London's urban sprawl can be quite overwhelming, whether you're a tourist visiting for the first time, or a decades-long city resident. With so many attractions on every corner, it can be difficult to squeeze in everything – from the London Eye, to Camden market, to the museums and Royal Parks - there is so much to see and do.
The same is true for restaurants. We know how easy it can be to be swept up in the hustle and bustle, as a tourist or as a local, and end up settling for something comforting, somewhere familiar that you’ve possibly been to before. If you're looking for good food at a reasonable price tag, well, where do you start? London boasts one of the most eclectic, multicultural food scenes in the world, and sometimes there are almost too many options.
It isn’t always a case of going to well-renowned restaurants or the hot spots that you’ve seen on your Instagram feed. Sometimes, it's best to discover the undiscovered, the restaurants flying low on the radar, or as we like to call them: the hidden gems. London's never-ending patchwork of neighbourhoods hide all sorts of little family eateries and restaurants, many of which serve up quality food without the fanfare of better-known, trendy London restaurants.
These restaurants are the untold secrets of London’s dining scene; sparkling, precious gems in amongst a world of bustling streets. Luckily for you, we've come across a few of these spots in our time; places where you can find delicious food, great service and a warm, friendly atmosphere, without being flooded by crowds. Keep scrolling to find the best hidden gems that the SquareMeal team could think of.
Needoo Grill, Whitechapel
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Why: 'Found in the shadow of its neighbour, the legendary Tayyabs, Needoo Grill runs a similar BYOB policy and serves up Punjabi food too. The difference is the lack of queue and more laidback service which means you can actually take your time over your meal. There’s also the drama of an open kitchen plus the wonderful smell of grilled meats. Dishes aren’t huge, but with most under a tenner each, there’s room to try a few between your group. Days of the week bring different specials, but the always-available lamb chops, baby pumpkin tinda, and slow cooked ‘dry meat’ remain our favourites. There are plenty of options for vegetarians – as you would expect – and you might want to order a jug or two of mango lassi for good measure – there’s not much tailoring for spice preferences here.' - Rosie Conroy, Managing Editor
Where: 87 New Road, Whitechapel, E1 1HH
Book now: Needoo Grill
Mien Tay, Battersea
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Why: 'With three sites across London, it might be a stretch to call Mien Tay a hidden gem but given its utilitarian interiors and functional service, its lack of Instagram-baiting-style makes it still feel fairly uncovered. With food that travels well, this is a place as good for takeaway as eating in, but we think whatever the scenario it’s a meal best enjoyed as a group. Full, deep-fried fish piled high with aromats make a wonderful centrepiece, while creamy coconut curries, smoky wok-fried veggies and perfectly steamed rice round things out. In true Vietnamese style, everything feels super fresh with herbs used as stars of the show rather than garnishes for bold, punchy plates.' - Rosie Conroy, Managing Editor
Where: 180 Lavender Hill, Battersea, SW11 5TQ
Book now: Mien Tay
Londis N16, Stoke Newington
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Why: 'Try to forget what you think you know about a Londis, this is a different beast entirely. Yes, there are aisles lined with groceries and cheap booze, but there’s also shelf after shelf of homemade Gujarati dishes. Sure, you can’t actually eat in here (sorry) but the family-made feasts allow you to pick up a cheap and cheerful meal for under a tenner and eat like a king back at home, if you live nearby. Run by two brothers, the food on sale is made by their mum who is passionate about sharing the food she’s brought her family up on. We’d suggest getting in quick, before this place blows up on social media, as is de rigueur these days.' - Rosie Conroy, Managing Editor
Where: 76 Fountayne Road, Stoke Newington, N16 7DT
Ogam, Islington
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Why: ‘Someone will probably curse me for spilling the beans on this, but I don’t care. Ogam Korean Tapas Bar on Chapel Market sounds like a place to be avoided, but the food is outrageously good - simple but effective stuff like deep-fried dumplings, Korean fried chicken and kimchi pancakes. Owner Taeyeol Kim is national champion bartender in South Korea, and the cocktails are just as good as the food - Ogam even brews its own makgeolli (a naturally sparkling rice wine). Also, be warned when choosing your spice levels - when they say maximum spicy is very, very, very hot, they’re not kidding.’ - Pete Dreyer, Associate Editor
Where: 10 Chapel Market, Islington, N1 9EZ
Book now: Ogam
The Indian Veg, Islington
