Ask us what our favourite burger restaurant in London is and we’d tell you Patty & Bun in a heart beat.

We’ve never been surer about a burger; we’ve almost never felt as strongly for any other burgers. Patty & Bun in London is where the real deal is.

Conveniently located in multiple spots in London such as White City, Liverpool and Marble Arch, Patty & Bun’s burgers will leave you salivating for more.

We have huge expectations from our burgers: bun, patty, sauces, accompanying toppings… every element must be right.

At Patty & Bun, the stars are aligned. There are 8 types of burgers on the menu, with ‘Smokey Robinson’ Burger (£9.50) being our absolute favourite. The smokey P&B mayo is the dealbreaker here, along with a heap of caramelized onions. Quite an explosion of flavours there, you can imagine.

Not a fan of beef? No problem. Go for the ‘Hot Chic’ Chicken Burger (£9.25) which comprises a huge piece of buttermilk fried chicken, pickled cucumber and smoked garlic aioli. Lovely textural variety, and something that is slightly lighter on the palate.

There are vegetarian options, and you can also top-up of £1 for gluten-free buns.

Enjoy some chips on the side; we love the Chips with Roast Chicken Mayo & Chicken Skin Salt (£3.95).

Patty & Bun also has their own beer! They’ve teamed up with FourPure Brewery to create their own poison that’s really a refreshing pilsner £4.75 per bottle.

Patty & Bun London
54 James St, Marylebone, London W1U 1HE, UK
Tel: +44 20 7487 3188
Mon to Sat: 11.30am – 10.30pm
Sun: 11.30am – 10pm

We found a lobster shack that can rival Burger and Lobster in London, and it is Big Easy.

Conveniently located in Covent Garden, this hippie restaurant is truly a hidden gem. Despite its proximity to the heart of Covent Garden where The Apple Market is, Big Easy is actually pretty unassuming from its exterior.

And that’s why we’re here with this PSA which you should appreciate: Big Easy is truly the other Burger & Lobster you wish you knew about earlier.

At £20, you get a whole Maine lobster that is beautifully grilled, complete with fries and side salad. Exactly like what you’d get from the other popular kid.

But you know what’s the cherry on top here? Every order of the whole lobster comes with a complimentary cocktail! Lobster and alcohol; it’s awesome, ain’t it?

Big Easy’s menu also has the usual suspects: lobster roll and burgers. And there are pretty good ribs too. But we’d say stick to getting the whole lobsters; they are super value for money. For bigger groups, you can also request for sharing portions where bigger lobsters (depending on the catch of the day) are available at seasonal prices.

Not too sure if we were extremely lucky or what but on the several occasions we went, the lobsters were significantly huger than B&L’s, and the meat was a lot fresher.

Oh by the way, there is a shrine of alcohol too where you can expect a spectrum of cocktails; even bespoke ones.

It is now a pit stop for us whenever we find ourselves in Covent Garden. Will it be your new favourite too?

Have you heard? The Muffin Man has the best scones in London!

The Muffin Man is an old-school English tea shop that serves a variety of breakfast dishes, rustic cakes and scones. You might have seen this name on Instagram before, because it is a highly popular joint, especially among Singaporeans and Indonesians.

Indeed, it is one of those places that you must dine at at least once in your lifetime.

Sitting in the quaint neighbourhood of Kensington, The Muffin Man is as British as it can get. Don’t expect lavish decor and expensive furniture; The Muffin Man is nothing like that. Instead, the furniture are visibly aged – round glass tables that are lined with old linen, wooden chairs, faded shelves.

But this charm is irreplaceable.

Come here for tea and get the legendary scones, and you will be rewarded with crumbly, perfectly baked goodness. The Devon Cream Tea set (£6.50) is what everyone orders; it comes with a pot of tea of your choice, two toasted scones that is served warm no less, English strawberry jam and Devon cream.

Quiet afternoons are made of these simple pleasures of life. If this still ain’t a quintessential British experience, we don’t know what is.

The Muffin Man
12 Wrights Ln
London W8 6TA, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 20 7937 6652
Mon to Sat: 8am – 8pm
Sun: 9am – 8pm
Nearest Station: High Street Kensington

If you want to get fat, go to London. The British city has cuisines from all over the world, and the sheer number of options is mind-boggling to say the least.

Meal times are never dull when in London, and we always look forward to the next meal because our list of places to check out never ends.

Getting this done was hard, because it is hard to point down to just one or two favourites. But here’s a Guide to 14 of Our Favourite Food Places in London; first-timers to London should visit all of these to have a fair glimpse of what London can offer!

#1 ASSA KOREAN RESTAURANT

Assa is our go-to Korean restaurant when in SoHo, London. The prices are relatively affordable (by London’s standard) and the Kimchi Pork Stew (£22) is the tastiest.

If you are with friends, or simply feeling extra hungry, go for their value-for-money set. For £35, you get a Korean stew with kimchi, rice cake, two bowls of rice and two drinks.

53 St Giles High St
London WC2H 8LH, United Kingdom
Daily: 12pm – 12am
Nearest Station: Tottenham Court Road

#2 BIG EASY

We found a lobster shack that can rival Burger and Lobster. At £20, you get a whole Maine lobster that is beautifully grilled, complete with fries and side salad. And it comes with a complimentary cocktail, too!

Not too sure if we were extremely lucky or what but on the several occasions we went, the lobsters were significantly huger than B&L’s, and the meat was a lot fresher. It is now a pit stop for us when in Covent Garden.

It has also one of the best kept-secrets in London. On every Monday, you can get UNLIMITED servings of a platter of North Carolina Chopped Pork, BBQ Chicken and St Louis Pork Ribs with Coleslaw, Beans and Fries for just £19.90. And it comes with a pint of beer too.

12 Maiden Ln
London WC2E 7NA, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 20 3728 4888
Mon to Wed: 12pm – 11.30pm
Thu to Sat: 12pm – 12.30am
Sun: 12pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Leicester Square

#3 BURGER AND LOBSTER

This – the famous Burger and Lobster. Where do we even start?

The concept of Burger and Lobster is brilliant. There are only three items on the menu – burger, lobster and lobster roll – and at £20 each, they represent fantastic value.

A whole fresh lobster grilled/ steamed (choose the steamed option), accompanied by a generous bowl of lemon butter dip, a side salad and a bucket of fries. All for only £20.

Burger and Lobster has the winning formula: a sexy crowd, sexier cocktails, unpretentious and fun atmosphere, and brilliant food at unbeatable price. As much as Burger and Lobster has become a place where every tourist would go to, it still remains as a must-visit dining destination in London.

6 Little Portland St
London W1W 7JE, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 20 7907 7760
Mon to Thu: 12pm – 10.30pm
Fri & Sat: 12pm – 11pm
Sun: 12pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Oxford Circus

#4 DINNER BY HESTON BLUMENTAL

If you are a fan of Chef Heston Blumenthal – chef and owner of The Fat Duck – you definitely have to drop by Dinner by Heston Blumenthal at the swanky Mandarin Oriental, Hyde Park.

On a budget? Opt for lunch instead of dinner with the three-course sample menu – very reasonably priced at £36.

Dinner by Heston Blumental is a concept that banks on the comfort of ancient recipes. How the culinary team will surprise you is with its modern interpretations of these age-old traditional recipes, without steering away too far from its original ideas and tastes.

When you are at it, please do yourself the favour and order the Tipsy Cake. The famed dessert is reason enough for us to go back just for it.

66 Knightsbridge
London SW1X 7LA, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 20 7201 3833
Daily: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Knightsbridge

#5 DISHOOM

It is no secret that Dishoom is our (and many others’) favourite Indian restaurant in London. Mystically sexy, Dishoom should be on everyone’s bucket list when visiting London. From its menu and price points to its decor and ambience, no other Indian restaurants come close.

Their menus differ during different times of the day, and while we love the classic lunch/ dinner menu, the breakfast is what we would get out of bed for. Be there as early as 8am to avoid long queues.

22 Kingly Street, London W1B 5QB
Tel: +44 20 7420 9322
Mon to Thu: 8am – 11pm
Fri: 9am – 12am
Sat: 9am – 12am
Sun: 9am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Oxford Circus

#6 DUCK AND WAFFLE

Everyone visits Duck And Waffle for two things – the splendid view overlooking the city of London from the 40th floor of Heron Tower, and the signature dish – Duck and Waffles (£15 during breakfast, £17 all day) – which gave the restaurant its name.

Duck and Waffle opens 24/7, but reservations are still recommended anyway because they are perpetually booked.

Heron Tower, 110 Bishopsgate
London EC2N 4AY, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 20 3640 7310
Open 24 Hours
Nearest Station: Liverpool Street

#7 FLAT IRON

There is only one dish on the menu at Flat Iron restaurant – the Flat Iron steak. The steak may not be of the best cut but at £10 for a steak, it is considerably cheap and warrants a visit.

You can order accompanying sides such as dripping cooked fries, creamed spinach, and roast aubergine.

Occasionally, they would offer special and better steak cuts at seasonal prices, as well as surprises such as burgers.

17 Beak St
London W1F 9RW, United Kingdom
Daily: 12pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Piccadilly Circus

#8 LANTANA

Lantana is an all-time favourite brunch spots in London, and it is arguably the best. There are three outlets in the city, but we like to patronise the one on Charlotte Street.

It is a casual Aussie-style café with very relaxing vibes that is perfect for brunch over hearty food, coffee and pastries. If you are there for breakfast, you must try the English Muffin Breakfast with sausage patty, fried egg and bacon. The chilli jam is to die for.

The Asian Duck Rice surprised us. The ingredients – duck, pancetta, cucumber and chilli jam – elevated this seemingly ordinary dish to something quite special, and to us Asians, nothing beats the comfort of a fried rice dish.

13 Charlotte Pl, Fitzrovia
London W1T 1SN, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 20 7637 3347
Mon to Fri: 8am – 6pm
Sat & Sun: 9am – 5pm
Nearest Station: Goodge Street

#9 KANADA-YA

We have tried numerous ramen shops in London, but sadly, most of them are catered to the Westerners’ palate and nothing near to how authentic Japanese ramen would taste like in Japan.

Kanada-ya is an exception. The tonkotsu ramen is exactly how a good pork broth ramen is supposed to be, with rich and flavourful broth, pork slices flavoured egg with a runny center, fungus and leek.

