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Having eggs Benedict for breakfast

Where to eat well and cheaply in London (tested by the family)

One of the things that most What scared us before traveling to London was the food issue.

Because yes, London has reputation for being extremely expensiveAnd when you travel When you're with a family, any fast food meal ends up multiplying. magically by four.

But after several days exploring the city, we discovered something important: Yes, you can eat well in London without breaking the bank.

Of course, you need to know a little bit about where to go.

Because London is full of:

  • amazing historic pubs
  • brutal brunches
  • lively street markets
  • beautiful cafes
  • great Asian restaurants
  • and places where you end up eating much better than expected

So here are all the places we tried and that we would definitely repeat when traveling with children.

And if you're still planning your trip, you can also see our complete guide here:
👉 London in 3 days with children: perfect day-by-day route (tested and time-saving) + route map

Enjoying a butterbeer at the Harry Potter Studios restaurant
Enjoying a butterbeer at the Harry Potter Studios restaurant

Is it expensive to eat in London?

Yes. But not as much as we imagined.

The trick is in combining:

  • markets
  • pubs
  • asian restaurants
  • supermarkets
  • brunches
  • and some more special food

We honestly ate much better than expected and often for less money than we thought before the trip.

Having a full English breakfast
Having a full English breakfast

Where to have breakfast in London (and lunch too)

Regency Cafe

If you want to try an authentic English breakfast, this place is probably one of the most classic in London.

Here's what you're here for:

  • eggs
  • bacon
  • sausages
  • baked beans
  • hash browns
  • toasts
  • huge coffee

Come on, let's have breakfast like you're going to build Big Ben afterwards.

Very authentic, very British and with a lot of traditional charm.


Wetherspoons

The trick to eating well or having breakfast cheaply in London.

JD Wetherspoons pubs are English pub chains where you can have breakfast, lunch or dinner of typical British food at a fairly good price for London.

Perfect for:

  • full breakfasts
  • fish and chips
  • burgers
  • typical English food
  • families with children

And many of the shops are located inside beautiful historic buildings.

Honestly, they surprised us quite a bit in a good way.

Having a full English breakfast and some good eggs Benedict in London
Having a full English breakfast and some good eggs Benedict in London

Dolci Coffee & Desserts

One of our favorite breakfasts of the trip.

Decor filled with pink tones, huge brunches and spectacular eggs Benedict.

Highly recommended if you're staying here because:

  • Earl's Court
  • Kensington
  • South Kensington

Or simply if you're looking for a nice and peaceful breakfast before starting your day.


Café Society near Hyde Park where we had breakfast like kings
Café Society near Hyde Park where we had breakfast like kings

Cafe Society

Small, pleasant and perfect before exploring Hyde Park.

A very good option for:

  • have a peaceful breakfast
  • make brunch
  • drink coffee
  • Start the morning calmly
In Camden, at the market where everything is made of shipping containers converted into stalls to eat or have a drink.
In Camden, at the market where everything is made of shipping containers converted into stalls to eat or have a drink.

Where to eat cheaply in London

Camden Market

One of our favorite places to grab a quick bite with a great atmosphere.

Here you will find:

  • street food
  • positions from all over the world
  • burgers
  • noodles
  • Asian food
  • vegetarian
  • confectionery

And Camden's alternative atmosphere makes the experience even more fun.

Entering Borough Market where we ate a delicious cheesecake
where we ate a delicious cheesecake

Borough Market

Our favorite spot for a sweet break during the day.

perfecto para:

  • donuts
  • Cookies
  • special coffees
  • cakes
  • craft chocolates
  • desserts

All with a great atmosphere and next to the Thames.

It's also perfect for a route through:

  • Tower Bridge
  • Tate Modern
  • Shakespeare's Globe
  • The Shard
Dining at the Gold Mine in London's Chinatown
Dining at the Gold Mine in London's Chinatown

Chinatown

If you're looking for a good and cheap place to eat in the heart of London, Chinatown is a safe bet.

Amazing atmosphere, lights, packed restaurants and delicious Asian food.

We had dinner at: Gold Mine

Very famous for its roast duck and very good value for money.

