Best Food Spots in London: A Neighbourhood Guide -

A guide to the best food in London, curated by neighbourhood

London is a city best explored one neighbourhood at a time. From the picture-postcard pastel streets of Notting Hill to the lively thrum of Borough Market, every pocket of this cosmopolitan capital offers its own delicious discoveries.

Handy then, that this food guide maps out the very best of where — and what — to eat in London, broken down by neighbourhood. Whether you’re plotting a full-blown food crawl or you’re simply keen to bookmark the unmissable spots – these hand-picked recommendations promise to make every meal a memorable one.

This curated list is part of a broader series of London guides coming soon to TFD. In the meanwhile, you can discover more recommendations here.

Best Food Spots in London, Curated By Neighbourhood

Notting Hill

foodie's guide London summer — Zephyr, Notting Hill

Beyond its pastel facades and movie-star moments, there’s something about the relaxed rhythm of Notting Hill that invites you to slow down. Languid mornings slip into leisurely afternoons as you meander between indie boutiques, artisanal bakeries and achingly cool restaurants that always seem one step ahead of the culinary curve.

Layla. A neighbourhood darling, Layla is loved for its slow-fermented sourdough, flaky pastries and specialty coffee. Everything is made daily in-house using heritage grains and seasonal produce. Their bow-shaped croissants are a thing of true beauty — laminated with crisp, golden layers that cocoon a symphony of unexpected flavours. 332 Portobello Rd W10 5PQ | https://www.laylabakery.com

Zephyr. Stepping into this sun-drenched spot feels like stumbling upon a delicious secret — the kind whispered about among the chic few in-the-know. Colourful artworks and a quirky mix of glassware and crockery lend whimsy to a space that’s otherwise elegantly-understated. Expect a modern interpretation of Greek flavours — rich, soulful and unapologetically-stylish. 100 Portobello Rd, London W11 2QD | https://www.zephyr.london

Crème. An Instagram sensation for good reason, Crème is famed for its colossal cookies — crisp-edged, soft-centred and gooey in all the right places. Their Notting Hill outpost channels cult NYC-meets-Paris energy, serving up flavours like miso white chocolate, alongside impossibly thick soft-serve. 8 Blenheim Crescent, London W11 1NN | https://cremelondon.com/

Gold. Moody yet magnetic, Gold is a sceney bolthole with substance. Set across a seductive bar and lush garden room, the space buzzes with energy while delivering a modern European menu that’s as bold and intriguing. 95-97 Portobello Rd, W11 2QB | https://goldnottinghill.com

More must-do’s

Sink into a velvet armchair at the retro-chic Electric Cinema for a night at the movies with serious atmosphere. Forage the food stalls of Portobello Road Market, where global flavours meet local charm. And don’t miss Books for Cooks — a cookbook shop that’s wholly irresistible for culinary dreamers.

Seven Dials/ Covent Garden

At the crossroads of culture and cuisine, Covent Garden and Seven Dials have evolved far beyond their touristy trappings. Nestled between the legendary theatres and the cobbled streets are some of London’s most irresistible food spots — from nostalgic treats reimagined to border-blurring culinary innovations — all perfect for a pitstop between shopping or shows.

The Barbary. With just 24 stools snugly wrapped around a fiery open kitchen, this diminutive 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 cooking over open flames. Drawing from North African and Middle Eastern influences, the sesame-studded breads and boldly charred plates are unapologetically rich in flavour. The Barbary, 16 Neal’s Yard, WC2H 9DP | https://thebarbary.co.uk

Homeslice: Choose between 20” wood-fired pies or by-the-giganormous-slice option at this cult pizzeria. The paper-thin crusts buttress bold toppings with an ever-changing menu that keeps even the locals coming back for more. Various locations | https://www.homeslicepizza.co.uk

Humble Crumble. The ultimate nostalgic treat is elevated by a few decadent notches at the not-so Humble Crumble. Build your own hot crumble here with seasonal fruits and indulgent toppings like brûléed marshmallows, warm custard, and molten chocolate. 50a Earlham Street, London WC2H 9LA | https://www.humble-crumble.com

best food spots london neighbourhood — Humble Crumble

Arome. Achingly-cool, this minimalist bakery effortlessly marries the finesse of French patisserie with the umami depth of Asian flavours. The result is anything but predictable. Think Apple Danish with Miso Caramel and Chocolate Pain Suisse suffused with Sansho Pepper for shades of heat. 9 Mercer Street, London WC2H 9QJ | https://www.coventgarden.london/brand-directory/arome-bakery/

Seven Dials Market. Graze your way through global flavours at this bustling indoor food market – from conveyor-belt cheese tastings to street-style Mexican tacos and more indie food finds. Seven Dials London WC2H 9AU | https://www.sevendialsmarket.com/

Neal’s Yard Dairy. A London institution, this iconic cheesemonger celebrates British and Irish farmhouse cheeses. You ought not to miss sampling a wedge of their aged Cheddar or Stilton if you’re passing by. 17 Short’s Gardens, London WC2H 9AW | https://www.nealsyarddairy.co.uk/

Borough Market

Strolling past the artisanal stalls, storied cheesemakers and bakeries of Borough Market feels a bit like wandering through a culinary curiosity shop. Let your senses guide you towards the heady aromas drifting over from gargantuan pans heaving with anything and everything from seafood paella to truffle mushroom spelt risotto (at Turnips). Don’t leave without braving the queue at Padella, for arguably the best pasta in the city – hand-rolled daily and draped in rich glossy sauces. Their legendary Cacio e Pepe tossed with chewy heffalumpish strands of pici is worth every minute of the wait. https://boroughmarket.org.uk

Soho

No neighbourhood guide to the best food in London could be complete without reference to Soho’s maze of tangled streets illuminated by neon lights. Timeless institutions rest comfortably here alongside buzzworthy newcomers riding the crest of every trend. From hand-pulled noodles to triple melted hot chocolate, Soho is — and always will be —always a good idea!

