Whether you're feeling down and need cheering up or fancy something to keep you cosy during the winter months, we've rounded up the capital's most heart-warming dishes. From beautifully prepared bowls of carb-loaded pasta to grilled cheese sarnies and classic roast dinners, check out the best comfort food in London with our handy guide.
Last edited by Izzah Kazi
Last updated on 5th September 2024
Macaroni cheese... just hearing the words fill us with happiness. And Balthazar, which you can find in Covent Garden, is serving up some of the best around. Made using lashings of gruyere, with the option to add truffle or lardons, it really is top-notch.
The Gatehouse is a quaint and cosy pub north of the river that's slinging out seriously hearty roast dinners. The Sunday menu features sirloin of beef, Normandy chicken and Suffolk pork belly, as well as a nut and lentil loaf for those of you looking for vegan comfort food in London.
We Brits just love fish and chips. Beige yet beautiful, it's a dish that simply fills us with joy. And one place that really does it justice is The Oyster Shed. While you admire the beautiful riverside views, chomp on Young's beer-battered haddock accompanied by triple-cooked chips, mushy peas and tartare sauce.
When you're in need of some comfort food, pizza will surely spring to mind. And we honestly think that nothing quite beats a classic margherita. Swing by Pizza Pilgrims, which boasts outposts in Hyde Park, London Bridge, Camden and more, to stuff yourself silly with scrumptious slices.
Nestled in South Woodford, Elmo's Bar is soothing our souls with cracking Caribbean cuisine. So if you're wondering what to eat in London, tuck into jerk chicken with rice and peas or triple-cooked chips. And if that wasn't enough? You can also grab a side of macaroni and cheese.
Whether you head to Brixton, Camden or Shoreditch, you'll find Blues Kitchen filling tums with delicious desserts. But our favourite of the lot has to be the sweet tooth-appeasing Oreo doughnuts. These little bites of heaven are elevated even more so when you dip them in the side of toffee sauce.
There's no denying that a beautiful bowl of freshly prepared pasta will warm you to your core. So, make sure to check out Maremma for some of the best autumn food in London; we're talkin' pappardelle elevated with an unctuous wild boar ragu.
If you fancy experiencing dining in Tokyo without stepping foot out of London, Kibou Battersea is a must-visit for any ramen lover in London. This stunning spot at the end of Clapham's hip Northcote Road is a burst of colour, boasting vibrant Japanese-inspired murals on the walls and a massive cherry blossom tree out front. The menu is as diverse as the decor, offering a mix of beloved Japanese classics like piping hot ramen made with pork, chicken, or vegan broth, freshly made katsu curry, and donburi.
BrewDog is renowned for its epic menu of scrumptious comfort food, including its fantastic lineup of banging burgers. So, if you're in need of a little pick-me-up, you can find this brand of boozer in Soho, Camden, Shoreditch and so much more.
The Admirality is one of the best places to eat in Central London, cooking up a bevvy of quintessential British bites. But the dish we've got our hungry eyes on is the sharing pie for two, made of slow-braised lamb shoulder, root vegetables and red wine gravy.
Byron offers the ultimate burger experience, from Tottenham Court Road, Covent Garden and South Kensington to Shepherds Bush, using top-quality patties made using beef from Alden's, the family butcher, and crafting their signature patties with a mix of brisket, chuck, and rib cap cuts, aged to juicy perfection. From the Byron burger featuring maple bacon, relish and red onions to the Clucky filled with buttermilk fried chicken, smashed avocado, Sriracha hot honey and pickled red onions, their burger game is on point.
The Windmill Mayfair has gained iconic status for its variety of award-winning pies. There's a mighty selection to dive into, but one dish that makes us feel all warm and cosy inside is the epic slow-cooked Dorset lamb shepherd's pie, served with cheddar leek mash and buttered greens.
If you're looking for the best food to try in London, don't miss out on The Cheese Bar. While there's plenty to put a smile on your face, it's the grilled cheese sandwiches that have us in a tizzy. Our favourite? The Cropwell Bishop Stilton number with beer fruit chutney.
Make your way over to Jack And Beyond to sink your teeth into a bucketload of sweet treats, including the beautifully constructed red velvet cake. But that's not all, as you can also tuck into brownies, afternoon teas and some of the best cookies in London.
