The Best Hidden-Gem Restaurants to Try in London
Start enjoying any of these local hidden gems right away.
Do you want to visit London and eat and live like a local? Immersing yourself in a culture like this is a great way to get a feel for what it’s like to live in the city you are visiting. So, don’t waste a minute. Once you land in the city, drop your bangs in any of the options for luggage storage in London and start enjoying any of these local hidden gems right away.
Towpath Cafe
To many locals, this wonderful cafe is certainly no hidden gem. However, to tourists, it is not a typical place one may stumble upon. While it may be the perfect place for a delightful brunch, you will need to get there long before hunger sets in because the line can become quite long. If you have already missed brunch, their pastries and cakes make it well worth a visit as well.
202 London
202 London is a quaint little spot hidden by the storefront of a boutique that sells artwork, books, designer clothing, and shoes. Most tourists often pass right by the local favorite. This is the place to go if you are looking for a quiet breakfast. You can’t go wrong with anything on their menu. So, shop around, drop your bags in luggage storage, and enjoy this great restaurant.
The Drapers Arms
The Drapers Arms is a London staple that can’t be beaten. While it could hardly be considered fine dining, the cozy comfort of their hardy food could leave anyone satisfied all winter, or at least well into the next day. If you decide to try it, go for the Panacea. You won’t regret it.
Gremio De Brixton
Are you a fan of tapas? You are in luck. You just discovered one of the best tapas and cocktail places in all of London. From elegantly decorated dishes to party-filled weekends and local DJs, this is certainly a spot to try.
The Laughing Heart
Located in the breadth of Hackney Road lies this vast restaurant with an even deeper wine list and food menu. If you like cozy restaurants that take themselves a bit too seriously, then The Laughing Heart will not disappoint (especially if you like wine).
Brixton Pound Cafe
Brixton is a neat area with its own form of currency known as the Brixton Pound. This helps keep the local business scene alive and thriving. Now, a cafe owned by the Brixton Pound has been established and is quite amazing. The cafe allows customers to pay whatever they like for their meals to give back to the community. Don’t worry if you have too many shopping bags when you get hungry. London has plenty of bag storage options around Brixton.
Pavilion Victoria Park
Do you enjoy Sri Lankan Breakfasts and Nordic Pastries? One great way to spend a morning in London is by heading over to Victoria Park for a leisurely morning walk and stopping at the Pavilion after. Here you can enjoy the best cardamom bun in all of London, as well as good coffee and other breakfast goodies.
India Club
The India Club is certainly a locals-only club. After 70 long years of being open, this incredible Indian restaurant is still kicking with all of the classic dishes you would hope to see. Mainly serving South Indian dishes, the India Club's menu is divided into separate non-vegetarian and vegetarian sections. In addition to the great food, it is nice and quiet.
The Fryer’s Delight
You can’t visit the great city of London without enjoying a good plate of fish and chips. This traditional dish should be fried in beef fat, which is easy to find on the northern side of England and unfortunately harder to find in the modern city of London. Luckily, The Fryer’s Delight holds tight to tradition through and through, and the fish and chips are incredible because of it.
Viet Hoa Mess
What's cooler than going to hidden-gem restaurants? How about going to hidden-gem restaurants that are actually hidden? This special little cafe is located beneath a beloved Vietnamese restaurant and offers a variety of grilled cuisine in what feels like a small, cozy cave.
The Quince Tree
If you like to enjoy a lush green garden while eating a fabulous lunch, look no further than the Quince Tree at Clifton Nurseries. This lovely little restaurant is nestled into one of the oldest gardens in the entire city. Great food, great ambiance, and a great experience every time.
Spring
For a particularly delightful fine dining experience, Spring is one of the best in all of London. Complete with delicate meals, a fancy ambiance, and one of the best locations there is. It is expensive but so worth it. You will definitely want to free up your hands by using bag storage before entering this lovely establishment.
The Observatory Dining Room
For a unique take on dinner, the Observatory room will definitely satisfy. This strange take on old London is masked with decorations from the Victorian and Colonial eras. It truly is a marvel to look at, and the food is even better.
Good Friend Chicken
If you are looking for one of the best chicken places in all of London, Good Friend Chicken, nestled in the Chinatown district is, without a doubt, a hidden gem you need to try. Plus, they have boba tea!
Enjoy!
Now that you know many of the great hidden gems that London has to offer. It’s time to go there, drop your shopping or luggage bags in luggage storage, and enjoy many of the great meals that most tourists don’t have the pleasure of eating.