Feel like going out for dinner in London, but have no advance booking or patience for queueing for hours? We know exactly what you mean. Here’s our favourite London restaurants to avoid the crowds and treat your tastebuds. From the freshest fish and chips, to irresistible Asian treats, we’ve selected best spots in great London neighbourhoods to hang out before or after your meal.
London’s best fish and chips at The Laughing Halibut
The best fish and chips? You can find it in Westminster, nearby the Big Ben and the Parliament. Whether you’ve lived in the city for years, or visited a 100 times, the view of these iconic buildings along the Thames, doesn’t get old. At The Laughing Halibut, the prices vary depending on the fish chosen (from £9.50 to £16) – luckily you won’t be disappointed no matter what you go for! If you’re not in the mood for this traditional dish, there are other British classics on the menu as well (yes, English breakfast is there too).
Price per pax: £10-20
Neighbourhood: Westminster
Asian delights at Kiln
Soho is a foodie heaven (one of the very many in London!) and one place you cannot miss is Kiln. This Thai barbecue restaurant is influenced by the regions where Thailand borders Burma, Laos and Yunnan. Enjoy genuine Thai food and don’t worry if your tolerance for spiciness is not very high – the food here is made fresh, so just speak to friendly staff about adjusting the heat to what you can handle. Klin is open all day on Saturdays and Sundays, so you should have no problem squeezing a visit there in your weekend plans.
Price per pax: £20-30
Neighbourhood: Soho
Tasty Indian food at Tandoor Chop House
Yes, Covent Garden can get crowded, but we don’t want to keep this Indian treasure from you! Just a walking distance from Trafalgar Square, the National Gallery and Charing Cross Train Station, there is Tandoor Chop House. Besides an impressive à la carte menu, they offer ‘The Big Feast’ – a three course sharing menu at £28 per person. If you’re around earlier in a day, choose from lunch menu packed with Indian classics from Monday to Friday for £16. Of course, you can always find more Indian goodness along Brick Lane…
Price per pax: £25-40
Neighbourhood: Convent Garden
Late night fried rice at the Smoking Goat
In East London’s hipster hotspot, Shoreditch, the Smoking Goat is a must for foodies. This restaurant is inspired by the late night canteens of Bangkok and serves the best fried rice in London for only £3.80! With dishes ranging anywhere from £5 to £35, this place is open all day from Friday to Sunday. Visit for a complete meal or pop in for breakfast or just a snack – any time of day is good for a portion of fried rice…
Price per pax: £20-40
Neighbourhood: Shoreditch
Authentic Chinese at Xu
Finding a good place to eat in Chinatown is not that easy when you want to avoid tourist traps and try authentic flavours. That’s why want to share a hidden gem called Xu. It offers contemporary Asian cuisine and the food is just finger-licking good. Like any of our other picks, it’s friendly to your wallet. Enjoy mouthwatering dumplings for £6, main courses for around £20, or go for one of their set menus starting at £19.
Price per pax: £20-40
Neighbourhood: Chinatown
London’s best Italian? Padella
Ok, there’s a lot of GREAT Italian food in London town, but our choice is Padella on the South Bank. Just around the corner from Borough Market (a great spot for food in itself when the market is on!), London Bridge and the Tate Modern, you can find this fancy pasta bar. Their delicious fresh pastas range from £4 to £12, so again, this spot is very budget-friendly! They don’t take reservations, so just be spontaneous, and if you can’t get a table straight away, have a drink around the corner and wait for your message to tell you your table is ready!
Price per pax: £20-30
Neighbourhood: South Bank
Written by travellers Tatiana Bernardes and Inês Lopes.
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