The Ultimate London Food Guide: Where to Eat & Essential Attractions in the Capital

London Town! Our recent two-week adventure in London was nothing short of spectacular, an experience we cherished immensely. We journeyed to the UK capital in August for the World Athletics Championships, a truly special occasion. As a proud Jamaican, it was a profound honor to support our national athletic team and witness the legendary Usain Bolt’s final professional race. That moment was a poignant blend of emotions – a touch of sadness to see such an icon retire, yet immense joy and gratitude for the unforgettable excitement he brought to the track over so many years.

Our trip was an absolute blast. Every single day at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Stadium, we were completely decked out in our vibrant Jamaican gear, showing our unwavering support. Beyond the thrilling athleticism, we had the incredible opportunity to truly immerse ourselves in Central London. This guide offers my personal perspective, focusing on the culinary highlights – the places we adored, the dishes you absolutely must try, and the unforgettable experiences that define London’s vibrant food scene.

This wasn’t my inaugural visit to London; I had previously explored the city during the 2012 Olympics. That earlier trip was packed with classic tourist activities, and I thoroughly enjoyed it – family travels always provide wonderful opportunities for quality time and discovery. Having covered the major landmarks before, our focus this time shifted from traditional sightseeing to a deeper dive into local culture, primarily through its food. However, if this is your first time in London, I wholeheartedly recommend experiencing iconic sights like London Bridge, catching a captivating West End play, and enjoying something fun like Madame Tussaud’s wax museum.

We chose the DoubleTree Hilton in Central London as our base for our two-week stay. When traveling, our paramount mission is always to uncover exceptional dining experiences. I firmly believe that the heart and soul of any country, town, or city are best discovered through its cuisine. While visiting all the famous tourist attractions is a must, I urge you to dedicate time for at least one truly authentic local meal – steer clear of fast-food chains – to genuinely connect with the culture and traditions of the place you’re exploring.

My London itinerary included a couple of personal culinary quests: embarking on a worldwide hunt for the best veggie burger and making a conscious effort to savor more local and traditional foods. My 2012 London trip left me wanting more on the food front, but this recent visit was an absolute triumph! I was pleasantly surprised by the abundance of incredible vegetarian options available throughout the city. Among all the fantastic places we dined, Dishoom, a traditional Bombay cafe offering exquisite Indian cuisine, emerged as my undisputed favorite. Prepare for more tales of my veggie burger obsession – I ended up trying an astounding 11 different ones!

Breakfast Delights in London

Borough Market: A Culinary Institution

Fresh produce from Turnips Borough Market

If you take only one piece of advice from this guide, let it be this: visit Borough Market! This trip was notably unique because, unlike my usual practice of listing numerous diverse restaurants, Borough Market concentrates an incredible array of divine eateries, food stalls, and specialty shops into a compact, easily navigable area. My strongest recommendation is to arrive with an empty stomach, indulge in a delicious breakfast there, and then continue your culinary exploration. I enjoyed far more than just breakfast here, and the sheer variety of options was truly astounding. Beyond being a fantastic dining spot, it’s also an excellent place to pick up unique food souvenirs for friends and family back home. I’ll delve deeper into Borough Market’s lunch and dinner offerings later.

Mandira, London: A Fresh Start

During our London trip, my website, Jessica in the Kitchen, celebrated its third anniversary! We had just undergone a massive revamp of the entire website, including a brand new logo, and by the actual anniversary day, I was understandably quite exhausted. Our hotel offered breakfast daily, but on this special morning, my husband (Mr. H) let me sleep in and surprised me with this delightful treat from Mandira. I’m a huge fan of homemade goodness, so I absolutely adored this in-store made yogurt, generously topped with delicious fresh ingredients. Mandira is an excellent choice if you’re seeking healthy, refreshing dishes to revitalize your day.

Unforgettable Lunch & Dinner Experiences

Dishoom: A Culinary Revelation

Oh, Dishoom. I honestly feel a wave of emotion just thinking about this meal. It was, without a doubt, the single best meal of our entire London trip. My husband and I have differing philosophies on experiencing truly divine meals: he prefers to preserve the memory, while I want to eat, eat, and then eat some more! We only managed to dine there once due to time constraints, and in hindsight, I’m almost glad, as it leaves something extraordinary to look forward to on our next visit. Every single item I tasted on their menu was nothing short of divine.

For your reference, I (or perhaps we, haha!) indulged in the Pau Bhaji, the renowned House Black Daal, fresh Garlic Naan, a refreshing Mango & Fennel Lassi, and the exquisite Pineapple & Black Pepper Crumble. Honestly, I can barely recall what my husband ordered because I was so utterly captivated by my own food. No, “food” doesn’t do it justice. It was a complete feast fit for kings that was presented before me. The depth of flavor, the elegant presentation, the inviting atmosphere, and the undeniable authenticity – Dishoom operates on a level entirely its own. The House Black Daal particularly blew me away, inspiring me to return home and recreate my own Vegan Red Lentil Curry. My ambition now is to perfect every dish I enjoyed there and share the recipes with you, because everyone deserves to experience such culinary brilliance.

