I've lived in London for 7 years — here are the places where you should actually eat

You may be tempted to line up for Borough Market's Tacos El Pastor, but Breddo's is a cheaper, quieter, and equally as tasty spot to get a margarita and a tostada. The Soho location also has a margarita and taco bar downstairs called "Cocteleria" for a more casual vibe, where tacos are served on paper plates.

Must try: Baja Fish tacos with pickled red cabbage, habanero mayo, and red onion, £4.50.

Find out more here.

This 24-hour bakery, known for its Jewish-style bagels, is a must-visit for a to-go morning breakfast or a late-night, cheap, and delicious snack.

Must try: The salt beef-filled bagel, £4.50.

Find out more here.

The Pizza Pilgrims chain now has nine locations across London, but they still serve what is, in my opinion, the closest thing you'll get to Neapolitan pizza in the city, as well as some delightful (and delightfully priced) house wine.

Must try: The simple margherita, £6.85, or the nduja pizza (pictured above), £9.25.

Find out more here.

Read more: How 2 brothers in their 30s built a booming London pizza chain out of 2 credit cards and a van

Hidden in a neighbourhood in north London's Barnsbury, even Londoners have probably never heard of the cute and cosy Sunday — but the locals certainly have. Renowned for its incredible brunch — just LOOK at those pancakes — there's pretty much always a long queue, but I promise you, you won't regret joining it (then stay a while once you're in).

Must try: Buttermilk pancakes with berry compote, bacon, honeycomb butter, and maple syrup, £10.50 (pictured above).

Find out more here.

One of the most popular restauarants for the past few years, this quirky and affordable (pasta dishes start at £4) pasta joint is truly as good as it's cracked up to be — if you don't mind lining up, that is, which you're certain to do if you go for dinner, since they don't take bookings. Try and skip the crowds by heading for lunch.

Must try: Pappardelle with eight-hour Dexter beef shin ragu, £9.50 (pictured above).

Find out more here.

Read more: Inside the dreamy pasta restaurant that was just named the best place in Britain for cheap eats

A lot of skyscraper-topping restaurants aren't known for their food and are strictly go-for-the-views, but Aqua Shard is an exception. Also a feature on my must-visit bar list thanks to its inventive drinks menu and creative staff, the panoramic surroundings are just a perk to what's sure to be a fresh and exciting special occasion meal with great service in a surprisingly chilled out environment.

Must try: The newly-launched Forgotten British Menu, which celebrates the history of the country with four season-inspired courses for £78 per person.

Find out more here.

If crowds aren't your thing, just a 15 minute walk away from Padella is Flour and Grape, another fantastic pasta and wine bar on the much quieter Bermondsey Street. It has similar prices, a better wine selection, and an ever-changing menu of fresh pasta and ingredients, like rabbit ragu with farfalle or taglierini with black truffle, butter emulsion, and egg yolk. Every dish is so good that I can never pick just one.

Must try: Tortelloni with roasted pork shoulder and sage butter, £9.50.

Find out more here.

This is true California sunshine in the heart of The City, nestled inside buzzing members' club, The Ned. You don't have to be a member to eat at the restaurants, though — just book yourself a table and pretend you're beachside.

Must try: For breakfast, the acai bowl with granola, berries, banana, and bee pollen, £10; for lunch and dinner, the "brick" chicken served with grape, tomato, spicy yogurt, and basil, £17.

Find out more here.

This Parisian-style brasserie, complete with full Art Deco furnishings, grand without the huge prices to match — the two-course Prix Fixe menu is just £10.50, or £13.75 for three courses. The downstairs Bar Américain is great for a sophisticated (though more expensive) after-dinner cocktail.

Must try: Steak haché, sauce au poivre et frites, £9.75.

Find out more here.

Hidden away in a the colourful alleyway that is Neal's Yard, Wild Food Cafe is the plant-based dream — and a new, bigger, more modern outpost is now open in Islington, too.

In the summertime, if you're lucky enough to get a table at Neal's Yard, crack the windows (which are actually doors) open and let the sunlight in while you feast on the likes of a Wabi-Sabi Kale Salad, washed down with organic wine and cider. This location doesn't take bookings, so you may need to wait, or head to the Islington branch, which does let you book ahead.

Must try: "The Green Burger" with a raw pink olive & shiitake mushroom pattie, aubergine yoghurt, avocado cream, sundried tomato & red pepper ketchup, mooli pickles & wholegrain mustard, served with sweet potato cubes & cashew aioli, £14.50 (pictured above).

