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TRAVEL

Where to Eat in London:

Best Restaurants for First Time Visitors

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Dishoom

Best All Around

Our go-to London restaurant. So good, we eat there every time we visit, twice. Great decor, affordable prices, and amazing Irani-influenced Indian food  make this my number one pic for a night out in London.

 

There are five locations, all with their own feel and style, and all are worth a visit. Check out this Dishoom Ultimate Guide to decide which is the best fit. My favorite dish is the Murgh Malai: chicken thighs marinated in garlic, ginger, coriander and cream. By all means check out some of the smaller Indian cafes on Bricklane in Shoreditch, but if you are looking for quality food and a stylish atmosphere, this is your spot. They only take reservations for parties of 6 or more, so if you are a couple, get there early or plan on eating late, because the line can get LONG. $$

Photo courtesy of @dani_occhuzzo

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Coppa Club

For the Gram

This one is more for the experience. The Tower Bridge location is right on the Thames next to the Tower of London, and features styled "igloos" which give a breath taking view of the city. To be honest I don't remember the food, we just went for morning pastries, but it was worth it. If you follow them on Instagram, they open up reservations for the igloos months in advance and it's nearly impossible to get a spot. BUT, we discovered they always leave one igloo open for walk-ins, so we arrived right at opening and had the whole igloo to ourselves. So plan to arrive right before opening (7:30am) for coffee and a pastry and watch the sun rise over the Tower Bridge. After, go straight to the Tower of London for an early Yeoman Warder tour and you have a perfect first morning in London. Find our more at How To Visit the Coppa Club Igloos Without a Reservation $$

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St. John Bread and Wine

For When you Want to Feel Like a Local

St. John is a bakery that provides bread and pastries to locations all over London. St John Bread and Wine is their casual restaurant in restaurant in Spitafields. We wanted to go for dinner but couldn't fit it in to our schedule, so we popped in for breakfast. A beautiful, small cafe with bright white walls and wooden decor, this place pulls in mostly locals and you'll actually feel like you belong. Not to mention, their bacon sandwich is the best breakfast sandwich I have ever had. Seriously, it's just bread and bacon, but damn. $$

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Photo courtesy of @phaybulous

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Bourne and Hollingsworth

For Trendy Brunch

Bright and botanical, this place is my ideal aesthetic. Great brunch specials, endless cocktails on the weekends, and the perfect photo spot. Go on a Sunday after a stop at the Columbia Road Flower Market for a perfect morning. Get your girls together and enjoy. $$

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Polo Bar

For a Late Night Bite

London's take on a kitchy diner. A narrow restaurant with three floors, this place is open 24 hours and is great for a late night bite. The salt beef bagels were phenomenal and they do ridiculous stacks of pancakes. Check out their Instagram for more food photos @polo24hourbar. $

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Photo courtesy of @_amyflood_

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Duck and Waffle

For a View

Another 24 hour spot, Duck and Waffle offers delicious casual London fare with a jaw dropping view. Situated on the 40th floor, you get a great view of the city including the Tower Bridge, the Gherkin and the London Eye. The view does come at a bit of a price, but it is designed for sharing so grab a few things of the all day menu and sit back and relax. They are best known for, you guessed it, their Duck and Waffle. $$$

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Photo courtesy of @jeniashtefan

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Sushi Samba

For the Atmosphere

This one wins for food and experience. Sushi Samba is an upscale Japanese, Peruvian, and Brazilian

restaurant with two locations and swanky decor. The location in London City has grand views similar to Duck and Waffle, but I'm partial to the Covent Garden location because of the  beautiful ambiance as shown in the picture on the left. Definitely on the expensive side, so make a reservation and head there at sunset for a special night out. $$$

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Nando's

For a Budget

When you're on a budget but still want to eat like a local, head straight to Nando's. I laughed the first time a friend and frequent Londonite recommended this to me; why would I go to a random chain restaurant when there is so much other good food to be had? Because it's delicious, cheap, and free of tourists. Think of it like you local lunch spot. They specialize in South African peri-peri chicken, and it's delicious. $

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