The Top 5 Neighbourhoods in London for Food
What are best neighbourhoods in London for food?
In this article, I wanted to share my top picks for neighbourhoods in London for food, with some of the top restaurants I recommend visiting – whether you are choosing to move to London and need your foodie fix regularly, or fancy visiting a specific location for your food favourites, this list is filled with great new ways to tantalize your tastebuds around London!
Number 5 – Soho
While Soho tops tourists lists, Londoners love it too for its edgy vibe and narrow streets packed with some of London’s most amazing restaurants. Soho is London’s original centre of nightlife and its proximity to theatres makes it a go to spot to get a meal before and after a show. What’s interesting is that some of Soho’s top spots don’t take reservations so you’ll have to queue up like everyone else if you want to get it. That’s certainly the case for Bao, serving up this favorite Chinese snack of steamed buns served up with a variety of different options.
That’s also the case for Hoppers, a Sri Lankan themed restaurant serving creative and unique curries, dosas and coconut infused dishes.
If you are looking for a more upscale classic, there is 10 Greek Street. A bustling neighbourhood spot with an daily changing seasonal menu served fantastic wines.
Number 4 – Clapham
If you are considering moving south of the river or already live there, then you’ll be happy to see Clapham on my list as it’s one of London’s most desirable neighbourhoods for its great housing stock, fantastic transport options and, of course, its amazing restaurants.
The upscale seasonal British cuisine at The Dairy is perfect for those who want to eat fancy in the neighbourhood.
If you want to kick back and watch a Sunday match or have tickets to Theatre 503 which is next door, there is The Latchmere which has recently undergone a major renovation.
With a super cute garden vibe serving up modern European fare, Metro Garden has mastered the combination of great food and great vibe.
Number 3 – Brixton
Staying south of the river, I wanted to highlight Brixton, which is an area that has rapidly gentrified and it’s easy to see why. With its beautiful housing stock and Victoria line tube station, Brixton is all the rage. With its steep Caribbean roots, you can still get a top-notch box of jerk chicken in Brixton, but there are now loads of independent and imaginative little food places in the Village Market and Pop Brixton, where you can also get great pizza, Thai, Japanese, burgers, and loads more besides.
Named after one of the most beautiful parts of Jamaica, Negril serves up some of the best jerked chicken and bold Caribbean flavours. The salted fish fritters are all the rage.
Brixton is home to the original Franco Manca known for their wood fired pizzas.
I’m going to go a little rogue and name Kata Kata, which is a vegetarian and vegan restaurant. Now you may not head to Brixton for vegetarian cuisine, Kata Kata shows the depth and breadth of food options now available.
Number 2 is Notting Hill
Besides its wide range of housing options from the pastel coloured mews properties to elegant white stucco fronted homes, Notting Hill in leafy west London is one of London’s most desirable locations. Top dining options in this neighbourhood include The Ledbury, lead by chef Brett Graham. With 2 Michelin stars and in the World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2019, I don’t think I need to say more.
For my next choice, let’s talk about the wine collection – with 150 bottles and 40 served by the glass, let’s say the Kensington Wine Rooms is really about having your meal to go with your wine. Their cuisine is British style tapas with a bit of flare so you’ll have plenty of options to pair with just the perfect glass of wine.
Being American, I’m going to have to put the Electric Diner on the list. Next door to the Electric Cinema the decor is of a classic New York diner – bare brick, concrete and red leather banquettes. You will definitely be able to get the American classics includin philly chilli cheese dogs, hot reuben sandwiches, wedge salads and french fries.
Number 1 – Fitzrovia
Topping my list of best neighbourhoods for restaurants is Fitzrovia. While that may be a surprise to some, for those who have dined along Charlotte Street, it definitely is a winner. Tucked behind Oxford Street with close proximity to Mayfair and Soho, Fitzrovia is becoming the next “it” location to live and new residents will have loads of places to eat.
Let’s start with Berner’s Tavern in the London Edition hotel. Celebrity chef Jason Atherton was recruited to run and manage the restaurant and still stops in to check on things. With enormous carved ceilings and dazzling chandeliers it is a stunning backdrop for the seasonal British cuisine, steaks and seafood.
For Japanese cuisine, Roka tops the list and the Charlotte Street offers great atmosphere. The food is top class, particularly the black cod in yuzu mizo. A bit on the pricey side, but you may spot a celebrity while you’re at it.
Last up I’m going to highlight the Riding House Café for its relaxed, comfortable vibe and terrific breakfast options. The brunch menu offers loads of choices, but this is a spot that is buzzing day into the night.
Now you have my top 5 neighbourhoods in London for food and restaurants, I’d love to hear if you agree, or if you’d recommend somewhere else in this amazing city, in the comments.