Alright, alright, moving on to the rest of our meals! I think it’s abundantly clear how much I adored Dishoom.

Bill’s: Our Reliable Home Base

Bill’s was the very first restaurant we visited upon arrival, and much like in many other countries we explore, it quickly became our designated “home base.” I’ve often emphasized the importance of having such a reliable spot – a reasonably priced restaurant that you know is a guaranteed win, especially when you’re too tired or unwilling to scout for new dining options. Bill’s was conveniently located just around the corner from our hotel, making it perfect. It successfully satisfied six jet-lagged Jamaicans, including a teenager (well, *I* was definitely jet-lagged both ways!), earning it the coveted family seal of approval. Here, I discovered some truly delightful drinks and was introduced to the London phenomenon of the halloumi vegetable burger. The creamy tomato soup, pictured above, was perfectly complemented by the pesto garlic breadsticks it was served with. We returned to Bill’s several times due to its superb location and consistently tasty offerings. They even surprised us with a complimentary jug of Pimm’s – a truly lovely gesture!

Bronte: A Taste of Innovation (with a price tag)

We decided to visit Bronte based on a blog post recommendation (whose details now escape me). Let me be candid: did I enjoy the food? Absolutely. Was it exorbitantly priced? A resounding YES. The sweet potato dish, featuring cranberries, quinoa, and crispy kale chips, was nothing short of heavenly, and I savored every single bite. Below that was my appetizer, battered zucchini blossoms, which were incredibly innovative, creative, and utterly delicious!

Covent Garden: A Hub of Dining & Entertainment – We dined at Aubaine

When I initially researched Covent Garden, I mistakenly thought it was merely a shopping district. How wrong I was – it’s so much more! Covent Garden truly comes alive on a Saturday, making it the ideal destination for lunch after you’ve enjoyed breakfast and nibbles at Borough Market. This vibrant area is brimming with restaurants from top to bottom, boasts its own charming market, and offers a plethora of street entertainment. We spent hours strolling, dining, listening to talented musicians, and watching captivating performers. I even managed to stop by the Caudalie store, my favorite vegan natural skincare brand, for some shopping. Afterward, we headed back to prepare for another exciting night at the games. You’ll discover countless incredible places to eat here, catering to every taste and preference!

Borough Market (Continued Culinary Adventures)

*Announcer voice* And we’re back with more from Borough Market! Seriously, the options here are so plentiful and consistently excellent that you absolutely must check it out for more than just breakfast.

• Balkan Bites: For breakfast, I indulged in a divine Spanakopita Bureka here! It was incredibly flaky, utterly delicious, and very reasonably priced – a fantastic start to the day.
• Big V London: OMG. Can I emphatically declare this the best veggie burger ever?! They truly hit it out of the park. If we ever return to London, I am making a direct beeline to their stall on an empty stomach to explore their entire range, and then perhaps sample some of what my husband orders! Do NOT miss this one – this burger was incredibly filling and so, so, so good! I don’t say this lightly, but it was the best veggie burger I have EVER had. As I mentioned, I’ve officially embarked on a mission to rate veggie burgers around the world. So far, my quest has taken me to London, Jamaica, America, and Mexico, but it’s shaping up to be a fun little passion project as we continue to travel and discover the best veggie burger in each country and city!

Stadium Vendors: Fueling the Sporting Spirit

Given that we spent most of our evenings at the stadium, many of our dinners were consumed there. I’ll be honest – stadium food isn’t always the most appealing, and serving large crowds can be challenging. However, among all the options available, I would highly recommend trying West Cornwall Pasty Co. They consistently delivered quality pasties (yum!), and their Thai Green Curry Vegetable Pasty was particularly divine and a pleasant surprise!

Indulgent London Desserts

Peggy Porschen Cakes: A Dream Come True

Here’s a fun fact: back when I owned my own baking company, Peggy Porschen’s was the very first cookbook I ever purchased. I was utterly obsessed with her gorgeous cakes and meticulously studied all her tips and techniques. So, it was a truly full-circle, almost surreal moment to find myself at Peggy Porschen Cakes for tea time, snagging the very last available table. The manager caught my eye, and I could tell he sensed how special this moment was for me, kindly reassuring me, “hold on, I’ll ensure you get a seat.” If you know me well, you’re likely aware of my profound love for Disney, and that, well, Siri affectionately calls me Princess Jessica. In that moment, I truly felt like I was living in my own fantasy. The shop itself is exquisitely decorated, and oh my goodness, the desserts! My husband devoured his entire dessert with gusto! I was secretly hoping he wouldn’t finish it so I could, but I was genuinely happy he enjoyed his treat so much. The tea was impeccable, and needless to say, we thoroughly enjoyed our experience. Apparently, a line stretching outside is a common sight – we just managed to beat the rush – which further speaks to what a genuine treat this place is.

