Whether you’re a local or a tourist, I’ve created my ultimate London guide to share my favorite London travel guides, hotels, restaurants and other must-see attractions. I have lived in London since January 2015 and this guide will be updated periodically as I explore and review new places in London.
Please note that all of the reviews are my own. I created this guide as a result of friends and family asking for my recommendations and would never endorse or post about a place unless I think it’s worth it!
Trip Roundups
A 7-Day Itinerary For London – Very comprehensive!
A Long Weekend In London
December in London
The view of the London Eye and Big Ben from Embankment Bridge
Hotels
Bayswater Hotels
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel London – Hyde Park – My parents stayed here while visiting London and the rooms/hotel are great quality and not too pricey with very easy access to Hyde Park, Kensington Palace, Hyde Park
Fitzrovia Hotels
Melia White House Hotel – I’ve stayed multiple times and it’s been perfect – not as fancy as others, but still good quality and value for the price and easy access to Regent’s Park
Marylebone Hotels
The Marylebone – I’ve stayed here multiple times – lovely and great service and a block away from the oh-so-lovely Marylebone High Street, Oxford Street, Mayfair, etc.
Mayfair Hotels
Hilton Park Lane – My parents stayed here when visiting me for my Mother’s birthday and they were just wonderful to them – a very upscale Hilton with awesome perks – especially if you have Hilton Honors status like an executive lounge with free food/beverages throughout the day and free breakfast
South Kensington Hotels
The Kensington Hotel – Also a Doyle Collection Hotel like The Marylebone – great location in South Kensington, service and rooms
The fantastic view of London from my parent’s hotel room at the Hilton Park Lane
Restaurants
*In general…London is very much a reservation (or bookings) city. If there’s somewhere you really want to go, make a reservation in advance!
Bloomsbury Restaurants
Abeno – Described as, “Europe’s only specialist ‘Okonomi-yaki’ restaurant,” Abeno and its sister restaurants are delicious. While the menu is vast and the staff incredibly helpful, my favorite was the savory pancakes. Add in a glass or two of plum wine and a lovely dining companion and I’ll be back anytime.
Bayswater Restaurants
BananaTree – A delightful Pan-Asian restaurant that is super casual and affordable. Cuisine features a mix of Malaysian, Indonesian, Vietnamese, Singaporean, and Thai cuisines. Locations across London.
Chelsea Restaurants
Azteca – A lively spot for dangerously good Mexican food and margaritas
Bluebird – A fun spot for a night out – especially a girls night out. Made famous by the reality TV show “Made In Chelsea,” they have a bar area upstairs, a restaurant and an outdoor terrace. The interior is beautiful, like a secret garden. Food and drinks here solid but not exceptional – I do think a bunch of apps make here and cocktails do make for a fun night out though.
Daphne’s – There’s something wonderfully old school about the vibe and the service, and I say this in a complimentary way. The atmosphere is always buzzy with a mix of groups both large and small. My absolute favorite place to sit is at the bar and feast on generously sized “small” plates and seasonal spritz cocktails.
Il Trilio – A lovely spot with delcious Tuscan food. From the chic white interior to the conservatory in the back, it’s a great choice for dinner with friends or a date night.
Clerkenwell Restaurants
The Fence – Arguably my favorite in the area, the cuisine is gastro pub small plates with a middle eastern influence. A touch pricery, but so well done!
Iberica Farringdon – Also one of my favorites – the ambiance is great in here for a date night and the tapas is delicious.
Covent Garden Restaurants
Sticks ‘n’ Sushi – Stylish sushi restaurant with trendy drinks, delicious sushi rolls and other Japanese-inspired dishes like grilled yakitori skewers.
Fitzrovia Restaurants
Berners Tavern – Don a stylish outfit and come to this hip yet proper British restaurant and cocktail lounge.
Burger & Lobster – Great for lunch or dinner, but not for vegetarians/vegans. Locations all over London.
Islington Restaurants
Ottolenghi – With a number of locations around London, the food and atmosphere is just divine. If you can snag a seat, go for brunch!
The Pig & Butcher – Awesome gastropub for lunch or Sunday Roast – the food – and sticky toffee pudding – was divine.
Kentish Town Restaurants
Carrots & Daikon – Healthy Vietnamese place for lunch or dinner takeout, smoothies.
The Bull & Gate – Our “local” back when I worked nearby. Classic pub food, but they re-did the interior and it’s much more elegant inside now. There’s also a fun cocktail bar hidden upstairs!
