London isn’t just about Big Ben and rainy days—this city is an absolute playground for anyone who lives to eat or just wants to try something new. With dishes that run from old-school British comfort food to wild, creative takes from around the world, there’s something here for every taste bud. Forget sticking to chain restaurants or touristy spots—London’s food is all about discovery.

You’ll find legendary fish and chips in a local chippy, but you can also spend a whole afternoon hunting down spicy South Asian street snacks in Brick Lane, or digging into a flaky, still-warm sausage roll from a hidden bakery. Want a carb fix? Don’t leave without a chunky salt beef bagel from Beigel Bake. And if you’re curious about what locals actually eat when they’re not on Instagram, you’re in the right place.

This isn’t just a list—it’s a ready-made map for your taste buds. We’ll cover exactly what each dish is, where you can actually try it (without getting ripped off), and what makes it worth the hype. If you’re hungry for something genuinely memorable, grab a napkin—London’s food scene is calling.

Quick Bites: London’s Food Scene Fast Facts

London is a real melting pot. Over 70 national cuisines fill the city’s streets, so it’s pretty much impossible to leave hungry or bored. Wander into any market like Borough, Camden, or Maltby Street, and you’ll find dishes from all corners of the world, right next to classic British favorites.

Over 18,000 restaurants call London home. There are more Indian restaurants here than in Mumbai. No kidding—Brick Lane alone is often called the curry capital of Europe. And if you’re into Michelin stars, London boasts around 70 of those, so you can go as fancy or as laid-back as you like.

  • The food to try in London goes way beyond fish and chips. Don’t miss iconic breakfast items like a “full English,” sweet treats like sticky toffee pudding, or grab-and-go street foods such as jerk chicken and Turkish gözleme.
  • London’s food markets are packed on weekends. Go early to avoid crowds, or head there late for bargains—many stalls drop prices just before closing.
  • Vegetarians and vegans have tons of options. London is now one of the top vegan-friendly cities in Europe, with entire markets (like Vegan Nights at Brick Lane) dedicated to plant-based eats.
  • Tap water is free and totally safe in all restaurants, so feel free to ask for it—it’s normal here.

London’s food scene changes fast, so don’t be surprised if there’s a new hype every month. That just means more must-try bites for your list!

Why London’s Food Scene Stands Out

It’s no secret—London has become a powerhouse for food-loving folks. What really sets it apart? It’s all about diversity and serious quality. Around 37% of London’s population was born outside the UK, so eating here feels like taking a world food tour without ever leaving the city. You’ve got traditional British classics, but also everything from fiery Pakistani curries to Turkish kebabs, Vietnamese banh mi, and Nigerian jollof rice, all made by people who know these flavors inside out.

The food scene exploded in the past decade, helped by a new wave of street markets and food halls. Places like Borough Market date back centuries (it’s been running since at least the 12th century!), but even trendy markets like Seven Dials and Maltby Street have become legends in just a few years. Every week, fresh pop-ups and food trucks hit the streets, so even locals can’t keep up with all the new spots opening up.

And the variety isn’t just in the type of food. Prices swing from under a fiver for a banging salt beef bagel in Shoreditch to multi-course menus at Michelin-starred restaurants. London now has about 75 Michelin-starred restaurants, from classic institutions like Restaurant Gordon Ramsay to game-changing spots like Sketch. But ask any real foodie, and they’ll admit—you get just as much magic from that late-night kebab shop or indie bakery as you do from a white-tablecloth spot.

Want some hard numbers? Check out the snapshot below to see just how buzzing the food to try in London scene really is:

Stat London
Michelin-starred restaurants 75 (as of May 2025)
Date Borough Market founded 12th Century
Languages spoken in London Over 300
Population born outside the UK About 37%
Number of street food vendors (approx.) 500+

If you want real choice, world-spanning flavors, or just something you’ve never tasted before, London is the place to be. Every bite tells you something about life in the city—and with so many hidden gems, you’ll never run out of new favorites to try.

