Top Restaurants in London That Will Take You on a Culinary Journey

If you’ve ever found yourself gawking at a massive menu, wondering if you’re about to miss out on the meal of your life, you’re not alone—London’s restaurant scene can feel impossible to crack. With new places opening every month and cult favourites booked solid weeks ahead, picking just one spot can drive you mad. But here’s the good news: London’s food scene is bursting with personality, from sizzling street food stalls tucked under railway arches to splashy tasting menus in glitzy hotels.

Every corner of the city has its own vibe. You could be snacking on sourdough pizza in Peckham or feasting on Sri Lankan hoppers in Soho—there’s always a new food story waiting. If you’re just visiting or you live here and want to show off for your out-of-town pals, it pays to know where to start. This isn’t about the same old tourist traps. These picks mix must-visit legends with off-the-radar spots where locals actually eat. Get ready to book in advance for the big names—but don’t be afraid to try your luck with a walk-in at a buzzing pop-up or late-night noodle bar. London rewards the curious (and the hungry).

• Street Food with London Flair
• Michelin Stars and Hidden Fine Dining
• The Best for International Flavours
• Quirky Concepts and Unique Experiences
• Where Locals Really Eat

Street Food with London Flair

London’s street food scene is absolutely wild—there’s something going on just about every night of the week, and the variety is mind-blowing. Head to Borough Market if you want to see food history in action. It’s been running in some form since the 12th century, and these days it’s packed with independent traders slinging everything from Ethiopian veggie boxes to handmade raclette. On a Friday or Saturday lunchtime, the queue at Kappacasein for toasted cheese sandwiches can get legendary—seriously, some people claim it’s the best in the city.

Looking for more global tastes? Don’t miss Dinerama in Shoreditch or Pop Brixton for rotating pop-ups offering stuff like Japanese fried chicken, Venezuelan arepas, or fresh Vietnamese summer rolls. These places are especially buzzing after work with locals, and you’ll rarely pay over £10 for a serious meal. Kerb Markets are another local tip—they pop up at locations like King’s Cross, West India Quay, and the Gherkin, and showcase some awesome up-and-coming street food talent. Keep an eye on their Instagram for the schedule—opening hours can change quick, especially during events or bad weather.

Timing is key. Most street food spots hit their stride Thursday through Saturday, especially around lunch and after 5pm. If you want space to actually sit, show up early. Contactless payment is the norm but have a bit of cash for markets like Camden or Maltby Street, where some traders are a little old school.

• Borough Market, SE1 – Classics plus new street food traders weekly
• Pop Brixton, SW9 – Outdoor seating, eco-friendly vibe, and rotating stalls
• Kerb Markets (multiple locations) – Best for variety and new discoveries
• Maltby Street Market, SE1 – More low-key but worth it for fudge and bagels
• Camden Market, NW1 – Wildest variety, stays open late on weekends

Here’s a little table with insider info on some of London’s market hotspots:

If you want to eat like a local Londoner, just show up hungry and try something you’ve never had before. It’s the best way to get a taste of the London restaurants scene, minus the white tablecloths.

Michelin Stars and Hidden Fine Dining

Everybody knows London has a bunch of Michelin-starred spots, but there are some surprises tucked away too. Sure, Dinner by Heston and Sketch are on everyone’s Instagram, but places like Core by Clare Smyth and Kitchen Table actually give you a unique experience. Core in Notting Hill has three stars and keeps things proper British—from Scottish scallops to salt-aged lamb, you’re getting the best produce. Meanwhile, Kitchen Table in Fitzrovia feels more like a private chef’s party, seating just a few people around an open kitchen.

If you’re after top-notch French without the stiff vibe, head to Chez Bruce in Wandsworth—locals love it for its homely feel and strong wine list. Or, if you want something truly under-the-radar, check out Da Terra in Bethnal Green. This one’s hidden inside Town Hall Hotel. It’s got two stars, but the fuss is minimal—you just get creative plates inspired by Latin America and Europe. Bookings for these places go fast. Set a calendar reminder and try midweek if you don’t want to wait months.

• London restaurants with Michelin stars often have set lunch deals—don’t ignore the early afternoon slots if you want to try somewhere pricey for less.
• For a splurge with a view, Galvin at Windows in Mayfair does classic French and overlooks Hyde Park.
• Decide if the vibe suits you: some spots like Restaurant Story keep things playful (expect edible candles), while others like Le Gavroche are more classic and old-school.

Here’s a quick look at a handful of top fine dining spots and what you can expect:

Tip: Always check the cancellation policy when you book. Most Michelin and fine dining restaurants in London ask for a deposit and will charge if you bail last minute. Dress codes are usually smart-casual, but double check so you’re not caught out in trainers.

The Best for International Flavours

London’s dining scene is basically a passport on a plate. You can grab Hong Kong-style dim sum in Chinatown, Nigerian jollof rice on Old Kent Road, and Peruvian ceviche in Soho—all without ever leaving the city limits. It’s like the world decided to open shop right here and the locals are all in on the secret.

