Places to Eat in London
English food does not particularly have the best reputation, however, this does not mean that London will leave you hungry. Right the opposite, with so many restaurants, fast food joints, pubs, cafeterias, etc. London offers something for everyone’s taste as well as budget. However, finding great places to eat in a city as huge as London is not an easy task and requires some prior research if you do not want to be overcharged for poor food. |
Which are the best places to eat in London, of course, depends on whom you ask as taste is a highly subjective thing. The amount of money you are willing to spend on food plays an important role in the selection of places to eat as well but the price alone does not necessarily reveal anything because you can eat like a king on a budget or continue to feel hungry after an expensive meal. However, both the Londoners and London visitors agree on one thing – never eat in a tourist area. There are always a few hidden gems in there, however, most of the pubs and restaurants in tourist areas are the worst possible choice you can possibly make. In fact, these are the places that gave the English food a bad name. So if you see a menu in multiple languages and no locals eating there, you should not either.
Since most London visitors stay near the main tourist attractions, searching for a place to eat can be a daunting task. The easiest way to avoid the so-called tourist traps is to take some time for research on London pubs, restaurants and other places to eat before you even arrive to London. Search for some websites where travellers exchange experiences, tips and advices about everything that has to do with travelling including places to eat. But do not simply follow other peoples advices. Check the ratings for the places they recommend and always bear in mind that tastes are very different. However, it is a good idea to stay away from pubs and restaurants that received poor reviews because it is highly unlikely that they became superb overnight.
Generally, you can never go wrong with places which are popular among the locals. For that reason it is a good idea to inform yourself about pubs and restaurants that are regularly visited by Londoners. Again, use the Internet to get this information or simply ask the hotel staff where they go when they eat outside. Be sure, however, not to ask them where is the best place to eat because they will send you to the most expensive restaurants which may provide a memorable culinary experience but may not be the best choice when you are really hungry. It is crucial to make clear that you are interested in places that are popular among the “average” Londoners, especially if you would like to eat well without spending a fortune because food can be a costly thing in London.