Marylebone Restaurants
108 Brasserie – Another one of my favorites, 108 Marylebone has a little something for everyone – at any time of day. Go to new The Cocktail Bar off the lobby for quiet catch-ups, 108 Marylebone for a buzzy bar with great cocktails and bar bites, 108 Brasserie for delicious food and 108 Pantry for coffee or high tea.
Blandford Comptoir – Described as serving Mediterranean dishes, but the vibe to me is more French with a nice mix of small and larger plates, good cocktails. I had the scallops with a pea & pint puree and they were incredible.
Chiltern Firehouse – One of the poshest places in London at the moment, but FYI it is expensive and hard to get a booking at. But, try anyway! I went for a friend’s birthday and it was worth it.
Jikoni – An Indian and British fusion restaurant that is oh-so-delicious for brunch or dinner. While the menu changes often, there’s always a yummy fusion take on a Scotch egg, which I highly recommend. For brunch, I also loved the pina colada pancakes!
OPSO – Delightful small plates and mixed drinks with Greek spirits in a trendy, chic space. In the warmer months, there is also a great patio.
The Ivy Cafe Marylebone – Fantastic for any meal with a gorgeous interior and posh crowd to match.
Mayfair Restaurants
Cecconi’s – Venetian inspired Italian cuisine in a stylish Mayfair setting. Not too expensive, especially for Mayfair, but the crowd is always elegant and nicely dressed. Make a reservation.
Coya – A splurge-y night out, but well worth it. A few favorites include the salmon entrée, the Atun Chifa ceviche (toasted sesame oil flavor with tuna in a ceviche is just divine), Hiramasa a la Trufa tiraditos (the truffled flavor in this dish is everything), Picante de Pepino ensalada (tart, spicy and refreshing). Bonus: If you can book a seat in the cocktail bar upstairs (usually reserved for members, but it doesn’t hurt to try), the live music and atmosphere is a lot of fun post-dinner.
Delfino’s – Affordable (yes, really!), casual pizza, salad and pasta place. Great for lunch or dinner.
Hakkassan – Incredible, upscale Chinese food in a sexy setting. Sit downstairs and thank me later.
Little Social – French-inspired food in a cozy setting from Jason Atherton, one of my favorites. Definitely reserve in advance.
Notting Hill Restaurants
e&o Notting Hill – A delightful pan-Asian restaurant in the heart of Notting Hill. Try to snag one of the coveted outdoor seats on a sunny day in London or if with a big group, the indoor massive booths are fabulous. The food is delicious – I personally love the rock shrimp, Peruvian chicken, currys, gyoza, miso cod, and more!
Mazi – Came recommended to me by a friend from Greece, who calls this her favorite greek restaurant in London. The restaurant is simple and elegant and the food follows suit. The plates are beautifully curated, delicious and all meant to share. If you go in the summer, try and snag a seat on their patio, located in the back of the restaurant.
Richmond Restaurants
No. 1A Duke Street – It’s such a cute neighborhood restaurant and bar. I’ve been twice now for brunch / Sunday Roast and each time, it has been divine. I know they are also an all-day spot, so whether you’re up for breakfast or cocktails, I imagine it would be a solid option.
Shoreditch Restaurants
DF/Mexico – Casual place with the best tacos I’ve had in London so far. Two tacos + side + beer is about 15 pounds. Kinda hard to beat!!
Dinerama – Come here for a late lunch and day drinks. It’s an outdoor/indoor food stall type market venue in Shoreditch. Not fancy at all, but fun, especially after wandering around to take in all the street art. They do charge for entry in the evenings, I just forget when that starts.
Dishoom – Best Indian food I’ve had in London so far and this is my favorite Dishoom location. They have this really charming lounge area in the front that’s a separate building. Sit there if you can. And, don’t be afraid to order the Chicken Tikka, it’s divine.
Soho Restaurants
Barrafina: W-o-n-d-e-r-f-u-l – if you can snag a seat, that is! Located in Soho, you cannot make a reservation at this delightful tapas spot, so be prepared to wait, especially at peak times. Plus, they also do take a break between lunch and dinner service times, so take note on their website. However, it’s totally worth the wait. The entire restaurant (Dean Street location, at least) is counter seating and the staff are very honest about the wait time when you arrive. They’re also quick to find you a place to perch with drinks/snacks if it’s available, which is fab. Note: Barrafina has a few locations, including Soho, Covent Garden, and now King’s Cross.
Comptoir Libanais – Casual Lebanese Breakfast, lunch, dinner with locations all over the city. Not fancy, best for a quick lunch or snack.
