London restaurants: Best eats, vegan spots, and hidden gems in the city

When you think of London restaurants, a wide range of dining experiences from street food stalls to Michelin-starred hotel bars. Also known as London eateries, they’re not just about fancy meals—they’re where culture, budget, and daily life come together. This isn’t just about where to eat. It’s about where to find a $5 vegan donut after work, where to grab steaming dim sum at 10 a.m. on a Sunday, or where to sip a cocktail with a view without spending your rent money.

Vegan restaurants London, places serving plant-based food that doesn’t feel like a compromise. Also known as plant-based dining, they’ve moved far beyond tofu salads. Now you’ve got buttery croissants, gooey chocolate cakes, and crispy donuts—all 100% animal-free. And you don’t need to go to a fancy spot to find them. Some of the best are tucked into market stalls, corner bakeries, or even supermarket counters. Meanwhile, dim sum London, the art of small, steamed, and fried bites served in baskets. Also known as Cantonese brunch, it’s not just in Chinatown anymore. Peckham, Soho, and even a few subway-adjacent spots now serve dumplings so fresh, you’ll wonder why you ever waited for a weekend reservation. And if you’re looking for something a little louder, hotel bars London, luxury spots where cocktails cost more than your bus fare but the view might be worth it. Also known as rooftop drinking, these places turn nights into events—with flamingos on the terrace, jazz in the corner, and bartenders who know your name after one drink.

You won’t find the same thing twice in London restaurants. One day you’re eating vegan sausage rolls from a market cart. The next, you’re in a basement bar with live music, sipping a gin cocktail made with foraged herbs. There’s no single "best" place—just the right one for your mood, your wallet, and your hunger. Whether you’re a student stretching your food budget, a tourist chasing the next iconic bite, or a local who just wants a good meal without the fuss, the city delivers. Below, you’ll find real recommendations from people who eat here every day—not tourist lists, not sponsored posts. Just where the food’s good, the prices make sense, and the vibe actually fits.