If I had to pick any other city to move to if Los Angeles was no longer an option, hands down, it would be London. Scroll down for what I did and ate on my most recent visit, along with some forever favorites.
EAT
FOREVER FAVORITES
Dishoom: A must in London - every time I visit, I eat here at least 3 or 4 times in a span of 7 to 10 days. It’s a popular Indian restaurant with many locations. Everything is good here - even their breakfast - I love love love how they donate a meal to a child in need for every meal served.
Bao: Minimal Taiwanese spot in Soho known for their delicious baos filled with pork, lamb, fried chicken and more. Better for smaller groups - try to make a reservation. I usually eat here at least once per trip.
Gloria Trattoria: 70s style Italian spot in Shoreditch. I’ve only had the brunch (which is really, really good) but hope to try their dinner. The French Toast and Eggs All Fiorentina are a must.
Campania: A little sliver of Italy in Shoreditch with its authentic, homemade pastas and homey interiors. Independently owned and has an intimate feel with its candlelit dinners and bare brick walls.
Kiln: Walk-in only Thai restaurant with a rotating menu. Full of flavor and influenced by Burma, Laos, and Yunnan. I highly recommend.
NEW SPOTS
Paradise Soho: Chic, minimal, modern space offering contemporary Sri-Lankan dishes based on family recipes influenced by Portuguese, Malay, South Indian and Dutch cuisine. Easily a new favorite and one I plan to go back to over and over again.
Good Friend Chicken: A quick and cheap eat, should you be craving something like that. Taiwanese fried chicken in the heart of Chinatown that’s hot, crispy, and super tasty.
Hefaure: A tiny dessert shop in Chinatown that has amazing Japanese style soufflé pancakes that are super fluffy and gooey and warm. Their biscoff flavor was so, so good.
Jolene Redchurch: Super cute corner bakery in Shoreditch where you can grab a cup of coffee and savory and sweet pastries. Really, really want to try their proper restaurant.
Omotesando Koffee: Chic, minimal coffee shop with Japanese design.
Nanushka: For those who want a cup of coffee or matcha and a little shop around. The store itself is stunning with their gorgeous interiors, but the cafe is a nice treat with an outdoor area to sit when it’s a bit warmer out.
SLEEP
When we were in London (and not exploring the Cotswolds), we stayed at the London Edition, which has been my favorite hotel to stay in by far. The service is amazing, the rooms are chic and clean (although a bit small), and it’s pretty walkable to some of my favorite spots.
DO
Shop around Soho and peek into the beautiful stores like Byredo and Aesop. Walk around Chinatown with an empty stomach and try many of the authentic Asian eateries. Explore Shoreditch and stop by my favorite bookstore in London, Artwords, along with their many restaurants, bookstores, and vintage shops. Check out a few museums - we visited the British Museum on this trip. Get some fresh air and spend a morning walking around the beautiful St. James Park, where you’ll be able to see a stunning view of the London Eye.
See more of our London trip here. For more London ideas, you can also see where I went in 2019, 2018 and 2016.
