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Cuisine, Wine, & Spirits

12 London Restaurants That Belong on Every Foodie’s List

London’s food scene is a glorious melting pot of culture, innovation, and comfort. From humble kebab joints and 24-hour bagel shops to opulent riverside dining, the city delivers unforgettable culinary experiences. We’ve handpicked 12 of our favorite places for travelers with an appetite for authenticity and flavor.

1. Raz’s Kebab & Café – Claygate

Mixed kebab platter with grilled meats, shawarma, fries, and salad at Raz’s Kebab Restaurant© Photo: Raz’s Kebab and Café

No-frills and full of heart, Raz’s is a local gem serving juicy Turkish kebabs in a casual setting. It’s the perfect off-the-beaten-path stop for travelers who want delicious food without the fuss.

2. Petek – Finsbury Park

Colorful Middle Eastern mezze platter with hummus, falafel, flatbread, and fresh cucumber mint drinks at an outdoor restaurant© Photo: Petek

A cozy Turkish-Lebanese fusion eatery with vibrant décor and an open kitchen, Petek is a local favorite. The lamb köfte and rich meze platters are ideal for sharing over a glass of wine or a strong Turkish coffee.

3. Asmara – Brixton Village

Traditional Ethiopian injera platter with assorted meat and vegetable stews from Asmara Restaurant© Photo: Asmara

Taste the rich, spicy flavors of Eritrea in this welcoming Brixton spot. Try the injera flatbread, paired with slow-cooked lamb stew or lentils, all served communal-style—eating here is both a cultural and culinary experience.

4. Dishoom – Covent Garden

Friends enjoying colorful cocktails and a vibrant fusion meal at Dishoom Restaurant© Photo: Covent Garden

Inspired by Bombay’s Irani cafés, Dishoom is one of London’s most beloved dining institutions. From bacon naan rolls at breakfast to their signature black daal, every dish tells a story. Book ahead or go early—lines form quickly!

5. Comptoir Libanais – South Kensington

Colorful Lebanese mezze and falafel salad at Comptoir Libanais Restaurant© Photo: Comptoir Libanais

This cheerful Lebanese chain offers colorful décor, fast service, and a delightful selection of Middle Eastern staples like falafel wraps, tabbouleh, and mint tea—perfect after visiting the nearby museums.

6. Sea Containers – Southbank

Lobster roll with lemon squeeze and chips at Sea Containers Restaurant, paired with sparkling rosé© Photo: Sea Containers

With floor-to-ceiling river views and a modern brasserie-style menu, Sea Containers is perfect for a memorable dinner. Seasonal dishes, craft cocktails, and a sleek setting make this a top choice for stylish foodies.

7. The Breakfast Club – Soho

Classic breakfast with eggs, hash browns, bacon, and toast at The Breakfast Club Restaurant© Photo: The Breakfast Club

Brunch lovers, rejoice! Pancakes, bacon, and full English breakfasts are served with a side of retro charm. Arrive early to beat the weekend lines, or go on a weekday for a quieter experience. Expect wait times of 15–20 minutes on weekdays and up to an hour on weekends during peak brunch hours.

8. The Beigel Shop – Brick Lane

Close-up of salt beef sandwich with mustard and pickles at Beigel Shop Restaurant© Photo: The Bagel Shop

An East End icon, this 24-hour Jewish bakery is beloved for its chewy bagels stuffed with salt beef, mustard, or cream cheese and salmon. No trip to Brick Lane is complete without one.

9. Miga – Hackney

Fresh sashimi platter with salmon, tuna, and white fish at Miga Hackney Restaurant© Photo: Miga

Korean food gets a creative, modern twist at Miga, a design-forward spot serving up dishes like beef galbi tacos and kimchi risotto. Their craft cocktails and minimalist ambiance make it a favorite for East London locals and visitors alike.

10. Agora – Fitzrovia

Assorted Mediterranean small plates and mezze on rustic wooden table© Photo: Agora

This sun-drenched Mediterranean restaurant channels the Greek islands with dishes like charred octopus, whipped feta, and grilled aubergine with tahini. Expect warm hospitality and a chic, coastal vibe just steps from Oxford Street.

11. Osteria Angelina – Shoreditch

Gourmet seafood crudo with caviar and roe at Osteria Angelina Restaurant© Photo: Osteria Angelina

A boundary-pushing blend of Italian comfort and Japanese minimalism, Angelina offers a small seasonal menu where you might find burrata with yuzu or miso risotto with truffle. Their omakase-style tasting menu is an experience in itself.

12. Bonus: Borough Market – London Bridge

Crowds at Borough Market food stalls in London featuring street food vendorsWhile not a restaurant, this iconic market is a food lover’s playground. Come hungry and try a bit of everything—from Ethiopian coffee to British cheeses and global street food. A must-visit!

London, the cosmopolitan and historic city of nine million people, offers you food you love as well as exotic tastes that you never knew existed. Any London vacation can include an experimental dive into incomparable meals. Enjoy!

Ask your Destination Expert for enough time in London to see the highlights as well as discovering tastes that are out of this world.