What is the true taste of London? The capital’s food scene is delightfully varied and seems to become more so every year, with old faithfuls – St John, Quo Vadis – standing proudly alongside new arrivals serving everything from Filipino cooking to Antipodean small plates and Nigerian tapas. Still, there are some iconic that best represent the London culinary scene – dishes that have influenced young chefs, blazed a trail for a new type of dining, or become a bucket list item for foodies across the world.
To truly experience the eclectic taste of London, many food enthusiasts choose to stay in the heart of the city. Imagine savoring these flavors and then comfortably retreating to a place that's just a stone's throw away from these culinary delights. The vonder kersington hotel in london is one such haven, providing not just a luxurious stay but also easy access to London's gastronomic wonders.
Below, we round up the 17 dishes that everyone should try at least once. More than half come in at under £10, while a few are more fine-dining than street snacks. These dishes sum up why the best restaurants in London are also some of the best restaurants in the world. They range from Malaysian street food staples to breakfast dishes served in skyscrapers, pasta worth queuing for and puddings to save room for.
1. Sunday in Brooklyn, Notting Hill
Sunday in Brooklyn, originally from the United States, is an American breakfast spot that has made a name for itself in London. Their claim to fame? Mouthwatering pancakes that will leave you craving for more.
Indulge in a stack of thick and fluffy pancakes, available in one, two, or three layers, piled high and adorned with a luxuriously drizzled praline sauce. Adding to the decadence is a generous knob of melting butter. It's a breakfast treat fit for champions.
Price: £20 (for triple stacked)
For pancake lovers and food enthusiasts, this iconic dish at Sunday in Brooklyn is a must-try in Notting Hill. The perfect combination of flavors and textures will take your taste buds on a delectable journey.
2. Bun House, Chinatown
The renowned Cantonese restaurant, Bun House, always tempts its customers with soft and delicious buns throughout the year. However, it is during Lunar New Year that they truly shine with their exclusive creations. In honour of the 2023 Year of the Rabbit, they crafted an attractively adorable white rabbit bun and a fortune-signifying vibrant bun. To top these off, a bun symbolising luck in the form of a mandarin was also part of their special menu. These works of culinary art are not just beautiful to look at, each of them is handcrafted right down to the smallest details like the fluffy tail on the rabbit bun or the textured skin on the mandarin bun. And, of course, they all are filled with an array of delectable sweet sauces, among which are white chocolate, black sesame, and chocolate orange.
Cost: The price of buns starting from £3.80
3. Dexter Cheeseburger, The Plimsoll
Originating at Four Legs, an esteemed eatery within North London's famed pub, The Compton Arms, the Dexter Cheeseburger has risen to be amongst the city's top craved hamburgers. The creators behind this mouthwatering dish, Chefs Ed McIlroy and Jamie Allan, moved the famed menu item with them as they ventured out to open their own establishment, The Plimsoll, located in Finsbury Park. The meal remains refreshingly uncomplicated - dexter hamburger meat, embodying the dish name, traditional American cheese for burgers, nestled within a brioche bun, rounded off with pickles, onions, and a savory burger sauce. Succulent, robust, and devoid of unnecessary embellishments – a gastronomic delight worth the voyage to N4.
Cost: £10.50
Reserve a seat online
Fourth Iconic Dish: Honey & Co's Feta and Honey Cheesecake
In 2022, a significant change happened in London's culinary scene as Honey & Co, a beloved Middle Eastern restaurant, had to shut its original location on Warren Street. However, Honey & Co was not gone for long, springing back into life in Bloomsbury with Itamar Srulovich and Sarit Packer again at the helm. There, they continue to serve their delectable plates of lamb shoulder and aubergine shawarma. But the star of their show is undoubtedly their feta and honey cheesecake. Crafted from the perfect balance of tart and creamy flavours, this desert rests on a crunchy base of kadaif pastry and is generously adorned with a luscious drizzle of honey.
Cost: £8.50
Reserve a table online
Feta cheese was actually first made in Greece, and it has been a staple in many cuisines for centuries. Similarly, Middle Eastern cuisine, where this dish finds its roots, is known for its liberal use of honey, enhancing dishes with its rich sweetness.