Flat Iron – Simple, casual steak place. No reservations, but inexpensive and pretty good for the low prices.
Little Italy – A lively Italian restaurant in the heart of Soho with delicious, if not a bit decadent Italian cuisine. Great for groups and special occasions on a night out!
NOPI – Middle Eastern and Asian-inspired sharing plates from Ottolenghi in an upscale atmosphere. Go!!
Polpo – Venetian small plates, so delicious and one of my go-to spots with locations all over the city.
Bars/Lounges
Chinatown Bars/Lounges
Opium – A little hard to find amid the craziness of Chinatown, the interior is really cool and try to score a seat at Peony if you can.
Clerkenwell Bars/Lounges
The Clerkenwell & Social – Lovely cocktail pub (they also serve pints!) with 2 for 1 cocktail specials and gourmet pizzas, plus outdoor seating.
Bird of Smithfield – Good restaurant, but the hidden gem here is the nice roof deck if the weather is good.
The Slaughtered Lamb – Classic pub, but they have good food, mini sliders, etc (the lamb ones not surprisingly are awesome).
Maida Vale Bars/Lounges
The Waterway – Great outdoor ‘beer garden’ space for cocktails, pints, pimms along the canal – also indoor space too.
The Elgin – A cozy local pub in Maida Vale with fantastic food that’s good for breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner or drinks.
Marylebone Bars/Lounges
108 Marylebone & The Cocktail Bar In The Marylebone Hotel – 108 Marylebone is a longtime cocktail bar favorite for me (best in Marylebone in my opinion), located on the Marylebone Lane entrance of the hotel. However, recently, a new cocktail bar has opened just off the lobby on the Wellbeck Street entrance.
The Artesian – Pricey but in my mind THE BEST cocktails in London.
The Marylebone – Lovely cocktail pub.
Mayfair Bars/Lounges
Mayfair Bar – Always a super random crowd, but a good meeting place for a drink if in the area. The bar menu apps are also decent.
The Connaught – A proper cocktail bar. Very low key setting – a classy place to meet someone for a fabulous drink and conversation to match. Bonus points: they have a custom martini cart experience in the back room.
Notting Hill Bars/Lounges
Trailer Happiness – A charming basement tiki bar just off of Portobello Rd. The drinks are awesome!
Shoreditch Bars/Lounges
Callooh Callay – Fantastic cocktails in a hidden location. Low-key lounge vibe.
Shoreditch House – If you’re lucky enough to know a member, go! Super fun.
Soho Bars/Lounges
Aqua Kyoto – Also a restaurant, but they have a lively bar and roof terrace, which is great on a nice night. Trendy vibe!
Basement Sate – While unassuming from the outside, this trendy basement bar is worth a visit. Do book a table in advance if you can, it’s more lounge bar in nature, but they do also let people stand at the bar.
Disrepute – Tucked below bustling Kingly Court on the edge of Oxford Circus and Soho, Disrepute is technically a member’s club bar, but non-members can book. Booking is highly recommended, but they do take walk-ins. The bar is dim, cozy and decorated in an oh-so-chic art deco style. It would be an awesome date spot, but I’ve also gone before with girlfriends to catch-up. The drinks are on the pricey side, but the experience makes it worth it. You’re welcomed with a free small amuse bouche type drink and the menu is put together in the most wonderful way. It changes from time to time, but the most recent one was delightfully naughty – and delicious.
Ham Yard Hotel – Another gorgeously designed hotel bar that spills out into the courtyard around it on a nice day. Bonus? They have a bowling alley downstairs. I’ve been before, so much fun with a group!
Milroy’s of Soho – Don’t let the ground floor of this shop specialising in single and rare malt whiskies, fine wines and champagnes fool you. There’s a secret door in the back that takes you downstairs to a really cool basement cocktail bar.
Refuel at the Soho Hotel – Beautifully designed hotel bar. Great spot to meet a friend, business meeting or date for drinks, a true multi-tasker :). It’s never overly crowded. Also serves food.
Social Eating House – Also a good restaurant, but they have a nice bar area with very imaginative cocktails. The kind of place where they only let you in if they have enough seats for you.
100 Wardour Street – Trendy, incredibly spacious cocktail lounge in Soho that also has a restaurant. Upstairs is very relaxed, with a bar and lounge areas. Downstairs has a second bar, stage/dance floor for live music and a restaurant. Trendy, stylish crowd.
