How do you go about choosing a new restaurant? For us, one of the best ways is by reading other diner recommendations. London’s food scene is so exciting right now, that it is hard to pick just the top 10 London dining experiences. However we are confident that you will love all of these.
Top 10 London Dining Experiences
1. Afternoon Tea in St James
If you like afternoon tea, you’ll love the one at the St James’s Hotel and Club. Of course, there are afternoon teas galore in London but this is one of the most photogenic and tasty.
“It’s All in the Game” is a themed tea, with edible dice, a Monopoly hat, snakes and ladders and more. The staff are lovely and make you feel really welcome. They also have a really interesting collection of artworks dotted around the hotel.
2. Harrods Food Hall
Don’t miss a visit to Harrods Food Hall in Knightsbridge. The Grade II listed hall includes tiles designed by artist William Neatby in 1902. These days, it’s a bustling place, full of foodie delights and you can dine at many of the food counters or buy items for a picnic in nearby Hyde Park.
3. Farm to table dining at The Shed
You can’t go wrong with The Shed in Notting Hill, a real top 10 London dining treat. They specialize in seasonal British cooking and small plates that are big on flavour.
It’s the brainchild of the Gladwin brothers who also own Rabbit in Chelsea. The restaurant itself does have the feel of a ramshackle shed but that adds to its charm. We recommend the beef “cigars”, and lamb “chips”.
4. Maltby Street Food Market
Not many visitors to London are aware of Maltby Street in Bermondsey. It’s a real hidden gem of a market, and many Londoners don’t even know of its existence.
Yet it’s one of the best places to come for fresh produce, food stalls and cool eateries tucked into the railway arches. St. John Maltby, sister restaurant to the famous Smithfield serves up Welsh Rarebit whilst Tozino is a cosy tapas bar.
5. British Cooking at Roast, Borough Market
If you’d like to try British food, then you’ll love Roast in Borough Market, set in a former floral hall. They focus on British cuisine and many of their suppliers are from the market itself. Their roasts are to die for but their seafood dishes are equally impressive.
6. Scottish Food at Mac & Wild
We highly recommend the Venimoo burgers at Mac & Wild Fitzrovia. The venison at this casual Scottish restaurant is 100% wild and a lot of it comes from co-owner Andy Waugh’s Father’s estate in the Highlands. Their Venimoo burger was named the UK’s best in the National Burger Awards, so it’s a worthy match for The Spotted Pig and Shake Shack in New York.
7. A Fun London Supperclub
For something a bit different, why not try out a London supperclub such as Christabel’s. These truly eccentric pop-up supper clubs, held in the lovely Christabel’s flat overlooking a canal, are the epitome of British eccentricity.
We tried their Edible Vacation experience, building quinoa sandcastles and squeezing sun tan cream (actually mayonnaise) on our food.
8. A Quirky London Pub
Fans of London pubs will love Mr Fogg’s in Covent Garden. It’s a wacky place, the fictitious London residence of Phileas J. Fogg.
The decor is the opposite of minimal, and the serving staff are dressed in period costume. Upstairs. you’ll find Aunt Gertrude’s Gin Parlour, a lovely place for afternoon tea. Downstairs in the main tavern, tuck into a homemade pie and chips, washed down with a pint of beer or tasty cocktail.
9. High Rise Dining at Duck and Waffle
You’ll love the quirky cuisine and panoramic views at Duck and Waffle in the City. The restaurant is on the 40th floor of 110 Bishopsgate and it only takes 40 seconds in the lift to reach it.
Duck and Waffle is one of the rare places in London that’s open 24/7. We had to try the signature dish on our recent visit, and loved it. We’re not even waffle fans.
10. Innovative Asian Cuisine at A Wong
Andrew Wong is one of the best young London chefs. His restaurant, A Wong is located in the Pimlico area of London, not far from Victoria Station.
There’s a large terrace for outdoor dining when the weather is good. The cuisine is beautifully presented.
Don’t forget to try the signature Three Treasures dish which combines barbecued Iberico pork char sui, soy chicken and crispy pork belly. We’re lucky to eat at so many incredible restaurants but this is one that really stands out for its attentive yet friendly staff and relaxed ambiance.
So there you have it, our top 10 London dining experiences.
What London dining experiences would you recommend to visitors from the UK or elsewhere?
You might also enjoy:
- Best Mayfair Restaurants
- Most Instagrammable London Restaurants and Cafes
- Best Al Fresco Dining Terraces in London
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So many of my favourite places on this list, from Harrods to Fogg’s! And lots of new tips too, I need to go to the St James hotel 🙂 x
It was hard to keep the list just to 10 places, there are so many great eateries in London. I’m sure you’d love the St James hotel
I am bookmarking this page for future reference, what a well written list and will come in handy when we have the opportunity to visit London.
Shireen | Reflection of Sanity
I’m so glad that you found it useful, Shireen! Wishing you a relaxing weekend
Some lovely experiences here, the Mac & Wild burger looks epic and I love Duck & Waffle. I’d say if you love Buddakhan or Tao in New York, you’ll enjoy Buddha Bar here!
Actually the Buddha Bar is a great recommendation, I loved the food and ambiance there
Wow, the food looks delicious and so the place!
Kisses, Paola.
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I really like Grain Store, you can see the chefs working as it’s an open plan kitchen and the area is very cool
Love these pics of London spots!
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I’m pleased that you like them, Edita – London has such great eateries!
I love to use Open Table for reservations when in the UK and in the US – it’s such a useful service and it has also helped me discover places that I wouldn’t have got to know otherwise.
That’s a very good point, Anouk, it’s great for restaurant inspo!
I use Open Table very often for reservation, but I wasn’t aware about Transatlantic Tables Connected. I love good food, so your choice or restaurants is clearly after my heart.
It’s so handy to have a written confirmation. Glad that you liked my restaurant picks, Anda
I tend to rely on reviews when it comes to trying new restaurants too, so this sounds very interesting! Your afternoon tea recommendation sounds wonderful, by the way 🙂
Gabrielle | A Glass Of Ice x
That afternoon tea is a blogger’s dream! Hope you’re having a relaxing Sunday
I’m another reader who had no idea about Maltby Street’s existence!! I’ve heard great things about One-O-One Knightsbridge so that’s another one to add to the list. Good luck with the competition!!
Maltby Street is a great place to go on a weekend, I love the food stalls and restaurants and Lassco’s is brilliant for a browse
Wow all of these places look so amazing
xo
www.laurajaneatelier.com
I know, I was spoilt for choice when making a selection!
Dear Suze You Are a Lucky Girl…
I know, I pinch myself ever day!
Wonderful choices I would struggle to list just ten as I have so many. I really do think Britain serves world class food now that can rival many countries Lucy x
I definitely struggled just to list 10, I agree that there are so many great ones
London has so many fabulous places to eat – love your choices! I also tend to read reviews before I decide on a place – it really is the best way to find good eateries.
Every time I wing it without reading reviews first, I’m disappointed so I try to make time to read reviews now!
Love this post! Thank you so much for including Mr Fogg’s Tavern 🙂
I loved Mr Fogg’s Tavern, such a great place for visitors to the UK to enjoy