Noodle Inn Soho. This fuss-free spot draws a daily queue snaking around the corner – all for its steam-billowing bowls of hand-pulled noodles, slicked a sizzling hot chilli oil.
4-6 Old Compton St, London W1D 4TA

Inko Nito. This lively robatayaki grill from the good folks behind Roka & Zuma puts a contemporary spin on Japanese dining. The laid-back high-energy vibe is matched by charcoal-grilled meats and vegetables, alongside small plates with an unexpected twist. 55 Broadwick Street, London W1F 9QS | https://inkonitorestaurant.com/

Duck & Rice. A cross between a traditional British pub and Chinese dining room, Duck & Rice is a Soho staple for restorative dumplings, crispy duck and a soul-vegetarian selection spanning the likes of spanning the likes of Hakka paneer, black pepper mock chicken (don’t knock it, until you’ve tried it). All perfectly paired with frothy pints under ornate lantern-lit ceilings. 90 Berwick Street Soho, London W1F 0QB | https://theduckandrice.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/

Italian Bear Chocolate. There’s no such thing as too much chocolate when it arrives in the form a triple melted hot chocolate here, set apart by a silky cascade of milk, white and dark chocolate spilling out onto your saucer. 41 Broadwick Street, W1F 9QL 29 | https://www.italianbearchocolate.com

Marylebone: Chic, Understated, and Delicious

With its leafy streets and village-like charm, Marylebone is a far more quiet —but no less delicious—pocket of London. Elegant bistros and indie cafés nestle up alongside stylish bookstores and florists, creating a neighbourhood that feels both timeless and trend-forward.

Granger & Co, Marylebone. Bright, vibrant and effortlessly-trendy, this Antipodean gem serves up sun-drenched Aussie classics from Bilbo Granger’s fabled ricotta hotcakes to crispy corn fritters and a devilishly-decadent grilled cheese with kimchi. 105 Marylebone High St, London W1U 4RS | https://grangerandco.com

Alley Cats. A fuss-free pizzeria dishing up New York-style pies with a side of nostalgia. The base is crisp (with a moreish crunch and salty edge), holding up a saucy layer that begs to be folded and eaten envelope-style—forks and knives be damned. 22 Paddington St W1U 5QY | https://www.alleycatspizza.co.uk

Opso, Marylebone. Modern Greek dining at its most elegant, Opso blends traditional flavours with a contemporary twist — ideal for sharing. Brunch here is an affair always worth waking up for. 10 Paddington Street, London W1U 5QL | https://www.opso.co.uk/

Kol, Marylebone. Kol reimagines Mexican cuisine through a British lens, offering fine dining with a warm, welcoming soul. This is quite possibly one of London’s most exciting restaurants. 9 Seymour Street, London W1H 7BA | https://kolrestaurant.com/

Bao, Marylebone. Minimalist in design but maximalist in flavour, simple no-frills dining is often where the unabashed joy of eating reveals itself. Bao’s playful menu spans xiao chi snacks, freshly folded dumplings, and pillowy pockets of bao—all bursting with unabashed joy. 56 James Street, London W1U 1HF | https://baolondon.com

More must-do’s

Immerse yourself in the magic of Daunt Books, a sky-lit sanctuary for book lovers, where oak-lined galleries stretch across every subject imaginable, from philosophy to fiction, science to geography. Afterwards, wander over to Hagen for the perfect brew, steeped in the warmth and minimal elegance of Copenhagen’s café culture.

Mayfair

Elegant, polished and unapologetically-indulgent — this storied neighbourhood is home to timeless institutions, destination-worthy fine dining and the kind of chic little cafes where you’ll want to linger long after dessert. Come hungry and perhaps a little dressed up.

Delfino. A longstanding favourite with those in the know, this family-run establishment champions wood-fired pizza with perfectly crisp edges. Expect warm service and time-honoured Italian recipes done just right, including an impeccable tiramisu for afters. 121 Mount Street, London W1K 3NW | https://www.delfinomayfair.com

Il Gattopardo. Retro-chic Italian glamour plays out in vintage interiors a sultry ambience and sun-drenched flavours from Southern Italy. This date-night-worthy spot is an ode to la dolce vita — with just the right hint of quiet luxury. 27 Albemarle Street, London W1S 4HZ | https://gattopardo.restaurant/

North Audley Cantine. Loosely channelling contemporary French bistro cuisine, weekend brunch at NAC (as this neighbourhood institution is fondly known) never disappoints. The fiery shakshuka is a favourite, served with pillowy pockets of pita to mop up every last bit. It would be criminal not to follow with a towering stack of dulce de leche pancakes and crushed milk chocolate cookies. A strong contender for the title of “best cookies in town,” this craveable dessert is as Instagrammable as it is indulgent — thanks in no small part to the swoop of Frosties-studded soft serve on top. 41 N Audley St, W1K 6ZP | https://naclondon.co.uk

Roka Mayfair. A sleek, high-energy spot known for its modern take on Japanese robata dining. Come for the perfectly charred skewers and delicate sushi rolls, stay for the vibrant cocktails and moody glow that makes every night feel like a celebration. 30 N Audley St, London W1K 6ZF | https://rokarestaurant.com/en/roka-mayfair-london

Kai Mayfair. A Michelin-starred destination offering a luxurious reimagining of Chinese cuisine. From its inventive take on vegan prawns to delicate lobster noodles, Kai elevates every detail — right down to the tea pairings and dessert artistry. 65 South Audley Street, London W1K 2QU | https://www.kaimayfair.co.uk/