A Londoner’s Top Food Spots

London is the perfect place for food lovers, with its myriad of restaurants, cafés, pubs and bars. As a French national, spending three weeks at LSE gave me the perfect opportunity to explore London’s culinary experiences. I was lucky: Daniel, my roommate in my accommodation, was a Londoner and shared a common love for food. So let me tell you five food recommendations from a Londoner himself, for a gourmet culinary experience in London!

 

COVENT GARDEN: SUSHI SAMBA & MUCH MORE

Covent Garden is a beautiful place everyone should visit, especially since it is so close to LSE’s campus! Indeed, this area is a must-visit, packed with tasty restaurants, lovely shops and nice cafés. I came here with my relatives at the beginning of my stay in London, and my advice is this: if you want a memorable culinary experience, go to SushiSamba. Nestled within the glasshouses of vibrant Covent Garden, this sushi restaurant offers a unique dining experience surrounded by lush greenery and beautiful floral displays. The food is amazing, and the sushi was the best I’ve ever eaten (believe me, I am the expert!). You can also try the SushiSamba located in the City, which has a panoramic view of London. If you want something more casual, you can try the dozen of restaurants in Covent Garden, you won’t be disappointed!

SOHO: MASALA ZONE

Daniel had told me there were culinary gems in Soho, but at that time I hadn’t realised just how true this was. Located in the heart of London, Soho is the perfect spot to eat well. I asked Daniel if he had any restaurant suggestions, and he answered without hesitation: “let’s go to Masala Zone”. So, we headed over, and it was indeed a real treasure!

The mood was relaxed and the decoration truly beautiful, with a vibrant blend of rich colours, creating an inviting atmosphere for great conversations and laughs. Comfortably settled there, order a Thali dish: it is a big meal with rice, perfectly seasoned meat, and different sorts of vegetables.

We visited Masala Zone three separate times, and always ordered this - so trust me and get yourself a Thali!

SOHO: FLUTE

I am a big fan of Soho so here’s another great spot, this time for drinks. Located on the rooftop of a beautiful hotel, you’ll find Flute bar. Here you’ll find exquisite cocktails, juices and soft drinks that you can enjoy on the terrace, for a perfect summer evening experience.

NEXT TO LSE’S CAMPUS: SHAKESPEARE’S HEAD

If you’re looking for a drink or some food after finishing classes for the day, I’d recommend heading to Shakespeare’s Head, a pub very close to campus. This place is nice to go to with your friends after you have finished your lectures: it is right next to campus, with good prices and a nice atmosphere. Moreover, this pub is very big, so you will always (I hope!) find somewhere to sit. I recommend you eat lunch there – they offer a menu with reasonable prices, with British food like fish and chips.

CHINATOWN

Chinatown is a unique neighbourhood, with stalls, small shops and restaurants everywhere. With its red lanterns, you will immediately recognise this unique location. Try some restaurants there – I suggest ordering Peking duck! This traditional and famous dish is perfect if you are eating with friends, as it is great for sharing. A nice way to create unforgettable memories!

 

Now, you know my favourite food spots in London, so I highly recommend you try them out over the summer! However, I also suggest wandering around London – this is a great way to discover your own food favourites. With so many restaurants in the city, you will find what best suits you, and then you can recommend it to future students!

 

This blog was written by one of our 2024 Student Ambassadors, who are here to share their stories and help you understand the summer school experience at LSE.