London is a huge city with thousands of restaurants, but I quickly learned when moving here that not all of them are created equal (thanks to a few rough tummy aches early on). After being here now over seven months, I’ve narrowed down what my favorite restaurants are of the ones I’ve visited. What really sets an average restaurant apart from a favorite for me is delicious food, reasonable prices, and a good atmosphere. I hope you find this list useful when deciding on your next meal in London!

Mayfair Pizza – Mayfair

Mayfair Pizza is in the chic (ie. expensive) Mayfair area, but the prices here are quite reasonable. As soon as you enter, the mouth-watering smell of pizza from their clay pizza oven will hit you. If you aren’t a pizza fan, fear not – their pastas are delightful as well.

Website: http://www.mayfairpizzaco.com/

Escudo de Cuba – Dalston

For a great cocktail (my favorite is the jalamango margarita) and reasonably priced tapas – 6 for £15! – head to one of Dalston’s best in Escudo de Cuba. If you feel like burning some of the calories off afterwards, there’s the Tipsy salsa dance club downstairs.

Website: http://www.escudodecuba.com/

Kipferl – Islington

For authentic Austrian food, in a cozy atmosphere, try Kipferl in Islington. It’s a bit pricier than some of my other favorites, but I really have enjoyed their chicken schnitzel.

Website: http://www.kipferl.co.uk/

Bavarian Beerhouse – Tower Hill and Old Street

For German food and a stein as big as your head, head to Bavarian Beerhouse. I’ve had everything from currywurst, pretzels, apple strudel, and käsespätzle here, and been able to wash it down with a delicious German beer stein in hand. You can also catch all the Bundesliga games here as well.

Website: http://www.bavarian-beerhouse.co.uk/

Bibigo – SoHo

I only discovered Korean BBQ this year, but it quickly has become one of my favorite types of food. At Bibigo, a popular SoHo restaurant, I love to fill up on their courgette pancakes and hot stone bibimbap with a fried egg on top.

Website: http://bibigouk.com/

Chez Antoinette – Covent Garden

Chez Antoinette is as close to France as you can get while still being in London as its cave-like quaintness and being run by a French ex-pat give it a lot of authenticity. Relax here with a plate of cheese and a bottle of delicious French wine.

Website: http://www.chezantoinette.co.uk/

Highbury Arts Club – Highbury Park

Coffeehouse by day, and Spanish tapas bar and art gallery by night, Highbury Arts Club is a versatile place.  It’s a bit small though, so make a reservation – it’s great to gaze at the art pieces while enjoying patatas bravas and a glass of Spanish wine.

Website: http://highburyartsclub.com/

The Jolly Butcher – Stoke Newington

Jolly Butcher’s atmosphere is just that – jolly! It’s always bustling with people who are enjoying their extensive beer and cider selection. Food-wise, they are known around the neighborhood for an excellent Sunday roast as well.

Website: http://jollybutchers.co.uk/

Trattoria Da Luigi – Stoke Newington

This is a bit of a local place for us who live in “Stokey” (the nickname for Stoke Newington), but its some of the best Italian food around. Owned by a Silician owner who has a penchant for giving lemoncello shots out (see picture below), its a quaint place with rustic brick walls and a view of Stoke Newington’s Church Street.

Website: http://www.trattoriadaluigi.co.uk/

Homeslice Pizza – Neal’s Yard, Covent Garden

Homeslice Pizza, situated in the very colorful and very cool Neal’s Yard, is a delicious-yet-simple pizza place. There’s no menu, just a chalkboard with their pizza offerings, but your taste buds will delight when your pie gets to your table. Homeslice is a popular place though, so go early, or put your name in for a table while you stroll around Neal’s Yard and surrounding Covent Garden.

Website: http://www.homeslicepizza.co.uk/

What’s your favorite place to eat in London? Which of these looks the most appetizing to you?

Till next time all!