London is one of the best cities in the world for dining. From Michelin star restaurants to extravagant afternoon teas near Hyde Park, the city has a lot to offer the cuisine connoisseur. London is a bubbling hot pot of cultures, and so you can expect many different cuisines around the city that reflect its diversity and creativity. So if you’re a first time visitor to the English capital, where should you start for a taste of the city?
This blog will outline the best stop-offs for food and dining, providing you with the best events and areas for delectable dinners and delicious desserts. Whether you’re a guest of hotels near Bayswater Station visiting the city for a day or a week, you’ll no doubt have passed or at least heard of some of these amazing foodie fantasies.
Borough Market
Situated right beside London Bridge station, Borough Market is incredibly central for foodie guests of meeting rooms Park Royal. With hundreds of years of history, Borough Markets Medieval beginnings have carried on right into the present day with its hearty selection of whole food and speciality street food stalls across its covered market labyrinth. From artisan coffee to top of the range Spanish paellas, Borough Market and it’s Thameside labyrinth runs daily throughout the week.
Edgware Road
As mentioned, London is home to many different cultures. One that might be less apparent upon first glance is the Egyptian influence on the city, one that is most prevalent on Edgware Road. Teeming with cafe terraces and hookah bars, Little Cairo isn’t just a must for a twist on London nightlife, but also for savouring an authentic shawarma wrap and sumptious baklava treats. Easy to reach from the hotel Grande Royal Hyde Park, Edgware Road mix of exotic juice bars and relaxing, social terrace tables make it a vibrant visit during the warmer months.
Camden
Where else would you start as a tourist in Camden if not the busting markets that made it so famous? Even today it’s canalside mix of vintage clothes, head shops and music venues make it a popular hangout for young people, but the food here shouldn’t be overlooked either. Around Camden Lock you’ll find a wealth of food stalls that sell everything from Chinese noodles to Japanese sushi. With ample seating overlooking the Regent’s canal, Camden Markets street food selection is a local favourite too.
Dalston
Nestled amidst the LGBTQ friendly nughtclubs, independent cinemas and underground music venues are some of the best Turkish restaurants in the city. Alongside more casual Turkish run pool bars and cafes, you’ll find top of the range kebabs and salads along the upper end of Kingsland Road. With award winning restaurants drawing in locals every week, the rich and meaty delights of the city’s best Turkish restaurants are a perfect accompaniment to visiting EartH, the Arcola theatre, the Rio Cinema or even for liking your stomach before a dance stint at Dalston Superstore.
Peckham
One of the best spots in South London for nightlife, Peckham also comes up top for its diverse array of restaurants and bars. Under the Peckham railway arches you’ll find a wealth of Italian restaurants, Kurdish diners and vegan options. Along Rye Lane you’ll find smaller, more brunchy options including Mexican cuisine and tapas for afternoon jaunts and relaxed weekends.
Brixton Village
Thanks to its Afro-Carribean heritage, Brixton is teeming with jerk chicken joints alongside an array of other street food options. Head up to Pop Brixton to find some deliectably curated street food options including Korean and Japanese favourites, as well as Brixton Village for a range of Italian pizza joints and tapas bars. When it comes to enjoying food, you can never go wrong with Brixton.
Brick Lane
Shoreditch might have its fair share of fine dining experiences, but Brick Laner takes the biscuit when it comes to social, vibrant atmospheres. Thanks to its years of cultural history and emigration, the area of Brick Lane has become synonymous with both Bangladeshi and Jewish culture, meaning that this famous East London street is teeming with curryhouses and two of the most famous bagel shops in London. Alongside this, visitors can enjoy the Brick Lane Upmarket, a food hall and street food market that will take you on a whistle stop tour around the world. This food market has been running for a few years now and the stalls change weekly, providing weekend visitors to Brick Lane with a wealth of cultural cuisines and ingredients to sample and enjoy.
Boxpark Shoreditch
Your foodie trip to Shoreditch isn’t over yet, Boxpark, an eco shopping company that’s been running since 2011 has a branch just round the corner from Shoreditch High Street Station. Famed for its pop up fashion boutiques and accessory stores stationed in shipping containers, Boxpark Shoreditch is also has a wealth of dining options. From pub grub burgers to Greek food, Boxpark’s upper floors are haven for starving tourists and locals alike. Combine that with the craft brewery pop ups on offer and regular DJ sets and you have an afterwork, afternoon or after-anything treat.
Southbank Centre
Open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, the Southbank Centre Food Market is located just behind the Royal Festival Hall and is a popular stop off for classic Japanese noodles and stone baked pizzas. Whatever you’re after, the no-nonsense approach of this food market is elevated by its wealth of options – all behind one of London’s most popular – and scenic – Thameside walking routes.
Broadway Market
Running between 9 am and 5 pm on Saturdays, London’s hippest high street floods with foodies every weekend thanks to its wealth of food market options. Buy a book from the best independent book sellers in the city, grab some south-east Asian curry or Scottish toasties and settle in on London Fields for a truly delightful East Lodnon eating experience.
Soho
Amidst the West End theatres and LGBTQ districts, Soho is a haven for dining. With Chinatown offering up a vast selection of quick service oriental dishes, there are also a vast array of alternatives too. From burger bars to trendy no-reservation eateries, there’s something for everyone in Soho which is just as well, because almost everyone passes through on a daily basis.
