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London is one of the best cities for food lovers, offering a wide variety of restaurants, from trendy brunch spots to chic fine dining with stunning views. Every visit to this vibrant city brings new culinary discoveries, and we’re excited to share our favorites with you. Whether you’re looking for the best coffee-to-go, a cozy café for brunch, or the perfect place for a traditional English high tea, this guide to the best restaurants in London will help you find your next unforgettable dining experience.
1. The Breakfast Club
The name says it all, The Breakfast Club is the place in London for a good breakfast. With as many as 15 locations, there is always one nearby. Step inside a colorful setting with a touch of '80s interior, and enjoy classic dishes like Eggs Benedict and Avocado Toast. Are you in the mood for something sweet for breakfast? Then be tempted by the pancakes, they are finger-licking delicious. Combine your breakfast with a freshly squeezed juice or smoothie and you have a great start to the day. Our personal tip: the smashed avocado with mojo picon, extra bacon and egg! Yum.
We know the "mojo picon" from our trip to Gran Canaria, and we have been fans of this Spanish sauce ever since!
2. Ole & Steen
Don't feel like a full breakfast? Then Ole & Steen is your to-go spot in London. This Danish bakery tempts you with a display case full of freshly baked breads, croissants, cinnamon buns and many more delicacies. Order quickly and easily at the counter, after which you can walk into town with your breakfast. There's also place inside to enjoy your breakfast.
Tip: Ole & Steen is also great for a simple lunch, especially when you’ve got a busy day of sightseeing in London!
3. Taj 51 Buckingham Gate Residences & Suites
A trip to London isn’t complete without a proper afternoon tea. This quintessentially British tradition, created by the Duchess of Bedford in the 19th century, has become a true experience — complete with a tiered tray of savory bites, freshly baked scones, and sweet treats. With countless locations to choose from, we opted for one of the most spectacular: Taj 51 Buckingham Gate Residences & Suites.
Here, you can enjoy a classic afternoon tea, but if you’re after something unique, we highly recommend ‘The Indian Jasmine Afternoon Tea’: a traditional afternoon tea with an Indian twist, paying homage to the rich history between Britain and India.Â
4. Cocktail bar Opium
Tucked away in one of Chinatown's lively streets you will find Opium, a mysterious and stylish cocktail bar. The bar consists of three unique bars, each with its own atmosphere and character. Step inside and be taken on a journey of Oriental luxury and creativity:
Peony - An intimate basement bar, hidden behind a red curtain. The ideal setting for a date night.
The Apothecary - Recognizable by the bar full of quirky liquor bottles with Oriental characters. To the left you'll find high tables and bar stools, to the right a cozy tea room with low seating.
Academy - Located on the top floor and split into two parts: an old Chinese family lounge with comfortable lounges and the "Bartenders Table" where you sit at the bar to watch the mixologists at work.
What makes Opium extra fun is the seasonal cocktail menu. Every time you come, there are new surprises on the menu. As a result, this is a place we love to return to whenever we are in London!
5. VyTA Covent Garden
VyTA Covent Garden is one of our favorite spots in London. Located in a prime location in the heart of Covent Garden, it’s a lovely place to sit outside on the terrace. You can also enjoy the chic, modern interior or grab a spot on the balcony overlooking the atmospheric square. Prices for food and drinks are a bit higher here, but the experience is well worth it.
6. Firebird
The amazing hotspot Firebird is a fine-dining restaurant and wine bar in London’s vibrant Soho neighborhood. This small yet charming restaurant offers tables both in the back and at the bar and kitchen. The bar seats are our favorite, as they give you a front-row view of the chefs preparing dishes over a fireplace where flames frequently leap high above the grill plates. Talking about Firebird’s dishes already makes our mouths water. The combinations are creative and deliver a true explosion of flavors. Without giving too much away, we highly recommend the Bloody Mary corn ribs and the warm pears with gorgonzola. What an incredible meal we had here!
7. Alto by San Carlo
Al fresco dining on a rooftop terrace with stunning views of the London skyline sounds irresistible. In the summer, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy a meal in the sunshine, as al fresco dining means eating outdoors. It’s no wonder that Alto by San Carlo is one of the most popular rooftop restaurants in London, even during the winter months when the terrace is covered.
The cuisine at Alto by San Carlo is Italian, with a concept based on shared dining. All dishes are served in smaller portions as soon as they are ready, allowing you to taste a variety of flavors. Each dish is a unique Italian creation, making this one of the best Italian restaurants in London — and truly one of the most delicious dining experiences we’ve had in the city.
You'll find the restaurant at the top of the Selfridges department store. Access is only possible via the restaurant’s private lift. Look out for the large ‘Alto by San Carlo’ sign next to the lift, it’s impossible to miss.
What is the best time to visit London?
When is the best time to visit London? That’s a tough question, as every season has its own charm. Our personal favorite is winter — especially during the Christmas season, when the city is filled with festive lights, magical decorations, and a truly enchanting atmosphere.Â
Spring in London - The city comes alive with blooming parks, mild temperatures and cozy terraces.
Summer in London - The city is buzzing with fun and hustle and bustle. The days are long and (hopefully) sunny, ideal for a city break in the outdoor lunchtime. It is one of the busiest times to visit London, though.Â
Autumn in London - Offers pleasant temperatures and stunning autumn colors in the parks. October is especially exciting as the city hosts the London Restaurant Festival — a must-visit for food lovers (and who isn’t one of those?)
Winter in London - Magical! London is enchanting during the Christmas season, with festive lights, markets, and a unique holiday atmosphere. January and February are also great months to visit, especially for museum lovers and bargain hunters looking for post-Christmas sales.
Want to experience the charm and magic of London at Christmas? Check out our ultimate guide to visiting London during the Christmas season!
Where to stay in London?
London is a huge city, so choosing the right neighborhood to stay in can be tricky. We personally always opt for a centrally located hotel, preferably around Soho. A great and affordable option here is Zedwell Piccadilly Circus. It’s within walking distance of Chinatown, Regent Street, and Piccadilly Circus Underground Station. Breakfast isn’t included, but you’ll find plenty of breakfast hotspots nearby.
An alternative option is the charming Leicester House Hotel, a cozier choice with the same excellent central location as Zedwell Piccadilly Circus. It’s perfect for those who want to stay in the heart of London while enjoying a more intimate atmosphere.
Lois Weeterings
A dreamer and adventure seeker, always on the lookout for new experiences. But also a hard worker with a thousand ideas racing through my mind. As a personal travel consultant and travel blogger, I share my passion for faraway destinations, thrilling adventures, and winter sports. With deep knowledge of places like Namibia, Colombia, the ABC Islands, and the Middle East, I’m here to help you craft a trip you’ll never forget. Through my personal stories and expert tips, I aim to inspire you to explore the world your way. Always with my camera in hand, I’m determined to capture every magical moment and share it with you.
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