64 St Giles High St
London WC2H 8LE, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 20 7240 0232
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 3pm, 5pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Tottenham Court Road

#10 MAISON BERTAUX

One of the oldest patisseries in London is Maison Bertaux, our go-to place for a quiet afternoon tea in London. They offer many beautiful cakes and rustic pastries. Make sure you try their almond croissant.

28 Greek St
London W1D 5DQ, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 20 7437 6007
Mon to Sat: 8.30am – 11pm
Sun: 9.30am – 8pm
Nearest Station: Leicester Square

#11 NEW FORTUNE COOKIE

After trying several roast ducks in London, New Fortune Cookie won our hearts with the best roast duck in London. Better than our previous favourite, Gold Mine. And better than the famous Four Seasons.

And at £9.50 for half duck – as compared to £13 at Gold Mine and £13.50 at Four Seasons - it is the cheapest option. The staff here are friendlier, and we like how we do not feel pressured to leave. In case you have no idea, the staff at Four Seasons will always chase you out once they see that your plates are empty.

1 Queensway
London W2 4QJ, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 20 7727 7260
Daily: 12pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Queensway

#12 PATTY AND BUN

We have said it before and we will say it again: Patty and Bun’s Smokey Robinson burger is hands down the best burger in London.

Messy, greasy and finger-licking good, the Smokey Robinson Burger (£8.50) comes with everything you need in a burger – caramelised onions, bacon, smokey mayo, cheese, tomato, lettuce, and a juicy beef patty.

Beyond the amazing burger, the mood at Patty & Bun is hippy and loud; you instantly feel cool just by dining there. It truly delivers a unique and complete burger experience.

22-23 Liverpool St
London EC2M 7PD, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 20 7621 1331
Mon & Tue: 11.30am – 10pm
Wed to Fri: 11.30am – 11pm
Sat & Sun: 11.30am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Liverpool Street

#13 PRUFROCK

Prufrock has achieved cult status in London and it is widely recognised as one of the best coffee shops in the city. The coffee here is rich, creamy and well-balanced; indeed, it is easily the best cup of coffee you can find in London.

There is a small selection of sweet and savoury baked goods to go along with your cuppa.

Its flagship cafe on the bustling Leather Lane in Clerkenwell also offers coffee tastings, training and events.

23-25 Leather Ln
London EC1N 7TE, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 20 7242 0467
Mon to Fri: 8am – 6pm
Sat & Sun: 10am – 5pm
Nearest Station: Chancery Lane

#14 THE MUFFIN MAN

Have you heard? These are the best scones in London!

The Muffin Man is an old-school English tea shop in Kensington that serves a variety of breakfast dishes, rustic cakes and scones.

Come here for tea and get the legendary scones and you will be rewarded with crumbly, perfectly baked goodness. The Devon Cream Tea set (£6.50) comes with a pot of tea, two toasted scones with jam and Devon cream.

If this still ain’t a quintessential British experience, we don’t know what is.

12 Wrights Ln
London W8 6TA, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 20 7937 6652
Mon to Sat: 8am – 8pm
Sun: 9am – 8pm
Nearest Station: High Street Kensington

For more recommendations, read our London travel guide on what to eat and where to go to.

London is synonymous with good food, and where the Chinese community is concerned, roast ducks are a must when in the British city.

Sure, there are many upmarket Chinese restaurants serving exquisite Chinese cuisine and dimsum, but most would agree that when in London, nothing beats the comfort of a plate of roast duck and a bowl of egg fried rice in a relatively old-school Chinese-looking eatery complete with (gaudy) red and gold decor.

So London has three very famous names when it comes to roast duck – Four Seasons Roast Duck, New Fortune Cookie and Gold Mine. These three are the most talked about restaurants, but which exactly is the crème de la crème?

We’ve been to all three many times on numerous occasions, and this is our humble take on the best roast ducks in London.

FOUR SEASONS CHINESE RESTAURANT

WHY YOU SHOULD COME HERE: This is the legendary Four Seasons Roast Duck that everyone talks about, and is dubbed as the most branded place in London for roast duck.

HOW MUCH: It is £13.80 for half a duck – which is rather pricey considering how it does not taste fantastic and the skin ain’t crispy.

VERDICT: There are two outlets in London – one in Chinatown (that everyone goes to) and one in Bayswater. Surprisingly, the standards differ vastly. Let’s just say no one should waste their time at the Chinatown outlet.

The Bayswater outlet has (just very) slightly better service, and strange enough, better roast ducks. While it was not life-changing, it was a been-there-done-that experience for us. That said, we won’t head back to Four Seasons Roast Duck when in London because the next two options that we are about to share are much better.

EXTRA NOTE: You have been warned that service is atrocious and the staff are infinitely rude.

NEW FORTUNE COOKIE

WHY YOU SHOULD COME HERE: Because it is the best. We had meals here on several occasions and none of them disappointed us. New Fortune Cookie is the most affordable option among all three places, and has a good consistency to boast. The duck is prized for its fats (in a wonderful way), and every bite of the fatty duck comes with a gratifying aroma that lingers.

HOW MUCH: For £10.50 per half duck, New Fortune Cookie wins in terms of price. It is the best roast duck in London, and the cheapest among all three.

EXTRA NOTE: The service is commendable and the staff are ever approachable. They do pretty mean Egg Fried Rice (£3) too!

GOLD MINE RESTAURANT

WHY YOU SHOULD COME HERE: Gold Mine Restaurant sits on the same stretch as Four Seasons Roast Duck in Bayswater and it is a cosy outlet with friendly staff. The roast duck is always good, with beautiful crisp skin and very fragrant sauce.

HOW MUCH: At £13.50 per half duck, Gold Mine Restaurant is a great option when you need your Chinese food fix.

EXTRA NOTE: The chunks of duck sits atop a bed of white cabbage that we always polish off too, because it being soaked in the sauce is too good to pass!

It is no secret that Dishoom is our favourite Indian restaurant in London. Sexy and charming, Dishoom should be on everyone’s bucket list when visiting London. No other Indian restaurants come close.

While there are many other great Indian restaurants in London, Dishoom is the one you should visit if you only have time for one.

Queues are part of the restaurants’ characteristics, and during peak hours, be prepared to wait up to an hour for a table. And we are telling you go queue anyway, because hell yeah, a meal there is better than ten other Indian meals elsewhere.

Their menus differ during different times of the day, and while we love the classic lunch/ dinner menu, the breakfast is totally worth waking up for.

At 8am every day, queues will start forming at Dishoom (particularly the Carnarby outlet). You would see businessmen, locals and travelers all waiting for tables for a wonderful breakfast.

And you may wonder why. That’s because it is affordable and so very yummy.

The Bacon & Egg Roll Naan (£6.90) – smoked streaky bacon with two fried free-range eggs wrapped in a freshly baked naan; accompanied by a little cream cheese, chilli tomato jam and fresh herbs - is one of the best things you can eat for breakfast in London. It is flavourful in every bite, with a subtle contrast of East and West.

The Kejriwal (£5.50) is essentially chilli cheese toast and is another must-try from the breakfast menu.

Over on the all-day menu (available after 11:45am), you can find almost every North Indian classic. From small plates to share to salads, biryanis to grills, the idea is to order several dishes and dine communal style so that everyone can share and try a bit of everything.

Of course you have to try the Dishoom Chicken Tikka (£7.90); the marinate is a family recipe. And we always return to the Masala Prawns (£11.20). We love how every fresh, juicy prawn is slightly charred on the surface for a little textural crunch. You have to eat all these with the Cheese Naan (£3.20).

One really interesting drink to try is the Chocolate Chai (£2.90). The lovely blend of spicy and sweet is one so unforgettable.

Dishoom also has a charming bar where the bartenders whip up some of the sexiest cocktails. The menu is mind-boggling!

Dishoom
22 Kingly Street, London W1B 5QB
Tel: +44 20 7420 9322
Mon to Thu: 8am – 11pm
Fri: 9am – 12am
Sat: 9am – 12am
Sun: 9am – 11pm
Nearest Tube Station: Oxford Circus Station

London is the amazing British city where people from all walks of life move over to to call that place home. Being one of the finest in the world, London is a dream destination with so much to offer.

However, living in London can be very expensive and dining out would mean taking a toll on your wallets. For locals, they cook a lot at home. For holiday goers, do you always think twice about stepping into a restaurant and ordering just everything that looks good on the menu, but eventually giving up that thought entirely because everything costs a bomb?

Yes, you are not alone. Eating in London can be an extremely costly affair and we are here to help. Having combed the city for great finds, here are London’s Best Cheap Meals For £10 And Under.

#1 BIBIMBAP

This nondescript Korean casual restaurant sits within SoHo, and while it may look boring, it is actually one of the best places for an affordable Korean meal. As its name suggests, Bibimbap specialises in Korean mixed rice. You can customise your own bibimbap, and they are averagely £7.50. Go for the pork one. That’s the tastiest. Remember to mix in more chilli paste for a fiery kick!

The menu also includes other Korean dishes such as Korean Fried Chicken (£5 for 5 pcs), Kimchi Pancake (£5.50) and Korean soups (£7).

11 Greek St, London W1D 4DJ, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 20 7287 3434
Mon to Fri: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 11pm
Sat and Sun: 12pm – 11pm
Nearest Tube Station: Tottenham Court Road

#2 BILL’S RESTAURANT – ENGLISH BREAKFAST

Not to be confused with Australia Celebrity Chef Bill Granger’s restaurant – Granger & Co – Bill’s Restaurant started off as a tiny shop in East Sussex and it has expanded to a massive empire with 20 outlets in London alone.

Bill’s is an all-day restaurant serving everything from breakfast to bedtime, and everything in-between. To be fair, Bill’s is not a dining destination and the food is not out-of-the-world. But the prices and portions are very reasonable and it is something you can rely on when you want a simple English meal without breaking the bank.

The English Breakfast – with fried free range eggs, tomatoes, sausage, mushrooms, streaky bacon and toast – is £7.95. Which is not a bad way to start your day. Else, the Blueberry Buttermilk Pancakes (£5.95) are lovely.

36-44 Brewer St, London W1F 9TB, United Kingdom
Tel: 0207 287 8712
Mon to Wed: 8am – 11pm
Thu to Sat: 8am – 12am
Sun: 9am – 10.30pm
Nearest Tube Station: Piccadilly Circus

#3 COOKHOUSE JOE – ROASTED CHICKEN

Cookhouse Joe is a Lebanese-influenced rotisserie chicken joint that sits at the corner of Berwick Street in SoHo. It only opens for dinner, and when it does, you have to go there for the signature rotisserie chicken.

