London has quickly become one of my favorite European cities! Thank goodness for walking everywhere in London because oh, can you eat! Every time I return I try to pack in as many meals and cocktails as I can and the food in London never disappoints! Building on my London Travel Guide, I’m sharing all the best places to eat and drink in London.
LONDON FOOD AND DRINK GUIDE
LONDON BREAKFAST AND COFFEE
Our first breakfast of my first trip to London was one of my favorite meals of the week. Built inside an old firehouse, this restaurant and hotel is a celebrity favorite thanks to the charming decor and amazing food. We shared a few different breakfast dishes, like blueberry pancakes and a breakfast burger, and it was the coziest spot to escape the rain in.
Gail’s
We wanted to make sure we tried the best scones in London and we were lucky one of those spots was in our neighborhood! Gail’s became a favorite for the week to grab a pastry and latte to go and I’m missing those scones already!
Dalloway Terrace
A favorite on Instagram, this restaurant inside The Bloomsbury Hotel is worth a visit in person. Each season, the heated terrace is decked out in seasonal floral and decor and it was so magical to spend breakfast underneath the fall foliage. We had an early reservation before our tour of Buckingham Palace so we were lucky to have the terrace all to ourselves!
Farm Girl Notting Hill
Another Instagram favorite, this healthy spot was located in our Notting Hill neighborhood as well. The line was insane all week but we got lucky our last morning grabbing one of the last tables thankfully! If you’re looking for a healthier start to your day, this is a great spot to visit for smoothies, avocado toast and colorful matcha lattes.
Duck & Waffle
To be honest, this was the most disappointing spot on our trip. It was on everyone’s lists as a must go spot for a Full English breakfast but while the view was incredible, the space felt cold and the food wasn’t worth the spend. The dessert waffle is a must, though, to end breakfast with!
Granger and Co.
There’s no better than spot for a fresh and healthy (Aussie style) breakfast than Granger & Co. Avocado toast, juice and their ricotta pancakes will bring you back to life! There’s a few locations around the city including Notting Hill, Marylebone, and Chelsea.
Daylesford Organic
Another favorite healthy spot, people watch on the streets of Notting Hill (one of my favorite London neighborhoods) while having green juice and then shop in their gorgeous market inside! Great for breakfast or lunch.
KURO Eatery
A delicious and hearty spot to have breakfast and start your day in Notting Hill.
Hideaway Coffee
Tucked away in a charming alley, this coffee shop is a perfect place to start your morning.
Monocle Cafe
Located in charming Marylebone, this Instagram famous coffee shop doesn’t disappoint in their coffee or photo opps.
Chestnut Bakery
For the best cinnamon roll in London, a stop at Chestnut Bakery is a must. All of their pastries looked heavenly but we couldn’t stop thinking about this one.
Swans Bar at Maison Assouline
If you’re looking for a coffee (or cocktail) in the afternoon, highly recommend taking a break at Maison Assouline. Surrounded by their famous coffee table books, it’s such a cool space with lots of coffee and cocktails to reenergize with.
Grind
Another adorable coffee shop with lots of locations around the city, perfect for a pick me up on the go!
HJEM
HJEM is a chic Danish coffee spot located in charming Kensington. Grab a coffee and pastry to go while wandering by all the dreamy homes and explore the various London mews.
Bread Ahead
If you don’t make it to Borough Market for Bread Ahead donuts, they now have their own standalone shops so you can grab a coffee and their famous donuts to go!
Buns From Home
If you’re in Notting Hill, head to this cute cinnamon bun (and lots of other flavors!) shop, for pastries and coffee. They’ve recently expanded into other locations around the city including Covent Garden and Soho.
