The Best Restaurants in London: A First Timer’s Guide

London is a foodie’s paradise, offering a wide variety of delicious dishes. Looking for a traditional English breakfast, an unusual lunch or dinner, or want to try a local beer? Whether you’re looking for a big lunch or a snack on the go, this post will give you some interesting suggestions I’ve tried and tested. One thing is certain: there is something for everyone in London.

In this article, we’ll take a look at restaurants and pubs where you can eat in London.

Where to eat breakfast in London?

The answer to this question depends on two things. What we fancy and what our budget is.

The choices are vast: from traditional English breakfast dishes such as eggs and bacon to lighter options such as oatmeal or toast with jam, to more modern options such as eggs benedict with hollandaise sauce. One thing is certain: there is something for everyone.

In my opinion, for breakfast, English Breakfast when in London is a must. This is a traditional breakfast in the UK, consisting of scrambled eggs, sausages, bacon, tomatoes, beans, and mushrooms, sometimes we also get potato pancakes or Yorkshire pudding. There are various variations, and bread is mandatory. ?

For breakfast in London, I recommend two places:

Kozzy

Let me start by saying that this place has really nice decor. The restaurant is frequented by locals and mostly by the local police, so you can feel like in a movie when you are surrounded by several police couples ?

What can you eat there? English breakfast and various variations of such large breakfasts (such as Mediterranean), in addition to a large selection of continental breakfasts, sandwiches, or omelets. Plus coffee or tea and we have a recipe for the perfect breakfast. I would add that they serve huge portions there and it is really tasty!

Address: 53 Red Lion St, London WC1R 4PD

Duck and Waffle

If you’re looking for an amazing place for your morning breakfast, Duck and Waffles will be perfect. It’s a place on the 40th floor of a skyscraper, a restaurant with a view of London.

Let me start by saying that reservations apply there, and the minimum amount you spend is £20 per person. You can go there for breakfast, lunch or an evening drink. We chose breakfast because it was the easiest thing to plan during the trip: eat first, then visit.

What can you eat at Duck and Waffle? For example, oatmeal or waffles, maybe a fruit salad or, of course, an English breakfast. We just chose the English breakfast (cost £18). Quite expensive, but tasty and still worth it, after all, you’re paying for the views! As I told you on Instagram, by far, this was one of my favorite experiences in London.

Address: 40th Floor 110 Bishopsgate, London EC2N 4AY

Byward Kitchen and Bar

This is another interesting place for breakfast in London. It’s located in the heart of the city, so you’ll be passing right by. Breakfast options range from sandwiches to the traditional English breakfast, featuring bacon, Cumberland sausage, black pudding, egg (fried or scrambled), mushrooms, potato pancake, baked beans, toast, and of course, tomato.

Although I recommend them more for lunch, English breakfast can be eaten there at any time of the day. Also at 3 o’clock ?

Address: Byward St, London EC3R 5BJ

Pret

An affordable solution for breakfast? PRET. This chain is on every corner. Double sandwiches for less than £5, topped with coffee, a solution that’s perfect when you’re on the run and don’t have to spend a lot of cash.

Where to go for coffee in London?

Before I move on to lunch (dinner) and dinner, I’ll recommend a few places for coffee.

Going back to previous places, the coffee at Duck and Waffle was excellent I should add that Maciek had a birthday the day before and got a tiny cake. That’s another argument in favor of this place, but it’s not the only place in the heights worth visiting for coffee.

The perfect place for coffee with a view of London – Sky Garden

Another such place would be the Sky Garden. This rooftop garden is associated with amazing views, but that’s not all. Yes, the spot is free, but you can buy coffee and cake there. You can also come in the morning, for sunrise, and £8.5 will get you a coffee and something sweet (such as a bun with chocolate). This option is not popular and well-known, so when there are no more free tickets for the week ahead, 8 or 10 o’clock entrances are often possible. And the views? Judge for yourself!

Address: 1, Sky Garden Walk, London EC3M 8AF

Black Sheep Coffee

And if you’re in the mood for coffee and delicious muffins while exploring London, you can drop by Black Sheep Coffe. It’s a chain, so it’s in several places in London. I’ve been to Leadenhall Street. The simple vibe and a great place to take a break from the street hustle and bustle of the city.

Address: 22 Leadenhall St, London EC3V 4AB

Lunch and dinner in London

Eating out in London is a great way to experience British cuisine. On the topic of traditional British food in London, I will recommend a few places to you. For lunch, I will mention two traditional British places.

Byward Kitchen and Bar

Fish and chips are a British specialty, consisting of deep-fried fillets and fries. Where can you eat it? Places are plentiful; typing “fish and chips” into Google maps will pop up dozens of places near you. Such a dish can be eaten at the Byward Kitchen and Bar, for example. This interesting place is practically located in a church, which is worth visiting by the way.

Address: Byward St, London EC3R 5BJ

The Duke

Where to eat, sensational British home-cooked food? For example, at The Duke. This is an atmospheric London pub that serves food only at lunch and dinner.

What can you eat there? I recommend two traditional British dishes:

Bangers and mash (sausage with mashed potatoes)

Beef Pie (stew baked in pastry).

Both dishes are tasty, although Beef Pie is delectable. Top it off with a beer and we have a recipe for the perfect dinner.

Address: 7 Roger Street, London

International cuisine in London: Indian cuisine

I don’t know if you know, but there are a lot of expatriates from India and Pakistan in London. This is one of the reasons why Indian cuisine tastes delicious here. Taking this opportunity, we went to Namaste restaurant for lunch. We ordered paneer cheese in a flavorful sauce with naan bread and tea with milk and spices. Everything was tasty, and the atmosphere of the place is great, especially if you will want to relax after a long day.

Address: 33 Boswell St, London WC1N 3BP

What to eat in London?

London is a city full of culinary delights, offering a wide variety of breakfast, lunch, beer, and dinner options. From traditional English pubs to restaurants to international cuisine. You can also try many other world cuisines in London, such as Indian, Asian and Italian.

You’ll eat anything in London, so this guide is an incentive to discover places and flavors in the city. I know I’m repeating myself, but, London has something for everyone.

Are you in London? Check it out:

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Evelyn Gac
I love discovering local stories, mysterious places and interesting cities. You will find travel inspirations, beautiful photos and lots of nature. I have lived in 6 countries so far, and this taught me a lot about world and people. I share my stories on blog, socials and in my book.
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Evelyn Gac
Evelyn Gac
I love discovering local stories, mysterious places and interesting cities. You will find travel inspirations, beautiful photos and lots of nature. I have lived in 6 countries so far, and this taught me a lot about world and people. I share my stories on blog, socials and in my book.