I’m putting this first because I want to be very clear about something. If you have a sweet tooth, this is one of the most important food stops you can make in London. I’m only half joking. Humble Crumble is absolutely worth going out of your way for.

If you have never had a crumble before, this is a perfect introduction. The flavors are incredibly well balanced without being overly sweet, which is something I really appreciated. I would recommend choosing a flavor that feels a bit safe for your first visit so you have a true comfort pick. Once you know what to expect, going back and trying something more adventurous makes a lot of sense.

They usually have a limited and seasonal menu, so there is always something new to try. On top of that, the company has a great reputation for how it treats its employees, which makes it very easy to support. If you are looking for one of the best desserts in London, especially as a family, this is an easy recommendation.

Instagram post

Dishoom is another well known London favorite, and even though it is a chain, the food tastes incredibly authentic. This is one of those places that consistently lives up to the hype.

My go to dish is the Mattar Paneer, and I would genuinely eat it every single day if I could. It does have a bit of spice, so keep that in mind if you plan on sharing with kids. Their paratha bread is excellent, and my wife thinks their vegetable samosas are among the best she has ever had.

One of the best things about Dishoom is how accessible it is. There are several locations throughout London and other cities in England. You can also order delivery, and it is still very good at home. You may need to reheat the bread, but it can save you from waiting for a table, since Dishoom locations are often very busy. For families looking for great Indian food in London, this is a reliable and delicious option.

Instagram post

The location we visited was at Battersea Power Station, and Le Bab was an unexpected delight. It feels like one of Battersea’s best kept secrets, and it has not felt overly crowded in our experience.

Le Bab is a Lebanese fusion restaurant, which already sets the bar high. I went with the vegetarian option, the Legendary Paneer Kebab, and it was easily one of the best dishes I have had since arriving in the UK. The flavors were complex but subtle, never overstated, and incredibly satisfying.

My wife ordered the fried chicken kebab and loved it. We also shared the pita and hummus, which I highly recommend. Their hummus alone is worth ordering. If you are exploring Battersea and looking for somewhere memorable to eat, this spot is well worth a visit.

If you ever find yourself in Hackney looking for brunch, Melody Bistro is a must. It is a smaller café, but everything they do feels thoughtful and well executed.

You can order a full English breakfast, but they also serve several Turkish dishes. My wife ordered the Turkish eggs, and I had the Menemen. Both were excellent. My wife saved every last bite, and I loved mine, even though I got so full I could not finish it.

Our kids enjoyed their meals as well and cleared their plates, which is always a good sign. The coffee was also great. I tried a Spanish latte for the first time and still cannot fully explain it, but I definitely felt amazing afterward. The service was excellent, and for a smaller café, the experience was outstanding. This is a great family friendly brunch option in London.

Instagram post

When we had a friend visiting from the United States, this was her one chance to experience a traditional Sunday roast. After doing some research, we decided to try The Broadcaster, and it was well worth the trip.

The restaurant sits on the top floor of a multi story building, overlooking the street and shopping area below. The view is genuinely beautiful. There is a balcony, and while it is not designed specifically for kids, the space still felt comfortable for families.

The kids menu was solid, and our children were very happy with their meals. Once the food arrived, everyone dug in immediately, and the table went almost completely silent. As far as Sunday roasts go, we have tried around ten, and this one easily ranks in our top three.

I cannot remember the exact details of the vegetarian roast, but it was excellent. I added a bit of horseradish, which was the perfect touch. My wife ordered the chicken roast with cranberry sauce and loved it. The standard menu also looked great, and I would happily return if given the chance.

This is a slightly unconventional suggestion, but Spitalfields Market has so much to offer that it felt necessary to include it. There are easily more than twenty food stalls, representing an incredible variety of cuisines.

We only ate at one stall, but walking through the market was an experience on its own. There was so much good looking food that it was hard to choose. You can find everything from savory meals to desserts, including a mochi bar that I still regret not trying.

There is also a Humble Crumble location right there, so dessert is already taken care of. Beyond the food, the market itself adds to the overall London experience and creates such a positive, energetic atmosphere. I highly recommend visiting, especially if you are traveling with family and want flexibility.

St Pancras Station

My final suggestion is less about the food and more about the experience. St Pancras Station is one of those places where you should eat at least once just to say you did.

There is something oddly memorable about grabbing a meal while slightly stressed about travel plans, overpaying for a bottle of water, and negotiating seating with other travelers. While this may not feel traditionally British, it is a very real part of traveling through London.

The food court itself is massive, and on the other side is a long hallway that feels more like a shopping mall than a train station. It is genuinely mind blowing the first time you see it. Even if you overpay for a cheeseburger, the experience of eating in such a huge and busy space is uniquely memorable. I recommend doing it once, just for the experience.

Recommended for you