LONDON LUNCH AND DINNER
Dishoom
Everyone’s favorite Indian restaurant in London! This was the number one recommended spot to visit in London and it didn’t disappoint one bit. Even if you’re not a huge fan of Indian food, guarantee you will still love everything. From the cocktails to the service to the ambiance, it’s a must. The one downside? The wait can be insane. Even with multiple locations around London, the average wait can be close to two hours if you can’t snag a reservation! We got super lucky though and only had to wait about 10 minutes before a crazy line started so definitely recommend heading there for an early dinner to beat the line.
Electric Diner
We stopped in this Notting Hill spot right after we arrived to London and found ourselves there our last night as well because we loved it so much! This British diner has checked floors, sleek red booths and plays the best 70s tunes while you feast on grilled cheese, fries and milkshakes. Doesn’t get better than that right? They are also connected to the movie theatre next door if you’re looking for a night in.
The Ivy Chelsea Garden
My sister and I stopped here for some appetizers and cocktails to share and it felt so magical from the moment we stepped inside. Make sure to sit in the back garden, complete with twinkle lights, flowers, greenery and a roaring fireplace. Truly one of the coziest spots in London.
Churchill Arms
This British pub is a must not only because of the classic British feel, but also because of the dreamy flower facade outside. Once inside, grab a beer from the old school bar or head to the back dining room for their famous Thai food and a pitcher of Pimm’s.
Borough Market
Whether you’re traveling with a big group or by yourself, you can’t go wrong with a visit to Borough Market. With so many booths of incredible baked goods and dishes, there is something for truly anyone. We ended up coming back twice because we couldn’t make up our minds on what to eat!
Tacqueria
On the last night of one of my trips, we wanted somewhere in the neighborhood so tried this cute Mexican spot. While their idea of salsa and chips were disappointing, everything else was exactly what we were looking for. Make sure to get the fish tacos and a watermelon margarita!
Turf Tavern (Oxford)
We spent one of our days in Oxford (more details on What to Do in London), and had lunch at this famous campus tavern. Many celebrities have visited, and it was such a perfect day to sit outside with burgers and beers for the afternoon!
The Barbary
A cozy spot in Neal’s Yard thanks to their open kitchen bar seating, this Middle Eastern and African fusion menu was a favorite of the trip. Lots of incredible dips, breads and small plates to share. Make sure to have a reservation!
Gymkhana
For a special night out, Michelin starred Gymkhana is the spot. This world class Indian restaurant in Mayfair is a celeb hot spot thanks to it’s gorgeous decor, delicious menu, and extensive drink list. One of London’s finest restaurants IMO!
NOPI
One of the Ottolenghi restaurants, we had a gorgeous lunch here in between shopping. Lots of fresh ingredients, unique flavor pairings and a really cool space.
Dorian
One of the hottest new restaurants in London, this Notting Hill bistro serves up a range of unique small plates, fun drinks and an extra cool design and scene.
Luca
Strong cocktails, delicious pasta and a great ambiance, Luca was one of my favorite dinners of our trip. Worth the visit to this more quiet neighborhood.
The Builder’s Arms
We had our last meal here before heading to the airport because we had to finish with fish and chips and Pimms obviously! A cute pub in Kensington area with elevated pub food, great for classic British fare or a classic Sunday Roast complete with Yorkshire Pudding.
Cicolo Popolare
This Italian restaurant from the Big Mamma group feels like a sunny Sicilian trattoria in the heart of London’s lively Fitzrovia district. The decor and space is incredible with lots of delicious pizza, pasta and dessert options (make sure to get the lemon meringue pie!).
St. John
With three restaurants across London (and their amazing bakery too!), St. John is a favorite for locals and visitors thanks to it’s ever changing menu that plays up seasonal ingredients and flavors.
LONDON COCKTAILS
Tonight Josephine
This ultra feminine cocktail bar was one of the first spots I saved when I first decided to go to London and it was SO fun. With neon pink lights, candy topped cocktails and cheesy pop songs blaring, it’s so much fun for girls night. Plus their happy hour is great as well so stop by before dinner one night too before it gets busy later.
