One Week in London, what restaurants should I try to fit in?
Planning a week in London? Here's a day-by-day guide to the city's top restaurants, covering everything from British classics to global cuisines and fine dining. Whether you're after fish and chips or Michelin-starred meals, this list has you sorted.
Quick Overview:
- Monday: Start with Dishoom (Indian-British breakfast), enjoy The Ivy Soho Brasserie for lunch, and dine at Noble Rot.
- Tuesday: Go global with Bubala (Middle Eastern), Gymkhana (Indian), and Berenjak (Persian).
- Wednesday: Indulge in fine dining at Fortnum & Mason's Tea Salon, Hawksmoor Air Street, and Restaurant Gordon Ramsay.
- Thursday: Discover local favorites like Halfcup, Poppies Fish & Chips, and Blacklock Soho.
- Friday: Explore Soho with Ducksoup, Rita’s, and Somsaa (Thai).
- Saturday: Visit iconic spots like The Cinnamon Club, Hakkasan Mayfair, and The Ivy City Garden.
- Sunday: Relax with Balthazar London, Piccolino Mayfair, and Cadet.
For late-night eats, try Duck & Waffle or Beigel Bake. Don't miss bakeries like Gail's Bakery or quick bites at Phat Phuc Noodle Bar. Book ahead for popular spots like Kol or The Dover.
| Day | Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | Dishoom | The Ivy Soho Brasserie | Noble Rot |
| Tuesday | Bubala | Gymkhana | Berenjak |
| Wednesday | Fortnum & Mason's Tea Salon | Hawksmoor Air Street | Restaurant Gordon Ramsay |
| Thursday | Halfcup | Poppies Fish & Chips | Blacklock Soho |
| Friday | Ducksoup | Rita’s | Somsaa |
| Saturday | The Cinnamon Club | Hakkasan Mayfair | The Ivy City Garden |
| Sunday | Balthazar London | Piccolino Mayfair | Cadet |
Plan ahead to secure reservations and enjoy London's vibrant food scene!
London's Best Restaurants 2024 - Where Chefs Eat
7-Day Restaurant Guide
Here’s a detailed plan to make the most of your week in London’s vibrant dining scene. With its rich culinary diversity, London offers something for every palate. This guide breaks it down day by day, so you can savor the best the city has to offer.
Monday: British Food Gems
Kick off your week with a taste of modern British cuisine. Start your morning at Dishoom, famous for their Bacon Naan Roll - a delightful blend of British and Indian flavors . For lunch, try The Ivy Soho Brasserie, where traditional British dishes are given a modern touch. Wrap up your day at Noble Rot, where the menu highlights fresh, seasonal British ingredients.
Tuesday: Global Flavors
Expand your horizons with international cuisine. Begin at Bubala for a vegetarian Middle Eastern breakfast. For lunch, treat yourself to Indian specialties at Gymkhana, and end the day with Persian dishes at Berenjak.
Wednesday: Fine Dining
Explore London’s high-end dining scene. Start with a refined breakfast at Fortnum & Mason's Tea Salon, enjoy a steak lunch at Hawksmoor Air Street, and reserve your evening for Restaurant Gordon Ramsay, known for its exquisite modern European menu.
Thursday: Local Favorites
Discover spots loved by locals. Have breakfast at Halfcup, a cozy, family-run café in King’s Cross . For lunch, indulge in classic fish and chips at Poppies Fish & Chips, and finish your day at Blacklock Soho, renowned for its chops and roasts.
Friday: Soho’s Vibrant Scene
Dive into the lively food offerings in Soho. Start with breakfast at Ducksoup, known for its focus on natural wines. For lunch, head to Rita’s for some creative dishes, and end the day at Somsaa, where authentic Thai flavors take center stage.
Saturday: Iconic London
Visit famed establishments that define London’s food culture. Begin with breakfast at The Cinnamon Club, offering an elegant Indian menu. For lunch, enjoy contemporary Chinese dishes at Hakkasan Mayfair, and end your day at The Ivy City Garden, a classic London favorite.
