Exploring the best of London, one trip at a time.
I started going to London to visit my family in my early twenties. Back then, it was my first stop, where I'd drop my bags and chill for a week or two before I left to explore mainland Europe. Now I go to London a few times a year for work. Sometimes I dine alone at a counter or bar seat, and other times I reconnect with my lovely London-based crew of friends and colleagues. Regardless of my intention, it has always been my home away from home, a second city I can navigate and love exploring.
“Honestly, I go here when I'm having a bad day and just want to stare at some gems.”
Here is a laundry list of my favorite restaurants, pubs, markets, and museums. It's constantly evolving, so I promise to tidy it up with every trip ;)
Restaurants:
Covent Garden:
Frenchie - My favorite spot in London, I book a table here every time, and they always manage to blow my mind. They have a lovely seasonal menu and their somm has out of this world wine pairings.
La Goccia - Farm to table vibes in a beautiful setting. Lots of small plates and shared options, an excellent option for a good group of friends to enjoy a beautiful meal.
Balthazar - Brasserie, picture big red booths and epic seafood towers. Also great for groups.
Charing Cross/Temple:
Mayfair/Marylebone:
Chiltern Firehouse - Love this place for brunch. The garden has a great atmosphere and is an excellent perch for people watching.
Gymkhana - Michelin starred Indian food, grabbing a table at this coveted spot can be tricky. So I also suggest Trishna (see below).
Trishna (Marylebone) - Indian coastal cuisine. I'm not a big meat-eater, so I often have to navigate tasting menus with special requests, subbing out meat dishes with seafood or vegetarian options, when possible. My colleague introduced me to this restaurant, and I was so surprised that I could eat everything on the tasting menu. It was delicious and the staff was so attentive to our needs. Also, their reccs were on point!
Wild Honey - Small modern European fare. The savory courses are excellent, but please do yourself a favor and save room for dessert. It's unbelievable and definitely worth it!
Sabor - Michelin starred Spanish tapas. Multiple stories with a different dining experience in each.
West London: AKA where all the posh kids are at.
Michelin Building: Oysters at Bibendum Restaurant (downstairs), near South Kensington tube. Really adorable shops nearby and very swanky dinner (upstairs).
Windsor Castle - cute pub! Has nice food too!
Poule Au Pot - Amazing French Food in Sloane Square, posh area with great shopping nearby too.
Hackney/East London: AKA where all the cool kids are at. Redchurch street has amazing shopping, coffee shops, pubs and restaurants.
Owl and Pussycat is a good start to the evening, for a quick drink in a nice pub.
Clove Club - Amazing restaurant in Shoreditch. I get the tasting menu at the bar. It has a few less courses and is a great opportunity to interact with the servers and other patrons.
Pubs:
The Engineer - Super cute pub in Primrose Hill
The Coach - Anglo-french pub fare
High Tea: I mean when in London, right...
The Wolseley is in a beautiful building with great food. Try for a reservation - it gets booked really quick.
Fortum and Mason really posh and gorgeous tiffany blue interior. They have a fantastic selection of teas, jams and foodstuffs to purchase as well. Behind the store is German St. with a treasure-trove of bespoke shoes, shirts, jackets, etc.
Markets: Go hungry
Portobello in Notting Hill/West London on Fridays, has tons of cute pubs/boutiques along the way.
Borough in South London, open Friday-Sunday, amazing produce and food selection.
Spitafields in East London, open on Thursdays near Liverpool Street station.
Columbia Flower Market in Hackney, open on Sunday.
Broadway in Hackney, open on Saturday.
Brick Lane in East London, open on Sunday. Great food, clothing, and hipster vibes.
Museums: Most are free and expertly curated. Some are open late on specifics evenings too.
Tate Modern - one of my favorite modern art museums.
National Gallery - in the city center near Picadilly Circus.
Saatchi Gallery - in West London near Sloane Street Station, tons of great shopping nearby too. Just a warning, it can close for private events, so check the website before you go.
V&A - I honestly go here when I have a bad day and want to stare at some gems. They have some great exhibits, but remember to book tickets in advance.
British Museum - Rosetta stone and awesome pieces of art "acquired" from other countries.