A Travel Agent’s Guide to Dining in London
Fear not, fellow travelers, for we at Vacations To Remember are here to guide you on your culinary adventure through London! Bustling streets, iconic landmarks, and...a bit of mystery when it comes to finding a good meal?
One of the biggest perks of being a travel agency is that we get to hear all about our clients' amazing adventures – including their favorite meals! Our team has also personally explored countless European cities, from the bustling streets of Paris to the charming canals of Amsterdam. This means we have a treasure trove of insider knowledge on where to find the most delicious and authentic dishes. This blog will focus on London restaurants but be sure to check out all of our blogs for the best dining recommendations in other cities as well.
We know sifting through endless online reviews can be overwhelming. That's why we've done the legwork for you! Every restaurant on this list has been personally vetted by our team or by one of our many satisfied travelers. So ditch the "mushy peas" and dive into a delicious London adventure!
Beyond the Tourist Traps: Unveiling Hidden Gems
Let's be honest, tourist menus with pictures can be a gamble. We want you to experience the true flavors of London, so we've steered clear of those and focused on hidden gems that locals frequent. Below are a few of our team and our clients' all-time favorite restaurants across London, vetted for both taste and ambiance.
Restaurants:
Dishroom - Dishoom pays homage to the Irani cafés and the food of all Bombay. Begin with a bowl of Date & Banana Porridge or a Bacon Naan Roll. Savour the fragrance of freshly-baked pau, the rich salty taste of butter melting on a bun dipped in hot chai, the warm indulgence of Akuri, the wistfulness of a moment. At lunch, waiters find joy in delivering trays of abundant food to your table. Roomali Roti Rolls, baked and filled to order, humble and delicious Mattar Paneer, or fresh salads. Refresh your afternoon with a drop of Chai and a small plate or two, while a thin coil of sandalwood smoke rises from gently burning incense. And as evening falls, the café fills with calls of old friends meeting, chatting – a lovely and lively hubbub. To the table come smoky, melt-in-the-mouth grills, slow-cooked and aromatic biryanis, robust and spicy curries. Plates are passed around, shared, enjoyed.
Farzi - Modern Indian Cuisine In The Heart Of Haymarket. Nestled in the vibrant Haymarket district, the restaurant is a celebration of innovation and authenticity. From intricately spiced curries to avant-garde presentations, each dish is a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity. The menu is not just a collection of dishes; it's a celebration of flavors that brings people together in the spirit of joy. Each item is a symphony of tastes designed to spark joy and forge connections around the dining table.
Smokestack -The Smokestak formula is simple: expertly cooked meats, wallet-friendly prices and a buoyant atmosphere. The beef brisket exemplifies their approach; it's a simple dish, but delivers so much flavor from the rich barbecue glaze, while the meat itself is as melting as can be. Cubes of crispy ox cheek with anchovy mayo are another highlight, and the whole experience is enhanced by the friendly, on-the-ball service team.
Temper - Beneath Broadwick Street you will find Soho’s original smokehouse. Known for meat, mezcal, tacos and good vibes, temper is centred around a giant fire pit, with a mix of counter dining to watch our chefs in action and leather booths for feasting. Meat is bought in from English farms, aged in-house then butchered by our team and cooked over fire, served in corn tacos or on house-made parathas. There’s also a legendary Sunday roast and Saturday bottomless brunch on offer, plus space for big groups and special occasions.
Fallow in (St James market area) - A large, open kitchen counter takes center stage at this lively restaurant in an enviable corner site in St James's. The bold and original cooking is guided by the chefs' nose-to-tail ethos, so don't be surprised to find commonly discarded produce like cod or pig's head on the menu. Their homegrown mushrooms from the basement contribute to a good selection of vegetarian and vegan dishes, such as their signature mushroom parfait.
J SHEEKEY - J. Sheekey is a renowned seafood restaurant located in the heart of theatre-land. Since its conception in 1896, ‘Sheekey’s’ has been providing theatre goers, casts, audiences, and friends with the finest seafood and shellfish from its home in St Martin’s Court. The iconic ruby red frontage welcomes guests, while inside, a central crustacean bar and walls adorned with framed photographs of famous faces are just a few of the timeless features that sit throughout the space.
The Grazing Goat - The Grazing Goat layers country pub with a bar, restaurant and rooms, open for breakfast through to dinner in the heart of Marylebone near Hyde Park. A place breakfast meetings, lunches with friends, parties and with 8 bedrooms, a place to stay as well. Serving a seasonal modern British and European menu both downstairs and on the first floor. In summer the street terrace is also the perfect place to indulge in one of our favorite menus. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner everyday.
Big Mamma Group - Circolo - A sunny Sicilian trattoria in the heart of London’s lively Fitzrovia district. They are a group of pals, 130 completely crazy Italians. And this neighborhood already feels like home. The Chef Gennaro has created a crazy menu from our incredible Italian products. It offers, among other things, Carbonara served in a pecorino wheel, Neapolitan pizzas with Italian ingredients like San Marzano tomatoes and fresh mozzarella – and to top it off, the scandalous desserts featuring our caramelised, chocolate covered profiterole and famous zingy lemon pie, size XXL. Circolo is open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner. In summer, there are 60 incredible seats in our sunny Sicilian terrace. Go through the door and enjoy the ride!
Cocktails:
Mr. Foggs - A collection of adventurous cocktail bars transporting you back to the Victorian era. From exquisitely crafted cocktails to a selection of craft beers, fine wines and rare spirits, our expansive drinks menus incorporate ingredients from across the globe, drawing inspiration from Mr Fogg’s many adventurous travels. Step into Mr Fogg’s world with over 20 unique spaces in Covent Garden, Fitzrovia, Soho, Mayfair and The City!
Cahoots - Cahoots is a 1940s-themed bar located in the heart of London’s Soho. Set inside an abandoned train station, the scoundrels of this station-speakeasy serve up spiffing cocktails, jolly-good rations and live swinging entertainment seven days a week. Made up of three spaces: The Underground, Ticket Hall & Signal Station, step back in time and enjoy each quirky space as you indulge in ‘High Spirits, Scoundrels & Swing!’.
Tips for the Savvy Traveler
Embrace the Local Pace: Dining in London is often a slower experience than in North America. Relax, savor the flavors, and enjoy the atmosphere.
Pub grub can be great! Many pubs offer delicious and affordable meals, making for a truly local experience.
Be Open to New Things: This is your chance to step outside your comfort zone and try something new! You might discover your next favorite dish.
Pro Tip: Many London restaurants don't automatically add a gratuity to the bill. While tipping is not mandatory, a small token of appreciation (around 10% of the bill) is always welcome if you've had a great experience.
Remember, these are just a taste (pun intended!) of what London has to offer. With countless restaurants to choose from, there's something for every budget and palate. So, come hungry, explore with gusto, and let your taste buds be your guide!
Let Us Craft Your Dream Culinary Journey
At Vacations To Remember, we believe food is an integral part of any travel experience. Whether you're a seasoned gourmand or a curious first-timer, we can help you curate a personalized itinerary that includes unforgettable dining experiences. If you already have your trip across the pond booked with us, cheers! Just reach out to your travel advisor and she can schedule your dining for you. Our service includes up to 3 reservations per trip! If not, contact us today to start planning your next adventure – and get ready to tantalize your taste buds!