Southwark Bars/Lounges
Hutong at The Shard – Fun Asian-themed restaurant/bar with great views of London
Creative cocktails at the Chelsea Prayer Room in Chelsea
Coffee Shops
Dunkin’ Donuts – Baker Street, Marylebone – I would be a bad Bostonian if I didn’t point out that Dunkin’ Donuts is in London WOOOHOO!!!!
Yes, Dunkin’ Donuts is in London!
High Tea
The Berkley Pret A Porter Afternoon Tea – A fashion-themed afternoon tea that makes for the perfect girls afternoon out in London. Definitely a splurge but one well worth it. Tuck into elegant tea sandwiches and cakes so beautiful that they double as works of art. A little booklet explains which designer, such as Gucci or Balenciaga, is inspiration for each cake. They’re wonderful at accommodating food allergies and intolerances. Also, should you have room, you can ask for seconds and you can also ask for a to go box to bring some of your favorite cakes or sandwiches home (perhaps for someone in your house who didn’t get to come with you). When you factor this in, the price tag starts to seem more reasonable!
The Ritz – Posh yet pricey, but if you want the ultimate fancy London High Tea experience, go here!
High Tea at The Ritz
Attractions
Barbican Attractions
The Conservatory Garden at The Barbican – Cool ‘secret garden’ in one of London’s ugliest buildings
Chelsea Attractions
Duke of York Square – Nice spot for shopping and restaurants (like Polpo), with a cute farmers market on the weekends
Saatchi Gallery – Contemporary art gallery, which mixes between being free entry and completely taken over by special exhibits that you have to pay for (e.g. that awesome Rolling Stones exhibit!)
Marylebone Attractions
The Wallace Collection Museum – A somewhat hidden gem of a museum in London’s Marylebone that often gets overshadowed by the city’s more famous ones. Founded in 1897, the museum is based in Hertford House in Manchester Square and houses a lovely collection of art, sculptures, and more from the 18th and 19th centuries. The museum is free to enter, but there are collection boxes for donations. There’s also a wonderful café in the inner courtyard – which you must stop at after your visit for tea and coffee, pastries or other lunch items.
Regents Park– Aka my happy place, located in Marylebone with entry points in Camden and St. John’s Wood
Hyde Park
Hyde Park – Not as fabulous as Regents Park, but worth a stroll or bike ride through, especially by The Serpentine
Kensington Attractions
Kensington Palace & Shrunken Gardens – The palace itself makes for a lovely tour, but you can also visit the adjacent shrunken gardens for free, plus the nearby Orangery restaurant
Victoria & Albert Museum – Described as, “the world’s leading museum of art and design,” there’s always something exciting to discover at this free museum
Knightsbridge Attractions
Harrods – I mean…you kind of have to pass through Harrods. It’s veeeery crowded on the ground floor, but if you go up a few floors it calms down. The card and book shop is actually very nice and reasonably priced and they have a gift shop for souvenirs.
Notting Hill
Holland Park – Gorgeous park with a Japanese garden, beautiful classic English gardens AND…wait for it..actual live peacocks roam the grounds
Portobello Market – I personally find it a bit overcrowded, but of course it’s worth a wander through – especially if you want to stalk out a few of the real life places from the Notting Hill movie.
Southwark Attractions
Borough Market – Awesome Friday – weekend food market
Tate Modern – Great (free) museum filled with modern art along the South Bank
Tower Bridge – What many think of as London Bridge, but great for a photo opp and easily walkable from Borough Market
Trafalgar Square Attractions
*The square itself is a destination with the fountains, Nelson’s Column and iconic stone lions
The National Gallery – Another amazing free museum that houses a robust collection of paintings from around the world
Westminister Attractions
Big Ben – The nickname for the famous Great Bell of the clock at the north end of the Palace of Westminster in London
Buckingham Palace – One cannot come to London without waving hello to the Queen. Open during July – September for tours and definitely worth going to!
Green Park – True to its name, this vibrant green park sits between the palace and Mayfair
Palace of Westminster (Parliament) – The meeting place of the House of Commons and the House of Lords, the two houses of the Parliament
St. James’s Park – Charming Park adjacent to Buckingham Palace
Westminster Abbey – A gorgeous gothic abbey that is rich in history. Also the location of Will & Kate’s wedding!
Trafalgar Square
Seasonal Things To Do
December in London – What to do for festive holiday fun
Polo in The Park – Parsons Green, early June annually
London’s Christmas lights 2016 – photos from a few of my favorite festive spots!
Christmas Tea at The Ritz
Have questions? Want to see an attraction featured or reviewed here? E-mail me at savvybostonian@gmail.com