The 30 Best Authentic culinary experiences in London

“We did the black taxi tour. Hands down the best part of our trip to London! Ollie is not only super friendly but also incredibly knowledgeable—like, knew all the cool facts and hidden gems you’d never find on your own. Not to mention he is a pretty great photographer and you’ll get some awesome pictures along the trip. We got to see so many iconic sights up close and personal, and the whole experience felt really special. If you’re in London, this is a must-do! Highly recommend it for anyone looking to explore the city in a fun and unique way!”

“We had a delightful experience ordering from this hidden gem. We were struggling to find Thai places in the area and came across this Thai takeaway on Google maps. We placed an order for the Yellow Curry, Red curry, Pad Thai and Papaya Salad. Richard was responsive over text and incredibly friendly, and regularly kept us updated on our order. The food came fresh and hot, and we could tell that a lot of love, time and care had been taken into making these dishes - they were absolutely delicious and full of flavour. The portion sizes were also very generous. I definitely recommend this place for anyone looking to have some authentic Thai food. We will 100% be ordering from here again and encourage everyone to support this fantastic local business.”

“So grateful to Experience Travel Group for curating such a beautiful and immersive visit for us to Sri Lanka. From the moment we were picked up from the airport we felt transported into another world - full of colour, comfort and care. Our guide brought each new place we visited even more to life with his stories of, and passion, for the Sri Lankan history, culture and nature. Although we stayed at many beautiful places, including Notaries House, The Last House, Amba Estate and Taru Villas, our highlight was The Mud House where we spent time with the team who built and maintain this incredible ecosystem. It is clear that ETG take care of their people - employees and guests - ensuring that tourism continues to support the local economy, in the most respectful way. We would highly recommend using them and excited to travel with them and their partners in other parts of the world - thank you Sam and team.”

“This is my go to place for authentic African food, you can tell it was made with love! The owner is EXTREMELY KIND! and welcoming which made the whole experience truly special, showing genuine care for my satisfaction. Her attentiveness created a personal touch that made my meal even more enjoyable. It’s clear she takes great pride in her restaurant and providing excellent customer service. The suya was incredibly flavourful, with a perfect balance of spices, I also loved the jollof with plantain and spicy turkey bites. Despite being a takeout order, the food was well-packaged and arrived hot. when I placed my order the staff were efficient. Overall, a fantastic experience and I highly recommend their delicious food!”

“Wow what a wonderful little gem this place is, used to live in this area so I thought I would drive up from Redhill to see how things are after all these years, and am pleased to say it's as buzzing as it always was. This Greek deli come cafe is full of the delicious nit bits you would find in Greece....especially like the pistachio Kadaifi as it's always been a favourite of ours, will definitely be popping here again in the near future.”

“I'm (being Indian) usually not a big fan of eating Indian food at restaurants in the UK, but yesterday, we were starving in the late afternoon and decided to try a new place. We went to Yaadein Authentic Indian Restaurant in Stoneleigh, Epsom , and I was impressed! The lamb chops (not in the picture) and Shish kebab were so soft—better than what I’ve had at most restaurants. I also ordered a thali, and it was just as delicious. Highly recommend checking it out !”

“This was an incredibly positive experience. I came here for lunch today with five friends, which we booked online. The waiters were very attentive,friendly and talked through the menu which was fresh, featuring mainly local or UK-sourced ingredients. The food was beautifully presented and absolutely delicious. I loved the creative fusion and the clever multi-use of the space as both a local atelier and a restaurant. Definitely a five-star experience.”

“Authentic and truly delicious Indian food right here! The ambience is lovely, the staff are friendly, and the drinks are great — definitely try their cocktails. The special prawns and the different varieties of chicken tikka are a must-try; you’ll love them. They have loads of tasty curries and a good range of soft drinks too. We tried the mango lassi — it was superb! The kids really enjoyed the desserts, and the portion sizes for every dish were generous. Highly recommend this place if you’re looking for genuine Indian flavours and a warm, welcoming atmosphere!”

“Just one of those gems that you den't expect to find.... On a day that we were surptised by a Spurs home win we followed that up with one of the best meals and definately the best Thai I have ever had.”

