Where to Eat in London: Trendy Restaurants
London is like the New York of Europe in the sense that there are always exciting events and new openings popping up—concerts, stores, bars, and of course, restaurants. It’s hard to keep up, so I narrowed down my favorite restaurants in London for your next visit to this vibrant city!
The Ivy Chelsea Garden
Directly on King’s Road, you’ll find a cozy, little jungle—The Ivy Chelsea Garden. The restaurant is made up of a main dining room with colorful and delicate decor as well as an al fresco terrace filled with velvet chairs, flowers and greenery, and glowing fireplaces.
If that doesn’t entice you enough, then let me tell you about the food. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I went for breakfast and ordered their hot buttermilk pancakes topped with strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, Greek yogurt, lemon balm, and warm strawberry sauce. Usually I’m not one for having pancakes without syrup but this was was seriously SO good.
Clos Maggiore
Named “The Most Romantic Restaurant in the World” several times over the last few years, Clos Maggiore fits its title. Although located in Covent Garden in downtown London, this restaurant is a quiet oasis. The dining room is intricately decorated with glistening lights and soft flowers all year round.
The menu is pricey but it’s worth it. The food is delicious, and the drinks are so cool—mine came in a bird-shaped glass in a birdcage! Just make sure to make a reservation and request to be seated in the conservatory room! Pictured below:
Appetizer
Burrata from Puglia and Heirloom Beetroot: orange and pink grapefruit, Catalan smoked almonds, and extra virgin olive oil.
Cocktail
Berry Stinger: Tanqueray No. TEN gin, port, elderflower, raspberry, and mint.
EntréE
Hand-rolled Fresh Pappardella, Grated Fresh Truffle: seasonal wild mushrooms, Twineham Grange cheese, and truffle sauce.
sketch
sketch is definitely one of the most iconic restaurants in the city. It’s mostly known for its white and rainbow-colored bathroom filled with egg-shaped stalls and its playful, pink tearoom.
I recommend going for an afternoon tea here but make sure to make a reservation. The menu is expensive but it’s worth it for the experience and pictures!
I got the “Champagne Afternoon Tea” which includes rosé, tea, assorted finger sandwiches, scones and pastries all for £99 per person (about $130).
sketch is a must on a visit to London!
Dishoom Kensington
Before my last trip to London, I noticed Dishoom was mentioned almost everywhere I looked for restaurant recommendations, so I knew I had to check it out.
Dishoom is an Indian/Irani café-style restaurant and currently has five locations in London. I visited the Kensington location for breakfast and ordered…
Eggless Akuri
“Spiced-scrambled tofu piled up richly alongside plump, home-made buns and grilled tomato. Our version of the Irani café special.”
Peggy Porschen Cakes
Another London afternoon tea essential: Peggy Porschen Cakes. Incredibly decorated for every season, this sought-after café has two locations in Belgravia and Chelsea. The original Belgravia café has indoor and outdoor seating, and you can expect there to be a long line waiting for a table. My friends and I waited for about 40 minutes but it was worth it! Everything was so good and just look at the cute pink and purple color scheme!
We ordered…
LEMON, RASPBERRY & ROSE Layer Cake
“Zesty lemon sponge soaked with lemon syrup, filled with raspberry meringue buttercream and rose petal fragments. Topped with a fresh raspberry and edible flower confetti. Great Taste Award Winner 2019.”
The Vanilla Cloud Layer Cake
“Light and fluffy vanilla chiffon sponge baked with real vanilla, layered and masked with Italian meringue buttercream. Dusted with sweet sugar polka dots and topped with multi-coloured french macarons.”
Banoffee Cupcake
“Vanilla chocolate chip sponge with a chunky banana jam and toffee centre, topped with banana frosting.”
Peppermint Tea
“An invigorating classic tea with a cooling mint flavour, ideal as a post-indulgence refreshment.”
Farm Girl Café Notting Hill
Located on the famous Portobello Road in Notting Hill, Farm Girl Café is a small Australian restaurant that is the perfect spot for brunch. You’ll find the entrance next to St. Peters Church behind a charming blue and white gateway. Behind the gate is an alley decorated with greenery and a neon light with Farm Girl’s entrance at the end. The café’s cyan interior is decorated with tile walls, more greenery, and pink accents.
I arrived at Farm Girl early on a weekday so I didn’t have to wait for a table, but I’ve heard that there’s normally a long wait and they don’t take reservations so make sure to get there early!
I ordered…
Cherry Ripe Pancakes
“Fluffy buckwheat & buttermilk pancakes with sour cherry jam, coconut, maple syrup, raw cacao nibs, greek yoghurt & toasted almonds.”
And an expresso because Farm Girl is known for its Australian-style coffee.
Farm Girl also has three other London locations in Soho, Chelsea, and Knightsbridge.
fish! Borough Market
You can’t go to London and not eat fish and chips!
I went on a food tour led by a local Londoner who said that Fish! Borough Market is the best place to get this iconic meal in the entire city. And with an unbeatable location directly in Borough Market, you can get fish and chips to go or have a sit-down meal in their restaurant. Both the fish and the chips are perfectly crispy! YUM.
Bread Ahead Bakery
I saved the best for last…
Reportedly Prince Harry’s go-to, Bread Ahead Bakery has the best. doughnuts. ever. I don’t even have my own photo because I was too busy devouring it. Described as “pillows of joy,” the doughnuts are filled with various creamy custards like vanilla, chocolate, and salted caramel.
Bread Ahead’s original and most famous location is in Borough Market but also has locations in Soho, Wembley, and Chelsea.