The Ned
This gorgeous hotel is known for their chic hotel bar scene and I’m so glad we made a visit. With multiple restaurants and bars on the floor, we sipped on a range of drinks throughout the night while listening to the live band. A must stop to end (or begin) the night with!
Mr. Fogg’s Gin Parlour
With its classic British pub feel, this gin and tonic focused bar had some of the best cocktails of our trip. Whether fruity, flowery or classic, there is an array of different g&t’s to sip on here.
The Cocktail Trading Co. Brick Lane
For a totally unique cocktail experience, this cozy British bar in Shoreditch in East London not only has Instagram worthy drinks, but some of the most delicious ones too in London.
The Varsity Club (Oxford)
Another stop during our day in Oxford, this rooftop cocktail bar made strong and pretty drinks to enjoy in the sun and surroundings.
Midnight Apothecary
Who doesn’t love a cocktail around the fire? This rooftop bar serves cocktails made with fresh ingredients from their rooftop garden, all while you sit cozy around a fire roasting marshmallows. It is a little farther outside Central London, but definitely still worth a visit if you’re looking to head to that area.
Bar Crispin
A cozy wine bar with amazing small plates, this Soho spot is sexy and fun and would be perfect for a date night or lighter dinner while bopping around the bars in the area.
The Egerton House Hotel
I think one of my favorite spots in London is The Egerton House Hotel for tableside martinis! This cozy hotel is located on charming Egerton Terrace (right next to The Parent Trap house!) and they serve an ice cold, filled to the brim martini. Best of all, they also give you some delicious cheese toasties as a snack to their extra strong drinks!
Dukes
The original tableside martini spot is Dukes and it lives up to the hype as well! Come early to this super chic spot in St. James and get prepared for a possible wait, which is so worth it for one of their incredible martinis. My new favorite is the vesper martini, hoping I’ll find a good one here in NYC!
The Connaught Hotel Bar
I love a hotel bar and the back bar at The Connaught Hotel is oh so chic and serves a mean drink too. Another celeb favorite, I spotted LeBron James leaving as I arrived!
The Grenadier
I just love this cute pub hidden away in Belgravia (and apparently a favorite of Prince William!), recommend coming here for an afternoon beer or pub snack.
Donovan Bar
While in Mayfair, come to the Donovan Bar inside the Brown’s Hotel for a final final of the night. The space is super chic with green velvet and leather and the drinks are incredible (and Instagram worthy).
Isabel Mayfair
The chicest space, we dined at Isabel but would just come back for drinks next time at their super sexy and sleek bar.
LONDON HIGH TEA AND DESSERT
Sketch
Instagram doesn’t even do this place justice. Truly dreamy, having afternoon tea in the pink gallery of Sketch is a must. Not only do you want to take a picture of everything, but the service and food is impeccable. Dreaming of when I can have another champagne tea there again! Since I last went the gallery has undergone some renovations and is no longer pink – but now it’s the most fabulous shade of yellow!
Peggy Porschen Cakes
London has a thing for pink doesn’t it? While the outside of this bakery is a bit of a tourist destination and favorite spot to take a photo at, the desserts are insanely delicious and it would be wrong to skip out on a cupcake or two while there!
Jean-Georges at The Connaught Hotel
A fancy tea is a must when in London and we tried Jean-Georges at The Connaught Hotel and it exceeded our expectations. The space is sunlight filled and get ready for some of the best tea sandwiches, pastries and scones you’ll ever have!
Claridge’s
One of Central London’s most famous hotels, this is a classic spot to have a fancy afternoon tea in their gorgeous main room.
Carly I am always so impressed with how you scout out the chic-est restaurants and bars (on vacation and in the city too!). I’ve been to London a bunch of times but have missed so many of these! Definitely bookmarking this for my next trip. Sounds like you guys had a great time, London is the best! It’s my favorite place on earth!!
x Diana // Pearl Girl
Thank you for this! I’m going to London next month and am trying to start planning now…food & drink obsessed gal here so these are all my dream!