For £7, you get half a chicken with two sauces of your choice – pick from Chili, Garlic, Yogurt and Cool Mint & Cucumber. Some people love their rotisserie chicken all white and succulent and naked; some like it juicy with a little bit of grease. Cookhouse Joe’s version is the former, so if you would like some no-frills and healthy rotisserie chicken, you know where to go.

55 Berwick St, London W1F 8SP, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 7970 555355
Mon to Thu: 11.30am – 10.30pm
Fri and Sat: 11.30am – 11.30pm
Sun: Closed
Nearest Tube Station: Oxford Circus

#4 DISHOOM – BACON & EGG ROLL NAAN 

It is no secret that Dishoom is our favourite Indian restaurant in London. At 8am every day, queues will start forming at Dishoom (particularly the SoHo outlet). You would see businessmen, locals and travelers all waiting for tables for a wonderful breakfast.

The Bacon & Egg Roll Naan (£6.90) – smoked streaky bacon with two fried free-range eggs wrapped in a freshly baked naan; accompanied by a little cream cheese, chilli tomato jam and fresh herbs - is one of the best things you can eat for breakfast in London. It is flavourful in every bite, with a subtle contrast of East and West.

22 Kingly Street, London W1B 5QB
Tel: +44 20 7420 9322
Mon to Thu: 8am – 11pm
Fri: 9am – 12am
Sat: 9am – 12am
Sun: 9am – 11pm
Nearest Tube Station: Oxford Circus Station

#5 EAT TOKYO – CURRY KATSU RICE 

Eat Tokyo is one of those places that we would frequent if we were staying in London. The menu features a great variety of dishes and most of them are reasonably priced under £10. Long queues are often seen precisely because a meal there is very affordable (by London’s standards).

Try the Curry Katsu Rice – go for the sized-up version at £9. The portion will shock you with its generosity and most people wouldn’t be able to finish it. There is also a variety of chirashi-don that are under £10. While they may not be fish of supreme grades, we can’t complain much since it is so cheap, yes?

Do note that at Eat Tokyo, there is a minimum spend of £10 per person though.

16 Old Compton Street, London W1D 4TL
Tel: 020 7439 9887
Mon to Sat: 12am – 11.30pm
Sun: 12am – 10.30pm
Nearest Tube Station: Covent Garden

#6 FLAT IRON – FLAT IRON STEAK 

Flat Iron Steak is a brilliant concept and one that is very well received in London. While the flat iron is not the best cut, at £10 for a steak, it is extremely value for money and warrants a visit.

The menu is simple – the flat iron steak (£10), the cut of the day (prices vary), and sometimes a special burger (prices vary). You can order accompanying sides such as Dripping Cooked Fries (£2.50), Creamed Spinach (£3) and Roast Aubergine (£3).

9 Denmark St, London WC2H 8LS, United Kingdom
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 12am
Sun: 12pm – 11.30pm
Nearest Tube Station: Tottenham Court Road

#7 FRANCO MANCO – SOUGHDOUGH PIZZA

Even though Franco Manca has 22 outlets in London, there are always long queues at every outlet during dinner times. It is not difficult to understand why this chain enjoys such wide popularity in London.

The Sourdough Pizzas are really good and so close to what you would get in Naples, and they are all priced under £7 each – rest for some daily specials that might go up to £8. The tomato-based ones are the best; stick to them and you’d be fine. Definitely worth a try when you are in London!

51 Berwick Street, London W1F 8SJ
Mon to Wed: 12pm – 11pm
Thu to Sat: 12pm – 11.30pm
Sun: 12pm – 10.30pm
Tel: 0207 734 9330
Nearest Tube Station: Tottenham Court Road

#8 KOYA BAR – UDON

This Japanese eatery in Soho attracts crowds during meal times – from tourists who have heard about this place from travel guides and blogs, to Asians seeking comfort food while being across the globe from home.

The original Koya might have closed, but you can still satisfy your udon cravings at Koya Bar. On a cold day, slurping down a bowl of Koya’s Buta Miso Udon (£9.90) will give you instant gratification.

50 Frith St, London W1D 4SQ, United Kingdom
Mon to Wed: 8.30am – 10.30pm
Thu and Fri: 8.30am – 11pm
Sat and Sun: 9.30am – 11pm
Nearest Tube Station: Leicester Square/ Tottenham Court Road

#9 NOSTEAGIA – GYUDON 

Nosteagia at Pump Shoreditch is perhaps more well-known for its bubble waffles, but what many people do not know is that it serves a seriously good Gyudon. Just look beyond the bubble waffles station and you will see a menu of Japanese-style rice bowls that are mostly priced under £6.

Go straight for the Gyudon; the rest can wait. Every slice of beef was well-marinated and juicy, and the rice is completely soaked with the warm, oozing beef sauce. At £6, this amazing rice bowl represents great value for money and it comes with a very generous portion that will fill you up.

Shoreditch Service Station
168-175 Shoreditch High St, London E1 6HU, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 7564 117339
Mon: Closed Tue to Sun: 12pm – 9pm
Nearest Train Station: Shoreditch High Street

#10 PATTY & BUN – SMOKEY ROBINSONS BURGER

Patty & Bun charges £8.75 for its Smokey Robinson Burger; it is so good that we will gladly fork out double the amount for it. It is, hands down, the best burger you can have in London. No one else comes close.

Other than the Smokey Robinson, there is also the Hot Chic Chicken Burger (£8.50) that features a huge slab of buttermilk chicken with coleslaw. London is synonymous with kickass burgers and Patty & Bun is probably the main reason why!

18 Old Compton Street, London W1D 4TN
Tel: 0207 2871818
Mon to Thu: 12pm – 11pm
Fri and Sat: 11.30am – 12.30am
Sun: 12pm – 10pm
Nearest Tube Station: Covent Garden

#11 PRINCI – RISOTTO MILANESE

There is a reason why Princi sees a perpetual full house all day long – it is a sexy dining spot for any time of the day. Whether you are there for a hearty breakfast, a casual lunch with friends, or a dinner date, this outpost of the popular Milanese bakery chain is always buzzing with energy.

The best part? Prices are actually more reasonable than you think. The Risotto Milanese is £7, while you can get a Margherita Pizza for (£7.50). There is also a whole arsenal of Italian desserts on display that would have you go weak in your knees.

135 Wardour St, London W1F 0UT, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 20 7478 8888
Mon to Sat: 8am – 12am
Sun: 8.30am – 10pm
Nearest Tube Station: Tottenham Court Road

#12 SEOUL BAKERY – BIBIMBAP

Probably one of the smallest Korean joints in town, Seoul Bakery may be small in size but big in popularity. It sits farther up from British Museum, and its menu is super affordable. From kimchi-jjigae to ramyeon to bibimbap, Seoul Bakery is a heaven for students.

Honestly, just skip the Korean soups as we’ve tried a few of them and they were pretty diluted and unsatisfying. But the bibimbap is worth a shot, and the sets are mostly priced at £7.50, where you get a soup, a side dish of kimchi or beansprouts, and a main dish.

14 Great Russell St, London WC1B 3NH, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 20 7240 0877
Mon: Closed
Tue to Sun: 11am – 8pm
Nearest Tube Station: Tottenham Court Road

#13 SHOYRU – TONKOTSU RAMEN

Shoyru has several outlets across London, but the one in Kingly Court has the most wonderful vibes. We loved a good bowl of piping hot ramen while being caressed by the night breeze at the outdoor seats.

Shoyru has a complicated menu. Lots of choices there, but what you should turn your attention to is the classic Tonkotsu Ramen. In London, it is one of the closest you can get to an authentic bowl of Japanese ramen with a robust pork broth.

3 Denman Street London W1D 7HA
Mon to Sat: 11.15am – 12am
Sun: 11.15am – 10.30pm
Nearest Tube Station: Piccadilly Circus

#14 SMACK – BRISKET ROLLS

Smack started out with £10 lobster rolls, which is a fabulous deal. They have recently jacked up their prices to £12, but it is still worth a shot. You get lots of chunky lobster meat cocooned in toasted pillowy brioche. Else, go for the brisket rolls that are £8 each.

The Lobster Bisque (£5) is a decent one too!

Kemble House, 58 Dean St, London W1D 6AL, United Kingdom
Mon: 12pm – 8pm
Tue to Thu: 12pm – 10pm
Fri and Sat: 11.30am – 10pm
Sun: 11.30am – 8pm
Nearest Tube Station: Leicester Square

#15 WOK TO WALK – FRIED NOODLES

This is probably the best cheap takeout you can have in London. Wok To Walk is a massive chain across Europe, and particularly in London, you can find it in many neighbourhoods. It specialises in Chinese-style fried rice and noodles, and the base price is £3.95 per box.

Customise your own and pick your staple – udon noodles, rice noodles, egg noodles, jasmine rice etc. Then, choose your favourite sauce (our favourite is Shanghai and Tokyo). Your staple would then be wok-fried (with huge flames!) with fresh vegetables and egg. ots of top-up options are available, and they range from prawns to bamboo shoots to chicken breast meat.

15 Argyll St W1F 7TP London
Tel: 020 7287 5491
Mon to Tue: 11am – 1am
Wed: 11am – 4am
Thu to Sat: 11am – 5am
Sun: 11am – 12am
Nearest Tube Station: Oxford Circus

For more recommendations, read our post on 35 Reasons Why We Are In Love with London.

“It is difficult to speak adequately or justly of London. It is not a pleasant place; it is not agreeable, or cheerful, or easy or exempt from reproach. It is only magnificent.”

Simply only magnificent, and nothing less indeed.

London is our favourite city in the world, and it is a favourite for many too. It is not difficult to understand why, for the British city has so much to offer and is so very live-able. Wake up to amazement every day, live it up like the Brits, and go to bed each night thanking all your lucky stars that you are in London.

Here are 35 reasons to love London, and it is but the tip of the ice berg. You have to set foot in that part of the world to understand why it is home for so many.

#1 THE INSTAGRAM-WORTHY RED TELEPHONE BOOTHS

Because they are so iconic and everyone loves taking photos of and with them.

#2 AN UNFORGETTABLE MEAL AT BURGER & LOBSTER

What is London without a meal at one of the most popular restaurants? Whole grilled lobsters at £20, anyone?