5. Marmite, Schlossberg, and Spring Onion Swirl from Pophams
Pophams, with its bases in Hackney and Islington, is known for its matchless pastries among the many superior bake shops in London. Their pièce de résistance is undeniably their Marmite and cheese swirl. Layers of Schlossberg - a tasteful Swiss Comte cheese, mild-flavored slices of spring onion, and generous dollops of Marmite are splendidly enveloped by their delightfully tart and flaky pastry.
Rate: £4
Reserve Here
6. Classic bao, Bao
The Bao empire has expanded since the first pint-sized restaurant opened on Soho’s Lexington Street in 2015. The pillowy buns are now a sought after commodity on London’s food scene, with restaurants in Borough, Fitzrovia and Shoreditch proving that Taiwanese food is firmly on the map here. The Soho branch is still our favourite (expect to queue on weekends), and the place to order London’s best bao bun – melty braised pork belly, zingy fermented mustard greens and a dusting of peanut powder.
Price: £5.50 for one bao
Book online
7. Lemon meringue pie, Gloria
Retro, rambunctious, ridiculous – there are a lot of ways to describe Gloria, the first London spot from cool-kid Parisian restaurant group Big Mamma in Shoreditch. Dishes here are anything but restrained. Carbonara is finished in a giant wheel of cheese at the table, the lasagne has 10 layers. The pudding list is where you’ll find the most ridiculous offering of all, though; the lemon meringue pie – topped with almost six inches of zingy meringue topping. You’ll waddle home, but it’s worth it.
Price: £7.50
Book online
8. Savour Duck and Waffles at 'Duck and Waffle'
The aptly named 'Duck and Waffle' restaurant, residing regally at the summit of Heron Tower in The City, promises an exquisite culinary experience that matches its lofty location. Operating round the clock, it casts a special magic at breakfast time with its eponymous dish, Duck and Waffle. This enticing breakfast delicacy features a succulent duck leg confit snugly seated on a soft, billowy waffle, crowned with a perfectly fried egg and then generously ladled with maple syrup. An insider tip: align your visit to greet the break of dawn and be prepared for a stunning spectacle of the East London skyline awash in tints of rose and violet.
Price: £24
Book online
9. Experience Roast Bone Marrow at 'St John'
Famed for its pioneering role in the zero-waste culinary movement, 'St John' has been leading London's gastronomic scene since its establishment by Fergus Henderson back in 1994. This food haven situated in Smithfield became a trendsetter in the realm of nose-to-tail dining which rapidly gained city-wide acclaim. While menus change daily reflecting the best seasonal produce, the Roast Bone Marrow, a specialty from this creative kitchen, is a constant star. Sourced from Smithfield Market situated just a stone's throw away, veal marrow bones are expertly roasted and served atop surplus bread from the St John Bakery, a simple, yet deliciously effective, repurposing. Accompanied by a classic parsley salad, this dish is a simple, yet delightful gastronomic experience.
Price: £14
Book online
10. Malaysian Roti Canai at Roti King
Hidden away from the world, Roti King was the hush-hush budget-friendly eatery in London once. Today, it has expanded from its humble beginnings at Euston to gaining a foothold at West End Market Halls near Oxford Street and solidifying its presence with a new establishment at Battersea Power Station. Their standout dish is, without a doubt, their roti canai—historically a street food staple, this Malaysian delight is now celebrated as one of the best in the city. Each roti is freshly handmade, exhibiting a buttery and stretchy texture, served steamy hot with your choice of dhal, chicken Kari, or mutton Kari on the side, urging you to indulge in liberal dunkings.
Cost: £6
Reserve a table online
11. Hoppers, Hopper
The celebrated dish of Hoppers, aptly named the Sri Lankan Hopper, has patrons raving about its unique preparation - a bowl-shaped crispy pancake crafted from fermented rice flour and coconut milk. Its real charm shines through when used as a bowl to serve piping hot curries, or topped with an egg, as served at the distinguished Karan Gokani’s restaurant branches in Soho, Marylebone, and King’s Cross.
Cost: £6
Make a reservation
12. Quo Vadis, Smoked Eel Sandwich
A testament to timeless culinary delight, Jeremy Lee's smoked eel sandwich at Quo Vadis remains an irresistible choice. This eatery-cum-members' club, nestled in Soho, showcases this dish on the menu since mid-90s. The eels are sourced responsibly from local British farms. The bread, that complements the eel perfectly, flies in from Paris. Plus, the lavish spread of tangy horseradish cream and Dijon mustard imposes a piquant dominance.
