Don't Miss these Hot Restaurants on your Trip to London

My most recent trip to London was with my daughter for her birthday. We spent the majority of our time wandering the streets and checking out as many themed teas as we could. Don’t forget to check out Everything You Need to Plan the Perfect Trip to London.

When we weren’t sipping tea and riding the Uber boat around the Thames River, we were doing my favorite activity in a new place… eating. I’ve had friends share that they didn’t enjoy the food in London and my message to all of them is that you just weren’t eating at the right place. London has some amazing food options; you just have to know where to go and for many of them- book in advance. My recommendation for London restaurants that are worth the wait is below. Hope you enjoy!

Seating inside a glass orb at the Coppa Club Restaurant

5. Coppa Club

When you dock from your City Cruise experience at the London Tower pier, you’re greeted by the Coppa Club. Facing the Southbank and across the Thames River from London City Hall, sit clear igloos that can be reserved for any occasion. The cost during the week is just $25 per person but that minimum spend increases to $150 per igloo over the weekend. The cuisine is described as modern European and that includes items like steaks, pizzas, pasta, burgers, and salads. The igloos themselves are cozy chic decor that include blankets and heaters for those cooler evenings. There aren’t a lot of the igloos on site and so advance reservations are recommended. The experience is certainly unique. The views from this location can’t be understated and are definitely worth planning in advance.

A View from The Shard

4. Aqua Shard

The Aqua Shard is located on the 31st floor of the Shard. The Shard is the tallest building in Western Europe and the views from the Aqua Shard live up to the iconic location’s reputation. The restaurant has floor to ceiling windows overlooking London from every angle. There really isn’t a bad seat in the house. The menu is seasonal and everything that we tried was both fresh and delicious. The Aqua Shard is also home to my favorite themed tea in London. More on that can be found at Lots to Love in London. Advance reservations aren’t required; however they are strongly advised.

Looking into the Temper kitchen as they cook in front of our seats

3. Temper

Finding Temper is one of my favorite London stories. My husband and I were in London for a surprise 10-year wedding anniversary trip and after meticulously planning every detail of this trip, I somehow forgot to plan dinner for our first night. I’m pretty type A to a fault and one of my least favorite activities is wandering around hungry hoping to find a great restaurant. Yet somehow, that’s exactly what happened. We went to one or two restaurants that were fully booked and wouldn’t even allow us to wait before we stumbled into Temper. Someone had just canceled, and the stars aligned. We were escorted down a flight of stairs at their SoHo location and proceeded to have what I consider one my best dining experiences to date. A seat at the bar allows you to watch the chefs prepare your food and not only is it fun to watch, it’s even more fun to eat. The food was so good we went back during that same trip and was just as blown away as the first night.

A plate of fish from Fenchurch

2. Fenchurch

My visit to Fenchurch is another one of those happy accidents. During my last trip to London I was planning on taking my daughter to the View from Shard and all the times I wanted to visit were sold out. Then I stumbled on a review that mentioned competing views at the Sky Garden and how it was free. I didn’t want to miss an opportunity to check out the beautiful indoor garden, but free reservations were also sold out. Not wanting to give up so easily, I made reservations at Fenchurch which includes access to the garden before your reservation. I was a little worried that the food would be overpriced and pretentious to make up for the views. Boy was I wrong. Now, I will share that the portions are small. However, every bite was worth the price. Everything we had was delicious and looking around the restaurant, everyone else seemed to really be enjoying their food as well. I get excited just thinking about going back.

The decorated dessert plate from my anniversary trip

1. Clos Maggiore

Clos Maggiore was actually the inspiration for my first trip to London. I chose London as the location for my 10-year wedding anniversary because Clos Maggiore was listed as one of the Most Romantic Restaurants in the World. What better place to celebrate 10 years of marriage than the most romantic restaurant in the world? I’m pleased to share that it did NOT disappoint. The ambiance of this restaurant is beyond dreamy. Flowers hung from the ceiling. Candles and fireplaces lit the room. The food and drinks were delicious and the dining experience truly felt like one of a kind. This place was worth a 10-hour flight.

Me posing for a picture on the london bridge in front of Big Ben and Elizabeth tower

Hope you include one or two of these recommendations in your next trip to London. If I missed your favorite, be sure to add it in the comments. Also, subscribe now and be the first to know when knew blogs hit the streets! Don't forget your free copy of How to Make the Most of Your London Tea Experience.

Happy Exploring!