes — miso aubergine, rock shrimp tempura — and smooth cocktails make Nobu Old Park Lane a cornerstone of haute Japanese dining in London. 19 Old Park Lane, London W1K 1LB | noburestaurants.com

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 mushroom. The vibe is always buzzing, the cocktails sharp, the cooking deeply satisfying. 30 N Audley St, London W1K 6ZF | https://rokarestaurant.com/en/roka-mayfair-london

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

Bao. A minimalist ode to Taiwanese street food — pillowy steamed buns, xiao chi snacks and crisp little plates, each packing a punch far bigger than its size. 56 James Street, London W1U 1HF | https://baolondon.com

The Aubrey. The seductive Japanese restaurant at Mandarin Oriental Knightsbridge takes its name from the dark and decadent illustrator Aubrey Beardsley — and the inspiration runs deep. Multiple intimate dining rooms, each with its own eccentric personality, plus an omakase cocktail bar tucked away at the back with a beautifully illustrated hard-bound menu to match. 66 Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7LA | https://www.mandarinoriental.com/en/london/hyde-park/dine/the-aubrey

Dim Sum Library. Aqua Restaurant Group’s first international outpost of the Hong Kong original lands in Covent Garden, and it’s everything dim sum devotees have been waiting for. An open kitchen counter lets you watch the chefs at work — folding har gau, tucking black truffle into delicate parcels, and assembling soupy dan dan xiaolongbao with quiet precision. Elegant, lively, with tea-led cocktails to match. 136 Long Acre, London WC2E 9AD | https://dimsumlibrary.co.uk