10 Must-Visit Restaurants in London
With such a vibrant culinary scene, it can be difficult to decide where to eat in London! These are ten of the best restaurants for finding a great meal on a trip to the city. From traditional Sunday roasts to vegan cuisine, there’s something for everyone.
Order a mouthwatering Sunday roast at The Engineer
The Engineer is the starting point for your perfectly boozy Sunday. Do as the locals do and order a beer and a Sunday roast, and then settle down by the fire to enjoy a laid-back afternoon. There are often sports games on the TV, and when the sun is shining, the beer garden is an excellent place to sit back and relax.
65 Gloucester Avenue, tel. 020 7483 1890, theengineerprimrosehill.co.uk, open Mon- Sat noon-11pm, Sun noon-10:30pm, Sunday roast £21.50, Tube Chalk Farm
Eat a proper breakfast at Caravan
Locals love Caravan for breakfast, but this restaurant comes highly recommended for any time of day. The menu ranges from delicious French toast to poached eggs, and from salads to sea bass and spicy meatballs. They also roast their own coffee beans.
11-13 Exmouth Market, tel. 020 7833 8115, www.caravanandco.com, open Mon 8am-9:30pm, Tue-Wed 8am-10pm, Thu-Fri 8am-10:30pm, Sat 9am-10:30pm, Sun 9am-4pm, £15, Tube Farringdon
Go for brunch at the charming German Gymnasium
In a former German gymnasium that was built in 1865 sits the eponymously named restaurant German Gymnasium. In 1866 the venue hosted events from London’s first Olympic Games, and today it is home to a stylish restaurant upstairs and more relaxed café and bar downstairs where you can eat and drink to your heart’s content, from early morning to late at night. The menu includes European cuisine with a German twist from Chef Björn Wassmuth.
1 King’s Boulevard, tel. 020 7287 8000, www.germangymnasium.com, open restaurant Mon-Sat lunch noon-3:30pm & dinner 5:30-10pm; Grand Café Mon-Fri
Enjoy vegetarian and vegan fare at Mildreds
Mildreds is a delightful vegetarian and vegan restaurant. The menu includes dishes such as sweet potato curry and noodles with bok choy, kimchi, and tofu, as well as colorful salads and veggie burgers. They take reservations for only large groups, but order a drink at the bar and a table will be ready before you know it.
200 Pentonville Road, tel. 020 7278 9422, www.mildreds.co.uk, open Mon-Sat 9am- 11pm, Sun 9am-10pm, £16, Tube King’s Cross
Indulge in a Mediterranean meal at Ottolenghi
Ottolenghi is a well-known restaurateur in London and far beyond. His books are best-sellers, and he put ingredients such as pomegranate, tahini, and za’atar on the map. Ottolenghi’s Islington location is on Upper Street, where you can enjoy Mediterranean fare and copious amounts of vegetables. Reservations are advised.
287 Upper Street, tel. 020 7288 1454, www.ottolenghi.co.uk, open Mon-Sat 8am- 10pm, Sun 9am-6pm, £14, Tube Angel/Highbury & Islington
Try British classics with a modern twist at Lyle’s
For an elaborate sit-down lunch or a special dinner, head to Lyle’s. The restaurant, with its light and airy minimalist décor, offers a modern take on classic British fare. In the evenings, Chef James Lowe serves up a set seven-course menu, whereas for lunch you can choose from a variety of smaller dishes à la carte.
Tea Building, 56 Shoreditch High Street, tel. 020 3011 5911, www.lyleslondon.com, open Tue-Sat noon-9pm, £95, Overground Shoreditch High Street
Seafood lovers go to Wright Brothers Borough Market
For delicious seafood, the incredibly charming Wright Brothers Borough Market is the place to go. Make like a local and order a dozen oysters and a pint of Guinness—heavenly!
11 Stoney Street, tel. 020 7403 9554, thewrightbrothers.co.uk/restaurant/borough- market, open Mon-Sat noon-10pm, Sun noon-9pm, oysters start at £14, Tube London Bridge
Food hall Mercato Mayfair has a vibrant atmosphere
Mercato Mayfair is situated in an old church; it’s a large, covered hall with multiple stories where you can taste street food from around the world. The impressive location is well worth the visit. There is a collection of street food stalls, little bars, and seating areas where you can spend an entire evening eating and drinking.
St Mark’s, North Audley Street, tel. 020 7403 0930, www.mercatometropolitano.com, open Mon-Thu noon-11pm, Fri-Sat noon-midnight, Sun noon-10pm, Tube Bond Street
Come to Kin for affordable Asian fare
Do you love Asian cuisine? Then come to Kin, a restaurant with a minimalist interior where you can order street food from all around Asia. Try the Thai curry, Indonesian nasi goreng, or Singapore noodles.
88 Leather Lane, tel. 7825 855955, www.kinstreetfood.com, open Mon 5-10pm, Tue- Fri noon-3pm & 5-10:30pm, Sat 5-10:30pm, £15, Tube Farringdon/Chancery Lane
Go to Sketch for good dining at a stylish location
With Sketch, Mourad Mazouz has brought dining in London to a whole new level. Afternoon tea in the Parlour includes bite-size edible treasures served on funky dishes. The Gallery is an ultra-hip, monochromatic space where you can enjoy delicious modern fare. Then there’s also the upscale Lecture Room & Library, which has two Michelin stars, and the East Bar, which is a great place for a drink. Whichever you choose here, you are guaranteed an unforgettable night out.
9 Conduit Street, tel. 020 7659 4500, www.sketch.london, open Sun-Tue 8am- midnight & Wed-Sat 8am-2am, the Parlour £20, Tube Oxford Circus
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