Sunday: Relaxed Dining
Ease into Sunday with a leisurely brunch at Balthazar London, followed by a light lunch at Piccolino Mayfair. For your final dinner, savor a meal at Cadet, celebrated for its top-quality ingredients and French-inspired menu .
| Day | Breakfast/Brunch | Lunch | Dinner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | Dishoom (Indian-British) | The Ivy Soho Brasserie | Noble Rot |
| Tuesday | Bubala (Middle Eastern) | Gymkhana (Indian) | Berenjak (Persian) |
| Wednesday | Fortnum & Mason's Tea Salon | Hawksmoor Air Street | Restaurant Gordon Ramsay |
| Thursday | Halfcup | Poppies Fish & Chips | Blacklock Soho |
| Friday | Ducksoup | Rita’s | Somsaa |
| Saturday | The Cinnamon Club | Hakkasan Mayfair | The Ivy City Garden |
| Sunday | Balthazar London | Piccolino Mayfair | Cadet |
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More Food Options
Pair your daily plans with dining choices that cater to every craving, any time of the day. Whether you're after a midnight snack, a quick meal, or freshly baked treats, these spots have you covered.
24-Hour Food Spots
London's 24-hour dining scene is perfect for both early birds and night owls. Duck & Waffle, located on the 40th floor of Heron Tower, combines stunning city views with a menu that adapts throughout the day. If you're craving traditional British dishes, Polo Bar in East London has been a local favorite since 1953, serving everything from hearty English breakfasts to late-night cocktails.
On Brick Lane, you'll find two legendary 24-hour bagel shops: Beigel Bake, famous for its salt beef bagels, and Beigel Shop, offering a variety of bagels. Over in Brixton, Refill Eaterie serves Caribbean flavors around the clock.
| Restaurant | Location | Specialty |
|---|---|---|
| Duck & Waffle | Heron Tower | Contemporary British |
| Polo Bar | East London | Traditional British |
| Beigel Bake | Brick Lane | Salt beef bagels |
| Beigel Shop | Brick Lane | Bagels |
| Refill Eaterie | Brixton | Caribbean cuisine |
And if you're in the mood for baked goods, London's bakeries are worth exploring.
Top Bakeries
London is home to some incredible bakeries offering freshly baked bread and pastries. Gail's Bakery, with locations throughout the city, is a go-to for sourdough bread and morning pastries. It's a staple for many locals and a must-try for visitors.
Quick Meal Spots
Need a fast, satisfying meal between activities? Phat Phuc Noodle Bar, tucked away on Sydney Street at 151 Kings Road, delivers authentic Vietnamese pho and laksa at budget-friendly prices.
For Indian cuisine, head to Empire Empire in Notting Hill. This spot combines bold flavors with a vibrant atmosphere, complete with jukeboxes and colorful murals. It's a great choice for a quick yet flavorful bite during your sightseeing adventures.
Planning Your Meals
Make the most of London's diverse dining options by planning your meals ahead of time. From securing reservations to keeping up with menu updates, a little preparation can make your dining experiences smoother and more enjoyable.
Booking Tables
Popular London restaurants often require reservations well in advance. For example, Mountain opens its bookings 60 days ahead, while The Dover releases tables three weeks in advance via its online system. Some places follow specific schedules: The Devonshire opens reservations every Thursday at 10:30 am for the next three weeks. For sought-after spots like Kol, signing up for their priority mailing list can give you a 24-hour head start on new table allocations .
Keeping Up with Menu Updates
London's restaurants frequently update their menus to reflect seasonal ingredients and creative dishes. Stay informed using these resources:
| Platform | What It Offers |
|---|---|
| TheFork | Real-time availability and discounts up to 50% |
| Restaurant newsletters | Early booking access and menu updates |
| Social media | Latest specials and last-minute openings |
| Direct contact | Information on same-day cancellations or special requests |
Balancing Price Points
London has options for every budget, so mix fine dining with casual eats. Plan upscale meals on quieter days, check out casual spots near major attractions, and use tools like TheFork to find discounts. Be flexible for unexpected finds and try to choose places close to where you're staying. If you find a spot you love, book your next visit right away to lock in a return reservation .
Summary
London’s food scene, shaped by its incredible mix of 270 nationalities , is a dream for anyone who loves good food. Whether you’re craving classic British dishes or bold fusion creations, the city has something for every taste and budget.
Planning ahead is key to enjoying the full range of what London has to offer. You’ll find great dining experiences across all price points, making it easy to enjoy delicious meals without overspending.
| Dining Category | Price Range | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Budget-Friendly | Under £20 | Pub-style food and markets |
| Mid-Range | £20-50 | Fish & Chips at The George (£23) |
| High-End | £50+ | Afternoon Tea at Egerton House (£75) |
Each area of London has its own distinct food scene, offering a mix of upscale restaurants and casual hidden gems. To truly experience the city’s dining culture, balance planned reservations with spontaneous visits to local spots. Step outside the usual tourist zones to find authentic, unforgettable meals. Some of the best food in London is often tucked away in unassuming places - don’t miss the chance to explore .