Food and drink

If you like to eat, drink and make merry, you’re living in the right place. Check out these ideas for a fun and filling night out.

Food

See Visit London for more information and recommendations on eating out in London.

London has a fantastic range of places to eat, from swanky restaurants to greasy spoons. The capital owes many of its rich pickings to its many ethnic communities. You can sample the tastiest dishes from around the world without getting on plane. Here’s a quick guide to some of London’s top treats:

British
Sometimes, the best place to go for traditional British fare is a good pub. Look out for one of the many ‘Gastro pubs’ which have emerged in London. They specialize in serving great food in a traditional pub environment. Check out this list of recommended restaurants serving British food.

Chinese
For a great range of Chinese food, your best bet is to head for China Town. This is the area just behind Leicester Square – there are lots of restaurants to choose from and Chinese supermarkets if you want to get the ingredients and try your hand at cooking your favourite Chinese dish. The nearest Tube station for China Town is Leicester Square. A map and list of recommended Chinese restaurants all over London are available here.

French
From posh nosh to more rustic café style restaurants there is lots of good French food available in London. A list of recommended French restaurants.

Indian
One of the best places to go for a huge selection of Indian restaurants is Brick Lane in East London. This street is teeming with Indian cafes and restaurants – just walking around and smelling the spices will leave your mouth watering. The nearest Tube stations to Brick Lane are Liverpool Street and Aldgate East. See a list of recommended Indian restaurants all over London.

Italian
Wherever you are in London, it’s unlikely that you will be far away from an Italian restaurant. There’s a generous sprinkling of the normal chain restaurants such as Pizza Express and Pizza Hut as well as lots of small independent eateries. A list of recommended Italian restaurants is available online.

Thai
London has a great range of Thai restaurants. Have a wander around any busy area and you should come across at least one Thai eaterie. Check out specific Thai restaurant recommendations.

Turkish
If you love a good kebab and would like to try more Turkish food, head to for Green Lanes in North East London. The nearest tube stations are Arsenal, Manor House and Highbury & Islington. A list of recommended Turkish restaurants throughout London and a map of Green Lanes are available online.

Drink

See Visit London for a more extensive guide to eating and drinking in the capital.

Whether you fancy sipping in a sophisticated wine bar or would prefer a good honest pint down the pub, there are thousands of good drinking holes in London.

Pubs with spirit
You might already have a favourite local pub but it’s worth checking out some London classics. Some pubs in the city have been there since Victorian times and are in beautiful historic buildings. If you’re interested in visiting some of these places, try the Historic Pubs of London Guided Tour. Check out pub recommendations here.