#3 THE BRITISH ACCENT AND FAMILIARITY OF THE ENGLISH CITY

Every bit of London rings a bell and the familiarity of the places, street names, language and food feels like we are at our second home. And, let’s face it – Brit accent is the sexiest.

#4 THE ONE-AND-ONLY BUCKINGHAM PALACE

Who knows if you might be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge?

#5 THE ICONS OF LONDON – BIG BEN AND LONDON EYE

Take a stroll along Westminster Abbey and breathe in the essence of London. The magnificence of Big Ben is one sight to behold, and you can go on a round on the London Eye to see the majestic city from high above.

#6 HANG OUT AT SOHO

The sexiest and most happening hood is none other than Soho, where you can find an eclectic mix of restaurants and cafes, and little local boutiques and theatres. Peppered with character, and always worth a stroll.

#7 HAVE A PICNIC AT HYDE PARK

Pick a day, enjoy it to the fullest, and have a picnic at Hyde Park. Spot the big friendly swans who are ever ready to pose for your cameras too!

#8 SELFRIDGES & Co – EVERY SHOPAHOLIC’S DREAM

Shop till you drop at this one-stop luxury mall with all the highly coveted luxury labels and high street brands. Just remember to increase your credit limit before your trip! Tax refunds can be done within the mall, too.

#9 A DELIGHTING FOOD TRAIL AT BOROUGH MARKET

This is the ultimate and most visually-arresting farmers’ market and there is nothing to not love here! From fresh produce to a delectable mix of local food and snacks, Borough Market is sure to delight anyone and everyone.

Read our guide on the top reasons to visit Borough Market when you are in London.

#10 ALL THINGS VINTAGE AT PORTOBELLO MARKET

If you love vintage finds and quirky picks, then this world’s largest vintage market is for you! Do take note that it is only open on Saturdays for the antiques and second-hand goods.

#11 A QUAINT NEIGHBOURHOOD – NOTTINGHILL

One of the many quaint neighbourhoods in London is Nottinghill – lined with pretty pastel houses and blooming flowers, it is one morning stroll we’d gladly take all over again.

#12 LITTLE VENICE & CAMDEN MARKET

Punk lovers gather here on weekends, but beyond those acquired merchandise, we fell in love with the Venice-like environment and the art of dining by the canals. There is a marvellous spread of street food here too!

#13 STAY AT AIRBNB APARTMENTS AND LIVE THE BRIT WAY

What better way to experience a local culture than to put up at a local apartment and adapt to their lifestyle? Airbnb apartments are aplenty, and the wide range caters to travellers with all sorts of budget. If you want a backpacker style, you’d find apartments at less than £100 per night. But splurge a bit more and you get lovely units that are strategically located, thematically designed and fully furnished.

Our favourite neighbourhood to stay at is Soho for its sheer convenience and vast availability of food and shopping options around the vicinity. In the day, we woke up to cool mornings and had breakfasts at the many cafes within the hood; at night, we packed groceries and cooked at our kitchen while the crowd came alive and started partying.

Airbnb is offering all ladyironchef readers US$25 travel coupon to book your next holiday accommodation. Simply click on this link, sign up and get US$25 on your first booking on Airbnb.

#14 FOR THE LOVE OF LONDON, HARRODS

No one leaves London without making a trip to the world famous departmental store and exchanging friendly banters with the giant Harrods bear! All the iconic souvenirs are found here, alongside a more-than-splendid food hall and many exhilarating levels of shopping for refined goods like shoes and bags, perfumes and cosmetics, home products and books.

#15 THE FINEST OF LONDON AT FORTNUM & MASON

An emporium off Piccadilly Circus that houses the best picks of London – think the many kinds of English tea, jams in a hundred variations, cookies in the most elegant tins, chocolates and truffles… you get the idea. This is one pit stop you have to make when in London.

#16 INDULGE IN THE ART OF WATCHING MUSICALS

Watching musicals is a very Brit thing to do, and theatrical art is one so highly appreciated and well-received among both locals and visitors to London. There are so many to choose from; even if you watch one every night, it’ll take you some months to tick all of them off your list.

#17 THE STUNNING DISPLAY OF THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA

If there is only one musical to catch when in London, it is undisputedly Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Phantom of The Opera. This award-winning musical is an all-time gold, and runs daily on a full house at the prestigious Her Majesty Theatre. The stunning display will have you understand what The Music of The Night truly means.

#18 SHOPPING REDEFINED AT OXFORD STREET

Or Bond Street. Or Regent Street. You’ve got all your favourite brands congregated in this area – UK labels Miss Selfridge & Topshop, Chanel & Hermes, J-crew, H&M… yes, you are welcome.

#19 VALUE-SEEKING AT PRIMARK

Primark is a shopping paradise for many because this mega Irish retail store redefines affordable shopping with its diverse range of merchandise. Think basic tops and tshirts at £3 and shoes at £10. And you’d be delighted to know that the quality is nowhere near inferior!

#20 HAVE A QUINTESSENTIAL AFTERNOON TEA AND SCONES

Why, how Brit! Put on your best dress and spend an afternoon at one of the many elegant tea places at London; sip tea and eat scones, because nobody says no to such elegance.

#21 LIVE IT UP AT PICCADILLY CIRCUS

The Times Square of London, Piccadilly circus is one absolutely happening and popular area – to dine, to shop, and for musicals.

#22 LOTS OF GOOD CAFES AND COFFEE PLACES

Connoisseurs are in heaven, for London has one of the best brews in the world. And the cafe scene is world class. We had so much fun cafe-hopping and drinking cappuccino every day!

Read our guide on London’s top 25 independent cafes and coffee shops.

#23 ENDLESS BURGER OPTIONS

Not the most glamorous dining option, but burgers are our favourite messy affair. There are many impressive burger joints, and we are sure after having one good one in London, you’ll never look at burgers the same way again.

Read our guide to London’s Best Burger Restaurants.

#24 THAT GORGEOUS TOWER BRIDGE

No, this is not London bridge. This icon of London is called Tower Bridge, and is a mandatory photo spot. By the way, London Bridge is the grey and rundown-looking one right across it. Now, stop mixing up their identities. Thank you very much.

#25 TAKE A DAY TRIP TO STONEHENGE

Remember the stone formation we used to see on our Windows XP wallpaper? This is it. Take a day trip out to Stonehenge and marvel at the mystery that is left untold for so many centuries. We’d love to think of this as a must-see in everyone’s bucket list.

#26 IT IS A TOYS HEAVEN AT HAMSLEY

Toys heaven for both kids and adults alike! This massive toy store houses all the cutest merchandise; even the grown-ups have fun just from taking a tour around the shelves!

#27 PEOPLE-WATCH AT TRAFALGAR SQUARE

A popular spot to gather and people-watch is a Trafalgar Square. Enjoy the random street performances by talented buskers, or watch the world go by and master the fine art of doing nothing while sipping latte.

#28 FOSSILS AND MORE AT THE NATIONAL HISTORY MUSEUM

It is a fascinating world in here at the National History Museum. History buffs and the curious minds will be intrigued by all the fossils and skeletons, and all that ancient civilization has to tell us.

#29 LIBERTY – A SHOPPING EMPORIUM

The monochromatic building on Regent Street is an avant-garde shopping destination for classy finds and luxury buys. Quite unlike your usual modern malls, Liberty is an emporium that boasts a – for the lack of a better word – Brit interior with a sophisticated shopping environment.

#30 COVENT GARDEN

What used to be a fruit and vegetable market is another happening area to hang out for both locals and tourists. Today, Covent Garden is well-loved for its curated shopping, bars and little restaurants. Sitting on the fringe of West End, Covent Garden is a pit stop for entertainment and art lovers. The renown Royal Opera House sits proudly on this ground too.

#31 TAKE A WALK AT MAYFAIR

A prestigious area in Central London, Mayfair houses the most five-star hotels and luxury properties in London. Fancy taking a walk and breathing in the elegance of the area? Or do a little shopping at the exclusive boutiques? For classical music lovers, the Handel House Museum is also situated at Mayfair, to commemorate the late German-born baroque composer George Frederic Handel who eventually made London his home.

#32 A DISTINGUISHED BREAKFAST AT THE BREAKFAST CLUB

Dubbed as the best breakfast place in London, this small joint at Soho sees a long queue every day. With a casual 80′s interior, hippy music and a menu of comfort breakfast classics, you are in for a hearty and very filling (portions are relatively huge!) meal over at The Breakfast Club.

#33 A SPIRITUAL EXPERIENCE AT ST PAUL’S CATHEDRAL

Embodying the spiritual life and heritage of the British nation, St Paul’s Cathedral is the most highly recognised Cathedral for worship. Religious souls seek inspiration and enlightenment here, and visitors from all over the world are welcome to join the hourly prayers where they can pray in their own languages.

#34 MADAME TUSSAUD’S FLAGSHIP MUSUEM

Since she first opened doors to her wax museum on Marylebone Road, Madame Tussauds’ wax models have been a nationwide hit. Its flagship outlet at London is packed with visitors every day. And since it is impossible to ever meet Picasso and Charlie Chaplin, and even sheer luck may not have us bumping into Kate Winslet and Lady Gaga, why not exchange friendly banters with their life-size wax models at the museum?

#35 THE SHARD

Because it is not every day that you can find a triangular building as grand as The Shard of London.

For more recommendations, read our London Travel Guides.

We were in London for a week last month, and the sheer number of good cafes and coffee shops in the city amazed us. Some are like coffee institutions, some are casual joints, some make lovely outlets when you need a midday break, some are totally worth waking up for.

Whether you are looking for a nice spot to chill out and to have a light lunch, or to satisfy your caffeine addiction, here is our guide to London’s Top 25 Independent Cafes & Coffee Shops.

ASSOCIATION COFFEE

A sleek and well-designed cafe with an industrial feel, Association Coffee caters to executives working in the area, and every cup of coffee is prepared to a high standard. In addition to espresso, it also has a range of coffees that are continually changing. You can also get sandwiches, pastries and a variety of cakes to go along with the coffee.

10-12 Creechurch Lane, London EC3A 5AY
Tel: +44 20 7283 1155
Mon to Fri: 7.30am – 5pm
Nearest Station: Aldgate/Liverpool Street

CAMDEN HOUSE COFFEE

A favourite among the locals living in the Camden neighbourhood, Camden House Coffee is a good spot to head to for a coffee break if you are visiting Camden Market.

