Heading to London? You won’t lack for dining options! Here are a few of my favorites from my most recent trip.

Bao

New to me, but a real crowd pleaser (NB – expect to wait about 30 minutes in line across the lane from the entrance – they do not take reservations), Bao has expanded from takeout only at Netil Market, to three locations, including the one in Soho where I ate. Yes, it seems a bit absurd to wait so long but bring a book, or a companion, and you will not regret it. Delicious Taiwanese dim sum and more.

Brixton Village Market

While Borough Market receives the lion’s share of attention (and crowds), do yourself a favor and take the Jubilee Line to its end in Brixton. The Brixton Village Market (in a former arcade), features the freshest fish, meat and produce as well as some delightful casual eating spots.  Mid-shopping, we enjoyed delicious iced lattes and house-made Anzac biscuits at Federation Coffee.

Nopi

Yotam Ottolenghi has several casual spots around London with takeaway and eat in options. If you want to enjoy his ineffable Middle Eastern cuisine in a more formal setting, make a reservation at Nopi. I have eaten here five times over the past few years and enjoyed every meal (open for lunch and dinner).

Honey & Co

Honey & Co is a jewel of a restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.  Reservations are key for prime times but they do have some bar seats and two outdoor tables available on a first-come, first-serve basis.  The service is friendly, the atmosphere relaxed and the food is divine.  (In fact, I was so busy enjoying my lunch that I forgot to take any actual food photos!)

CrossTown Doughnuts

 

Well…I wouldn’t say I saved the best for last, but OMG – Crosstown Doughnuts merit crossing the city, the country, the great pond, whatever it takes to get there.  I consider myself somewhat of a doughnut aficionado and I was blown away by these hybrid sourdough baked-from-scratch pieces of perfection.  We stumbled upon their shop quite by chance and it will forever be my first of many stops on future trips to London.  Pictured at the top of this post from left to right: Creme Brulee, Seven Berries, Chilli Chocolate, Match Tea, [not sure] and Lamnut.

More on my London trip next time!