The Top 15 Foods: What and Where to Try Them

The Top 15 Foods: What and Where to Try Them

If you just want the shortcut to London’s tastiest dishes (and where to actually find them), you’re in the right spot. Forget bland tourist menus and go for these real-deal bites:

  • Fish and Chips – You’ll spot this everywhere, but Poppies in Spitalfields is a local favorite for chunky, crispy fish and golden chips. Fun fact: They’ve been frying since the 1950s and still wrap your order "old school" style.
  • Sunday Roast – Head to The Harwood Arms (the only Michelin-starred pub in London), or a laidback pub like The Marksman in Hackney for giant Yorkshire puddings and gravy-soaked everything.
  • Full English Breakfast – Greasy spoon classics like Regency Cafe or Terry’s Cafe in Southwark load your plate with bacon, eggs, beans, black pudding, toast, and more. No silverware fuss—just hearty, honest food.
  • Chicken Tikka Masala – It’s not actually from India. Try it at Tayyabs or Brick Lane’s curry houses. Legend says this dish was invented by South Asian chefs in the UK!
  • Sausage Roll – You’ll get a flaky, meaty fix at bakeries like Greggs (for a budget option) or the posh Ginger Pig in Marylebone.
  • Pie and Mash with Liquor – Seek out Manze’s in Peckham or Tower Bridge. The ‘liquor’ is a parsley sauce—don't expect booze!
  • Jellied Eels – Love it or just want to say you tried it, find this old-school snack at F. Cooke or Goddards at Greenwich.
  • Salt Beef Bagel – The 24/7 Beigel Bake on Brick Lane is legendary. They pile thick, peppery beef onto chewy bagels with sharp mustard. Brave the queue; it moves fast.
  • Afternoon Tea – The Ritz is classic, but if you want something less pricey, try Sketch or Bea’s of Bloomsbury for towers of scones, cakes, and endless tea.
  • Peking Duck – Chinatown’s Four Seasons is famous for crispy skin and perfect pancakes. You don’t need a fancy dress code, just a hearty appetite.
  • Crispy Duck Wrap – Cheap eats alert: Chinatown’s street vendors (like Gerrard Street) sling these meaty, hoisin-filled wraps for a few quid.
  • Bao Buns – BAO in Soho popularized pillowy buns packed with pork belly and punchy sauces. Get there early, as queues form even before doors open.
  • Scotch Egg – The Coach in Clerkenwell does a top-notch version: soft yolk, herby sausage, golden crumb coating. It’s pub food with personality.
  • Sticky Toffee Pudding – For pure comfort, try Rules in Covent Garden (London’s oldest restaurant!) or The Ivy for gooey, caramelly goodness.
  • Street Food at Borough Market – From Ethiopian injera at Ethiopian Flavours to fresh oysters at Richard Haward’s, Borough Market is ground zero for adventurous eaters. Go hungry and start sampling.

Curious about what’s most popular? Here’s a quick look based on 2024 sales and Google review counts at famous spots:

DishTop SpotAverage Price (£)Google Review Score*
Fish and ChipsPoppies144.5
Full English BreakfastRegency Cafe84.6
Salt Beef BagelBeigel Bake74.7
Sunday RoastThe Harwood Arms244.6
Afternoon TeaThe Ritz674.7
Bao BunsBAO Soho64.5

*Scores as of May 2025

The thing about hunting for the food to try in London is that you don’t need a gourmet budget—just a bit of curiosity and maybe an Oyster card. These dishes are scattered all over big markets, cozy cafes, and pubs with creaky wooden floors. Use these picks as your checklist, and don't be shy to try something that sounds a bit odd. Half the fun in London is discovering a new favorite you never saw coming.

Tips for Navigating London’s Best Eats

London’s food scene can feel like a maze, but if you plan smart, you’ll eat well without blowing your budget or wasting time in tourist traps. Here’s how to get the most out of the city’s food options—without any confusion.