30 Camden Road, Camden Town
London NW1 9DP
Tel: +44 20 7428 9477
Mon to Fri: 7am – 6pm
Sat: 8.30am – 5pm
Sun: 10.30am – 4pm

FERNANDEZ & WELLS

Small, homely and cosy, Fernandez & Wells is one of those hole-in-the-wall kind of neighbourhood cafes that we love. Fernandez and Wells may be a coffee chain – with six shops in London – but you can always depend on them to serve a reliable cup of coffee.

73 Beak Street, London W1F 9SR
Tel: +44 20 7287 8124
Mon to Fri: 7.30am – 6pm
Sat: 9am – 6pm
Sun: 10am – 5pm
Nearest Station: Piccadilly Circus

FLAT WHITE

Flat White was established in 2005 to introduce the coffee culture from Australia and New Zealand to London. It serves exceptional coffee made by their talented and passionate baristas, and we would even consider this an institution!

17 Berwick Street, Soho
London W1F 0PT
Tel: +44 20 7734 0370
Mon to Fri: 8am – 7pm
Sat & Sun: 9am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Oxford Circus

FOXCROFT & GINGER

Another cafe that we like in Soho is Foxcroft & Ginger. Trendy yet laidback, it is a space where you can sit and linger with a cup of good coffee while escaping from the hubbub of the city. Need something to complement your coffee? They have an array of cakes and pastries like Chocolate Truffle Brownie, Chocolate & Orange Cake, Carrot Cake & Cream Cheese, and Croissant that are freshly baked on premise.

On the brunch menu, you can find a selection of dishes like Eggs Bennie, Veggie Frittata, Pancakes with bacon, and French Toast. Foxcroft & Ginger is a lovely cafe, if you ever find yourself in Soho, this all-day dining spot is the place to go.

3 Berwick Street, Soho
London W1F 0DR
Mon: 8am – 7pm
Tue to Fri: 8am – 10pm
Sat: 9am – 10pm
Sun: 9am – 7pm
Nearest Station: Piccadilly Circus

GAIL’S ARTISAN BAKERY

What drew our attention to Gail’s Artisan Bakery was the aroma of the freshly baked breads. The talented bakers at Gail’s bake nearly 30 types of bread – including French Dark Sourdough, German Rye and Caramelised Garlic Bread – every day. If you love bread, you will fall in love with Gail’s Artisan Bakery.

Gail’s Artisan Bakery has 16 bakeries across the city, including Notting Hill, King’s Road, Bloomsbury and Soho.

128 Wardour Street
London W1F 8ZL
Tel: +44 20 7287 1324
Mon to Thu: 8am – 9pm
Fri: 8am – 10pm
Sat: 9am – 10pm
Sun & Bank Holidays: 9am – 7pm

JOE AND THE JUICE

Joe and the Juice has several outlets in London, but we like the Soho shop on Dean Street. While you can get sandwiches, salads and coffee, the spotlight here is actually the wide selection of fresh fruit juices.

46 Dean Street
London W1D 4QD
Nearest Station: Leicester Square/Piccadilly Lines

LANTANA

For really good brunch and coffee, go to Lantana. It has firmly established itself as a hot favourite in London’s coffee scene.

Lantana is a casual and relaxing Aussie-style café, perfect for brunch or to catch up with your companion over coffee and pastries. We can sit here and chat all day long because the environment is too inviting. If you are there for breakfast, you must try the English Muffin Breakfast with sausage patty, fried egg and bacon.

13 Charlotte Place
London W1T 1SN
Tel: +44 20 7637 3347
Mon to Fri: 8am – 6pm
Sat & Sun: 9am – 5pm
Nearest Station: Goodge Street

L’ETO CAFFE

They have an insane display of daily fresh bakes, and it is almost frustrating to pick just one. Every item baked and assembled with love, and you can almost smell the pastry chefs’ passion in every piece.

155 Wardour Street, London W1F 8WG
Tel: +44 20 7494 4991
Mon to Tue: 8am – 9pm
Wed to Sat: 8am – 11pm
Sun: 9am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Tottenham Court Road

KAFFEINE

Inspired by the coffee culture in Australia and New Zealand, Kaffeine is an independently owned cafe and espresso bar. It has been widely recognised as one of the most famous coffee places in London for setting a high benchmark for consistently good quality coffee. The café is bustling and always packed with regulars – a must visit for coffee lovers.

66 Great Titchfield Street
London W1W 7QJ
Tel: +44 20 7580 6755
Mon to Fri: 7.30am – 6pm
Sat: 8.30am – 6pm
Sun: 9am – 5pm
Nearest Station: Oxford Circus/Goodge Street

KONDITOR & COOK

Founded in 1993 by German born baker Gerhard Jenne, Konditor & Cook offers a wide range of cakes and confections – using organic, free-range eggs and natural butter – with seasonal variations. It has six outlets across London, but the flagship store is the swanky cafe at 30 St Mary Axe, also widely known as The Gherkin – an iconic symbol of London.

The Gherkin
30 Saint Mary Axe
London EC3A 8BF
Tel: +44 844 854 9369
Nearest Station: Liverpool Street/Tower Hill

MAISON BERTAUX

Maison Bertaux, one of the oldest patisseries in London, is our go-to place for a quiet afternoon tea. They offer many beautiful cakes and pastries, but our favourite is their almond croissant.

28 Greek Street, London, Greater London W1D 5DQ
Tel: +44 20 7437 6007
Mon to Sat: 8.30am – 11pm
Sun: 9.30am – 8pm
Nearest Station: Leicester Square

MONMOUTH COFFEE COMPANY

Monmouth Coffee Company is a true London institution. It has achieved legendary status in the city for serving top quality coffee. The guys at Monmouth travel around the world to hand pick and source for the best coffee beans for their roastery.

Don’t be surprised to see queues outside the coffee shop when you are there. After having a cuppa, remember to bag a pack of Monmouth’s coffee home. They are available in whole beans (or ground to your specification).

27 Monmouth Street
Covent Garden
London WC2H 9EU
Tel: +44 20 7232 3010
Mon to Sat: 8am – 6.30pm
Nearest Station: Leicester Square

MURIEL’S KITCHEN

Stepping inside Muriel’s Kitchen had us falling head over heels in love with the café immediately. A homely and well-designed space with velvet tub chairs, mosaic tiles, bird-cage lamps, and garden swing seats? Yes, they’ve got that covered. Friendly staff that greet you and make you feel at home? But of course.

Open from breakfast to bed time serving delicious home-cooked comfort food – using local British ingredients – at inexpensive prices (most of the dishes are mostly priced under £10)? Checked. A gorgeous cake and display counter that makes you feel like a kid in Disneyland? We are sold.

36 – 38 Old Compton Street
London, W1D 4TT
Tel: +44 20 7434 0111
Mon to Sat: 8am – 12 Midnight
Sun: 9am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Leicester Square/Piccadilly Lines

NOTES COFFEE & WINE

Just a short walk from Trafalgar Square is Notes, a speciality coffee, food & wine company in Covent Garden. The cafe serves food such as pastries, eggs and toast throughout the day. During lunch, there is a range of salads, sandwiches and soups – nothing fanciful, just comfort food for the soul.

At Notes, they take their coffee seriously. Besides having a espresso-based coffee menu, it also has a dedicated brew bar for filter coffees. Also, there is a selection of popular wines, as well as some unusual wines that you cannot find elsewhere.

31 Street Martin’s Lane
London WC2N 4ER
Tel: +44 20 7240 0424
Mon to Wed: 7.30am – 9pm
Thu to Sat: 7.30am – 10pm
Sun: 10am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Leicester Square

OTTOLENGHI

While Ottolenghi is more like a takeaway deli for fresh salads and delicious desserts than a proper dine-in cafe, it is one place that has our hearts and one that we always return to. Ottolenghi has an amazing array of desserts and pastries that make us go weak in the knees, and everything looks completely seductive.

Ottolenghi is listed in our guide to Top 10 Cheap Eats in London.

63 Ledbury Road, London W11 2AD
Tel: +44 20 7727 1121
Mon to Fri: 8am – 8pm
Sat: 8am – 7pm
Sun: 8.30am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Bayswater

PEYTON AND BYRNE

Peyton and Byrne is a modern British bakery cafe with a neat display of pretty pastries, cakes and bread that are freshly baked every day. There are currently seven bakeries across London, but we like the one at Wellington Street in the heart of Covent Garden. The outdoor seats are perfect for people watching as you sip some tea – choose from a range of 40 exclusive blends of tea – and some pastries.

44 Wellington Street
Covent Garden
London WC2E 7BD
Tel: +44 20 3422 1452
Mon to Thu: 8am – 7.30pm
Fri: 8am – 8pm
Sat: 9am – 8pm
Sun: 9am – 7.30pm
Nearest Station: Leicester Square

PRIMROSE BAKERY

It is impossible not to like Primrose Bakery. The original shop at Primrose Hill started in 2004, and it has established a loyal fan base over the years. This cute little bakery serves one of the best, if not the best, cupcakes in London. Other than cupcakes, Primrose Bakery also has an array of layer cakes, loaves and sliced cakes.

Primrose Bakery also has a second branch in Covent Garden, but we very much preferred the peace and tranquility of Primrose Hill.

69 Gloucester Ave, London NW1 8LD
Tel: +44 20 7483 4222
Mon to Sat: 8.30am – 6pm
Sun: 9.30am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Camden Town/Chalk Farm

SAID DAL 1923 ANTICA FABBRICA DEL CIOCCOLATO

A chocolate lover’s heaven. That’s how we would describe SAID dal 1923, the London outpost of a popular chocolate shop in Rome. From chocolate, to praline, chocolate spreads in jars and hot chocolate, SAID dal 1923 is the real life Charlie & The Chocolate Factory.

41 Broadwick St, London W1F 9QL
Tel: +44 20 7437 1584
Mon to Sat: 8am – 11pm
Sun & Holidays: 11am – 7pm
Nearest Station: Oxford Circus

TAP

The original Tap at No. 26 Rathbone Place – just a short walk from Primark on Oxford Street – has been around for 4 years, and since then, they have opened two cafes in the area. Beat the summer heat with a Jam Jar Iced Latte – two shots of espresso with cold milk and a shot of sugar syrup.