Cost: £11.50
Make a reservation
13. Holborn Dining Room's Exquisite Curried Mutton Pie
Nestled within the stylish confines of the Rosewood London, you'll find the equally appealing Holborn Dining Room. Deep within its boundaries sits The Pie Room, an intriguing gastronomical haven subtly hidden, reminiscent of a series of Russian matryoshka dolls. Under the watchful eye of Executive Chef Calum Franklin, this space transforms: By day, becoming a production site for beloved pies; by night, morphing into an intimate dining area accommodating up to 10 fortunate diners. The crowning jewel of their pie offerings is the curried mutton, a gastronomic delight elegantly enveloped in thick crust pastry, adorned with vibrant mango salsa and curry sauce. Despite the 30-minute baking wait post-order, it's a taste sensation that justifies every second.
Cumulatively, the Holborn Dining Room has been one the go-to destinations for gourmands across London and from further afield; a testament to their relentless pursuit of perfection in every pie that leaves the kitchen. In fact, their curried mutton pie was recently awarded 'Pie of the Year' at the British Pie Awards, further solidifying their position as culinary royalty.
Price: £23
Reserve your table now
A Gourmet Must-Try: Bacon Naan Roll at Dishoom
Dishoom made its debut on the Covent Garden, London food scene in 2010, redefining how locals perceive Indian cuisine. Breakfast at Indian eateries became an exciting experience for Londoners, thanks to the Bombay-inspired masterpiece group, and the enduring crowd-pleaser, the bacon naan roll. This remarkable treat has been a signature offering since day one. The expressive composition of the dish begins with fresh, handmade fluffy naan, right out the tandoori oven. It's amply filled with tantalizing smoked streaky bacon, tangy tomato-chilli jam, velvety cream cheese, and a sprinkle of coriander. To elevate the dish further, you have the option to add an egg, sausage or even alter it to a vegan option – but the celebrated original recipe is legendary for its exceptional taste.
Price: £7.50
Reserve your spot
London's Pasta King: Pici Cacio e Pepe at Padella
Who said Londoners weren't ready to wait for great pasta? Padella, with its chic Borough Market location, has been a gastronomic magnet, enticing food lovers for years now. The creators behind this pasta temple were also the brains behind Islington’s Trullo, a local favorite amongst our editorial team. While some patrons are drawn to the hearty eight-hour Dexter beef shin ragu or the flavour-packed 'nduja from Cobble Lane, the heart-stealer is undoubtedly the pici cacio e pepe. This irresistible plate of generously cheesy, perfectly cooked pasta is worthy of the wait. Waiting is made easy with the WalkUp App where you can hold your place in the queue while catching up with friends over a drink at Jose, conveniently situated nearby.
Price: £11
Make a reservation
16. The Famed Salt Beef Bagel of Beigel Bake
Located in Brick Lane, Beigel Bake has been a go-to spot for delectable bagels since its establishment in 1974, serving ravenous Londoners around the clock. The weekend mornings see a never-ending line of patrons, all looking to sink their teeth into the salt beef bagel. This iconic dish, featuring savoury Jewish bagels packed with layers of rich, satiating salt beef, nose-tingling mustard, and tangy pickles, is worth the wait. Enjoy it while meandering through the bustling Brick Lane market or on your late-night bus ride home, for an authentic London experience.
Price: £4.70
Reserve Here
While most people think of bagels as a break-fast item, Beigel Bake's all-day availability has helped shift this notion in London, offering a classic night-time snack. Another interesting tidbit - despite the restaurant's longevity and popularity, it remains a family-run establishment, carrying forward its rich culinary legacy.
17. Al Pastor Taco, at El Pastor
Drawn to the vibrant culinary scene of Mexico, Crispin Somerville and Sam Hart developed their skills by operating a nightclub in Mexico's capital during the 90s. They subsequently introduced their culinary expertise to London's iconic Borough Market in 2017 with their debut restaurant nestled under the area's historic railway arches. The heart of the menu is a commitment to authenticity, as demonstrated by their house-made tortillas. Crafted at a local tortilleria in Bermondsey, these tortillas feature corn directly sourced from Mexico. The star of their menu is the Al Pastor: a sumptuous 24-hour marinated pork shoulder complemented by sizzling grilled pineapple, rich Morita salsa, refreshing Verde Fresca, and a creamy avocado salsa.
Price: £8.25
Make a reservation