london restaurants : our favorites!

I had been to London three times, before my solo trip there in 2018 to visit my closest friend in her (now) home city. All three prior visits were during the early 2000s when I was a broke college student. Meals consisted of the cheapest fish and chips that we could find. When I did visit with my parents, we stayed at Le Meridien, enjoyed their English breakfast and ate Indian food for the first time. But most meals were unmemorable.

During my 2018 visit, I was determined to find aspects of London that I enjoyed and delicious food.

Luckily, this was the easiest challenge that I ever gave myself. The food scene in London has changed A LOT over the past decade. But more impactful was visiting friends who live in Islington and know of more amazing restaurants than I could ever enjoy during my time with them. After my first experience, I couldn’t wait to return with the family in tow.

Below are a list of our favorite restaurants in London. My hope is that after you read through this list, you start booking reservations for your next trip. Because you will need them. London is a reservations kind of town!

SKETCH

A social media darling, Sketch is as beautiful in person as it is on Instagram. Located in the Mayfair area of London, Sketch’s afternoon tea is enjoyable and expensive. The food is good, the drinks are great, but the atmosphere is worth the splurge. If only to post a classic Sketch bathroom pic.

OTTOLENGHI

With six locations in London, chances are you will be in the neighborhood of at least one of these delicious restaurants. Dishes at Ottolenghi are simple, yet every ingredient has a purpose and is of the best quality.

THE SPANIARDS INN

Dating back to 1585, The Spaniards’ history is full of famous tales, including making its way into Dickens’ work. During the summer, the outdoor barbeque and seating is a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon. But I think the restaurant is most charming during a cold, fall day indoors with the fireplace crackling. Fish and chips are always enjoyable. My favorite item is the mushroom pie, which I’ve day dreamt about on more than one occasion.

DUCK & WAFFLE

Located 40 floors above London, Duck & Waffle is a great place to spend a special meal. The restaurant’s namesake dish is delicious and entirely worth the elevator ride!

CASA PASTOR

In London’s new Coal Drops Yard, Casa Pastor was our go-to spot when we were missing Mexican food (only four days into our yearlong journey)! The fish tacos are my favorite.

HOLY COW

I love a pun and I love Indian food. Holy Cow was our most delicious takeaway dinners.

COMPTOIR

Comptoir serves up delicious, Lebanese food. Honestly, after three visits, their service is not up to the same standard as their food. Although I have witnessed their manager handle a complaint very well. But they benefit from having very convenient locations. Their location in South Kensington is the perfect spot to grab lunch before or after your museum visits.

M&S FOODHALL

I wish I could shop at M&S everyday as much as I miss Trader Joe’s back at home. As you can see from the photo, I tried as many M&S branded items as possible and they are all delicious. But above all else, make sure you leave with a bag of prawn cocktail crisps.

Already looking forward to our trip back to London in January. Tell me, do you have a favorite London-based restaurant to add to the list?