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My London Food Guide: Tastes and Experiences of the Big Smoke.

A muggy view from Trafalgar rooftop of the London square's skyline

My London food guide did not come about without one of the most memorable experiences of my life. During my trip to London, I had the opportunity to explore the city’s rich history and culture, as well as sample some of its delicious food.

I watched the changing of the guards, visited Harrod’s, and saw the amazing showing, in the original Queen’s Theater, of Les Miserables and Lion King at the Lyceum Theatre. These were all amazing experiences, but I’m here to talk about our must-try dishes, or places, in London! Shocked?

If you’re planning a trip to London, I highly recommend taking a look at this London food guide for ideas on where to dine, grab a coffee, snack and drink.

The Admiralty

We arrived late but we wanted to get some Sunday roast. Sunday roast is a British tradition. Every Sunday most places and homes participate in serving roast. Arriving on a Sunday this was all I could bare to think about.

Our sunday roast from Admirality

The Admiralty was near our hotel and an easy pop-in for some ale and roast. This restaurant is located in the heart of London in Trafalgar Square. Housed in a beautiful historic building The Admiralty offers classic British dishes. In short, the food was good, but the building itself was intriguing and fun to admire.

This photo is from the Admiralty’s website.

I needed you to see the inside and didn’t take a photo myself.

The Trafalgar Rooftop

We stayed at the Trafalgar St. James and I recommend checking out their Rooftop. Offering stunning views of the city and an Asian-inspired food menu this rooftop bar is the perfect place to relax and enjoy a drink.

author at the rooftop bar in London square

I had an Aperol spritz and the views were plenty.

The Wolseley

We had to make a memorable stop at the Wolseley for a delicious meal. Iconic, this restaurant is known for its elegant Art Deco interior and classic British dishes. Logan ordered the English Breakfast and I had eggs benedict. Both dishes were great, but again it was the experience that stands in my memory. What I truly remember is the bold black and white tile, high ceiling arches and stylish lighting.

the woseley's classic british breakfast

Monmouth Coffee Company

Known for its delicious coffee, Monmouth coffee shop stays packed with locals. We lucked out and scored a seat in an intimate and very tiny little booth. We had a great view of the very busy and talented baristas. It was an experience and the coffee was great.

Golden Union

We came for the fish and chips and it did not disappoint. The batter was crispy as we had hoped and the fish was fresh as anyone would expect! The vibes make you feel like you are underground or in a subway. There are many beer/wine options. It’s a no-fuss, affordably great place to have some fish and chips.

a plate of fish and chips at Golden Union

Dishoom

There’s a line to get in which sends you to the bar to have a drink while you wait again for your table. If this doesn’t tell you that Dishroom is coveted and delish, what does?

The bar was downstairs and filled with crafty infusions and tinctures. Well-versed bartenders are ready to make the perfect cocktail for your preferred flavor profile.

A must on my London food guide, Dishoom is a lively Indian restaurant inspired by the Irani cafes of Bombay and offers a unique and delicious dining experience.

Being lovers of Indian food, we ordered way too much food but enjoyed every bit of Indian classics to modern twists. If I didn’t still need to fit in my pants I would have licked the dishes clean.

Our spread of food from Dishoom in London

Milroy’s of SoHo

This is for the whiskey drinkers. The most epic whiskey bar – Milroy’s of SoHo. My husband, Logan, used to be a collector of rare whiskeys and this was a must-stop on his list. Impressed by the bar’s collection, Milroy’s of SoHo did not disappoint.

Similarly, the gentlemen running the bar could tell Logan was no amateur so he took him downstairs and showed him his especially rare collection – located there was also a speakeasy.

a massive bar filled with whiskey

Small in size, this bar was cool and packed with whiskey. If you like whiskey or traveling with someone who does – you should check it out.

Borough Market

No trip to London would be complete without a visit to Borough Market. This bustling market is home to some of the best food in the city, and it’s a great place to try a variety of different cuisines.

Borough Market is a historic food market located in Southwark, London. One of the oldest and largest food markets in London, I highly recommended it in my London food guide. Open seven days a week, this market offers a wide variety of food, including fresh produce, meat, fish, cheese, bread, and pastries.

The Food Stalls of Borough Market

Furness food hut

Delicious and affordable food, this food stall offers food including burgers, curries and paella. Cooked in front of you, they often offer samples to passerbyers.

We shared the Bomba Paella made with Bomba rice, chicken, chorizo, mussels, squid, and tiger prawns in a massive pan for all to see. Served with lemon wedges and crusty bread this paella is epically delicious.

bomba paella

Le Marche du Quartier

I hate to admit it but I love to eat Duck. Seeing duck confit wrap on a menu I had to try it. Duck confit is duck legs that have been slow-cooked in duck fat until they are tender and falling off the bone.

Afterward, this particular stall shreds the duck and mix it with various other ingredients, including lettuce, shredded cabbage, onion chutney, and cheese. Next, they add the mix to a wrap and grill it to delicious perfection.

author with her duck confit wrap during her London food guide

Shellseeker

Dorset scallops are a type of scallop found in the waters off the coast of Dorset, England. Considered to be some of the best scallops in the world; when in London and you see a Dorset hand-dived scallop stand – you get the scallops.

Fresh and mixed with a little stirfry and bits of bacon then served in a scallop shell. I highly recommend.

London food guide: dorset scallops in front of the stand where they were ordered

Ole & Steen

A little coffee break and pastry. Known for its delicious pastries and cakes, this Danish Bakery is a great place to satisfy your sweet tooth. With windows all around and outside seating, it is a great place to people-watch.

sweet eats in London on our london food guide

The Beaufort Bar

This swanky bar located in the Savoy Hotel is just the spot for a nightcap or to get your evening started. Sophisticated and dark with glamorous lighting and luxury seats, this is a great place to people-watch and relax.

We had drinks and some snacks before we headed off to our evening entertainment of Les Miserable.

Enriched in history and opulence the Savoy Hotel is a place to see or be seen! Afternoon tea was finishing up in the Thames Foyer when we arrived. The foyer was stunning! If you are looking for afternoon tea I can imagine this would be an excellent place to enjoy the tradition.

You can’t miss the beautiful cat hedges at the entrance of the hotel. The Savoy cat has his own special history as well filled with superstition.

London is a city that has something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, food, or just want to experience the hustle and bustle of a big city, London has it all.

I had such a wonderful time in London, and I can’t wait to go back and explore more of what this amazing city has to offer. As foodies, our favorite part (other than Les Miserable) was the food. That’s why I compiled our London food guide to help you organize where to dine in London on your next trip.

Please enjoy! If you have any places to add for other readers or myself comment below to share.

If you enjoyed this post you might also like our trips to Boston and where we ate in LA

5 responses to “My London Food Guide: Tastes and Experiences of the Big Smoke.”

  1. mommydenz Avatar

    Thank you so much for sharing your London food guide! As someone who loves to explore different cuisines, your blog has been a fantastic resource for discovering new and exciting restaurants in the city.

    1. Ali Christine Avatar

      Oh I’m so happy! Enjoy your discoveries!

  2. Brenda Avatar

    There.are so many options you’ve shared with us. I may check out some when I make it to London

    1. Ali Christine Avatar

      I hope you do and enjoy your experience!

      1. Brenda Avatar

        Thank you Ali. I’m sure we will

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