A punk with a two-meter-high mohawk, leather jacket and facial piercings sits next to a little girl in a school uniform on the tube: this is the diversity of London. London’s food scene is at least as colorful and absolutely worth swimming across the English Channel to England for. We show you the best food spots that you absolutely must not miss.
Poppie’s Fish & Chips
With fish & chips in London, you can either hit the jackpot or hit the pot. We recommend Poppie’s Fish & Chips so that you don’t end up sitting at the table with a dry piece of cloth. Fish has been deep-fried here since the 1950s and served with a lot of love and matching vintage decorations. If you like it traditional, we advise you to order the chips with vinegar and a side of mushy peas.
Where: 6-8 Hanbury St, London E1 6QR, United Kingdom (two other locations in Camden and Soho)
Borough Market
An insider tip for anyone who doesn’t fancy the normal tourist program: Locals like to stroll along the Thames towards Borough Market at weekends, where you can find everything your foodie heart desires, from fresh pastries, vegetables and cheese to street food.
Where: 8 Southwark St, London SE1 1TL, United Kingdom
Bill’s Restaurants
A good Guinness needs a good burger – and that’s what we find at Bill’s. We bounce like on clouds on velvety soft buns, with cheddar cheese and a juicy patty that Spongebob would fall at his feet for. You don’t have to go far: the restaurant chain operates over ten branches in London alone.
Where: 119-121 Baker St, London W1U 6RY, United Kingdom (more locations)
Spaggheti House
In the 1950s, two Italians opened the first Spaggheti House, and the whole of London went wild. The in-house fresh pasta has become a favorite for a cozy family meal or a first date à la Susi and Strolch. Today, Spaggheti House continues to prove itself with one of London’s best pasta creations.
Where: 74 Duke St, London W1K 6JZ, United Kingdom (more locations)
Zizzi
England can also do pizza: Zizzi has the best rustic pizza crust in the area. You can’t go wrong when ordering, because the honest kitchen doesn’t make a big fuss about gourmet food, but focuses on simple, classic dishes like Nonna’s.
Where: Tower Place West, Plaza Level, London EC3R 5BU, United Kingdom (more locations)
Afternoon Tea – Scoff and Banter
It’s tea time! Oh yes, the English invent a fifth meal – just because they can. And because the hearty fish’n’chips from lunch weren’t enough, there is now a selection of sandwiches, patisserie and of course the typical scones at Scoff and Banter. To balance out this calorie bomb, we drink an inhuman amount of tea. Now it’s just “Spill the tea, darling”.
Where: 350 Oxford St, London WC1 1BY, United Kingdom
The Holborn Dining Room – Pie
Meat pie is to England what cheese is to Switzerland. A mixture of meat, mushrooms and vegetables is hidden under the pastry shell of this savory pâté. In addition to the classic pie, the Holborn Dining Room also serves more exotic ingredients such as mango salsa and curry sauce.
Where: 252 High Holborn, London WC1V 7EN, United Kingdom
The Royal Oak
James Bond has just saved the world and treats himself to a Guinness in a small pub in London. A rustic bar with lots of wood, a soccer broadcast on the screen in the corner, two regulars in the corner: The Royal Oak is exactly what you would expect from an English pub like in the movies. After a pint or two, the homemade fish’n’chips are just right.
Where: 95 High St, London NW10 4TS, United Kingdom
Indian Room
You think you know the English national dish? No, fish’n’chips is unfortunately the wrong answer. Surprisingly, it’s the Indian-inspired Chicken Tikka Masala. If you want to put the English flavor to the test: The Indian Room has the best tikka in the area.
Where: 59 Bedford Hill, London SW12 9EZ, United Kingdom
Beigel Bake Brick Lane
If you’re out shopping in the city and don’t have time to sit down in a restaurant, you should definitely stop by Beigel Bake. Sweet and savory bagels are quickly served here. Our insider tip: The Salt Beef Beigel is praised by locals like God in church.
Where: 159 Brick Ln, London E1 6SB, United Kingdom
