A Culinary Tour of London

London has transformed from a city once mocked for its bland cuisine to one of the world's most exciting culinary destinations. Today, the capital offers everything from traditional British fare to innovative global fusion, Michelin-starred restaurants to vibrant street food markets. Join us as we explore the diverse tastes of this culinary powerhouse.

Historic Food Markets

Begin your culinary journey at London's historic markets, where centuries of food traditions continue to thrive alongside contemporary innovations:

Borough Market

Dating back to the 13th century, Borough Market is London's oldest food market and still one of its finest. Located under the railway arches near London Bridge, this market transforms the space beneath Victorian ironwork into a food lover's paradise. Visit Thursday through Saturday for the full experience, when over 100 stalls offer artisanal cheeses, freshly baked bread, charcuterie, and street food from around the world. Don't miss the raclette from Kappacasein, oysters from Richard Haward's, and the legendary Bread Ahead doughnuts.

Maltby Street Market

Tucked away in Bermondsey's railway arches, this smaller weekend market offers a more intimate experience than its famous neighbor, Borough. The Ropewalk, as locals call it, features craft breweries, small-batch gin distillers, and some of London's most innovative street food. Try the African-inspired wraps at Zoe's Ghana Kitchen or the sublime pastries from Little Bread Pedlar.

Traditional British Cuisine

No culinary tour of London would be complete without experiencing the renaissance of traditional British cooking:

Rules

London's oldest restaurant (established 1798) serves classic British game, pies, and puddings in an atmosphere of red velvet, oil paintings, and historic memorabilia. The focus on seasonal British produce makes this Covent Garden institution both a tourist attraction and a genuine culinary destination.

The Harwood Arms

This Fulham gastropub holds the distinction of being the only Michelin-starred pub in London. Chef Sally Abé creates refined versions of British classics, with a particular focus on wild game and seasonal produce. Their venison Scotch egg has achieved cult status among London foodies.

Global London

London's status as a global city is perhaps best expressed through its diverse culinary offerings:

Brick Lane

Known as "Banglatown" for its large Bangladeshi community, Brick Lane is synonymous with curry in London. While some establishments cater primarily to tourists, gems like Aladin, Tayyabs (technically on nearby Fieldgate Street), and Needoo Grill serve authentic South Asian cuisine that draws diners from across the city.

Brixton Village and Market Row

These covered arcades in South London showcase the area's Afro-Caribbean heritage alongside newer arrivals. From Jamaican jerk chicken at Fish, Wings & Tings to Franco Manca's sourdough pizzas and the Colombian street food at Donde Tupac, Brixton offers global flavors at accessible prices.

Cutting-Edge Culinary Experiences

For those seeking London's most innovative dining experiences:

Sketch

This Mayfair establishment is as much an art installation as a restaurant. The Gallery, with its pink velvet chairs and artwork-lined walls, serves an inventive afternoon tea, while the two-Michelin-starred Lecture Room & Library offers French-inspired gastronomy of the highest order.

Coal Office

A collaboration between designer Tom Dixon and chef Assaf Granit, this King's Cross restaurant serves Middle Eastern cuisine with creative flair in an industrial-chic setting. The kubaleh bread with tahini and the Jerusalem-style polenta are standouts.

Sweet Treats

London excels in the realm of desserts and pastries:

Fortnum & Mason

The elegant Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon at this historic department store offers one of London's most refined afternoon tea experiences, with perfectly executed scones, pastries, and finger sandwiches.

Violet Bakery

Claire Ptak's Hackney bakery gained international fame when she created Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding cake. Visit to try her seasonal cupcakes, whoopie pies, and cinnamon buns made with organic ingredients.

Insider Tips

• Make reservations for popular restaurants 2-3 months in advance, especially for Michelin-starred establishments.
• Visit food markets early (before 11am) on weekends to avoid the heaviest crowds.
• Many high-end restaurants offer more affordable set lunch menus—same quality, lower price.
• Follow @LondonFoodMonth and @London_Eater on social media for up-to-date information on pop-ups and new openings.

The Future of London's Food Scene

London's culinary landscape continues to evolve. Look for increased focus on sustainable practices, vegetable-forward menus, and revitalized interest in hyperlocal British ingredients. The city's food halls are also expanding, with Market Halls, Arcade Food Theatre, and Eataly offering curated collections of food vendors under one roof.

Whether you're seeking Michelin-starred elegance, authentic global cuisine, or innovative street food, London offers a feast for every palate. Our food tours provide insider access to the best of the city's culinary treasures, with expert guides who bring the stories behind the dishes to life.