London is one of the best cities in the world for food lovers. The English capital offers an incredible mix of cultures, with restaurants from almost every country, historic food markets and traditional pubs that are part of British identity.
Despite its reputation as an expensive city, London has options for every type of traveler: from sophisticated restaurants to street food, markets and pubs where you can enjoy great food without spending too much.
We visited London and can say: trying the local cuisine is part of the experience of discovering the city. Beyond the famous fish and chips, there are traditional dishes, multicultural neighborhoods and historic places that deserve a spot on your itinerary.
What you will find in this post:
Traditional British food you need to try
Before choosing where to eat in London, it is worth knowing some of the most traditional dishes from the United Kingdom. British cuisine has a strong connection with pubs, comforting meals and recipes that are part of the country's history.
Fish and chips
The most famous British dish around the world! Fish and chips consists of battered fish served with french fries. It is usually accompanied by tartar sauce, peas and lemon.
English breakfast
The traditional English breakfast is a complete meal with eggs, bacon, sausages, baked beans, tomatoes, mushrooms and toast. Although it may feel heavy for some travelers, it is worth trying at least once.
Sunday Roast
One of Britain's greatest classics. Traditionally served on Sundays, this dish includes roasted meat, potatoes, vegetables, gravy and the famous Yorkshire pudding.
Pie (English savory pie)
Savory pies are very popular in England. Traditional flavors include meat with gravy, chicken and mushrooms. It is a great option for a quick and typical British meal.
Scones with English tea
The famous afternoon tea experience includes tea served with scones, jam and cream. It is a classic experience for anyone who wants to discover a more traditional side of London.
Best restaurants and pubs in London
London has thousands of restaurants, so choosing where to eat can be challenging. For a first visit, we recommend combining traditional pubs, historic restaurants and places loved by locals.
Traditional English pubs
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The Churchill Arms:
One of London's most famous pubs, known for its flower-covered decoration and its combination of British tradition with Thai food. It is one of the most photographed pubs in the city. -
The Blackfriar:
A historic pub near the City of London, famous for its medieval architecture and traditional atmosphere. It is a great place to try classic British dishes. -
Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese:
One of London's oldest pubs, with centuries of history. The traditional interior makes it perfect for travelers looking for a historic British experience.
Best food markets in London
One of the best ways to eat well in London is by visiting its food markets. Besides offering food from around the world, many of them have centuries of history and are an important part of the city's culture.
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Borough Market:
London's most famous food market and a must-visit for food lovers. Located near London Bridge, it offers international food stalls, cheeses, desserts, coffee and artisan products. It is a great place to try different dishes during one visit. -
Camden Market:
One of London's most famous and alternative markets. Besides shops and its unique atmosphere, it offers many street food options, including Asian, Mexican, Indian and British cuisine. -
Seven Dials Market:
Located near Covent Garden, it is a great option for those who want to try different types of food in a modern and comfortable environment. -
Mercato Mayfair:
A unique food market located inside a former church. Besides the food, the space itself is worth visiting.
Where to eat cheap in London
London has a reputation for being an expensive city, but there are many ways to save money without giving up on good food.
While a meal at a traditional restaurant usually costs between £15 and £30 per person, it is possible to find good options for less than £10.
💡 Tip to save money in London
One of the best ways to save money is by visiting food markets and choosing restaurants with lunch menus. Many places offer cheaper meals during the day.
Another tip is to look for restaurants in less touristy neighborhoods. Areas like Soho, Camden and Shoreditch have great options at different price ranges.
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Street food:
Markets such as Borough Market and Camden Market offer many options between £5 and £12, including burgers, Asian food, pizzas and international dishes.
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English pubs:
Besides being a cultural experience, many pubs offer traditional dishes at better prices than tourist restaurants. You can find options such as fish and chips, burgers and pies for approximately £12 to £20.
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Bakeries and cafés:
Cafés and bakeries are great options for saving money during the day. Sandwiches, coffee and pastries are convenient alternatives while exploring the city.
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Supermarkets:
Chains such as Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Marks & Spencer offer good-quality ready-made meals, often costing between £3 and £7.
Tips for eating in London
- Reserve restaurants: Especially for famous restaurants, historic pubs and weekend dinners. London receives millions of visitors, and popular places can get busy quickly.
- Tipping in the United Kingdom: Tipping is not mandatory, but some restaurants automatically add a service charge of around 10% to 15%. Always check your bill before paying.
- Meal times: British people usually have dinner earlier than many Brazilians. Restaurants can be quieter after 8 PM.
- Visit traditional pubs: Even if you do not drink beer, visiting a traditional pub is part of the cultural experience in London.
Frequently asked questions about food in London
What is the typical food in London?
The most traditional dishes include fish and chips, English breakfast, Sunday Roast, pies and scones served with English tea.
Is it worth eating at pubs in London?
Yes! Pubs are an important part of British culture and many offer traditional dishes with good quality and better prices than tourist restaurants.
How much does food cost in London?
A simple meal costs approximately £10 to £15 per person. At traditional restaurants, expect to spend between £15 and £30 per person.
Where to eat near London's main attractions?
Near tourist areas such as Westminster, Covent Garden and Tower Bridge, there are many options. For a more authentic experience, we recommend walking a few minutes away from the main attractions and avoiding restaurants directly in front of tourist spots.
London is a city that combines tradition and diversity like few others. Whether enjoying an English tea, trying fish and chips in a historic pub or discovering flavors from around the world in its food markets, eating in London is an essential part of experiencing the city.
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Written by
Feitos para Viajar
We're Fernanda and Vinicius, travel content creators since 2021. As software engineers living in Germany, we share real travel experiences to help you discover both iconic destinations and hidden gems.
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