If you’re craving next-level ramen, everyone raves about Kanada-Ya in Covent Garden. Expect a queue, but the rich broth and wobbly-soft eggs are worth it. For Indian food that’ll totally change your opinion of a curry night, Dishoom near King’s Cross nails it with their black daal and bacon naans—no surprise the BBC called it “the city’s most beloved modern Bombay canteen.” Malaysian spot Roti King is wedged under an Euston housing block, but people line up for their flaky rotis and spicy kari ayam.

"London is now arguably the world's most international city to eat in," says Tim Hayward, food writer for The Financial Times. "You can travel by tube and eat with the globe."

Don’t sleep on Latin American or Middle Eastern food either. Andina’s limey ceviches and grilled corn are a win for anyone who likes their food with zing, while Berber & Q in Haggerston pulls in crowds for its smoky harissa lamb and giant pitas. Want something under the radar? Try Daebak Korean Restaurant in New Malden for kimchi pancakes and fried chicken. Big-flavour, tiny price tag.

Pro tip for hunting down London restaurants with global flare: go early or book ahead, especially on weekends. If you’re taking friends visiting from abroad, check their allergy or spice tolerance—London’s mix of flavours can get seriously bold. And don’t be shy about asking for recommendations from the staff. Most are happy to talk you through their must-tries.

Quirky Concepts and Unique Experiences

London seriously loves a good gimmick, but here’s the thing—some of these offbeat restaurants are genuinely worth your time. Ready for dinner in the pitch dark? Dans Le Noir? in Clerkenwell has you covered. Waiters are blind or partially sighted, and guests eat completely in the dark, forcing you to rely on taste, smell, and touch—absolutely no scrolling through your phone. It’s weird, a little awkward at first, and honestly, unforgettable.

Then there’s Sketch in Mayfair, which is as famous for its trippy interiors (think: egg-shaped toilets and pink velvet everywhere) as it is for its afternoon tea and Michelin-starred food. Even if you’re not big on fancy tasting menus, the vibe alone makes it Insta-famous and oddly inviting. You can book a table for high tea or swing by at night for a cocktail and snacks in their retro bar.

For those who love a bit of theatre with their meal, escape the classic sit-down routine at Circus in Covent Garden. Here, acrobats and cabaret performers twirl overhead while you munch through pan-Asian sharing plates. The show isn’t just for birthdays—it’s a fun switch-up any day you want to impress friends or coworkers.

Need something truly off-the-wall? Archipelago in Fitzrovia serves up exotic meats like crocodile or smoky python carpaccio. Not for the faint-hearted, but conversation is guaranteed. If that’s a bit much, Bob Bob Ricard in Soho lets every diner press a button that literally says "Press For Champagne"—yes, you can get bubbles at your table within seconds, a nice bit of theatre for date nights or celebrations.

• London restaurants with quirky twists tend to book out for weekends, so midweek visits often get you a reservation more easily (and sometimes better deals).
• Check for set menus or early evening specials if you want a taste of these unusual places without splurging on full price.
• Always double-check dress codes—Sketch and Bob Bob Ricard don’t mess around with their no-sportswear policies.

Where Locals Really Eat

It doesn’t matter how glossy a place looks on Instagram—real Londoners will send you somewhere a bit more under the radar for a night out. These spots aren’t just somewhere you read about in a travel guide. Locals crave them, fight for tables, and argue over which dish really is the best. Prices range from dirt cheap to splurge-worthy, but every spot on this list is part of the true London restaurants experience.

Squeezed into Brixton Village, Franco Manca keeps pulling crowds with the city’s most legit sourdough pizza. There’s nothing fussy—just crackly crusts with simple toppings and a ‘sit wherever you can’ vibe. Walk-ins rule, so don’t stress about reservations. Over in Shoreditch, Dishoom serves breakfast naans that regulars swear by, especially if you can actually drag yourself out of bed early. See that queue at lunchtime? It really does mean the bacon naan is worth it.

If you’re into Chinese food, you have to hit up Cafe TPT in Chinatown. It’s packed late into the night with local students and workers grabbing plates of salt and pepper squid or crispy duck rice. You won’t blow your budget, but you’ll eat better than you would at most fancy places around Leicester Square. For an even more casual vibe, plenty of Londoners still swear by Brick Lane’s beigel shops even after a night out. Order the salt beef beigel at Beigel Bake and you’ll see why people queue at 3am.

Sometimes the real gems are pubs serving quietly legendary food. The Marksman in Hackney is one of those spots. The Sunday roast gets all the hype, but sharp locals know the brown butter and honey tart is what you actually make the trip for. If you’re up for a proper curry, hop on the Overground to Tooting and grab a table at Dosa n Chutny. Locals claim the masala dosa is better here than anywhere else in town.

Don’t ignore social proof. Restaurants packed with nearby office workers at lunch or noisy families on weekends are good signs. Here’s a quick snapshot of a few local-loved places, with what Londoners rate them for and average prices per person:

To avoid disappointment, check busy times and use Google Maps’ live crowd info. For peak dinner hours, going early or late helps. Most spots on this list don’t take bookings, but that keeps things fun and spontaneous—just the way Londoners like it.