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EAT! London

4 weeks ago

 “A wise bear always keeps a marmalade sandwich in his hat in case of emergency.”  Paddington Bear

I compiled this list for my nephew’s debut visit to London later this Spring, and it includes many of our favorite spots across the central part of the city. Am I missing anything? OF COURSE I am!! The London food scene these days is dynamic, diverse and ever changing. I am always sleuthing new places to try next time, so share your faves with me and I’ll add them to the wish list.

BRITISH/CONTINENTAL

  • Rules – (Covent Garden) London’s oldest restaurant established in 1798, serving traditional British food including game, oysters, pies and puddings.
  • The Ivy – Whimsical and festive restaurants with branches all over London. Try the Ivy Soho  or the Ivy Market Grill for pre-theater.
  • The Thomas Cubitt – (Belgravia) Charming gastropub in a lovely Edwardian building.
  • Bibendum – (Chelsea) Now a mainstay in the historic Michelin House for oysters, a cozy bar and a lighter lunch or dinner downstairs, with a fine dining restaurant upstairs. Reservations a must.
  • Pick & Cheese – (Covent Garden) Cheese heaven offering conveyor belt selections of excellent British cheeses with clever pairings. Reserve at night for sure.
  • The Petersham – (Covent Garden) Charmingly tucked into a little courtyard off the bustling shopping streets, this elegant farm-to-table Italian also does high tea.
  • Duck & Waffle – (Bishopsgate) Occupying the top floor of the Heron Tower and open 24 hours a day, this is arguable the hippest and best view in the city. Pop downstairs for a festive cocktail at Sushi Samba as well.
  • The Oystermen – (Covent Garden) Yep oysters! And other super fresh seafood too.
  • Poppies Fish & Chips – (various) Often rated the best traditional fish and chips in London, with locations in Spitalfields and Soho. Prepare to wait in line, although now they maybe take reservations?
  • Balthazar – (Covent Garden) Elegant French brasserie offering a raw bar and weekend brunch. Another good pre-theater choice.
  • Apricity – (Mayfair) Uber farm-to-table understated fine dining gem. Love this place!

INDIAN

  • Pahli Hill Bandra Bhai – (Fitzrovia) Fantastic eclectic Indian cuisine in a fun space.
  • Gymkhana – (Mayfair) Considered one of the best Indian restaurants in the city with two Michelin stars and a gorgeous clubby setting.
  • Dishoom – Popular Bombay-style cafes with multiple locations. There always seems to be a convivial line, but it’s worth the wait. Please bring me some chai tea if you go!
  • Kutir – (Chelsea) Refined traditional Indian fare in an elegant townhouse.

MEDITERRANEAN

  • Ottolenghi – With outposts throughout the city, these cafes are pretty much de rigueur for any self respecting food lover visiting London. Don’t miss the excellent Nopi and Rovi restaurants as well.
  • The Barbary – (Covent Garden) North African specialties tucked snugly into Neal’s Yard with a sweet smaller restaurant and wine bar next door.
  • Bubala (Soho and Spitalfields) – Deliciously fresh Middle Eastern vegetarian in two lovely locations.
  • Toklas – (Temple) This modern Mediterranean with seasonal terrace dining is a great option if you’re catching an exhibition at the nearby 180 Studios.

ASIAN

  • Sushi Samba – (Covent Garden) Could this space be more beautiful? It’s like a secret greenhouse tucked up above the historic market, and the food and cocktails are always fantastic.
  • Bao – Several outposts across the city offering celebrated modern dim sum in hip settings.
  • Din Tai Fung – (Covent Garden) Best xiao long bao (soup dumplings) of your life? You be the judge. You can watch them being hand made through the window before you head in.

HIGH TEA

  • Ting at the Shagri-La – (Southwark) Modern tea service in the iconic Shard building with panoramic views of the city. Get a window seat for sure!
  • The Rosewood Art Tea – Super elegant tearoom with inventive high tea treats inspired by artists and current exhibitions.
  • Covent Garden Hotel (Covent Garden) – To me this is what tea should be, comfortably traditional, unpretentiously formal, whimsically British and uncrowded! This is the perfect spot for a spot if you’re shopping in the Seven Dials area.
  • Brigit’s Tea – (Covent Garden) Combine high tea with an afternoon of sightseeing aboard a traditional double-decker London bus. Fun!

MARKETS AND FOOD HALLS

  • Seven Dials Market – (Covent Garden) Two levels with over 20 international food and drinks options. Do not miss the Chai Guys for incredible tea on the main floor and of course our favorite Pick & Cheese.
  • Borough Market (Southwark) Wholesale and retail food market dating back at least eight centuries! Today it’s a food lovers heaven. How will you even choose what to try from all the tempting vendors? Not to mention the several celebrated restaurants nearby as well. And the best Turkish delight I have ever eaten. I could go on and on here. You could wing it or you could join a Borough Market Official Tour or one of several food walking tours from the likes of London Bites. Save your appetite for this stop!
  • Spitalfields Market – (Spitalfields) Oodles of restaurant and street food options complement a fun day of shopping for local fashion and art in this storied multicultural market with origins in the 17th century.
  • Upmarket Food Hall – (East End) Over 40 street food stands offer literally every ethnic cuisine I can think of. Fuel up for your foray downstairs into the vast Brick Lane Vintage Market for a major shopping fix.

RESOURCES

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