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Why: ‘Back to Chapel Market for another hidden gem - the legendary Indian Veg. Dine on a buffet of veggie curry, sides, bread, rice and more for next to nothing, surrounded by passive aggressive veggie propaganda and old newspaper clippings. If that doesn’t sound like your vibe, you can squash a veggie feast into a £3 takeaway box and be on your way.’ - Pete Dreyer, Associate Editor
Where: 92-93 Chapel Market, Islington, N1 9EX
Book now: The Indian Veg
Bravi Ragazzi, Streatham
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Why: ‘Ask anyone south of Brixton what their favourite pizza is you’ll hear plenty of locals raving about Bravi Ragazzi. Bravi was slinging out beautiful Napolitan pizzas to south Londoners long before the likes of Franco Manca, Pizza Pilgrims et al moved in en masse. As a result though, they get insanely busy at peak times, and it's not unusual for orders to go missing if you order delivery. Always pick it up yourself if you can, or book a table in the restaurant.’ - Pete Dreyer, Associate Editor
Where: 2A Sunnyhill Road, Streatham, SW16 2UH
Book now: Bravi Ragazzi
Black Salt, Richmond
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Why: Ex-Gymkhana chefs Nand Kishor and Sanjar Gour have joined forces with head chef Manish Sharma (previously Jamavar and Copper Chimney) to open this Michelin-rated Indian restaurant in south west London. Located on the Upper Richmond Road in North Sheen, a relatively unknown area nestled between it’s better known cousins Richmond and Putney, the neighbourhood restaurant quietly serves its well-heeled residents with elevated Indian food. The menu is familiar, but the dishes that arrive at your table are sure to one-up your regular curry house, with the likes of lamb rogan josh, saffron prawn curry, black lentil dhal and duck and guinea fowl kebabs with Granny Smith apple murabba on the list.' - Ellie Donnell, Senior Writer
Where: 505-507 Upper Richmond Road West, North Sheen, Richmond, SW14 7DE
Book now: Black Salt
Poppy's Thai, Hammersmith
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Why: 'This tiny and eclectic dining room in Hammersmith will make you feel like you’ve walked into an antique shop, where dripping crystal chandeliers, old-fashioned lampshades, gold-framed mirrors, mis-matched crockery and other random pieces adorn the space. It’s one of the most bizarrely wonderful Thai restaurants in London, and serves a menu of authentic and affordable dishes including Pad Thai (£7.50), chicken satay (£5.50), Massaman curry (£7.50) and more. Poppy’s Thai is also a BYOB restaurant, and offers a takeaway service if it’s too busy to grab a seat in.' - Ellie Donnell, Senior Writer
Where: 78 Glenthorne Road, Hammersmith, W6 0LR
Book now: Poppy's Thai
Fed & Watered, Acton
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Why: 'Head further west than Chelsea and Fulham (yes, even beyond Shepherd’s Bush) and you’ll get to Acton – more specifically, Churchfield Road. This gentrified stretch is home to a parade of posh bakeries, brunch-serving cafes and trendy restaurants, including neighbourhood eatery Fed & Watered. Set up by husband and wife team Chris and Elly Wash, it’s a warm and friendly haunt that serves simple, ever-changing menus based on what’s available that day. You might find dishes like English asparagus with leek ash, Montgomery espuma, crispy shallot and crumb coated egg; and pan-roasted hake with shallot veloute, dill oil, seaweed fennel tempura and bronze fennel.' - Ellie Donnell, Senior Writer
Where: 46 Churchfield Road, Acton, W3 6EB
Book now: Fed & Watered
La Chingada, Surrey Quays
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Why: 'Tucked away in Surrey Quays you’ll find a cosy Mexican restaurant called La Chingada. Don’t let the comic sans menu and plastic chairs fool you – the food here is the real deal. The restaurant does not mess around when it comes to flavour, using fresh organic vegetables, locally-sourced cheese, and meats delivered daily from the market, to create an authentic taste of Mexico in every bite. The baja prawn tacos are a personal favourite, as are the frozen margaritas.' - Lawrence Calman-Grimsdale, Digital Intern
Where: 12 Rotherhithe New Road, Surrey Quays, SE16 2AA
Book now: La Chingada
Mirch Masala, Tooting
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Why: 'What this cheap and cheerful Indian restaurant may lack in atmosphere it more than makes up for in flavour. We recommend going in a large group and ordering as much of the menu as you can - the grilled lamb chops and potato curry are a must! It's BYOB too, so you'll be pleasantly surprised when the bill arrives.' - Lawrence Calman-Grimsdale, Digital Intern
Where: 213 Upper Tooting Road, Tooting, SW17 7TG
Book now: Mirch Masala
Hacha, Brixton