“The desserts at this place are amazing. The waffles and the cookie dough at this place beats all other places. Makes Cream look average. Honestly, presentation to taste this was 10/10 for me. Highly recommend this place.”

“Lovely family owned restaurant where father and son provided me amazing fresh food chicken shish with rice and salad. Authentic Turkish food , great people and great Turkish Tea.”

“A very wonderful experience in a Nepalese restaurant was what I was looking for! I could find the authentic taste of the Newari set which was full of flavours. The sekuwa was juicy and flavoursome. The taste of momo was just like the momo in Nepal. The food service was very quick. The staffs were very kind and polite to us, especially Poonam who was helping us! Loved the hospitality. Highly recommended.”

“I've been here four times and I cannot believe that I haven't reviewed this place yet. First of, this is the only Thai restaurant I've been to four times (and I don't live close). Food is always amazing, and service is always fast, attentive, and welcoming. It's not your typical Thai restaurant, but the flavors are there. Last time we went we ordered the turmeric roti, nice, flaky and full of flavor. We also got the salted turmeric flossed tiger prawns, and I recommend two each (by default the order comes with three, but you can add one more), the crispy pork belly, and the beer battered chicken. We weren't that hungry last time, no none of the larger dishes. We've had their larger ones before, and we were always happy.”

“A chefs perspective of ottos it could not get more French when you walk in your transported to France. The owner is a French as they come! I thought the goats cheese soufflé was one of the best starters I’ve ever had. The scallops were also as good as it gets. The service on the starters wasn’t the best they got our starters mixed up the front of house manager took our order so that was his bad the younger waiter had to take the embarrassment for it!. I did find the front of house manager abir all the place pacing up and down the restaurant looking quite bored at times but he is good with customer with his old school approach and jokes and he’s certainly knows what he’s doing. It was quiet that night so maybe that was the mistake and the pacing up and down. As for the rack of lamb the theatre was great but the lamb was as good as roar in my opinio. I forgot how rare the French cook meat. That ruined it for me and in my opinion English peolple think that is to under cooked the worst part was the fat had not been rendered down and was very raw and tough also the whole lamb was under seasoned and it needed some sort of peas maybe as a purea?! It ruined rhe meal for me I said to my sister I’ve only cooked a rack of lamb a few times so these guys should get it bang on cooking it most nights but they messed it up big time! They should ask how you want it cooked because once it’s been carved that’s it you will have to flash it in a pan which will ruin it to cook it more! execute the cooking right b4 you bring the theatre out I would say I have never had pomme soufflés b4 I wanted to get them to see what the hype is about they were exactly how they should be looks wise a work of art crafted by a mater of his trade! They are extremely hard to make so hats of ro the chef who did them for me sadly as I expected rhe flavour was not great just like a crisp with no seasoning the salt had not even stuck to them again all about the theatre but lacking in seasoning. They would be better served with some sort of Hollandaise or aioli not the jus. The Apple tart was to die for and the chocolate pot and the after dinner truffles were not very impressive . It’s a great restaurant I would not return I would say it’s the sort of place most people would only go once I would not say it’s worth the price tag for normal people anyway. I know my food and how hospitality runs so I like to leave an honest chefs review of restaurants. I would like to say the younger guys in the team were very professional and knew what they were doing shame they have to make up mistakes of others but it was an experience I wanted to show my sister a higher class of food and service and it did deliver just a shame rhe lamb was not right. Whej it came to the bill I was not willing to pay the 12.5% tip I wanted to tip what I thought it was worth they wanted £30 service charge well I put 10£ for it and of course like all fancy places and most places in general in london they make you feel bad for it and it can create a scene my £10 was a fair tip they shpuid of been happy with considering the service they had given me and tbh this bugs me about these places I’m not from the 1% my bill is already very expensive why embarrass me in front of other guests and my sister not all guests have endless amounts of money and don’t take it personally if people cannot pay the service charge it’s optional some people are hard up and save for a meal like this. Thanks to ottos for the experience it’s something I will not forgot the French know how to eat drink and live that’s for sure there food brings joy all round the globe they are very passionate people when it comes to hospitality.”

