Where to Eat in London
A bit of background: My husband is a hardcore foodie and judges restaurants solely on the food. I’m more of a vibe enthusiast. A great atmosphere and a good drink menu goes a long way with me toward a total dining experience. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves…
About the London Restaurant Scene
London, with its rich tapestry of culture and history, isn’t just a city of landmarks and royalty; it’s also a melting pot of culinary experiences that go far beyond fish and chips. From the bustling streets of Soho to the serene lanes of Covent Garden, each neighborhood tells its own flavorful story. Luckily, with Oyster cards in hand, we were able to whisk around the city with ease, nibbling our way through delicious dishes and street food. On this trip, we decided to explore restaurants pretty randomly. I didn’t want to go where anyone recommended, so I figured we’d wander around, pick a few places, show up, and see what happens! Here are a few of the places we enjoyed the most. Where to eat in London.
Old Bank of England Pub
OK, I forgot. We did entertain one restaurant recommendation and it was this one. We met up with an old high school friend of mine who recommended this lovely place, nestled on the iconic Fleet Street.
First, let me say that I probably would have loved this place even if the food tasted like cardboard. (It didn’t, thankfully). Before you take a bite of anything, you’ll be impressed by the grandeur of Victorian architecture blended seamlessly with cozy pub vibes. I must’ve looked like a bobblehead, peering around at all of the lovely design details!
The food did not disappoint. We dined for lunch and easily found items that appealed to us. The menu pays homage to classic British pub fare with a nice selection of snacks and small plates, alongside pies and mains. They also have an extensive selection of real ales and fine wines, making it the perfect spot for a laid-back dining experience with friends.
Address: 194 Fleet St, London EC4A 2LT. Website: oldbankofengland.co.uk
Burger & Lobster
We were hanging out in Leceister Square and came across Burger & Lobster. Although we’d never heard of it before, we discovered that it’s a chain restaurant with locations across London as well as in New York, Singapore, Malaysia, Kuwait City, Bangkok and Qatar. I wasn’t sure what we were in for, but from the outside looking in, it looked sexy!
As the name suggests, this eatery specializes in two things: burgers and lobsters. And they do both well. As equally as good as the food was the sleek and modern ambiance. The crowd was lively, the music was on point – not too overwhelming.
It’s definitely a vibe, a place to get cute and enjoy a great meal. Another plus was the service. Our waiter was incredibly attentive and friendly.
Address: 36-38 Dean St, Soho, London W1D 4PS. Website: burgerandlobster.com
China Modern
I have a thing for trying Chinese food everywhere I go. New York tops my list across the many cities in the 30+ countries I’ve sampled it in. But I have to say, China Modern holds its own.
There was no rhyme or reason as to why we picked this spot. We were wandering around Chinatown marveling at all of the options and noticed a waiter standing outside. We walked over to take a look at the menu and he had a big smile on his face and asked us if we wanted a table. I liked his energy (I’m big on vibes), and we followed him inside.
The space was bright and modern. It was busy, but not overcrowded. The food was tasty and the service was really good, especially given the volume of people present.
Address: 48-50 Newport Pl, London WC2H 7JP. Website: chinamodern.co.uk
Fish Kitchen Borough Market
It should first be noted that Borough Market deserves a post of its own. There are seemingly endless food options, and we had a tough time deciding what to eat. But alas, hubby wanted fish and chips – because you can’t go to England and not have fish and chips – so we headed over to Fish Kitchen. It had an enormous line of people out front so we figured it had to be good!
As I mentioned, it was very crowded so we ordered our food at the takeout window and found a spot on the sidewalk to enjoy it. There was a good selection of fish options (which I’m told varies depending on the day’s catch), including hake, cod, sea bass, and halibut. We ordered beer-battered haddock with chips and it was tasty. Again, eating on the sidewalk isn’t for everybody, but it was right in line with the market vibes and we had a good time.
Address: 3 Rochester Walk, Borough Market, London SE1 9AF. Website: fishboroughmarket.co.uk
Summary
I don’t know what I was expecting from London’s cuisine offerings, but I can say that I was pleasantly surprised. The city’s culinary wonders are as boundless as your appetite. Next trip, I want to dive deeper into the food markets, where I believe the best food is found.
When it comes to restaurant recommendations, there’s a tendency to go to the most talked about or Instagrammable hot spot, which is fine, but you can really miss out on some hidden gems if you’re not careful! In any case, whether you’re a seasoned foodie or a curious explorer, go your own way. Wander into whatever restaurant or food market your heart leads you to!
Until next time, may your plates be full, your glasses raised, and your hearts content with the memories of every delicious bite. Cheers to living our best lives, one delicious dish at a time!
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