London is full of different cuisines with food from all over the world that ranges from street food to fine dining, but sometimes the abundance of options is overwhelming and doesn’t help when trying to find a place to eat. Plus, when on a budget after going to Pret, Wasabi, or the places at the Brunswick Centre one too many times each week, we all need to go out and give ourselves a break. Especially in London, one of the most vibrant and multicultural cities in the world, the city’s diverse food must be taken advantage of. If you’re indecisive like me, hopefully one of these places sparks some interest for the next time you’re looking for a quick bite, a place to sit down for a dinner with friends, or you’re simply just too tired to cook.
Camden Market is one of London’s greatest markets. There are over 1,000 places to eat, drink, and shop. The area is incredibly vibrant and lively surrounded by culture and art. With so many food stalls in every direction, wandering around the variety of shops is an amazing experience. Definitely walk around the entire area to consider your options and take in the atmosphere. You’ll come across people who will offer free samples to lure you in, but no complaints since we love anything free. After eating in the dining pods, you can walk around again while enjoying the beautiful views of the canal around the market. The portions are filling and good for sharing, so you can try multiple types of food without spending too much. From Chinese noodles and chicken to Indian kati rolls to Dutch pancakes to anything you’re craving, the food won’t disappoint.
Dessert from Dutch Pancakes with fruit and Nutella
Camden Market art installations
Chinese noodles with chicken from Harvest Garden
Kati roll and fries from Kolkati
If you love brunch, pastries, sweets, or light savories, then you should check out this small cafe that is about a five-minute walk from the Academic Center. Maybe I was really hungry, but the Nutella, strawberry, and banana crepe paired with the savory galette were both delicious. The portions are pretty large, and the cafe itself is nice for a quick stop in between classes or an afternoon trip around Soho.
Sweet + savory snacks from Crepes, Coffee & Chai
I’m not kidding when I say the beigel (not bagel apparently) I had here was the best I’ve ever had. The salted beef is the perfect texture and flavor for a filling bagel as the beef falls out because they put so much. If you’re looking for a sweet option, the Nutella bagel is also delicious. Something about the bagel itself makes every bite unlike the taste from any other bagel shop. The only downside is that it’s not near the general NYU London campus area, but if you live at the Curve, please go.
Salt beef bagel from Beigal Bake
If you’re looking for a beautiful location and nice ambience, Coppa Club is a great place to have a delicious breakfast or brunch at a nicer restaurant. Right by the Tower Bridge, the view is incredible as you can see the Southbank’s skyline and the Shard across the river. You can book an igloo, which really adds to the entire experience. The brunch prices are reasonable but on the pricier side similar to New York prices, which is why I’d recommend going earlier as dinner can be more expensive. I’d recommend booking a reservation in advance since it is a popular place because of its unique atmosphere.
Entrance to the outdoor dining space at Coppa Club
Skillet Breakfast for £12.50
Private dining Igloo with a skyline view
I’m seriously still thinking about the first time I went to Ciao Bella. It’s only a five-minute walk from Byron Court, so if you’re in the area, I highly recommend trying it out if you love Italian food. Everyone is very friendly and welcoming. The restaurant gives off a pretty authentic Italian experience. The portions are large and perfect to share to try a couple of different items, like a pizza and pasta. I recommend ordering the calzone and spaghetti alle vongole. I will definitely be going back yet again.
Calzone with ham, cheese, and mushrooms for £12.00
Spaghetti with fresh clams and tomato sauce for £15.00
Dishoom is a Bombay-inspired restaurant with several locations, and they’re all very popular. The wait time is fairly long, about thirty to forty minutes unless you book a reservation in advance for a group of six or more. However, the wait is worth it. While waiting in line, they offer complimentary drinks, and there are overhead heaters outside so you won’t be freezing. When entering inside, you immediately feel the lively yet relaxing atmosphere with dim lights and candle-lit tables. There are plenty of items on the menu, so I’d recommend ordering a few things to share. My friends and I got gunpowder potatoes, Dishoom chicken tikka, chicken ruby, and garlic naans and have no complaints at all. If there’s a time to give in to dessert at a restaurant, it would be here—the kulfi and kala khatta gola ice were the perfect way to end the night.
A flavorful, Bombay-inspired meal to share with friends at Dishoom
The Kufli, a sweet, creamy dessert for £4.70 and Kala Khata Gola Ice, fluffy ice flakes soaked in fruit syrup for £3.90
If you love Japanese food or anime, Uzumaki is the place to be. It is right by the British Museum, which makes for an easy dinner spot after a late class or if you live nearby. The murals, artwork, and decorations around the restaurant are super cool and add to the experience of bringing anime food to life. Additionally, there is an anime gift shop at the front of the restaurant, which is perfect to browse when waiting for your table to be ready because they are pretty busy. The ramen is good, and you can also build your own; however, it can be on the more expensive side. But, the entire experience is really nice with friendly staff in a lively atmosphere.
Anime mural setting the theme at Uzumaki
Customized bowls of ramen cater to all tastes and budgets
Clearly, the food in London is endless. Although my wallet is not a fan of going out to eat, I will never turn down the opportunity to try different food while getting to see new parts of London. Food brings people from all over the world together and is always an enjoyable experience whether you’re learning about new cultures or bonding with the people around you.
Carolyn Xue
Carolyn is a junior at Gallatin concentrating in marketing and media with a minor in Business of Entertainment, Media, and Technology. She loves visiting new places and making very specific Spotify playlists.