There is nothing better than discovering a new restaurant to visit in London. I spend a lot of time going between England and Ireland at the moment, so before I set off on each trip I make a little list of must eat in restaurants before I go. So far I have been super lucky and have found some real gems. Not surprising at all is the fact that my main restaurants at the moment are mainly burger or BBQ, I find I get attached to one type of food and cling onto it for a while!
Below is a collection of my London favourites to date.
Shake Shack
This is my London must visit. Every time I step foot in the capitol I have to take a sneaky trip to Shake Shack. The burgers are AH-mazing! Ideally located in Covent Garden (a hotbed of great food in and around this area) this burger import from the US is the prefect treat while visiting London. The cheeseburgers are simple, gooey perfection and the milkshakes are thick, rich and irresistible! They also have pretty friendly staff, which is always a plus!
Location: Covent Garden, 24 Market Building, The Piazza
The Breakfast Club
Visited this wonderful gem on my last trip to London at the Soho location. The queue is an accurate representation of how good the food is. We ordered (when we finally got inside) The All American (Pancakes, eggs, sausage, fried potatoes, streaky bacon & maple syrup) and the Apple & Cinnamon French toast. Both were absolutely mouthwatering, the pancakes were thick, the poached eggs perfectly cooked, and the french toast delightful. I think the prices in this place are very reasonable, especially for the size of the portions. Make sure you queue early, as we arrived on a Monday at 12.30 and it was already packed. TBC also have locations at Angel, Hoxton, & Battersea Rise.
Location: 33 D'Arblay Street, Soho
Chicken Shop
This Kentish Town restaurant is worth a little trip slightly off the beaten track. The staff are super friendly and very well trained. The chicken is moist, perfectly seasoned and delicious. The wood fire smoked rotisserie chicken is filling and the ingredients go hand in hand. I will definitely be visiting again.
Location: 79 Highgate Road (downstairs), Kentish Town
Dirty Burger
By now it's a little obvious I am obsessed with burgers! Dirty Burger is attached to Chicken Shop and Pizza East (next trip!) in Kentish Town. Beautiful bun, juicy burger, quirky setting, delicious milkshakes and a lovely peppery patty!
Location: 79 Highgate Road, Kentish Town (round the back)
Dishoom
On a jaunt into London to visit my friend Finn, I became nervous when he told me we would be dining at an Indian restaurant. I had one previous brush with Indian food and it left me scared for the future. Dishoom was beautiful, the setting is atmospheric and the food inspiring. It completely changed how I viewed the cuisine! I had the beautiful Chicken Tikka and he the Chicken & Pomegranate salad. We had Kulfi on a Stick for dessert, which was so good and really refreshing!
Location: 12 Upper St Martin's Lane, Covent Garden
Five Guys
Another American import is the wonderful Five Guys. Free Peanuts, a Coca-Cola machine with 125 different combinations, the best grilled cheese, huge burgers - what more could you want? Great place to pop in for a quick bite!
Location: 1-3 Long Acre, Covent Garden
The Blues Kitchen
Huge portions of juicy meat cooked to perfection! The smoke roasted chicken was superb, as was the Pulled Pork. Great alternative spot for a bite in Camden.
Location: 111-113 Camden High Street
Jackson + Rye
A bustling restaurant with a fast growing reputation. I love the decor and branding of this place, and they have really great business cards (yes, I collect them). The food is so so good, and the portions generous and filling. We had the Crispy Buttermilk Fried Chicken. OH MY GOD WOW. Melt in your mouth batter as light as a feather, and succulent chicken underneath. GO HERE NOW.
Location: 56 Wardour Street Soho
Small Bites (aka Cake)
Victoria & Albert Museum Cafe
The Morris, Poynter & Gamble Rooms
Come grab a cup of tea here just to bask in the splendour of the location. Seriously beautiful surrounds for an afternoon tea, during your visit to one of my favourite museums.
Location: Cromwell Road
The Hummingbird Bakery
A little bit of my heart reserved for Hummingbird Cupcakes. So delicious, the perfect treat after a day of stomping around London
Location: 155a Wardour St, Soho
Sweet Couture
New spot I stumbled upon on my last visit! Lovely cupcakes.
Location: 23b, New Row, Covent Garden
Borough Market
I love this market. So many options, especially for a lunch on the go, or for gathering delicious fresh ingredients. Everything and anything sold here, from bread to venison.
Location: 8 Southwark Street
The Primrose Bakery
Small cafe serving delicious cupcakes! Great selection of flavours like malted marshmallow or malteaser!
Location: 42, Tavistock Street, Covent Garden
Selfridges Food Hall
A long time favourite. Great selection of gourmet food and chocolate!
