In my mind London’s food scene has always been hyped as one of the most dynamic in the world, and while it’s true that the city offers endless options, I was surprised by how hard it was to find spots that truly hit the mark for me. Honestly, I ended up cooking at home more often than I expected (shoutout to Juicy Marbles for the best “steaks” —if you haven’t read that blog post, you’re missing out).
That being said I did discover three absolute gems: a food stand in a bustling market that totally stole my heart, a fast-casual place perfect for a quick, delicious bite and a cozy diner-style breakfast/lunch spot. If you’re exploring London and want recommendations that bring big flavor and good vibes, this post has you covered. Let’s dive in!
Borough Market- fish! kitchen
The Borough market offers a variety of food options, but I was on the hunt for fish and chips. Let me tell you of all the fish and chips I tried in London (and trust me, I tried a lot!), fish! kitchen was hands down the best. The fish was perfection—flaky, tender, and wrapped in the crunchiest batter. The chips? Crispy, golden, and absolutely made for drizzling with malt vinegar and a little dab of ketchup. It does get pretty busy, and seating at the stand isn’t ideal. I would recommend finding a bench to sit on outside of the market to enjoy your fish & chips. They do have a sit-down restaurant next door if you’re craving a more relaxed meal (just know the prices are a bit higher). Bonus: they offer a variety of fish to choose from, so you can try different fish and mix it up. https://www.fishboroughmarket.com
Govinda’s Pure Vegetarian Restaurant:
This Indian spot is buzzing with energy, and while it can feel a bit intimidating at first, it’s absolutely worth it. The entire menu is vegetarian, with quite a few vegan options to choose from. A pro tip: have an idea of what you want to order before you hop in line—you can check out the menu here: https://govindas.london They offer different portion sizes: 5 items, 8 items, or all 12, plus a separate 5-item vegan option.
Once you’re in line and know which option you would like you order and get you thali. The sauces are self-serve at the end along with the option for popadom or a bread roll. There is a water station just past the cashier that is free. After you have your food and have paid, they’ll ask how many are in your party and guide you to a table. It’s definitely a cozy, squeezed-in vibe, but it adds to the charm. And the food? Hands down the best Indian food I’ve had to date. Every food item was filled with flavor and spice, making it a delicious lunch!
Kensington Lane Cafe:
While it isn’t just a vegetarian restaurant, this old-school diner serves up some of the most amazing vegetarian breakfast food I’ve ever had. The breakfast potatoes were unforgettable—a mix of veggies and potatoes that tasted like the dreamiest mashed potatoes, but somehow even better because they were served for breakfast. The stewed tomatoes sounded so interesting at first but really had a burst of flavor when you ate it with your breakfast egg. I stopped in here before a Beefeater tasting, so if you’re in the area, I highly recommend checking it out. You get a ton of food for such an affordable price, plus the classic diner-style service just makes the experience feel extra cozy. They’ve got great tea and coffee, and the menu is full of different food items for any mood.
What’s your go-to restaurant in London? Share your favorites below!
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