“This place feels like a warm hug. The staff are kind, the food is simple but incredible and the atmosphere is perfect. The lunch deal is great value, especially for London. Try the homemade chilli oil, it's my new obsession.”

“Love this for lunch. Especially on a Monday or Friday when the queue is shorter.”

“Food and coffee are fantastic, full English is great but star of the show is the delicious Thai food!! Service and hospitality unmatched by this wonderful couple”

“We had an amazing time at The Landmark. Everything was perfect! The location is unbeatable with the Marylebone station right outside the back of the hotel. They even have roofed pathway from the hotel exit to the station entrance! The room was immaculate: spacious, luxurious, comfortable and was really well kept and cleaned as they offer turn down service in the evening too. The champagne bar and The mirror bar offered great cocktails and drinks. The ambience was out of this World. The interior of the lobby and bars were so elegant it was like inside a palace. The staff were friendly, helpful and very kind. This was without doubt the best hotel we had ever stayed at. Will definitely stay here every time we are in London. Bravo!”

“Great pizza spot right in the heart of London! The location is super central and easy to reach. Their Margherita pizza was absolutely delicious—perfect crust, sauce, and cheese. The prices are also very reasonable for London. The staff were friendly, attentive, and made me feel very welcome. I definitely recommend this place.”

“OMG, Dave was truly exceptional. His performance was outstanding! I loved the food, the service, and everyone's enthusiasm. I had a wonderful evening and will definitely come back. Thank you, Dave!”

“Amazing food and atmosphere, happy people and all what you need . I don’t want to speak about the service I want to speak about the food. I tried already 3 times , the lamb chops amazing , the polo Milanese amazing but I have a request: bring back the fillet steak . I don’t like the ribeye steak so please do that but the rest is all good . Guys if you didn’t try yet I promise you is the best place to eat in Watford . If you don’t like contact me and I promise you I will pay for yours bill but I am sure you gonna love it . Enjoy !!!!!!”

“Think of perfectly crispy chicken wings glassed with superb Korean sauce without being soggy at the same time - SUPERB. Spicy rice cake , powerful, Jab Chae one of the best, Chicken bulgogi flavorful. Good value for money tasty plates. Each with a different flavour. Very polite service by staff. Good value. Simple deco. Shop targeting taste and value. One of the best Korean restaurants in London. Offers barbecue on tables. Definitely worth a visit.”

“Used to come here at least once a week to get food when I was in grad school and they would give me amazing Turkish tea while I waited! Their food is also super authentic, def recommend.”

“Amazing street food menu - £20 for 5 small plates of street food. Menu changes and is inspired by places in India. Food is incredible. The rum old fashioned was delicious! Will be coming back :) staff are also friendly and welcoming.”

“A beautiful restaurant which is a hidden gem. The moment you walk in you are welcomed and the service continues lead by Francis the GM. The food was absolutely delicious. Chef Shoeb delights us with his cooking taking us on a journey of pure pleasure. The biryani is a must especially as it is made in a bamboo and served at the table. This is a place we will be returning and I can’t wait to try some of the other dishes on the menu. All the food is Halal and mocktails are available”

“Portion size really surprised me. Jordi's service was nice. And the chef Liton thank you the food was delicious.”

“I went here with my sister and my 10 year old nephew and we had a lovely meal. I had the pork belly, my sister had an avocado pesto pasta dish and my nephew had a pizza. All were very tasty and the portions were good. The staff were friendly, looked after us well and I would definitely go again.”

“The best sushi in town! The atmosphere and recipes are authentic. The staff were extremely polite, and even though we arrived at the restaurant late, they didn't rush us to leave and provided us with excellent service. This is definitely a place to visit if you're in London. Although we were fortunate enough not to wait in line, I recommend making a reservation.”

“Really good day lovely food and drinks very friendly staff”

“had 1 chicken shish between two. big big helping. lovely bread thrown in with hummus and another dip. nice chicken. just generous portion of nice simple food at a very reasonable price. enjoyed it. all with a backdrop of great spurs-centric decor!!!”