The best hidden gems for dining in London

If you’re looking for a good dose of comfort food, Pickle and Rye in East Sheen is the American oasis you need to check out. From classic sandwiches to juicy burgers, this place has got everything you could want from an American diner. Think pancake stacks, a New York scramble, a full American, blackened chicken and buffalo chicken burgers, bottomless filter coffee, and of course, the option to add on a whole pickle on the side!

Inspired by the flavours of the Balkan Peninsula, The Lacy Nook in Walthamstow goes back to its roots for a memorable dining experience. The menu sees favourites from across Croatia, Greece, Macedonia, Bulgaria and Turkey, so expect to see the likes of red roasted peppers, sea trout, smoked pork belly, feta parcels, beef cevapi, and chorizo hash. For a little taste of the Mediterranean in North London, The Lacy Nook will whisk you away for a night out by the oceanside.

Darcie & May Green is one of the quirkiest venues in London. This hidden gem is located on the Grand Union Canal and stands out thanks to its colourful design created by the famous pop artist Sir Peter Blake, who’s also responsible for The Beatles’ album cover! The inside of the restaurant is small but cosy. It’s the perfect location for lunch with a friend or a catch-up with a group. If you have something to celebrate you can go for the bottomless brunch option that features one savoury, one sweet dish and 90 minutes of unlimited edition Daisy Fizz.  The restaurant could also be a unique date spot; with so many delicious dishes on the menu, no one will leave disappointed – the banana bread sandwich with whipped mascarpone cream, fresh berries, flaked almonds and honey is a must.

A must-visit, MUST in Hampstead is the creme de la creme of London wine bars. With more than 70 different wines by the glass, as well as an impressive range of craft gins, beers, lagers, and cheese, charcuterie, mezze and pate platters, MUST will keep you jolly well into the evening. Feast on the extravagant platters, or build your own from the selection of small plates, and indulge in a few glasses to really unwind in the magic of Hampstead.

For those searching for a taste of culture in the city, The French House is the spot. Offering a warm welcome to newbies and regulars alike, this is the meeting grounds for all kinds of creatives – rom actors, writers, artists to royalty, bohemians and the entirety of the film world – The French House is no music, no machines and no television, just the perfect environment to strike up a conversation. The menu is handwritten daily, adding to the surprise and allure of the Soho speakeasy.

Little Bird can be best described with one word: stylish. The venue is a cocktail lounge that serves Pan Asian-inspired cuisine with Mediterranean accents. Every item on the menu is made from locally sourced, fresh ingredients and is beautifully presented for you on a plate (it almost looks too good to eat). Our top picks are the jerk pork belly tacos, chicken dim sum, and salt and pepper squid. All dishes have bold, unique flavours and you’re encouraged to combine them with one of the award-winning cocktails. For example, Mediterranean Mojito is a combination of strawberry-infused Bacardi Oro, blood orange, lime and mint, perfect for summer evenings. If you’re sitting inside, you’ll enjoy the retro Polynesian-style decor. If the weather’s good, you can sit outside in the airy patio.

Perfect for sweetening up your palate, Hiver is another environmentally-friendly hidden gem in London. Located on Stanworth Street in Bermondsey, Hiver is the perfect place for after-work drinks at the sunshine-filled picnic tables or inside the trendy industrial venue. Hiver uses honey from British bees to lighten up the already great taste, giving it crisp and flavoursome notes perfect for any season.

The coffee lover’s favourite spot, Narrow Kitchen is a venue located in the heart of Hackney. The bakery has a retro, cosy interior so most people prefer to book in for breakfast rather than have it on the go. The pastel walls and morning chatter will put you in a good mood and make you ready for the day ahead. Apart from hot drinks, you can expect a range of brunch options, delicious sourdough sandwiches and pasta. If you fancy something sweet, the buttermilk pancakes with maple butter, caramelised nuts and banana are to die for. For those who prefer healthier options, we recommend the focaccia sandwich with avocado, roasted courgette, plum tomato, sriracha and rocket. For dessert, make sure you try the roasted banana bread – it’s delicious! Make sure to book for lunch or brunch.

Did you know that ceramics play an important role in Japanese cuisine? It’s believed that the patterns on the plates must complement the food being served, and it’s the rule followed by Roji, a sushi restaurant in Mayfair. It’s not just about how the food is presented, but also about honouring the ingredients. Each plate has a unique colour and shape and has a story to tell (you can ask the staff if you’re curious). The menu changes with the seasons but you can expect dishes like yakumi tofu, Yorkshire-gyu Tataki or Omakase Nigiri, and rhubarb ice cream for dessert. The interior is contemporary and simple, perfect for any kind of casual or formal occasion, and the staff offer the best Japanese hospitality.