  • food to try in London is everywhere, but it pays to look beyond the big landmarks. Some of the best eats are tucked down side streets or inside local markets like Borough Market, Maltby Street, or Camden Market.
  • Stay away from places right next to tourist hot spots. The food quality drops and prices go up. Walk five minutes further and you’ll usually find local favorites packed with actual Londoners.
  • If you want to try famous spots (think Dishoom or Dabbous), book ahead. Top-rated restaurants in London fill up weeks in advance, especially on weekends.
  • For street food, try to arrive early or after the main lunch rush (usually noon to 2pm). There’s better selection and shorter lines.
  • Don’t underestimate the supermarkets. Chains like M&S Food and Tesco sell surprisingly good snacks and meal deals—perfect when you’re short on time or cash.
  • Use apps like OpenTable for bookings, or Too Good To Go for last-minute deals on leftover meals from top bakeries and cafes.
  • Tipping isn’t mandatory, but it’s standard to leave 10-12% in sit-down restaurants if the service was decent. Check if it’s already included on your bill as “service charge.”

If you’re curious about when to try certain foods, a quick glance at London’s foodie calendar helps too. Winter is the best time for hearty pies and Sunday roasts, while summer is made for ice cream from a riverside stall or bites at street food festivals.

London Food Markets: What to Expect
MarketMust-Try EatsBest Visiting Time
Borough MarketArtisan cheese, gourmet sandwiches, racletteWeekdays before noon
Brick LaneSalt beef bagels, Bangladeshi curriesSunday mornings
Camden MarketStreet food from every continentLate afternoon on weekends
Maltby Street MarketCoffee, baked goods, small independent vendorsSaturday mornings

Traveling around London? Get yourself an Oyster Card or download a contactless payment app. Hop on the Tube, bus, or even a riverboat to reach different food pockets. Most food hot spots are within a quick ride from each other, but walking is how you’ll stumble across hidden gems.

Finally, don’t shy away from small talk. Asking a local where they go for lunch almost always leads you to places you wouldn’t find online. Londoners love sharing their favorite under-the-radar spots. That’s often where the real magic happens.

Your Burning London Foodie Questions Answered

Your Burning London Foodie Questions Answered

Thinking of eating your way through London, but have a few questions before jumping in? Let’s clear things up. Here’s what every hungry visitor wants to know before diving into the city’s bites and treats.

food to try in London – What are the absolute musts?

  • Fish and Chips: Your best bet is in traditional British pubs and local chippies—Poppies in Soho and Golden Union are both slam dunks.
  • Full English Breakfast: Greasy spoons like Regency Café serve these all day.
  • Salt Beef Bagels: Go to Beigel Bake on Brick Lane; it’s open 24/7 and always buzzing.
  • Chicken Tikka Masala: Order it in Southall or at Dishoom for a modern twist.

Where should I go for the best local eats?

  • Borough Market: Loads of food stalls from British pies to Ethiopian stews.
  • Brick Lane: It’s the go-to for curry, bagels, and even trendy coffee shops.
  • Camden Market: Street food from jerk chicken to vegan doughnuts.
  • Soho: Classic pubs, Asian fusion, and dessert spots crammed into a few buzzing streets.

What about food prices in London? Will I go broke trying everything?

London’s got something for every wallet. You can score a killer salt beef bagel for about £6 or splash out on a fancy dinner near £50 per head. Street food stalls often serve generous portions for under £12. Still worried? Here’s a quick look:

Food TypeTypical Price Range
Street food (markets)£5 – £12
Pub classics£10 – £18
Sit-down restaurant (mid-range)£18 – £35
High-end dining£50+

Do I need to book restaurants ahead?

For trending spots, absolutely. Places like Dishoom and Padella have queues, so book ahead if you’re aiming for dinner peak hours. Pubs and most market stalls, though, are walk-in friendly.

Any top tips for first-timers eating out in London?

  • Try midweek for less crowded restaurants and better deals.
  • If you’re not sure what to order, ask the staff—Londoners love giving food suggestions.
  • Many places add a 12.5% service charge automatically, so check your bill before tipping extra.

How’s London for vegan and vegetarian eats?

You’re set. Vegan bakeries like Cookies and Scream, veggie-only chains like Mildreds, and tons of global stalls at Camden Market show off London’s range. Even most pubs now have solid vegan menu items.

One last thing: don’t stress about fancy dress codes. Most places welcome jeans and trainers. Come hungry, keep an open mind, and bring cash or a contactless card—almost everyone accepts them.