London’s Square Mile is a culinary melting pot, a place where flavors from every corner of the globe come together. You could spend a lifetime exploring the diverse restaurants and street food vendors scattered across the city, and still never experience everything.
This vibrant food scene is a product of London’s rich history as a center of trade and immigration. Over the centuries, people from all over the world have come to London, bringing their unique culinary traditions with them. This has created a truly diverse and exciting food landscape, with something to tempt every palate.
Luxurious Meals for Every Continent
Are you craving a taste of Asia? You’re in luck! London’s City offers some of the most authentic and delicious Asian cuisine outside of Asia itself.
The Ivy Asia, a luxurious outpost of the iconic Ivy restaurant group, offers a decadent Japanese menu. Indulge in Robatayaki sea bass with fresh truffle salad, a dish that will transport you to the bustling streets of Tokyo.
Sushi lovers will be in heaven at SUSHISAMBA, a high-end restaurant boasting Europe’s highest outdoor dining terrace. Here, you can savor the best of Japanese sushi and tempura, alongside Peruvian ceviche and Brazilian churrasco.
For a truly authentic Cantonese dim sum experience, head to Yauatcha City. This stunning restaurant offers delicate dumplings filled with lobster, Wagyu beef, and venison, along with plenty of vegan options. The chefs even run dim sum masterclasses, so you can learn the secrets of this exquisite cuisine.
Looking for a taste of India? Cinnamon Kitchen, helmed by the renowned chef Vivek Singh, is a must-visit. Singh seamlessly blends classic Indian dishes with modern flavors and Western techniques, earning him a global reputation as a master of Indian fine dining. From vegetarian sharing feasts to BBQ brunches on the terrace, Cinnamon Kitchen offers a truly unforgettable culinary journey.
Indulge in Comfort Food and Fine Dining
If you’re craving comfort food with a touch of luxury, Bob Bob Ricard City is the perfect destination. Chef Ben Hobson creates a fusion menu that reinvents French and British classics with the finest ingredients. Sink into a glamorous booth, feast on beef wellington or salmon tartare with caviar, and top off the evening with a tap on their famous “Press for Champagne” button.
For exceptional French cuisine, look no further than La Dame de Pic London. Chef Anne-Sophie Pic, the only current French female chef to hold three Michelin stars, brings her unparalleled expertise to a menu that promises unexpected taste sensations.
Club Gascon, a Michelin-starred restaurant showcasing the cuisine of the Gascony region of southwest France, offers a unique and memorable dining experience. Chef-patron Pascal Aussignac creates seasonal menus that take you on a journey through Gascony, featuring veal with sea urchin, truffled pea tartlet, and vegetarian “faux gras” with green moss.
A Culinary Journey Through Italy and Beyond
Eataly, London’s biggest Italian food destination, is a haven for lovers of all things Italian. This bustling marketplace celebrates the finest Italian ingredients and traditional cooking techniques from Venice to Puglia. Savor hay-smoked free-range beef fillet or charred heirloom cauliflower at Terra, the wood-burning bar and grill, or indulge in classic Italian dishes at Pasta e Pizza.
For authentic eastern Mediterranean flavors, head to Haz, a group of four City-based restaurants. Inspired by their heritage and ancient Turkish cooking techniques, the founders of Haz bring traditional meze with grilled meat, seafood, and vegetables to the heart of the City. If the weather permits, enjoy your meal on the outdoor terrace at their St Paul’s branch.
Coya City offers a vibrant and delicious culinary experience that blends traditional and experimental Peruvian flavors with Japanese, Chinese, and Spanish cooking techniques. Indulge in ceviche, pulled pork, and tortillas in a lively Latin dining space.
Vivat Bacchus in Farringdon is a haven for lovers of rustic South African fare. From ostrich fillet from the braai to crocodile goujons and Karoo-style pulled lamb, rare meats and vegetarian dishes are paired with fine wines. You can even browse their extensive cellar if you’re looking for something special.
Global Delights for Every Budget
London’s City offers a plethora of options for quick and easy global bites.
Bloomberg Arcade is a world cuisine go-to destination, housing a diverse range of vendors, including Poké House (Hawaiian), award-winning Bleeker Burger (North American), Brigadiers (Indian), Ekte (Scandinavian), Lina Stores (Italian deli), Koya (renowned for their Japanese udon noodles), and Caravan (a global menu curated by well-travelled New Zealanders).
Broadgate Circle is another haven for global food lovers, offering Lebanese flavors at Comptoir Libanais, Portuguese fare at Bar Douro City, and a breezy Aussie menu at Beany Green Broadgate.
Leadenhall Market is a foodie’s paradise, with a diverse range of international options, including Argentinian Grill, La Viña, and Osteria del Mercato.
For the ultimate in global street food, head to Paternoster Square or Spitalfields Market. These vibrant markets offer a wide variety of on-the-go options, from classic British fare to exotic dishes from around the world.
London’s City is a true culinary melting pot, offering something for every taste and budget. So come explore the world of flavors and discover your next favorite dish!
