If you are visiting London this weekend or ever in the future, you should prepare your taste buds for the culinary adventure. London is famous for its various food scene that offers everything from casual street food to Michelin-starred fine dining experiences. No matter whether you are craving pasta, traditional British fare or Taiwanese street food. You are good to go, as London has something to delight every palate.
Well, taste and experience are two subjective aspects, but with that in mind, the article has selected the top five must-try eateries when visiting London, even for once. Below are the names of the restaurants, each offering a unique dining experience that reflects the vibrant food culture of London.
5 Eateries You Must Try
| Restaurant | Signature Dish | Rating (Michelin Stars) | Awards | Location |
| Padella | Pici Cacio e Pepe | 0 | Best Cheap Eat (Evening Standard Restaurant Awards), Best Dish (London Restaurant Festival Awards) | Borough Market, Shoreditch |
| The Ledbury | Tasting Menu | 3 | World’s 50 Best Restaurants, UK Restaurant of the Year (Sunday Times) | Notting Hill |
| Bao | Bao Buns | 0 | Michelin Bib Gourmand | Soho, Borough Market, Kings Cross |
| The Clove Club | Seasonal Tasting Menu | 2 | World’s 50 Best Restaurants, No.1 Restaurant in the UK (Sunday Times) | Shoreditch |
| St. John | Roast Bone Marrow, Welsh Rarebit | 0 | Michelin Bib Gourmand | Smithfield |
St. John
No list of London’s must-visit eateries would be complete without mentioning St. John. This is located near Smithfield market, chef Fergus Henderson opened this in 1994. Since then, the restaurant of London has been very prolific for its nose-to-tail dining movement. This is because of its effort to emphasize using every part of the animal. The philosophy of the founder is all about celebrating traditional British cooking along decreasing waste production. This is a concept that has resonated with food lovers around every nook and corner of the world.
What to try? St. John is famous for dishes including roast one marrow with parsley salad and ox heart with ships and aioli. The menu changes and depends on what is in season and available at the nearby market. Nevertheless, visitors can always expect bold and hearty flavors.
While the idea of nose-to-tail dining some can find daunting, the eatery’s approach is anything but intimidating. The dishes are simple yet prepared by experts, allowing the quality of the ingredients to shine through.
Padella
Nestled in the heart of Borough Market, this restaurant of London is a favorite for pasta lovers. Padella is even known as a paradise to them. The restaurant has earned a reputation as one of the best places in London for fresh and hand-rolled pasta. This small yet cozy eatery is known for its simplicity and focus on quality ingredients.
Padella’s philosophy is rooted in the belief that great pasta does not have to be overly complicated. Rather. It should be fresh, flavourful and perfectly cooked.
What to try? The menu at Padella is compact but curated very thoughtfully. It offers dishes including the pappardelle with beef shin ragu along with the cacio e pepe are standout options. However, everything on the menu is worth trying. Diners rave about the delicate texture of the pasta and also the richness of the sauces absolutely made in-house.
The Ledbury
The Ledbury is a Michelin-starred modern European restaurant. If you want to have a more upscale dining experience, this eatery can prove the right choice for you, located in Notting Hill. This two-Michelin-starred restaurant is well recognised for its refined yet innovative take on modern European cuisine, and it is crafted by head chef Brett Graham. The Ledbury is a celebration of seasonal ingredients with a menu that changes to highlight the best produce available.
What to try? The restaurant is very popular for its offering a tasting menu and an a la carte option. Its signature dishes are the flame-grilled mackerel with Celtic mustard and shiso, along with the jowl of pork with carrots and endive. Dining at The Ledbury is a more formal affair, and it is perfect for a special occasion or for those looking to indulge in one of the finest culinary experiences in London.
Bao Soho
To try something different, head to Bao in Soho. This casual eatery brings the flavours of Taiwanese street food to London. Bao has been special for many visitors for its soft, pillowy streamed buns that give the restaurant its name. Ever since the restaurant opened in 2015, it has become a cult favourite that attracts long queues of diners to get their hands on these delectable buns.
What to try? Confused about selecting the right dish? Bao’s menu is built around guo bao, which means streamed buns filled with various meats and vegetables. The classic pork bao stuffed with slow-cooked pork, peanut powder and fermented greens is a must-order. Other popular options include the fried chicken bao along with the shiitake mushroom bao. These are for vegetarians. It would be a great regret to forget to try the Taiwanese fried chicken along with the soy-braised beef cheek.
The Clove Club
The Clove Club is another Michelin-starred restaurant, and it is located in the trendy neighborhood of Shoreditch. It is known for its contemporary take on British cuisine. The restaurant offers a tasting menu that features a creative blend of techniques and flavors. Its relaxed ambience and unpretentious vibe make it a favorite among food enthusiasts.
What to try? The tasting menu is the best way to experience The Clove Club’s culinary artistry. The eatery offers dishes including buttermilk fried chicken with pine salt and Scottish langoustine with rhubarb and rose. The other dishes are burnt clementine granita, where these variations demonstrate the kitchen’s ability to surprise and delight diners.
FAQ
What is Padella known for?
Padella is renowned for its fresh, hand-rolled pasta, particularly the Pici Cacio e Pepe and pappardelle with beef shin ragu.
Is The Ledbury a Michelin-starred restaurant?
Yes, The Ledbury holds 3 Michelin stars and is known for its refined modern European cuisine.
What makes Bao in Soho unique?
Bao specializes in Taiwanese street food, particularly its soft, pillowy steamed buns called gua bao, filled with various meats and vegetables.
What is St. John’s signature approach to dining?
St. John is famous for its “nose-to-tail” dining philosophy, using every part of the animal, making it a pioneer of sustainable British cuisine.
What is a must-try dish at St. John?
The roast bone marrow with parsley salad is one of the signature dishes at St. John, highly praised by food lovers.
What type of menu does The Clove Club offer?
The Clove Club offers a tasting menu that features contemporary British cuisine with creative techniques and flavours.
Do these restaurants require reservations?
While some, like Padella, may not take reservations, it is recommended to book in advance for places like The Ledbury and The Clove Club due to their popularity.
Are there vegetarian options at these eateries?
Yes, Bao offers vegetarian options like the shiitake mushroom bao, and most restaurants have vegetarian-friendly dishes or can accommodate requests.