26 Rathbone Place
London W1T 1JD
Tel: +44 20 7580 2163
Mon to Fri: 8am – 7pm
Sat: 10am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Tottenham Court Road

TAYLOR ST BARISTA

Tucked along Brooks Mews in Mayfair, Taylor St Barista is the perfect pit stop for coffee after shopping at Oxford Street and Regent Street. The coffee shop offers its house blend, Rogue Espresso, as well as a selection of single origin and coffees from around the world. Taylor St Barista also has branches at many locations in London, including Shoreditch, Canary Wharf, and Liverpool Street.

22 Brooks Mews, Mayfair
London W1k 4DY
Mon to Fri: 7.30am – 5.30pm
Nearest Station: Oxford Circus

THE ATTENDANT

The Attendant is probably the only toilet café in London. Located in a former Victorian underground public lavatory with most of the original features being tastefully preserved, this nondescript place is almost too easy to miss.

Be rest assured that it is completely clean and sanitized. If any, it is one cool outlet to hang out at over some fresh brew and brownies; it is not every day that you can dine in a toilet café.

Basement 27A Foley Street
London W1W 6DY
Tel: +44 20 7637 3794
Mon to Fri: 8am – 6pm
Sat & Sun: 10am – 5pm
Nearest Station: Oxford Circus/Goodge Street

TIMBERYARD AT SEVEN DIALS

At the intersection of Tower Street and Monmouth Street is Timberyard at Seven Dials. The café is nicely done up, and we love the vibe of the place. Beyond the excellent coffee and delicious baked goods, what makes Timberyard a place that you can return to is the idea of getting a table by the side of the window to watch the world go by.

7 Upper St Martin’s Lane
Seven Dials
London WC2H 9DL
Mon to Fri: 8am – 8pm
Sat: 10am – 8pm
Sun: 10am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Leicester Square

WORKSHOP COFFEE CO COFFEE

The original Workshop Coffee Co started in Clerkenwell, and this charming and elegant coffee shop currently has locations in Marylebone, Holborn and Fitzrovia. Its newest Fitzrovia outlet is located just off Regent Street, and it feels more like a coffee bar than a coffee shop – in a good, hipster way of course. The interior is inspired by the surrounding neighbourhood’s 19th Century British heritage with its Victorian Bohemia design.

Workshop Coffee Co serves an espresso-based menu, filter offerings through the Aeropress and Fetco CBS brewers, as well as a small selection of food.

80A Mortimer Street, Fitzrovia
London W1W 7FE
Mon to Fri: 7am – 7pm
Sat & Sun: 9am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Oxford Circus

For more recommendations, read our London’s food & travel guides.

London has seen an explosion of gourmet burger joints and there are plenty of options when you are craving for a good and solid burger. Think huge and juicy patties enveloped in soft pillowy buns, together with crisp lettuce and feisty sauces. Whatever kind of burgers you are craving for, you can probably have them satisfied the Brit way. We explored the city to discover London’s best burger restaurants. Here are our top picks for the finest burgers:

BURGER & LOBSTER

Burger & Lobster is one of the hottest restaurants in London, and a must-visit every time we are in the city. For those of you who are not familiar with Burger & Lobster (what, you must be living under a rock!), it serves three items on the menu – lobster, lobster roll and beef burger – and at £20 each, they represent fantastic value. We’ve said it before and we will say it again: Burger & Lobster’s concept is brilliant.

The food is uncomplicated and nothing too fanciful – just delicious food that you can eat regularly. And the best part is dining here is actually fun. While most people usually go for the lobster or lobster roll, don’t miss out on the burger. Have the best of both worlds by ordering a lobster or lobster roll for yourself and the juicy beef burger to share.

36 Dean Street
Soho, London
Tel: +44 20 7432 4800
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 10.30pm
Sun: 12pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Leicester Square

BYRON BURGER

Byron Burger may be a burger chain – at the last count, there are 36 outlets in London – but don’t let that mislead you into thinking it is but another mediocre burger joint. And if there is something to fall in love with Byron Burger, it is that every outlet is done up differently and exudes its own character.

At Byron Burger, the goal is to do a simple thing properly, and to do it well. There are 8 options on the burger menu, with the classic hamburger starting at £6.75. Other options include Grilled Portobello Mushroom Burger (£7.75), Chicken Burger (£8.95) and the Cheese Burger (£7.95) which you can choose from an array of cheeses like mature cheddar, American, Monterey Jack, smoked cheddar, blue cheese, or emmenthal.

Bryon Burger is also listed in our guide to the top 10 cheap eats in London.

4-5 Langham Place
London W1B 3DG
Tel: +44 20 7580 2888
Mon to Thu: 11.30am – 11pm
Fri: 11.30am – 11.30pm
Sat: 11am – 11.30pm
Sun: 11am – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Oxford Circus

HONEST BURGER

One of the most popular gourmet burger restaurants in London, Honest Burger – which opened in Brixton in 2011, and it has expanded to other locations like Soho, Camden, Oxford Circus and Kings Cross - serves a simple and no-frills burger.

It has three different burgers (£8 – £11.50) – chicken, beef and vegetarian. There may be several variations on the different toppings that you can add, but the idea at Honest Burger is to, well, serve an honest burger. The name’s just about right.

The Beef Burger (£8) ticked all the right boxes. The dry aged beef patty is superbly cooked, but it is the red onion relish that elevates the taste and had us feeling ridiculously contented and delighted. Yes, the magic that a good burger has on us is really quite inexplicable. Gluten-free buns are also made available for the more health conscious ones. Much has been said about the rosemary-salted chips, and they were indeed addictive. Wash down everything with a glass of homemade lemonade and your day is complete.

4a Meard Street London W1F 0EF
Tel: +44 20 3609 9524
Mon to Wed: 12pm – 11pm
Thu to Sat: 11.45am – 11pm
Sun: 12pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Piccadilly Circus

MEATLIQUOR

MEATliquor has been getting mixed reviews since its opening in 2011 – fans of MEATliquor love it for its edgy vibe and lips-smacking good burgers, while some people say it is more hype and no substance, and that its queue during dinner times is not worth it.

The meat burger was all right. The beef patty was too charred for our liking, and we thought the bun could be grilled slightly longer. Nonetheless, MEATliquor is still a place that is worth dropping by if you haven’t tried. It is cool, hip and fun. The dimly-lit interior is accompanied with red neon lights and loud music blasting in the background. MEATliquor is more like a club than restaurant, and dining here is more about the experience while the burgers are part of the show.

74 Welbeck St, London W1G 0BA
Tel: +44 20 7224 4239
Mon to Thu: 12pm – 12 midnight
Fri: 12pm – 2am
Sat: 12pm – 2am
Sun: 12pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Bond Street/Oxford Circus

PATTY & BUN

Patty & Bun has achieved cult status in London for serving one of the best burgers. Messy, greasy and fingers-licking good, Patty & Bun’s Smokey Robinson Burger (£8.50) is the perfect burger. It comes with everything you need in a burger – caramelised onions, bacon, smokey mayo, cheese, tomato, lettuce, and a beef patty which is cooked to perfection. We wolfed it down within minutes.

Beyond the amazing burger, the mood at Patty & Bun is hippy and loud; you instantly feel cool just by dining there. It truly delivers a unique and complete burger experience.

The next time we are in London, we are going to head straight to Patty & Bun from the airport. The burger is one of the must-eats and one that is worth every calorie.

54 James Street
Tel: +44 20 7487 3188
Tue to Thu: 12pm – 11pm
Fri & Sat: 12pm – 11pm
Sun: 12pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Bond Street

SHAKE SHACK

Shake Shack, an institution in New York City, opened its first-ever UK Shack in July 2013 to much fanfare. Located in the historic Market Building near the Royal Opera House in London’s Covent Garden, Shake Shack offers the usual classic dishes. Sink your teeth into a juicy cheeseburger here before catching a musical at the West End.

24 Market Building, The Piazza
Covent Garden, London
Mon to Sat: 11am – 11pm
Sun: 11am – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Leicester Square

For more recommendations, read our definite guide on where to eat at London.

Not the most pleasant word in the dictionary, but a dinner at Beast King Crab & Steak Restaurant is surely one of the most memorable dinners we’ve had at London. Fans of the ever-popular Burger & Lobster would know that Beast Restaurant is the other brainchild of the same owner, and it is a five-month-old joint that is the talk of the town.

It is similar, yet very different. Beast Restaurant is a posh outlet in Marylebone, and it is a stunning underground restaurant for diners of the after-dark. Longitudinal log tables and seats fill the indoor sitting area, together with endless candles to light up the restaurant. It felt like we stepped right in to a scene from Phantom of The Opera – the regal British atmosphere is second to none. The open kitchen makes the place less intimidating and we had fun exchanging banters with the chefs. The team of wait staff stands all around the space, ever ready to serve.

Be seated, have a drink, and the staff will brief you about how Beast Restaurant works. There is no menu. At £75 per person, you are in for a feast that is fit for even the biggest beast. Like many other things in London that will shock you with its price tag, this dinner is an indulgence, one that only those with a raw love for premium steak and Norwegian red king crab will covet. If you are willing to splurge, Beast Restaurant will promise you a theatrical and gastronomical experience.

And the night began with an appetiser of cheese platter for us. Presented in a hacked cheese wheel, dig in to crumbly good cheese and savour them with the accompanying olives and artichoke.

The succeeding salads come in different variations – every one so fresh and tasty. Beetroot and roasted potatoes, French beans and plump tomatoes, each salad came in a lovely portion and the plates fast filled our table. Refills are available and free of charge, and if you love beetroot as much as we do, one serving is definitely not enough.

But save some space for the stars of the show – Norwegian Red King Crab and Angus Beef. The sheer size of the crab was jaw-dropping for all of us at our table of four, and the slab of steak was so thick and perfectly medium rare – just the way we had wanted it. And we were to understand why the dinner was well worth the £75/pax we paid.

The king crab was the freshest we ever had, every leg so long with full chunks of sweet flesh. It was so good that we almost forgot that it came with condiments. We would suggest eating the crab on its own, but they taste marvellous too with the accompanying herb butter sauce and Thai sweet chili dip.

And we cannot get over how beastly the steak was! No pun intended. We spoke with the chefs and learned that each steak requires an average cooking time of 40 minutes – depending on the customer’s preferred doneness – and another 5 minutes of cooling down before it is served to pamper palates.

You get either a USDA Rib Eye or Striploin, or both if you have a group of four and more. The doneness can be done separately if not all diners have the same preference, but medium rare is the most ideal to fully enjoy the creaminess of the beef.

