A Few of My Favorite Places to Eat in London
When I packed my belongings in September of 2019 and took a plane over to London to start a new chapter, I didn’t really know where to begin. In my own typical style, I comprised a list of places I thought would be important to know, like the closest gym or grocery store. However, I didn’t research much on places to explore in my free time. Moving to an unfamiliar place, without knowing anyone, as daunting as it is, can be so exhilarating. Between setting up my bank account and finding a doctor, I would explore as much as I could. My favorite activity to this day is taking the tube to a random stop and walking home from there. You wouldn’t believe how big London can be.
As much as exploring freely is amazing, having a plan or two is extremely helpful, especially if you only have a limited amount of time. Between stopping at the London Eye or taking a visit to Brick Lane, here are my top places to grab a bite, all affordable! (Not in any particular order)
1. Victoria and Albert Museum Cafe:
Location: Cromwell Rd, Knightsbridge, London SW7 2RL, United Kingdom
Hours: Monday - Sunday 10am - 5:15PM
Website: https://www.vam.ac.uk/info/va-cafe/
Price: $
While this cafe is in the middle of a museum, it’s the perfect stop for a coffee or tea. Whether you’re in the middle of visiting an exhibition or want to quickly browse the area, the V&A is a destination. Located in the heart of Kensington, the museum is only a short walk from the station. The courtyard is beyond gorgeous and ideal for a sunny afternoon. Enjoy inside or outside.
2. Kingly Court:
Location: Kingly St, Soho, London W1B 5PW, United Kingdom
Hours: Monday - Sunday 6am - 11pm
Website: carnaby.co.uk
Price: $ - $$$
Kingly Court is a courtyard in the middle of Carnaby St. in Soho. This hidden gem is situated between the Oxford Circus and Soho. The covered court holds a cluster of restaurants including Pizza Pilgrims, Whyte & Brown, Dirty Bones and The Good Egg. Each restaurant has its own room and seating area along with different price ranges. For a cheaper and more casual meal, Pizza Pilgrims offers personal pies for about £10. Whyte & Brown is a free range chicken restaurant that serves the most amazing wine selection for a reasonable price and meals around £15 to £30. An ideal place for late night drinks and hanging out.
3. Brick Lane
Location: Brick Ln, Spitalfields, London E1 6QR, United Kingdom
Hours: Depends on the restaurant
Price: $
Brick Lane is the ultimate foodie destination located just off of Shoreditch High street. On weekends the street is filled with food vendors of all kinds (Brick Lane Market) from 10 am to 5pm. There are also permanent restaurants including the famous Beigel Bake London (open 24 hours, 155 Brick Lane), that sells delicious bagels (cash only) from as cheap as £0.30. Across from the bagel shop is the Cereal Killer Cafe (Sunday - Monday 9am to 5pm, 192a Brick Lane), that sells loads of different cereal dishes. As you walk down the street, you’ll see multiple vintage markets and other permanent food trucks like Cluck Cluck Burger or a Vegan Ice Cream place.
4. The Attendant:
Location: 74 Great Eastern, St, Hackney London EC2A 3JL, United Kingdom
Hours: Monday - Friday 8 am - 5:30pm, Saturday - Sunday 9 am - 6pm
Website: https://the-attendant.com/locations/shoreditch/
Price: $$
The Attendant has a few locations throughout London (Shoreditch, Fitzrovia, and Clerkenwell), but this is my favorite one. The interiors are bright and filled with plants, making the small restaurant feel spacious. The menu is simple but hits all the essentials, avocado toast, yogurt parfait, harvest bowl, and a variety of flavored lattes. I suggest this spot for breakfast or lunch.
5. Farm Girl Cafe:
Location: 9 Park Walk, Chelsea, London SW10 0AJ (Chelsea Location)
Hours: Monday - Sunday 8am - 5pm
Website: https://www.thefarmgirl.co.uk/location/chelsea/
Price: $$
Farm Girl Cafe is a must hit - featuring insanely good food and beautiful interiors. The CBD Peppermint Hot Cocoa is to die for, alongside an Acai Bowl or the Seoul Eggs. There are multiple locations throughout London (Fitzrovia, Knightsbridge, Soho, Notting Hill, and Chelsea) that each have their own similar menu and flare.
6. Sticks N’ Sushi:
Location: 113-115, King's Rd, Chelsea, London SW3 4NT, United Kingdom
Hours: Monday - Sunday 12 pm - 9 pm
Website: https://sticksnsushi.com/en/restaurants/london/kings-road
Price: $$$
Sticks N’ Sushi is hands down one of the best sushi restaurants in London (IMO). Personally I think the Sloane Square location (address above) is ideal for a day light meal (lunch or early dinner), while the Covent Garden Location is better suited for nighttime ( 11 Henrietta St, Covent Garden, London WC2E 8PY, United Kingdom, open till 11pm). Order individual rolls or a boat, either way you won’t be disappointed. The meal isn’t complete without a glass of rose or sake, and a few orders of appetizers.
