Beyond the bustling hotspots and Michelin-starred restaurants lie hidden gems waiting to be discovered. These unassuming eateries offer unique flavours, authentic experiences, and a touch of local charm that will tantalise your taste buds and leave you craving more. These are the type of places where you get to interact with the owner, meet locals and enjoy home-style cooking.
Vegan Yes (East London): This is a haven for plant-based foodies. This relaxed, eclectic cafe serves up Italian & Korean fusion vegan fare such as pasta & kimchi. They incredible owners will chat to you whilst you are eating, making it feel like you are eating in their front-living room.
One Love Caribbean Restaurant and Takeaway (North London): a family run business providing excellent authentic Caribbean cuisines. I absolutely love their goat curry and jerk chicken. Expect big portions at low prices,
Cafe Mandalay (North London): Transport yourself to the heart of Myanmar at Cafe Mandalay, a hidden gem in North London that offers a truly authentic Burmese culinary experience. This family-run restaurant serves up traditional dishes bursting with flavour, from the tangy Lahpet Thoke (tea leaf salad) to the rich and aromatic Mohinga. This is a no-frills restaurant that serves up delicious and good value food.
Cocoro Highgate (North London and West London): So it turns out they have four restaurants around London but I used to live near the one in Highgate. This unassuming restaurant was at the back of their shop, offering delicious sushi and ramen. On the way out, I would always buy something sweet from the shop such as mochi to finish off the meal.
Govinda’s Pure Vegetarian Restaurant (Central London): Located in the heart of Soho, Govinda’s is a vegetarian restaurant with a unique twist. This Hare Krishna-run eatery offers a daily changing menu of delicious and wholesome Indian-inspired dishes. From flavorful curries to hearty lentil soups and freshly baked bread. I love it here, especially if you are looking for some home-cooked Indian food.
Community Lunch Club at the ESEA Community Centre in Hackney: For a truly unique and heartwarming dining experience, head to the ESEA Community Centre in Hackney for their weekly Community Lunch Club. This hidden gem offers a chance to connect with locals and enjoy a delicious and affordable meal. The menu features a variety of home-style dishes from different Asian cultures, providing a wonderful opportunity to sample authentic flavours and learn about different culinary traditions.
London Like a Local 