Think the show is over? Not really, because everyone needs some sugar for the soul. The daily desserts differ, but the mainstay – a very groundbreaking one – is the deconstructed cheesecake that we polished off despite the fact that we were already so bloated after our starters and mains. We were not told that desserts were to be served, but boy were we glad all the same. A very intricate creation, Beast Restaurant’s version of deconstructed cheesecake is presented like a work of art, and tasted better than it looked. Even our friend who is not usually a fan of sweets was wowed by it and couldn’t resist helping himself to more!

We went in starved, and left very stuffed. And very impressed with dinner. We love Beast Restaurant, as with Burger & Lobster. The owner is brilliant and he must feel so proud with two very successful concepts. The idea is to be so damn good at one thing, and leave people with no choice but to try it to complete their lives. And Beast Restaurant has done exactly just that.

Beast Restaurant
3 Chapel Place
London, W1G 0BG
Tel: +44 20 7495 1816
Nearest Station: Bond Street/Oxford Circus

Messy, greasy and fingers-licking good, Patty & Bun’s Smokey Robinson Burger (£8.50) is the perfect burger. It comes with everything you need in a burger – caramelised onions, bacon, smokey mayo, cheese, tomato, lettuce, and a beef patty which is cooked to perfection. We wolfed it down within minutes. It was, hands down, the best burger that we have had in London.

Beyond the amazing burger, the mood at Patty & Bun is hippy and loud; you instantly feel cool just by dining there. It truly delivers a unique and complete burger experience. Patty & Bun currently has two locations in London, but we won’t be surprised if they open more branches in the future. The next time we are in London, we are going to head straight to Patty & Bun from the airport. The burger is one of the must-eats whenever we are in town.

Patty & Bun
22/23 Liverpool Street
London EC2M &PD
Tel: +44 20 7621 1331
Mon to Wed: 11.30am – 10pm
Thu & Fri: 11.30am – 11pm
Sat: 11.30am – 9pm
Sun: 11.30am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Liverpool Street

54 James Street
Tel: +44 20 7487 3188
Tue to Thu: 12pm – 11pm
Fri & Sat: 12pm – 11pm
Sun: 12pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Bond Street

We had many great meals when we were in London last week, but the standout was the dinner that we had at Flat Iron Steak. It is one of those hip and trendy no-reservation restaurants that have been popping up all over Soho. If we had to describe Flat Iron Steak in just one word, it would be brilliant.

There is only one dish on the menu – the flat iron steak. The steak is superbly cooked and very tasty. While the flat iron is not the best cut, at £10 for a steak, it is extremely value for money and warrants a visit. You can order accompanying sides such as dripping cooked fries, creamed spinach, and roast aubergine.

We love dining concepts like these that just focus on doing one item well. It would be really cool if there are more of such dining concepts, just imagine restaurants that specialise in serving one signature item.

Flat Iron Steak
17 Beak Street
London WC2H 8LS
Nearest Station: Oxford Circus/Piccadilly Circus

Fine dining is a flourishing business in London, with countless of hopeful fancy restaurants competing endlessly to be at the forefront of this extravagant trade. From United Kingdom’s highest restaurant to the regular hangout of Kate Moss, these extraordinary places will make your dining experience worth every pound. Here are 5 of the best fine dining restaurants in London that you must dine at.

Duck and Waffle

Dining at Duck and Waffle is truly an extravaganza. Upon entering Heron Tower, feel your pulses quicken as you are transported to the 40th level in 12 seconds. Its prime location on the 40th floor and offers an unrivalled panorama view of the capital of United Kingdom. What is most astonishing is that the modern European restaurant-cum-bar is open 24/7!

As its name suggests, Duck and Waffle’s signature dish is Duck and Waffle – A tender duck confit complemented with a fried duck egg and maple-strewn waffle. Photography is prohibited when celebrities happen to dine in the restaurant.

Heron Tower
110 Bishopsgate
London EC2N 4AY
Tel: +44 20 3640 7310
Daily: 6am – 11am, 11.30am – 4.30pm, 5.30pm – 12 midnight
Nearest Station: Liverpool Street

Gauthier

Gauthier Soho is a multi-award winning restaurant that offers marvelous food at very affordable prices. Their prices remain humble despite having been featured in reputable press such as The New York Times and being bestowed a Michelin-star in 2011.

Believe it or not, two-course set lunches at Gauthier start from as low as £18 per head! The French brasserie is located in a homely setting and patrons have to ring the doorbell before being led upstairs to the dining area. Gauthier Soho certainly deserves to regain its Michelin star for its excellent food, gorgeous interiors and lovely staff.

21 Romilly Street
London W1D 5AF
Tel: +44 20 7494 3111
Mon: 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Tue to Sat: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Leicester Square

Hakksan

Hakksan was the first Chinese restaurant to be awarded a Michelin-star and till this very day, its prestigious star remains. Famous designer Christian Liaigre is the brainchild behind the dimly lit grand dining area, which grants patrons a sense of romantic intimacy.

Hakksan’s classy ambience and impressive dishes have revolutionized Londoners’ impression of Chinese food. The menu consists of traditional Cantonese cuisine with a Western twist. Start with their four-style dim sum platter, which consists of mouthwatering delicate fusion dumplings.

8 Hanway Place
Fitzrovia, UK W1T 1HD
Tel: +44 20 7907 1888
Mon to Wed: 12pm – 3.30pm, 6pm – 12.30am
Thu & Fri: 12pm – 3.30pm, 6pm – 12.45am
Sat & Sun: 12pm – 4.30pm, 6pm – 12.45am
Nearest Station: Green Park/Bond Street

Pearl Liang

British restaurant critic Giles Coren had given this thumbs up on Pearl Liang’s lobster noodles a few years ago and till date, the dish remains a hot favourite. After having a few bites of the aromatic dish, we had to agree with him.

Chunks of fresh lobster meat and chewy noodles dipped in the fragrant thick sauce had us sold. While prices are slightly steep (expect to pay two times more than what you pay in China Town), the aesthetics do make up for it. End your meal with the delicious deep fried chrysanthemum custard buns, which comes in a set of three.

8 Sheldon Sq
Paddington, UK W2 6EZ
Tel: +44 20 7289 7000
Daily: 12noon – 11pm
Nearest Station: Paddington

The Wolseley

While we will never be royals, the nearest experience of being one would be dining at The Wolseley. The grand European café’s stunning Venetian-Gothic architecture was once home to a prestigious car showroom in 1921.

Today, it is famed for its breakfast menu, especially the eggs benedict. During high tea, your eyes are in a treat as assortment of fluffy sandwiches, jam-filled scones and sweet cakes are stacked onto three tier stands. British celebrities are in favour of this glorious place and Kate Moss is the most frequently spotted one.

160 Piccadilly
Mayfair, UK W1J 9EB
Tel: +44 20 7499 6996
Mon to Fri: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 5.30pm – 11.30pm
Sat & Sun: 11.30am – 3pm, 5.30pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Green park

About the writer
Hui Jun Ng was previously a marketing executive and freelance photographer in the food industry. Her work has been published on Epicure, Lifestyle Asia and Meld Magazine etc. She is currently on a break and traveling around the world. Follow her travel adventures on Instagram or The Keepers Map where she shares useful curated travel itineraries.

When I was planning my trip to London, there was only one goal – to squeeze in as many good meals as possible into my itinerary, and I am happy to tell you that I managed to check out most of the places on my to-eat list. The next time you are in London, I hope this guide on Where to Eat in London will be helpful.

Burger & Lobster

If there could only be one place for me to recommend, this would be it. The concept of Burger & Lobster is brilliant. There are only three items on the menu – burger, lobster and lobster roll – and at £20 each, they represent fantastic value. A whole fresh lobster grilled to perfection, a generous bowl of lemon butter dip, and served with a side salad and a bucket of fries – all for only £20?

It has the winning formula: a sexy crowd, delicious cocktails, unpretentious and fun atmosphere, and brilliant food at an unbeatable price.

36 Dean Street, Greater London W1D 4PS
Tel: +44 20 7432 4800
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 10.30pm
Sun: 12pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Leicester Square

Dinner by Heston Blumenthal

If you are a fan of Chef Heston Blumenthal – chef and owner of The Fat Duck – you should drop by Dinner by Heston Blumenthal at the swanky Mandarin Oriental, Hyde Park. Go there for their three-course sample menu during lunch, which is reasonably priced at £36.

Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park
66 Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7LA
Daily: 12pm -2.30pm, 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Knightsbridge

Fernandez and Wells

When you are in Soho, you should go to Fernandez and Wells for a coffee. They have three locations – Beak Street, Lexington Street and St Anne’s Court – in the area, so I am sure you can find them easily.

73 Beak Street, London W1F 9SR
Tel: +44 20 7287 8124
Mon to Fri: 7.30am – 6pm
Sat: 9am – 6pm
Sun: 10am – 5pm
Nearest Station: Piccadilly Circus

Flat White

Another cafe in Soho to go for coffee is Flat White, a small and humble artisanal coffee joint which aims to bring good coffee to London.

17 Berwick Street, London, Greater London W1F 0PT
Tel: +44 20 7734 0370
Mon to Fri: 8am – 7pm
Sat & Sun: 9am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Oxford Circus

Four Seasons Duck

Four Seasons Restaurant serves many Cantonese dishes, but what keeps people going back again and again is the legendary roast duck.

84 Queensway London, Greater London W2 3RL
Tel: +44 20 7229 4320
Daily: 12pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Bayswater

Hawksmoor

One of the most popular steakhouses in London, Hawksmoor has several branches in town, but we went to the new branch at Air Street, which is just a 2-minute walk from Piccadilly Circus station. Given the proximity to the theatres, it has a very value-for-money Express Menu for pre-theatre dining (5pm – 6.30pm), and post-theatre dining (10-11pm). A 3-course menu with a 250g ribeye as the main course is only £26.

5a Air Street, London W1J 0AD
Mon to Fri: 12pm – 3pm, 5pm – 10.30pm
Sat: 12pm – 11pm
Sun: 12pm – 10.30pm
Tel: +44 20 7406 3980
Nearest Station: Picadilly Circus

Hix

This is a good place to sample Mark Hix’s signature seasonal British cooking in a stylish atmosphere. Some of the items on the main course menu include Ground Rib Steak Burger (£16.95), Glenarm Lamb Cutlets (£23.50) and Moyallon Bacon Chop (£18.75), but we would recommend the Hanger Steak with Baked Bone Marrow (£19.95). There is also a very hip underground bar where you can go for pre-dinner cocktails.