7. The Lighterman:
Location: 3 Granary Square, Kings Cross, London N1C 4BH, United Kingdom
Website: https://thelighterman.co.uk/
Price: $$
The Lighterman is a beautiful restaurant located between Central Saint Martins, and King’s Cross St Pancras Station. If it’s nice enough out, I highly suggest sitting outside on the terrace. I was fortunate enough to see the sunset while eating! The cocktails are delicious and the portions, although look small, fill you up. My parents and I shared the Dark Chocolate Yule Log for dessert which was insane. The inside is lovely as well and is lined with windows making it just as bright.
8. Mare Street Market:
Location: 117 Mare Street, London, E8 4RU
Hours: Monday 8 am - 11pm, Tuesday - Thursday 8 am - 12 am, Friday 8 am - 1 am, Saturday 9 am - 1 am, Sunday 9 am - 11 pm
Website: http://marestreetmarket.com/#mare-street-market
Price: $-$$
The Mare Street Market is an indoor restaurant located in Hackney ( so a little out of the way but so worth it). The restaurant has a few different bars that each serve their own category of fresh food, salads, sandwiches, pizzas, pasta and drinks. There's also a popup shop section that changes periodically and a flower shop. The space is beyond decadent and the perfect stop for a bite.
9. Bababoom (Islington):
Location: 189 Upper Street, Islington, London N1 1RQ
Website: https://www.bababoom.london/ourmenu
Price: $$
I went here for lunch for my birthday and it was SO delicious. The food was so good especially for the prices. The menu is small but features Mediterranean dishes such as kebabs, and salads. The best part is their drink menu equipped with Power Hour Margaritas (£15 for an hour of unlimited frozen Margaritas), and the most amazing Spiced Grapefruit Gin and Tonic. Only a short walk from the Highbury and Islington station and surrounded by a bunch of cute spots.
10. Farmacy:
Location: 74 Westbourne Grove, Notting Hill
Hours: Monday - Sunday 12pm - n/a
Website: https://farmacylondon.com/
Price: $$
Farmacy is a restaurant located in Notting Hill, a short walk from Portobello Road. The restaurant changes it’s menu seasonally because all of their produce is farm fresh. Each dish is handcrafted sourced from their own local farms. Last time I was there I had the Middle Eastern Bowl (Steamed buckwheat, kale-walnut fattoush, falafels, sumac-roasted aubergine & onion, hummus, za’atar crackers & lemon tahini dressing) for £15. Super healthy, amazing staff, and trendy interiors.
11. Granger & Co.:
Location: Stanley Building, 7 Pancras Square, London N1C 4AG
Hours: Monday - Saturday 7 am - 11 pm, Sunday 8 am - 10:30pm
Website: https://grangerandco.com/
Price: $$$
Granger & Co is an Australian restaurant with a few locations throughout London (Chelsea, Kings Cross, Clerkenwell, and Notting Hill). The roast carrots, or tuna tartar from the appetizers are necessary along with the Chili Miso Salmon for dinner. I’ve only been for dinner, but I highly recommend indulging in the dessert as well.
12. The Bike Shed:
Location: 384 Old Street, Shoreditch, London EC1V 9LT
Hours: Monday - Friday 10 am - 12 am, Saturday 9 am - 12 am, Sunday 9 am - 11 pm
Website: https://thebikeshed.cc/
Price: $$
The Bike Shed is located in the heart of Shoreditch, close to the Columbia Road Flower Market, Brick Lane and BoxPark. It’s a huge restaurant, cafe and lounge that also has a barbershop, outdoor seating, and motorcycles can drive through it. The ultimate hipster bar. The rustic design flows inside and out through the seating areas. Enjoy a meal or happy hour.
13. Sketch:
Location: 9 Conduit St, Mayfair, London W1S 2XG, United Kingdom
Website: https://sketch.london/
Price: $$$
Sketch is a popular tourist destination famous for its colorful pod bathrooms. There are multiple tea parlour rooms, and one main restaurant. Personally I thought the food was expensive for its quality but I’ve also heard friends rave about it. To me, the decorative rooms are what make the experience. It can be really difficult to get a table, so I suggest either going early for breakfast or making a reservation.
14. Serata Hall:
Location: Serata Hall, 207 Old St, London EC1V 9NR, United Kingdom
Website: seratahall.com
Price: $$
Serata Hall has some of the most amazing unique cuisine. Location directly next to Old Street Location. The food is Italian inspired so the menu features dishes like pasta and pizza but with their own flavor twists. I had the Vegan Beetroot Gnocchi with Pistachio pesto, walnuts, rocket and sage for £12 and it was to die for. They also offer specials like a £25 bottomless brunch or bubbly quiz night.
These are just a few of my go to’s when in need of good food. Never doubt the power of a random Kebab joint (you can find one on any corner of London, and they’re usually open till 4 am) or a stop on the street - almost always works out.
Click on the images below to see where they’re from! Enjoy.
