The Best Non-Touristy Restaurants in London 

The Best Non-Touristy Restaurants in London 

Portobello Road Market, June 2005 – By Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=316707

London is obviously one of the most frequented tourist hot spots in the world. With Big Ben, the Tower of London, bustling pubs, crowded shopping streets, and friendly locals, there is no reason why millions of people flock here each year during the summer, fall, winter, and spring — it doesn’t matter the season, there is always SO much to do here!

Plus, solo travelers love it here. You don’t have to bring your family or friends with you to have a great time in England’s capital. You can explore on your own, sign up for walking tours, meet other budget-conscious individuals like yourself, and try out the hearty British pub cuisine. 

But where should you start? If you really want to eat like a local in the foodie scene, check out some of these top restaurants for every and any budget. 

Wrap it Up!

Smoked chicken and avocado wrap – By Takeaway – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=32858220

Need a quick bite for lunch while you are on your lunch break? Try Wrap it Up! This quick and easy wrap, salad, and sandwich place is great for those who want a healthy and fresh bite to eat without breaking the bank. Check out the location just off Borough High Street and their tantalizing meal deal — with wraps, rice, and salad boxes, you can leave here feeling completely full until dinner time after a hard day at the office.

Cote Brasserie

Belon oysters – By Peter Gugerell – Own Photopraph, CC BY 2.5, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=667921

For a bit more of a splurge, head to this French staple. Cote Brasserie is not for solo travelers looking to save money, but can be a great date-night idea for those on a romantic weekend away in London. When you feel like you need to leave the hectic vibe of the center city behind, head to this romantic French restaurant with extensive views of the flowing Thames. 

We recommend getting a bottle of one of the tasty French wines, starting with some bread and cheese, and pretending like you are in the lovely city of Paris for the night! 

Brigade Bar + Kitchen

Fish and chips – By Matthias Meckel – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=74468548

Need to take your work colleagues somewhere for a nice lunch? Head to Brigade Bar + Kitchen to try one of their smoked dishes, diverse menu, and relaxed ambiance. The dimly lit spaces, excellent interior, and interesting decorations make this the ideal spot for a meal with colleagues, friends, or a first date. If your lunch ends up rolling into early happy hour, we don’t blame you.

London Grind

Pool-side mimosas – By vxla – Flickr: Pool-side Mimosas at The Standard Hotel, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=25629832

Are you vegan or gluten-free? No worries! Although you may have previously thought that you could never order your favorite spaghetti carbonara if you have dietary restrictions. Fortunately, you are mistaken! And London Grind shows how you can be health-conscious without restricting yourself. 

Plus, we LOVE the bottomless brunch. Head here on the weekend and try the sweet potato harissa plate with unlimited mimosas, bellinis, or bloody mary’s for just 14 pounds for 30 minutes! This isn’t a reason to imbibe too heavily, but we love this wallet-friendly deal.

The Breakfast Club 

Gourmet cheeseburgers for brunch – By Jonathan Lin from Singapore, xinjiapore – Burgers x Brunch, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=33335650

The Breakfast Club is one of the best restaurant chains in the city — and maybe the entire country. With huge brunch plates that can easily soak up the hangover from the night before (we’re looking at YOU Shoreditch nightclubs), this is one of the most popular spots in the city. 

If you head here, try and make a reservation beforehand, or you could be stuck in one of the infamous queues around the corner. For those who have planned a weekend away to the busy England capital city, make a reservation as soon as you book your flights — this Lund sample is typically on most people’s bucket lists! 

Even though it may still be considered a “tourist” spot, the food is superb here and warrants a spot on this list. To avoid the tourist traps and the crowds, choose gong during off-peak hours for the same grub with less of the chaos. 

Caboose

Brick Lane street signs – By James Cridland – https://www.flickr.com/photos/jamescridland/460198209/, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=4490576

We love love love this spot. It feels like you have either stepped back in time to the Pioneer era, transported yourself into a Scandinavian wonderland, or are dining in the backyard of your friend’s cabin. ‘Caboose’ means the last carriage of a train — and that’s exactly what this is. 

This Brick Lane restaurant has revamped an old carriage to make it a wooden and cozy dining location that is perfectly on trend with the restaurant industry today. Bring a few bottles of wine, some beer, or your favorite spirits, and then sit back and relax while the chef cooks the menu for you! You can book private cabin dining for 30 pounds per person and take your own alcohol on board.