Best Restaurants in London: A Solo Female Traveler’s Guide to Where (and What) to Eat
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When you think about London, the first things that comes to mind may not be food, but more like Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and the London Eye. But I am here to tell you that there are some amazing restaurants that you need to experience while in London. Just like with any country I visit, I eat my way through the city, trying all of the local dishes, and immerse myself not only in the must-sees, but the culture and food. In this guide I will be sharing some of the best restaurants in London, including my experiences, what to order, etc., to ensure your dining experience is just as memorable as the rest of your trip.
Introduction: Best Restaurants in London
When planning your trip to London, and deciding what to see and do, and where to stay, looking at restaurants, you want to add to your London itinerary can sometimes be overwhelming. From Michelin-star restaurants to local cafes, to food markets, there are so many options when it comes to where to eat while in London. In this guide I will be sharing the best restaurants in London that will keep you hungry and your mouth watering even after your trip. Now, let’s dive into it!
Central London / West End
If you are visiting London for the theater and to see the glamorous side of London, then you are probably staying in the West End, and you absolutely will need to add The Ritz in Mayfair to your dinning itinerary. This is a great restaurant for a special occasion, and the vibe in the restaurant is glam meets British. Between the formal service and formal dishes, this will absolutely be a memorable dining experience.
If you are in the Convent Garden area and looking for something a little more casual, but equally as amazing, then I would also recommend Dishoom. This Indian restaurant is amazing for brunch and has the most flavorful and beautifully present food. My favorite was the Kerjriwal, which was two fried eggs on chili cheese toast. This is a great place to stop before spending the day at the museums or before heading to the theater for a matinee. This restaurant is always lively and energetic, and the staff always make you feel like family every time you stop in.
East London / Shoreditch
They area in London that has the funniest and most innovative dining scene, in my opinion, is East London and Shoreditch. If you love Korean food like I do, then you will absolutely want to at Miga in Hackney to your itinerary. This restaurant has supe innovative menu options that are great for sharing if you aren’t traveling solo like me. If you are traveling solo, it’s the perfect spot to pack leftovers and take them back to your hotel or Airbnb for dinner the next night.
One of my favorite spots as a solo traveler in London is Oma. This restaurant serves smaller portions which is great for solo travelers, and there is counter seating, which I love to sit at so I can watch the chefs in action. This restaurant is in a very lively and energetic part of town and has a local-vibe versus tourist-vibe and is a great option if you are looking for something smaller in a fun part of town.
Fine Dining & Michelin Picks
If you came to London to try a few Michelin-starred restaurants, then you have plenty to choose from. Much to my surprise, and maybe yours too, London has several Michelin-starred establishments and even more high-end restaurants. I know when I travel, I try to pick one really nice restaurant to try, which only enhances my travel experiences.
On my last trip to London, I decided to try Plates in Old Street, which is a vegan only Michelin-starred restaurant. I am the least vegan person out there, and wow, did this restaurant completely blow me away. The sourdough bread with whipped butter, is incredible, and i literally could’ve just eaten that and been completely great. The veggies and dessert (I still think about the ice cream today), were all absolutely incredible.
This is a great restaurant if you are celebrating something special while in London, or if you just want to treat yourself to an amazing night out. Reservations are critical, so plan ahead and make sure you book your reservation well in advance.
Southbank & Westminster
If you are looking for dinner with a view, then I got you! Southbank and Westminister have some of the best views in all of London, in my opinion. There is something about having a nice dinner outside along the Thames river, enjoying the amazing evening weather (as long as it’s not cold or raining), and having a great meal.
The best part of these restaurants is also enjoying an evening stroll along the river after dinner, or maybe even visiting the London Eye. Your options are truly endless when dining in this area.
One of my favorites in this area is OCO Tower Restaurant. This restaurant is fining dinning at its best and has one of the best, if not the best, terraces in all of London that overlooks the Thames River. You have great river views, city views, and is a great place for a special occasion or celebratory dinner. They have a tasting menu and seasonal menus, and both are great options
If you are looking for something with a bit lower price point, but still amazing, then Skyon is a great option. This restaurant serves modern European dishes and also has amazing river views. They actually have a river view section, so make sure you request that when making your reservations. My favorites here were the black truffle risotto, the fish ‘n chips, and the twice baked cheese souffle. All were incredible
Notting Hill & Notting Hill Market
As a solo female traveler, one of my favorite areas to grab dinner is in Notting Hill. There is something about these cute and charming streets that make it a cozy and quiet place to grab lunch or dinner. With the colorful streets and the slower pace, it’s a great spot to people watch or just enjoy a nice and relaxing meal.
One of my favorite restaurants in this area is The Ledbury. Reservations are required if you want a table, and the entire dining experience feels intimate and refined. Their tasting menu is fantastic, and you cannot go wrong adding this restaurant to your list of places to try while in London.
Markets & Budget-Friendly Options
If you’re on a budget or want to graze through London like a local, Borough Market is a must. I’ve spent hours sampling cheese stalls, oysters (which I have now established that I do not like), scotch eggs, and hot street food there. Maltby Street Market and Camden Market are excellent alternatives for weekend exploration. Eating at markets allows you to go at your own pace, try multiple dishes, and meet vendors along the way. I love this style of dining solo as there’s no pressure, and you can move freely from stall to stall, trying whatever catches your eye.
Conclusion: Best Restaurants in London
London’s dining scene is way more upscale than I realized. I never in a million years thought I’d be dining in Michelin-starred restaurants one minute and enjoying a cozy dinner in a local neighborhood gem that was equally as amazing. When I first started planning my trip, I thought I was going to be eating fish ‘n chips every day (which I actually did eat a lot of, and they were amazing). I hope this best restaurant in London guide has given you some ideas on where to eat, what to order, and some tips on how to secure a reservation, so that your trip to London can be as tasty as mine was!