London is a city bursting with culinary diversity, from traditional English breakfasts to innovative modern dining and authentic international flavors. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, finding the best spots can be overwhelming, but these 12 must-visit restaurants and cafés are worth every bite.

In this guide, I’ll take you through hidden gems, historic pubs, popular chains, and trendy eateries, each offering something unique. From the crispy salted beef bagels at Beigel Bake to the Michelin-starred flavors of Din Tai Fung, the vibrant naan rolls at Dishoom, and the creative modern Indian dishes at Kricket, these spots promise unforgettable meals. I’ve also included cozy classics like E. Pellici and The Mayflower Pub, perfect for a hearty English breakfast or a Sunday roast.

Whether you’re craving Taiwanese bao, Italian pasta, or a luxurious brunch, these 12 places capture the best of London’s food scene, blending tradition, innovation, and incredible flavors.

1. Terry’s cafe

🏅 Recognitions
• Taste Atlas

If you’re looking for an authentic English breakfast in London, Terry’s Cafe is a must-visit. The café is quite small, so during busy hours there might be a queue, but it’s definitely worth the wait.

I visited Terry’s Cafe twice. The first time I ordered The Works (£16.50), a hearty plate with Cumberland sausage, fried egg, bacon, Bubble & Squeak, baked beans, grilled tomatoes, and mushrooms. The second time, I tried the Blow Out (£12), which is similar but comes with an extra egg and no mushrooms or beans.

The service is friendly and as local as it gets. The breakfasts were absolutely marvellous and a true dive into British cuisine. For anyone craving a classic English breakfast in the heart of London, Terry’s Cafe is an absolute must.

2. Noble Rot Lamb’s Conduit

🏅 Recognitions
• OAD Casual 2025: #74
• Taste Atlas: Roast lamb
• Michelin Guide: Nomination

Securing a reservation here was no easy feat, but it was absolutely worth it. The menu leans towards shared dining and is designed to pair perfectly with the wines.

We started with the Bread & Butter (£6), arguably some of the best bread in London. Next came the Comté Beignets with Pickled Walnut Ketchup (£3.50 each), followed by Senorio Iberico Bellota Paleta D.O.P. (£22), and Burrata with Peach. For the mains, we enjoyed Rye with Chili Turbot, Rabbit Leg with Beans and Aioli, and Gnocchi with Goat Cheese Curd, Zucchini, and Summer Truffle. We ended the meal with a decadent Cheese Plate (£16).

This was truly one of my favorite meals in London, an exceptional combination of flavors, beautifully presented dishes, and a dining experience that feels both refined and welcoming.

3. 26 Grains

🏅 Recognitions
• OAD Cheap Eats 2025: #134

One of London’s most well-known breakfast spots has to be 26 Grains. It’s primarily a self-service café, which gives it a casual and relaxed vibe. We chose to sit outside and ordered the Scrambled Eggs with Salmon. The dish was absolutely delicious, featuring some of the freshest salmon I’ve ever had.

For anyone looking for a casual yet high-quality breakfast in London, 26 Grains is a must-visit.

4. Padella

🏅 Recognitions
• OAD Casual 2025: #539
• Michelin Guide: Bib Gourmand (Borough location)

Padella is a high-quality Italian restaurant with multiple locations, and we visited the Shoreditch branch. While reservations aren’t possible, you can join the online queue, which we highly recommend. We waited about an hour, enjoying a drink nearby before our table was ready.

For our meal, we ordered the Fettucine with Sausage and Fennel and the Pappardelle with 8-Hour Dexter Beef Shin Ragu (£16.50). Both dishes were absolutely impeccably fresh, flavorful, and surprisingly affordable for the quality. The only downside was that the service felt a bit rushed and impersonal, but the food more than made up for it.

For anyone craving authentic, high-quality Italian pasta in London, Padella is an absolute must-visit.

5. Din Tai Fung

🏅 Recognitions
• OAD Casual 2025: #720

I first fell in love with Din Tai Fung (DTF) during my exchange in Hong Kong. This renowned Taiwanese chain, which even earned a Michelin star, is widely found across Asia, but in Europe, there is currently only one location in London. Recently, they’ve expanded to multiple locations in the city, and we visited the Covent Garden branch.

Being back felt almost nostalgic. I couldn’t wait to try their famous soup dumplings. We ordered the Xiaolongbao and Chicken and Vegetable Wontons in Spicy Sauce, both bursting with flavor and expertly prepared.

For anyone craving authentic Taiwanese cuisine in London, Din Tai Fung is an absolute must-visit, offering a taste of Asia right in the heart of the city.

6. The Mayflower

🏅 Recognitions
• Taste Atlas: Sunday Roast

The Mayflower Pub is one of the oldest pubs in London, and we visited on a Sunday afternoon for their Sunday Roast. We ordered the Beef Roast (£24), served with roasted potatoes, seasonal vegetables, Yorkshire pudding, and a horseradish sauce. The pub also offers a variety of roasts, including lamb, pork, chicken, and even a vegetarian Wellington.

The interior is cozy, with the charm you’d expect from a historic pub. We chose to sit outside in the heated area and were so comfortable that we ended up spending five hours there. The staff were incredibly friendly and chatty. Definitely some of the best service I’ve experienced in London.

For anyone looking for a classic Sunday roast in a historic London pub, The Mayflower is an absolute must-visit.