66-70 Brewer Street, London, W1F 9UP
Tel: 020 7292 3518
Daily: 12pm – 11.30pm
Nearest Station: Piccadilly Circus

Hummingbird Bakery

A trip to London would not be complete without having the legendary red velvet cupcake from Hummingbird Bakery. Enough said. Do yourself a favour and pick up a red velvet cupcake; they make the world’s best red velvet cupcake, and few things in life are as satisfying as sinking your teeth into the moist and crumble red cupcake.

155a Wardour Street, Soho Square, London W1F 8WG
Tel: +44 20 7851 1795
Mon to Sat: 9.30pm – 8pm
Sun: 10am – 7pm
Nearest Station: Tottenham Court Road

Jamie’s Italian

Jamie Oliver needs no introduction. Jamie’s Italian serves rustic and comforting Italian fare at prices that will not burn a hole in the pocket. Pastas are available from £6 – £15, and most main courses are under £20.

11 Upper St Martin’s Lane, London WC2H 9FB
Tel: +44 20 3326 6390
Mon to Fri: 12pm – 11.30pm
Sat: 11.30am – 11.30pm
Sun: 12pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Covent Garden

Koya

This Japanese eatery in Soho attracts a long crowd during meal times – from tourists who have heard about this place from travel guides and blogs, to Asians seeking comfort food while being across the globe from home.

Koya is listed in our Top 10 Cheap Eats in London.

49 Frith Street, London, Greater London W1D 4SG
Tel: +44 20 7434 4463
Daiiy: 12pm – 3pm, 5.30pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Tottenham Court Road

L’Eto Caffe

And then, there is L’eto that sits on the same street as Hummingbird Bakery. They have an insane display of daily fresh bakes, and it is almost frustrating to pick just one. Every item baked and assembled with love, and you can almost smell the pastry chefs’ passion in every piece. The best part? They are very affordable.

155 Wardour Street, London W1F 8WG
Tel: +44 20 7494 4991
Mon to Tue: 8am – 9pm
Wed to Sat: 8am – 11pm
Sun: 9am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Tottenham Court Road

Little Social

For those of you who cannot get a table at Pollen Street Social, head to Little Social – Jason Atherton’s new restaurant that is just over the road from the original.

5 Pollen Street, London, Greater London W1S 1NE
Nearest Station: Oxford Circus

Lola’s Bakery

When I asked for suggestions on Instagram for the best cupcake bakery in London, many people told me to try Lola’s Bakery. I have to say that the recommendations are spot on. The cupcakes from Lola’s are moist and very delicious. Definitely one of the best cupcakes in London.

16 Lansdowne Row, Berkeley Square, London W1J 8QF
Tel: +44 20 7495 6166
Mon to Fri: 9am – 7pm
Sat: 10am – 4pm
Nearest Station: Green Park

Maison Bertaux

Maison Bertaux, one of the oldest patisseries in London, is our go-to place for afternoon tea. They offer many beautiful cakes and pastries, but our favourite is their almond croissant.

28 Greek Street, London, Greater London W1D 5DQ
Tel: +44 20 7437 6007
Mon to Sat: 8.30am – 11pm
Sun: 9.30am – 8pm
Nearest Station: Leicester Square

Ottolenghi

Ottolenghi is one place in London that sets a smile on my face because each visit sees me swooning over their amazing array of desserts and pastries. You will know why when you are there.

Ottolenghi is listed in our Top 10 Cheap Eats in London.

63 Ledbury Road, London W11 2AD
Tel: +44 20 7727 1121
Mon to Fri: 8am – 8pm
Sat: 8am – 7pm
Sun: 8.30am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Bayswater

Pollen Street Social

Pollen Street Social by Chef Jason Atherton is one of the places that I have always wanted to try. After eating there, I am delighted to say that it lives up to its billing. Pollen Street Social serves a very good value-for-money set lunch (2-course for £26, 3 course for £29.50), which I highly recommend. It is a good way to dine there without breaking the bank.

8/10 Pollen Street, London W1S 1NQ, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 20 7290 7600
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Oxford Circus

Polpo

In London, there are many great restaurants that serve simple and delicious food in a casual and lively atmosphere, and Polpo is one of them.

Polpo is modelled as a Londoner’s interpretation of a bacaro – a typical Venetian tavern that dishes out simple food and good local wines. Think of it as an Italian version of tapas restaurant where you order small plates and drinks to unwind after a long day at work. Prices here are affordable; all the tapas are under £10.

41 Beak Street, London W1F 9SB, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 20 7734 4479
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 10.45pm
Sun: 12pm – 3.45pm
Nearest Station: Oxford Circus

Pitt Cue Co

Pitt Cue Co is one of those no-reservation restaurants in London, and it is not because they are playing hard to get, but because they only have 30 seats. The food here is not rocket science; just good ol’ American barbecue.

With limited seating capacity, this is a quick service restaurant and not a place to linger. If you do not mind waiting in line, what you get in return is a hearty meal at very decent prices.

Pitt Cue Co is listed in our Top 10 Cheap Eats in London.

1 Newburgh Street, London W1F 7RB
Tel: +44 20 7287 5578
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Oxford Circus

Punch and Judy

For a traditional British pub experience, go to Punch & Judy. This pub is where people go to grab a bite and have some drinks after work. The Sunday Roast, in particular, was hearty and satisfying.

40 The Market, Covent Garden, London WC2E 8RF
Tel: +44 20 7379 0923
Mon to Sat: 10am -11pm
Sun: 12pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Covent Garden

Restaurant Gordon Ramsay

Gordon Ramsay’s recent appearance in Singapore is a testament to his popularity. Love him or hate him, he is a character and with so many restaurants under his name, there is bound to be one that you will like. The set lunch at his flagship Restaurant Gordon Ramsay at Royal Hospital Road is only £55 for a 3-course menu – surely a steal for a three Michelin star restaurant.

68 Royal Hospital Road, London, Greater London SW3 4HP
Tel: +44 20 7352 4441
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 10.15pm
Nearest Station: Sloane Square

Roast Restaurant

If you are going to the famous Borough Market on the weekend, start off with a hearty brunch at Roast Restaurant. Perched above the Market, Roast uses seasonal ingredients to create classic British cooking.

Borough Market, Stoney Street, London, Greater London SE1 1TL
Tel: +44 845 034 7300
Mon to Fri: 7am – 11pm, 12pm – 3.45pm, 5.30pm – 10.45pm
Sat: 8.30am – 11.30pm, 12pm – 3.45pm, 6pm – 10.45pm
Sun: 11.30am – 6.30pm
Nearest Station: London Bridge

Most food lovers should be familiar with Chef Jason Atherton — who was formerly working for Gordon Ramsay at the highly-acclaimed Maze restaurant. Within the past two years, he has slowly built up his restaurant empire around the world. Some of his restaurants include 22 Ships in Hong Kong, Table No 1 in Shanghai, Esquina and Pollen restaurant in Singapore, and of course, Pollen Street Social in London – the first restaurant that he opened back in 2011 after leaving Gordon Ramsay.

I have heard a lot about Pollen Street Social from friends who are staying in London, and have always wanted to dine at the restaurant. After having a meal there, I am delighted to say that it lives up to its billing.

Pollen Street Social serves a well-priced set lunch (2-course for £26 and 3-course for £29.50). The set menu is small and concise, with three options under each category. We began with a refreshing Colchester crab salad, English asparagus, citrus, radish salad. Also good was a beautiful slow cooked egg with mushrooms on toast and crispy wild cabbage.

Following which, we had a Roasted Cornish Hake cooked in red wine, and accompanied by broccoli stem, cockles, crispy quinoa and whipped artichoke. The fish was fresh and tender, but what worked wonders for the dish was how the crispy quinoa and whipped artichoke complemented the fish.

The other main course was the perfectly-cooked Muntjac Deer with beetrot, red onions, puree potatoes, with smoked beetroot juice.

A pre-dessert of Pear sorbet with vanilla cream was served to cleanse the palate. To round off the meal, we opted for the Tiramisu. It was a deconstructed rendition consisting of chocolate sponge, Italian biscuit, Kahlua jelly, chocolate, mascarpone and chocolate sorbet. It was, in essence, a brilliant pairing in terms of textures and flavours.

The set lunch menu changes periodically, so most of the items that we had are no longer available. But you can be assured that the food at Pollen Street Social is always up to standard.

There are many fantastic restaurants in London that offer excellent set lunches, but I would venture to say that Pollen Street Social has one of the most value-for-money options in town. For something more substantial, go for the 8-course tasting menu at £79.

Pollen Street Social
8/10 Pollen Street
London W1S 1NQ, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 20 7290 7600
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Oxford Circus

The dining scene in London is very vibrant and there are so many good restaurants that it is almost impossible to keep up, even if you are living in the city. When I was doing my research for eating spots prior to the trip, one of the restaurants that kept popping out was Burger & Lobster – there are so many raved reviews about them online.

Of course, the question is: is the restaurant worth the hype? The answer is a big and undisputed YES. One of the most memorable meals that I had during my trip was at Burger & Lobster.

Tables at Burger & Lobster have been known to be hard to get – the waiting time is easily at least an hour or two. But when we were there in the middle of a weekday afternoon, we were very lucky as we only waited for 10 minutes.

The concept of Burger & Lobster is brilliant. There are only three items on the menu – burger, lobster and lobster roll – and at £20 each, they represent fantastic value. A whole fresh lobster grilled to perfection, a generous bowl of lemon butter dip, and served with a side salad and a bucket of fries – all for only £20? Forget about the burger, just go for the lobster or lobster roll.

The food is uncomplicated and nothing too fanciful – just delicious food that you can eat regularly. And the best part is dining here is actually fun. Everyone was having a great time.

Burger and Lobster has the winning formula: a sexy crowd, delicious cocktails, unpretentious and fun atmosphere, and brilliant food at unbeatable price. This would definitely be my top recommendation if you were to be in London for something special. It is a place where you can have a great time without breaking the bank.

Burger & Lobster
29 Clarges Street
Mayfair London
Tel: +44 20 7409 1699
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 10.30pm
Sun: 12pm – 5.30pm
Nearest Station: Green Park

36 Dean Street
Soho, London
Tel: +44 20 7432 4800
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 10.30pm
Sun: 12pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Leicester Square