Foodies: The 5 Places You Can’t Miss When You’re Visiting London

There’s a lot to love about London, especially in the summer. I love the incredibly diverse mixture of people, the thriving markets, the endless nightlife options, and of course the theater. How I miss the shows in London! The thing that always excites me the most about returning to the place I once called home, however, is the culinary scene.

My time in London is usually limited so it’s important to make the most of my time. One of my favourite options for researching flights and local transport into Central London is GoEuro, it’s simple to use and always means I’m fully prepared when I arrive.

Back to the big question, where am I going to eat? There are so many options but if I only had five chances to eat out, these are the places I would choose in London.

Wahaca: Mexican Market Eating

Image via Flickr by Nick-K (Nikos Koutoulas)

This isn’t your typical Mexican joint with with tequila flying everywhere. This is Mexican food done right with the best ingredients and a constantly evolving menu. Wahaca borrows its cooking style from the markets of Mexico, where flavors and ingredients are everything.

Hummingbird Bakery: American-Style Cupcakes

This bakery offers much more than just cupcakes, but with so many amazing flavors and styles available, you’ll need 20 visits before you even consider ordering anything else. As much as I tried to avoid eating too many cakes when I lived in London, it was hard to resist a quick visit if I was in the neighborhood. The black bottom cupcake is a particular favorite.

Fire and Stone: Covent Garden Pizza Restaurant

I’m a big fan of pizza, but Fire and Stone does things a little differently. I can’t even begin to count how many people I took here for roast potatoes on pizza during my time in London. While that’s what we typically set out to have, the ever-changing menu often led us to try something completely different. You won’t waste your time with a Margherita pizza here, especially when you can have a pizza with anything from mango chutney to wasabi.

The Pineapple Pub: Thai Kitchen

I was lucky enough to live just around the corner from this fantastic place in Kentish Town. Having just returned from living in Thailand, finding an authentic Thai restaurant was high on my list of things to do. Who’d have thought it would end up being the Pineapple Pub, which looks like the most typical British pub you could imagine? The surprise comes from the kitchen in the form of delicious Thai food, which is the closest I’ve found to the real thing.

Ping Pong: Dim Sum, Cocktails & Chinese Tea

Similar to Wahaca and Fire and Stone, Ping Pong has taken a new approach to a favorite food. This is Chinese food with a twist. The dim sum is fantastic, but all the other options made this a top choice for parties and large groups. With so many interesting dishes on the menu, it’s good that most come tapas-style. You and your friends can enjoy a variety of smaller dishes, allowing you to give almost everything a try.

You’re bound to find your own favorite restaurant in London, which is what makes the city such a paradise for foodies. Don’t be afraid to ask around for more recommendations. Everyone has a few favorite places, and you’re bound to stumble upon some hidden gems.