The Best Places to Eat and Drink in London

London is one of my favourite places in the world. Whenever I’m in town, I try to balance a bit of the iconic with a lot of the unexpected.

For my last trip, I decided to skip Buckingham Palace and the usual tourist hotspots to hone in on some of the best places to eat and drink in London.

My criteria? Popular with the locals and with minimal crowds.

From hidden-gem restaurants to rooftop views, here are my favorite foodie spots in London!

Where to Eat and Drink in London

Peggy Porschen for Delicious Baked Goods

Yes, Peggy Porschen is famous on Instagram, but it’s more than its pretty façade. The pastel-pink bakery is as charming in real life as it is on your feed. The cupcakes and cakes taste and look good, the coffee is divine, and the seasonal floral display makes the cake feel like you’re stepping into a surreal fairytale.

Peggy is unabashedly feminine, unapologetically whimsical, and perfect for an afternoon treat.

…But what to get?

At Peggy, the cupcakes are without a doubt the stars of the show.

A few standouts to order if you go:

Classic Strawberry & Champagne Cupcake – light, fruity, and their signature flavor.
Red Velvet Cupcake – moist sponge with cream cheese frosting, always a safe (and indulgent) bet.
Lemon & Raspberry Cupcake – fresh, tart, and perfect if you want something less sweet.

Osteria Angelina in Shoreditch

London is known for its global food scene, but few places do Italian comfort food with such style as Osteria Angelina in Shoreditch. The menu is full of simple, honest dishes made with the kind of care that makes you slow down and savor. Think fresh, handmade pastas, robust sauces, and a five-star wine list.

The vibe here matches the neighborhood: modern yet unpretentious, with Shoreditch’s artsy, creative energy in the background. Come here with your partner, group of friends, or treat yourself to a solo dinner date. It’s a local favorite for good reason and is worth the reservation.

Dishoom in Covent Garden

London’s Indian food scene is legendary, and Dishoom is its crown jewel. Drawing inspiration from the historic Irani cafés of Bombay, Dishoom’s menu features a range of delicious comfort food.

Come here for smoky black daal that simmers for 24 hours, the delicious house chai, and spicy chicken ruby you’ll never forget.

Yes, there’s almost always a wait (I once stood in line for 45 minutes), but Dishoom makes the process part of the experience. Hosts keep guests comfortable with drinks and snacks, taking care of you while you wait for a table.

And once the food arrives, buckle up. Your taste buds are in for a ride!

Sky Garden for Cocktails with a View

Want to see London from above?

Everyone will point you to The Shard, but in-the-know travelers head to the Sky Garden at the top of the “Walkie Talkie” building.

The soaring glass atrium is filled with lush greenery, evoking a tropical greenhouse in the sky, and the views stretch across the Thames, St. Paul’s, and beyond.

Best of all? Entry is free!

You only need to reserve a time slot online. Unlike other observation decks, the Sky Garden is a vibe. You can linger with a cocktail, wander the indoor gardens, or grab lunch or dinner with the city beneath you.

Boxpark in Shoreditch

On the hunt for a unique dining experience in London? Head on over to Boxpark Shoreditch. It’s part restaurant hub, part shopping concept built from shipping containers. With an open-air vibe and rotating vendors, you’re always going to find something new here.

It’s become a hotspot for foodies and is home to delicious street food treats from all over the world. I highly recommend trying the bao buns, gourmet burgers and filling up on a few of the vegan desserts.

When you’re done eating, you can shop everything from fashion to art prints. It’s the perfect one-stop shop for sounvirs that don’t scream kitsch.

Chiltern Firehouse for a Glamorous Night Out

If there is one thing that’s always in my suitcase it’s an outfit for a night at a beautiful restaurant. For this trip to London, I decided to treat myself to the Chiltern Firehouse.

Once an old fire station, it’s now one of London’s most fashionable restaurants. Celebrities are often spotted here, but the real star is the food.

The menu features a modern European style with bold flavors, and the cocktails are among the best in the city. If you want to feel like you’re in the middle of London’s coolest crowd, without it feeling too contrived, add Chiltern to your London itinerary and put your reservation in early!

CitizenM Tower Bridge for a Rooftop Bar

Rooftop bars in London often come with long lines, pricey cover charges, or limited space to move. CitizenM Tower Bridge strikes the perfect balance with floor-to-ceiling windows framing one of London’s most iconic landmarks, Tower Bridge itself, but without the fuss.

It’s the kind of place where you can actually have a conversation without shouting over a DJ set. Order a signature cocktail, settle into one of the sleek lounge chairs, and soak in the view.

Duck & Waffle for Dinner With a Side of Skyline

Few restaurants combine quirky fun with serious views like Duck & Waffle. Set on the 40th floor of a skyscraper, it’s open 24/7, meaning you can come up for a sunrise breakfast or a midnight snack.

The namesake dish – a crispy duck leg on a waffle with a fried egg and drizzled with maple syrup – is the kind of comfort food you’ll talk about for weeks.

But there’s more than the delicious food. Watching the city lights sparkle beneath you while sipping a glass of wine makes Duck & Waffle one of those “only in London” experiences.

The Wolseley for a Slice of Old-World Glamour

The Wolseley on the edge of Mayfair is one of my new favourite spots in London. Once a grand car showroom, it’s now a café-restaurant with soaring ceilings and marble floors.

Breakfast here is a tradition for many, featuring perfectly poached eggs, silver teapots, and pastries that rival those of Paris.

Come here for a full meal or just coffee and a croissant for a quintessential London experience.

Where to Stay in London

Claridge’s

If there’s one hotel that represents London at its most luxurious, it’s Claridge’s. This Art Deco gem has been hosting royalty, celebrities, and tastemakers for over a century, and the service is legendary. I have a few clients who always stay here when in town. And there is a reason. It does not disappoint.

Staying here is a splurge, but if you want to experience London in its most classic, glamorous form, Claridge’s is the definition of iconic.

Don’t want to splurge? Pop in for afternoon tea instead.

The Peninsula London

As a former concierge at the Peninsula Beverly Hills, I naturally had to check out this property. One of London’s newest luxury properties, The Peninsula London, is located in Hyde Park. The hotel is all about sleek, contemporary design with understated rooms and incredible spa and dining experiences.

If you prefer modern luxury over old-world charm, this is your address in London.

The Westin London City

Not every trip calls for the full luxury spread, and sometimes you want a hotel that’s comfortable, stylish, and easy. The Westin London City hits that sweet spot. Centrally located, it’s perfect for business travelers or quick getaways, offering contemporary rooms, a relaxing spa, and one of the city’s better hotel gyms.

If Boutique Is More Your Style…

For travelers who prefer something a bit more personal and design-forward, London’s boutique hotels shine bright. Here are two standouts:

Charlotte Street Hotel

A colorful, artsy hideaway in Fitzrovia, the Charlotte Street Hotel blends British charm with modern flair. The interiors are bold and beautiful, filled with eclectic art and personality. It’s intimate, stylish, and surrounded by some of London’s best cafés and galleries—perfect for those who love a bit of local character with their luxury.

The Londoner

Right in the heart of Leicester Square, The Londoner brings a sense of “urban resort” chic to the city. Think sleek interiors, a rooftop bar with sweeping views, a luxurious spa, and a vibrant social scene. It’s glamorous yet grounded—luxury with a little edge and plenty of buzz.

What are some of your favourite places to eat and drink in London? Let me know in the comments below!