Perfect after a tour:

  • Leicester Square
  • Piccadilly Circus
  • Hamley's
  • Lego Store
  • M & Ms

At Wasabi and Bento after leaving the British Museum
At Wasabi and Bento after leaving the British Museum

Wasabi Sushi & Bento

This place saved us from several quick meals during our trip. For example, there's one near the exit of the British Museum.

Japanese chain perfect for:

  • sushi
  • noodles
  • bentos
  • gyozas
  • relatively healthy fast food

Highly recommended if you're traveling with children who love sushi, because there are usually restaurants all over the city.

Great atmosphere in a pub near Tower Bridge tube station after work around 17:30-18pm
Great atmosphere in a pub near Tower Bridge tube station after work around 17:30-18pm

The best historic pubs to eat at in London

Anchor Bankside

favorite pubs along the Thames.

Dark wood, great atmosphere and a terrace by the river.

You can try it here:

  • fish and chips
  • burgers
  • English feet
  • local beer

And honestly, after walking half of London… everything tastes better.


Eating at the Anchor Bankside pub
Eating at the Anchor Bankside pub

The George Inn

Probably the nicest pub we visited in London.

Rebuilt in 1676 after the Great Fire and frequented by Charles Dickens.

The arrival is worthwhile in itself: you walk through an alley next to London Bridge and a beautiful inner square surrounded by wooden galleries appears.

Furthermore:

  • Is it suitable for children
  • It has a children's menu.
  • and they serve delicious traditional British food

Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese

narrow rooms, low ceilings, fireplaces and a completely London atmosphere.

One of London's most authentic historic pubs, perfect for feeling like you're inside a Victorian novel.

The Old Bank of England

Being inside an old Victorian bank turned pub is a very London experience.

Enormous columns, classic lamps and spectacular decor.

Highly recommended for:

  • have a pint
  • rest for a while
  • try British food
  • Experience one of London's most unusual pubs
Dining at an Indian restaurant: remember to say "not spicy" hehe
Dining at an Indian restaurant: remember to say "not spicy" hehe

Famous restaurants worth visiting

dishoom

Essentially the most famous Indian restaurant in London.

Beautiful decor, amazing atmosphere, and spectacular food.

However, it's best to book in advance because there's usually a queue.


Flatiron

Very good meat at a reasonable price for London.

Perfect if you want to eat well without going to very expensive restaurants.


Hard Rock Cafe London

Huge hamburgers, rock music and a very fun atmosphere for families and teenagers.

A very good option near Hyde Park and Buckingham Palace.

Where to have tea in London

The most typical afternoon tea, although very expensive, like all afternoon teas, although you should know that it's like going to a buffet dinner with sandwiches and pastries.

Fortnum & Mason

It's not cheap. But honestly, having tea here at least once is absolutely worth it.

Everything seems incredibly British:

  • the tableware
  • the pastries
  • the elegant atmosphere
  • the classic service

Very touristy, yes. But also very beautiful.

The big trick to saving money in London: supermarkets

And here's probably one of the most useful tips for the trip.

Supermarkets in London help you save a lot.

Especially:

  • Tesco
  • Sainsbury's
  • Marks & Spencer Food

Perfect for:

  • sandwiches
  • wraps
  • fruit
  • snacks
  • drinks
  • quick breakfasts
  • improvised scenes
Street food stalls in Camden along Regent's Canal
Street food stalls in Camden along Regent's Canal

Tips for organizing your trip

London gets extremely crowded, and many tickets become significantly more expensive the longer you wait to book.

We had booked it from home:

  • hotel
  • Services
  • Harry Potter Studios
  • Tower Bridge
  • London Eye
  • free tours
  • travel insurance

👉 It can also help you:
How to get around London by tube and public transport

👉 And if you want to save even more:
What to see for free in London

Our opinion on where to eat in London

London We were very surprised by the food..

Yes, it's still a city. Tsar.
But it also has many charming places where eating ends up being an important part of the trip.

Historic pubs, giant brunches, lively markets, delicious Asian food, and cafes where you can relax for a while while you continue discovering one of the most fascinating cities in Europe.Your premium experience is over

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