Borough Market (Sweet Endings)

Borough Market, once again, proves to be a treasure trove, even for those with a sweet tooth:

• The Free From Bakehouse: A haven for delicious gluten-free and vegan desserts, available in both large and mini sizes!
• Artisan Foods: Discover real-deal, divine cheesecakes, freshly baked breads, and exquisite pastries here!

Lola’s Cupcakes in Covent Garden: A Quick Treat

I devoured my cupcake so quickly that I completely forgot to capture a picture! This is a fantastic stop for delicious, vegan, mini cupcakes (or larger ones, if that’s your preference!).

To sum up our culinary journey, without a shadow of a doubt, ensure you make time to eat and drink at these essential London spots:

• Indulge in an unforgettable meal at Dishoom.
• Explore the diverse offerings from Borough Market.
• Treat yourself to a magical dessert from Peggy Porschen Cakes.
• Savor a traditional British pasty!

Because this post wouldn’t be complete without sharing some of our absolute favorite attractions…

Must-Visit London Attractions We Loved

Helicopter Ride with the London Helicopter

This was an incredibly exhilarating experience! We embarked on a thrilling helicopter ride, soaring above the entire city and spotting all the famous landmarks below. It served as a fantastic introduction – or in my case, a spectacular re-introduction – to the magnificent cityscape of London.

London Eye: Iconic Views

Of COURSE, you need to experience the London Eye! Its slow, graceful rotation allows for a truly stunning, unhurried panoramic view of the city, providing ample opportunities to capture breathtaking photos and create lasting memories.

World Athletics Championships: Sporting Spectacle

Do I even need to elaborate on this? Attending the World Athletics Championships was the primary reason for our London trip, and it exceeded every expectation! We had the joy of bumping into countless friends and family, sharing an incredible time together as a family. The atmosphere was charged with immense excitement, palpable anticipation (especially during the races!), and an exhilarating amount of cheering and screaming! Each night, we’d collapse into bed utterly exhausted, guaranteeing a deep, proper sleep, only to wake up eager to do it all again the next day. And of course, it didn’t hurt that people were eager to take pictures with us simply because we were proudly Jamaican!

National Gallery (Trafalgar Square): A Cultural Retreat

My husband and I share a deep passion for visiting museums. After food, it’s clear that these institutions offer the most profound insight into a city or country’s history and cultural background. We visited the National Gallery on a particularly rainy day, but the weather couldn’t dampen our spirits. The interior was nothing short of stunning – inviting, grand, and utterly captivating, allowing us to lose ourselves in centuries of artistic masterpieces.

Because I simply can’t end this post with a rainy picture!

5 Essential Tips for Finding Amazing Food and Having a Blast in London:

1. Accept That You Can’t Do Everything. London is an absolutely vast and incredible city to explore. Unless you’re planning to spend a solid month there, it’s practically impossible to see and do everything. Instead of stressing over what you might miss, do your research, focus on activities and experiences you genuinely know you’ll enjoy, and ensure you have an absolute blast with everything you’ve planned out. Prioritize quality over quantity.
2. Ask a Local Where to Eat! We discovered so many fantastic food options simply by asking our Uber drivers for their favorite local eateries. It’s a brilliant way to uncover genuinely local-approved spots, bypassing endless reviews on generic critic sites, and often leads to authentic hidden gems you might otherwise overlook.
3. Make Borough Market a Priority. This tip is highly specific for a very good reason: EVERYTHING at Borough Market is absolutely delicious and incredibly diverse! You’ll find an astonishing array of amazing choices, from gourmet street food to fresh produce and artisanal goods. It’s open almost every day, providing ample opportunities to stop by and indulge in its culinary wonders.
4. Experience Traditional Tea Time. Tea time is a HUGE cultural institution in London, and it’s an experience not to be missed. We stumbled upon Peggy Porschen Cakes (okay, okay, I totally pre-planned that visit, but the perfect timing of snagging the *last* table for tea was a delightful coincidence!) and it truly changed my perspective on dining. Experiencing such a delicious, elegant, and welcoming different kind of meal was incredible! It’s a wonderful opportunity (and a perfect excuse) to enjoy an array of delightful desserts around 4 PM.
5. Explore Covent Garden. Another highly specific recommendation that is absolutely worth your time. Covent Garden is teeming with restaurants offering every cuisine imaginable, from casual bites to upscale dining. It buzzes with energy on the weekends, creating a really fun and vibrant food scene that is equally entertaining and satisfying. Additionally, you’ll find numerous mini-markets, perfect for trying various small desserts and grabbing unique souvenirs.

I sincerely hope this guide proves helpful in planning your unforgettable visit to London anytime in the near future. Until next time, friends!