7. Dishoom Shoreditch

🏅 Recognitions
• OAD Casual 2025: #478
• Featured on Netflix’s Somebody Feed Phil
• Michelin Guide: Nomination (Covent garden location)

I had previously visited Dishoom in Edinburgh and was completely sold, so when I heard about their famous naan rolls, I knew I had to try one. I arrived at the Shoreditch location around 11:00 a.m., and luckily, we didn’t have to wait.

We ordered The Wrestlers Naan Roll (£14.70), packed with smoky streaky bacon, peppery pork sausages, a runny yolk egg, cream cheese, tomato chili jam, and fresh coriander. The roll was absolutely incredible; an imaginative fusion of Indian and British flavors that works perfectly together.

By the time we left, the café was buzzing with hungry customers ready for lunch, proving just how popular and well-loved Dishoom truly is.

8. Beigel Bake

🏅 Recognitions
• OAD Cheap Eats 2025: #148

Beigel Bake has been on my London Cheap Eats list for ages, and I finally got the chance to visit. I’d read that the line can get huge, but since we arrived Monday at 11 AM on a rainy day, there was no queue at all.

We ordered the classic Salted Beef Bagel (£6.60) and the Tuna Salad Bagel (£3). The salted beef bagel was outstanding; the meat was incredibly tender and easy to bite into, far softer than I expected. The beef paired perfectly with the mustard and gherkins, creating a simple yet delicious flavor combination.

For anyone craving an authentic, budget-friendly London bagel, Beigel Bake is a must-visit.

9. Kricket

🏅 Recognitions
• OAD Cheap Eats 2025: 483 (SoHo location)
• Michelin Guide: Bib Gourmand (SoHo location)

We booked a table at Kricket on Diwali, and the vibrant pink interior, combined with the beautiful exterior architecture, immediately set the scene. The menu offers a modern take on Indian cuisine, full of creative twists on classic dishes.

We started with Samphire Pakoras with Tamarind Chutney and Chili Garlic Mayo (£10.50) and Smoked Sweet Potato with Sesame Raita and Gunpowder (£11). For mains, we tried Recheado Butter Prawns with Black Pepper and Gondhoraj (£17), Keralan Fried Chicken with Pickled Mooli and Curry Leaf Mayo (£15), Grilled Squash Makhani with Paneer, Hazelnuts, and Puffed Wild Rice (£15), and Mangalorean Chicken Gassi with Coconut, Curry Leaf, and Gundu Chili (£17). On the side, we had Brown Butter Laccha Paratha (£5), Date and Pistachio Kulcha (£7), and Cucumber and Peanut Raita (£3).

My favorites of the evening were the pakoras, prawns, and the raita; each dish perfectly balancing flavors and textures. For anyone seeking innovative Indian cuisine in London, Kricket is a must-visit.

10. Rochelle Canteen

🏅 Recognitions
• Featured on Parts Unknown by Anthony Bourdain
• Taste Atlas: Recommendation
• 50 Best discovery by San Pellegrino

Rochelle Canteen has been on my list for ages, and I finally made a reservation for lunch. The entrance is a bit tricky to find—you need to be buzzed in before entering the charming courtyard, but it’s worth the effort. The outside space, with its heated terrace, felt like summer vibes even in autumn. Service was friendly, attentive, and efficient.

For my meal, I ordered the Smoked Sea Trout with Cucumber and Dill (£12) and the Mallard with Braised Red Cabbage and Crab Apple Jelly (£29). Dessert was a refreshing Grape Sorbet (£5), which was equally delightful.

For anyone looking for a unique and delicious lunch in London, Rochelle Canteen is a must-visit hidden gem.

11. BAO Borough

🏅 Recognitions
• OAD Casual 2023: Recommended
• Michelin Guide: Bib Gourmand (SoHo location)

BAO is a well-known Taiwanese restaurant in London with multiple locations, and we visited the Borough branch, which had a lively and vibrant atmosphere. Orders are placed via a tablet, making the experience casual and fun.

We tried the Yellow Chili Chicken Skewer (£4), Fried Chicken Bao (£5.95), Prawn Shia Song Bao (£5.95), Beef Short Rib Bao, and the Special Malaysian Bao. Everything was tasty, with the Beef Short Rib Bao and Fried Chicken Bao standing out as the highlights. The prawn bao felt a bit heavy and greasy for my taste, and the chicken skewer was average, but overall the flavors were enjoyable and satisfying.

For anyone looking for authentic Taiwanese bao in London, BAO is a must-visit for a casual and flavorful meal.

12. E. Pellici

🏅 Recognitions
• Taste Atlas: Best English breakfast in the world

From the moment I arrived at E. Pellici, I felt incredibly welcome. This family-run café, now in its third generation, exudes warmth and charm. The owner is chatty, friendly, and genuinely interested in every guest, creating a truly personal dining experience.

I had expected a long wait due to the café’s many reviews, but luckily a table was available immediately. I sat among a mix of tourists and longtime locals, all eager for a friendly chat. I ordered the classic English breakfast set, which was absolutely massive; enough to cover two meals. It had everything you’d expect from a traditional English breakfast: eggs, bacon, sausage, beans, tomatoes, mushrooms, and more.

E. Pellici is a must-visit when in London, offering a genuine, classic English breakfast experience. A quick tip: it’s cash only, so be prepared!