Our Top 10 Independent Eats In London
London’s food scene is never-ending, and we’re working our way through it. For now, though, here’s our top 10 independent picks, all places we’ve eaten at multiple times. There’s no particular order, but you’ll notice a few spots in Queen’s Park— it’s a hidden food gem haven!
Carmel - Queen’s Park, London
Carmel is a Queen’s Park gem, serving up weekend breakfast, and lunch and dinner during the week. Inspired by the Eastern Mediterranean, their menu is packed with bold, flavourful dishes—many grilled or wood-roasted in their open kitchen. It’s the perfect spot for sharing, with way too many must-tries. Don’t skip the flatbreads, and the slow-grilled chilli chicken - menu highlights!
Don’t Tell Dad - Queen’s Park, London
Bakery by day, restaurant by night—Don’t Tell Dad is easily one of our favourite new spots. The pastries? A solid 11/10, changing regularly and always delivering. The vibe is effortlessly cool, with a proper neighbourhood feel, and the interior and branding? Yeah, they nailed it.
Come dinner, the counter is where you want to be. The team behind the bar know their stuff and with a great wine list, they’ll sort you out with something delicious and perfectly suited to your taste. The open kitchen adds to the experience, but the must-order? The oxtail crumpets. Unreal.
La Famiglia - Chelsea, London
La Famiglia is an iconic family-run spot tucked away in Chelsea, serving up timeless Tuscan classics. Go full Italian and order antipasti, primi, secondi, and of course, a dolci. And whatever you do, don’t skip the dessert trolley—there’s always so many treats on there!
Milk Beach - Queen’s Park, London
Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even wine tasting nights—Milk Beach does it all, and does it so well. This Aussie spot has two locations—one in Soho, one in Queen’s Park—and it’s insanely good. Whether you’re there for breakfast or dinner, you’re in for a treat. A must-try has to be Granny Ella’s Banana Bread with coffee cream!
Padella - London Bridge, London
If you’re craving seriously good pasta, Padella is the place, no question. Fresh, hand-rolled pasta with a variety of sauces and fillings that hit the spot. The menu usually features around 12 pasta dishes, plus a few antipasti like burrata with olive oil and some top-tier sourdough. Don’t skip the tarts for dessert—they’re a must.
It’s a spot with great vibes, even better prices, and generous portions. The only catch? Scoring a table can be tricky, but trust us, the wait is 100% worth it.
Choux - Ladbroke Grove, London
Profiteroles, pastries, and cookies—Choux is the place for a sweet treat. Their profiteroles are the ultimate dream dessert—perfect for bringing to a dinner party or just treating yourself on a Sunday afternoon.
The cookies? Next level. Made with top-tier chocolate, they’re in a league of their own. Think Jivara milk chocolate with fleur de sel or our personal favourite—pecan and Valrhona Dulcey caramelised white chocolate.
Best part? They’re on Deliveroo, and if you’re not local, the cookies and chocolate treats ship nationwide.
It’s Bagels - Primrose Hill, London
If you’re after a proper NYC-style bagel, It’s Bagels is the place. We keep it classic with a B.E.C and ketchup, but the menu is stacked with killer fillings, including a lineup of flavoured cream cheeses.
Founded by a true New Yorker, he knows what he’s doing. There are a few tables inside, but honestly? Grab your bagel and head to Primrose Hill—nothing beats that view with a bagel in hand on a sunny London day!
La Crêperie de Hampstead - Hampstead
If you know, you know—this is the ultimate crepe stand. The crepes are legendary, and so is the queue. Trust us, we’ve waited 50 minutes at peak time, and it was so worth it.
The only way to do it? One savoury, one sweet. Savoury is always ham and cheese, packed with salt and pepper. Sweet? Only Belgian chocolate (white or milk). It’s a few extra pennies, but once you try it there’s no going back.
Tsiakkos & Charcoal - Maida Vale, London
Tsiakkos & Charcoal is a cosy, family-run spot serving up incredible Greek-Cypriot food, all cooked over a traditional charcoal grill. The menu is small but mighty, nailing the classics— think feta salad, thick-cut halloumi, tzatziki, and for mains, juicy chicken souvlaki, whole seabass, or melt-in-your-mouth kleftiko. And for dessert? Baklava!
There is always a vibe here, but this little gem fills up fast—so book ahead!
Michiko Sushino - Queen’s Park, London
Michiko Sushino is a great neighbourhood spot in Queen’s Park. Owned by fashion designer Michiko Koshino, this laid-back sushi bar keeps it simple—but the food is on another level. Our go-to order? Miso soup, tori no karaage, prawn gyozas (a firm favourite), a mix of tuna and prawn tempura sushi, and to finish? It has to be mochi. It’s well worth a visit.
