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.
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.
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!
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.
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:
Curious about what’s most popular? Here’s a quick look based on 2024 sales and Google review counts at famous spots:
Dish | Top Spot | Average Price (£) | Google Review Score* |
---|---|---|---|
Fish and Chips | Poppies | 14 | 4.5 |
Full English Breakfast | Regency Cafe | 8 | 4.6 |
Salt Beef Bagel | Beigel Bake | 7 | 4.7 |
Sunday Roast | The Harwood Arms | 24 | 4.6 |
Afternoon Tea | The Ritz | 67 | 4.7 |
Bao Buns | BAO Soho | 6 | 4.5 |
*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.
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.
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.
Market | Must-Try Eats | Best Visiting Time |
---|---|---|
Borough Market | Artisan cheese, gourmet sandwiches, raclette | Weekdays before noon |
Brick Lane | Salt beef bagels, Bangladeshi curries | Sunday mornings |
Camden Market | Street food from every continent | Late afternoon on weekends |
Maltby Street Market | Coffee, baked goods, small independent vendors | Saturday 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.
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?
Where should I go for the best local eats?
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 Type | Typical 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?
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.
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