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Why: 'Tucked away in Brixton Market, Hacha has - we would argue - the best margarita in London. Voted the 7th best cocktail in the world by Time Out, the mirror margarita is a crystal clear concoction that fires on all cylinders. Upstairs, you can escape the hustle and bustle of the streets and devour some great food too - start with the bacon wrapped jalapeno poppers, followed by the chilli confit cod tacos and burnt basque cheesecake with banana split ice cream to finish.' - Lawrence Calman-Grimsdale, Digital Intern
Where: 12-14 Market Row, Brixton, SW9 8LD
Book now: Hacha
Victoria House Coffee & Food, Bloomsbury
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Why: 'Although just off of New Oxford Street, Victoria House manages to provide an oasis of calm and tranquillity. Head through the coffee shop to the outdoor dining area - a tiny courtyard, filled with plants, that manages to block out the noise of London. The brunch menu does not disappoint: warm, fluffy waffles are served topped with a thick, cherry compote, a dusting of cinnamon and fresh fruit, leaving you to pour your own maple syrup and get that insta-worthy moment. The breakfast fries come perfectly spiced (think curly fries seasoning) plus, the fresh orange juice is heavenly.' - Megan Geall, Summer Digital Intern
Where: 5 Coptic Street, Bloomsbury, WC1A 1NH
Book now: Victoria House Coffee & Food
The Table Cafe, Southwark
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Why: 'Modern and stylish, Table Cafe boasts a brunch menu and relaxed atmosphere that is worth talking about. Many of the dishes are customisable so your experience is tailored exactly to your tastes. Crispy bacon and caramelised banana come served on, what we think are, the best waffles in London - fluffy, warm and encased in a golden crunchy exterior. While originally skeptical, the savoury, American-style waffle with fried chicken, hot sauce, home-made pickled onion, and a tangy blue cheese dressing on the side, is a gamechanger. ' - Megan Geall, Summer Digital Intern
Where: 83 Southwark Street, Southwark, SE1 0HX
Book now: The Table Cafe
La Valle, King's Cross
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Why: 'Located just minutes from King's Cross station, this little salad bar has certainly made its name for itself among commuters and local offices. La Valle makes lunches exciting again with healthy salads, vegetables and meats available for you to pick from and create your own box. Choose a main like salmon, beans, Thai chicken curry or even lasagne; before selecting sides like fresh salad, Mediterranean-style salad, greens or crispy potatoes as your accompaniment. While the decor and dining area don’t appear overly promising, the food on offer is wholesome and packed full of flavour.' - Megan Geall, Summer Digital Intern
Where: 260 Pentonville Road, King’s Cross, N1 9JY
Book now: La Valle
Provisions, Holloway
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Why: 'Provisions is the definition of a hidden gem. Deli products line the wall, including a mouth-watering cheese fridge and impressively long wine wall, giving a taste of what’s to come. Each ingredient is carefully sourced, with the team travelling across Europe to learn more about the production process and form stronger relationships with suppliers. Cheese, wine and cold cuts are the specialities here, and every plate can easily be tailored to your tastes. Prepare to forget the outside world and immerse yourself in the history of fine wines and cheeses.' - Joanna Magill, Summer Digital Intern
Where: 167 Holloway Road, Holloway, N7 8LX
Book now: Provisions
Maria's Market Cafe, London Bridge
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Why: 'Dine like a local at Maria’s Market Café. While the gentrification of Borough Market continues to expand outside its door (or shutter), Maria’s remains stalwartly traditional. It’s a merit that means fellow stallholders still hold it in the highest regard, for bacon sandwiches or a good old early morning brew. You’re not heading here for health reasons, so embrace the range of fried breakfasts and homemade cakes. Later in the day you might find plates of sausages and chips or rolls stuffed with liver and onions.' - Joanna Magill, Summer Digital Intern
Where: The Market Porter, 9 Stoney Street, London Bridge, SE1 9AA
Book now: Maria's Market Cafe
BYOC, Camden
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Why: 'While there's a few branches across London, this speakeasy inspired cocktail bar manages to fly under the radar of London's cocktail scene. This basement outlet is actually unlicensed to sell alcohol but have a team of crafty mixologist who can whip up some impressive cocktails with the spirits you bring to the table. Book a two hour slot and feast your way through artisan cheese and charcuterie boards while the bartenders do their thing and bring forth their bespoke masterpieces.' - Joanna Magill, Summer Digital Intern
Where: 11-13 Basement, Camden High Street, Camden, NW1 7JE
Book now: BYOC Camden
Once you've exhausted this list, head over to our list of the best street food halls in London for hundreds of new dishes and vendors to test out. Perhaps you'll discover your own hidden gem.