For ages, London’s culinary reputation—perhaps best defined by fish and chips at neighborhood pubs, (excellent) curry shops, and buttoned-up afternoon teas—seemed to lag behind global counterparts like Paris and Tokyo. Today, though, the British capital hums with Michelin-starred institutions, vibrant street food markets, and cooking that draws from the heritage of the immigrants who call the metropolis home. Underscoring that evolution, Tripadvisor just named London the No. 1 “Best of the Best Food Destination in the World” for its 2026 Travelers’ Choice Awards.
“I think London is the best food city in the world because of its incredible diversity,” says Mathew Carver, the founder of Pick & Cheese, the world’s first cheese conveyor belt restaurant. “We’re blessed with amazing culinary experiences at every price point—from show-stopping bowls of noodles for £10 to fine-dining restaurants that are genuinely worth the splash out. You can eat exceptionally well any day of the week, whether it’s a quick bite or a full on occasion.”
That sheer variety has become an essential part of London’s culinary calling card. Carver, who runs the Cheese Bar, with multiple ventures spotlighting British and Irish cheeses throughout the city (and one slated to open in New York City this year), shares some of the places that make London such an exciting food city right now, and the ones you shouldn’t miss on your next visit.
No trip to London is complete without tasting your way around one of the city’s buzzing food markets. Start at Borough Market, where you’ll find standouts like Neal’s Yard Dairy, Bread Ahead, and Carver’s pick: Agora, for Greek food with contemporary flair from the team behind Smokestak and Manteca. In Covent Garden’s Seven Dials Market (also home to Pick & Cheese), London’s sweet side is one display at Mello. Billing itself as the city’s first marshmallow dessert bar, it serves what Carver considers “maybe the best hot chocolate I’ve ever had.” And in Old Spitalfields Market in East London, Carver suggests Dumpling Shack. “I wish our office was nearer so this could be a daily lunch spot,” he says, recommending the pork pan-fried soup dumplings.
For Malaysian street food, head to Roti King (several locations around the city), where Carver says visitors should order the Roti Canai. “A classic for good reason,” he says. “Affordable and unbelievably delicious.” The no-frills shop draws queues for its flaky, perfectly executed flatbreads—proof that some of London’s best food doesn’t require a reservation.
Be sure to hit one of the longstanding institutions that have anchored their neighborhoods for generations. Representing old Jewish East End London, Beigel Bake runs 24/7, slinging what Carver says is the best salt beef bagels in the city. “Many a late night visit here,” he says. For an even deeper historical dive, Carver recommends M.Manze Pie & Mash, purveyors of London’s longstanding fast food. The pie, mash, and liquor—a green parsley sauce traditionally made from eel stock, typically doused in vinegar and white pepper—is what he calls “an acquired taste, maybe, but a trip back down food history.”
At the swank end of the spectrum, Kol delivers Michelin-starred Mexican cuisine that Carver describes as “amazing, interesting, and well-portioned for a restaurant on Michelin’s list.” For a more casual bite, Homies on Donkeys in Leytonstone is “honest Mexican food by a passionate Mexican owner and ’90s hip hop,” says Carver.
Seek out Thai regional cuisine at Kiln, where Ben Chapman, “one of London’s best restaurateurs,” according to Carver, has created something “spicy, flavor-packed, and boisterous. A must visit.” For classic Soho atmosphere, Carver suggests The French House, praising its “always exceptional food and great value wine list.” And don’t leave without a visit to Quality Chop House, which he declares “maybe my favorite restaurant in London. Everything is off the charts good and the restaurant is super atmospheric.”
Round out your itinerary with a polished afternoon tea, a martini at one of the city’s iconic hotel bars, a bite at one of the longstanding and still-excellent curry shops, and at least one unhurried afternoon at the pub for a few pints. Because the city that claimed Tripadvisor’s food destination crown is both rooted in tradition and perpetually evolving.
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