Find out more here.

The Frenchie is easily one of the best street food stalls in London, and you can find it at Southbank, Broadway Market, and Brick Lane. They only serve up two dishes — chips and a burger — and they're both pure, delicious indulgence. For a more full-on experience, you can visit their Bistro at Elephant & Castle.

Must try: Duck confit burger in a toasted brioche bun, served with rocket, mustard, red-onion chutney, and your choice of cheese, £7 at the market.

Find out more here.

You may think there's little about Italian cuisine that could surprise you, but have you tried Venetian small plates? Polpo has five locations across London — plus Polpetto, its sister restaurant — and they're all great for meeting up with friends or family and sharing tons of simple yet flavoursome food.

Must try: Classic beef & pork meatballs, served with tomato sauce and parmesan, £6.90.

Find out more here.

I'm not normally drawn to the often stuffy style of French fine dining, but Orrery is a delightful exception. Sitting in a converted stable block on a quirky corner of Marylebone High Street, grab the best seat in the house — the arch-windowed table that overlooks St Marylebone Church gardens — and settle in for what's bound to be a few leisurely hours of wine, fish, meat, cheese, and a welcoming, friendly atmosphere.

Must try: The seafood raviolo with a lobster bisque (part of the 2-course tasting menu for £54.95), and a selection of cheese from the trolley.

Find out more here.

If you've ever thought "why can't I eat pancakes for every meal?" Well, you can. Back in Flat Iron Square, Where The Pancakes Are offers a selection of sweet and savoury dishes, like the classic pancakes with maple syrup, blueberries and bacon pictured above to some pretty all-out choices like pancakes with forest berry compote, house cream, crushed meringue, and toasted almond flakes. Yum.

Must try: The American pancakes (pictured above), served as a stack of three with pure maple syrup with blueberries or bananas, and bacon, halloumi, or sausage, £10.50.

Find out more here.

Across five London locations, Dishoom pays homage to the cafés of Bombay, which is clear in the casual yet luxurious decor and sumptuous spices that fill the air. Head to the Shoreditch location to sit on the covered, heated veranda, and order literally everything you can manage off the menu.

Must try: For breakfast, go for one of the naan rolls — the streaky bacon (pictured above, £5.90) is matured for two weeks and smoked overnight in the traditional Bombay fashion.

Find out more here.

World-famous pastry chef Dominique Ansel has a bakery in London, and the lines have finally died down to the point where you can usually get a table as a walk-in. Ansel has been the brains behind some pretty innovative desserts, and you can try a number of them here.

Must try: His signature pastry, the Cronut, obviously, £4.50 (for takeaway, or £5.20 to eat in). Pictured above with its recent pumpkin theme, which was delicious.

Find out more here.

Now watch: Hundreds queued for hours to try the world-famous Cronut pastry in London

I'll preface this by saying this is a blowout meal — not your average meet-for-a-catchup lunch, but rather an impress-your-clients-or-fussy-parents event.

Set over three floors, Hide is a particularly cosy, indulgent spot for winter-time, or to hide (no pun intended) out for a few hours from the rain. I'm a particular fan of the staircase, the focal point of the design which is otherwise made up of mostly wood and natural colors.

At Hide Above, the more formal upstairs space, floor-to-ceiling windows give you a view of Green Park while you tuck into a set lunch or a tasting menu, which feels lighter than most Michelin-starred meals).

Created by impressive young chef Ollie Dabbous and Hedonism Wines, you can also reserve any bottle from the Mayfair wine shop to be sipped on with your meal — just if you needed to make this a little more special.

Must try: The set lunch at Hide Above, which, for a more reasonable £48, includes three courses and nibbles so you can get a feel of everything.

Find out more here.

A seafood lover can't spend time in London without checking out the iconic J Sheekey, particularly if you have something special to celebrate. The service is so good you'll wonder if someone thinks you're famous, the decor is super-elegant while still comfortable, and the fish is truly to die for.

Must try: Grilled lobster with chips, £44.

Find out more here.

I absolutely adore a family-run restaurant, and this is one of the best. Located in a completely unassuming shop on Prebend Street in north London's Angel, Saponara looks a bit like a hole in the wall — but the pizza and fresh pasta are truly incredible.

Must try: Any of the fresh pastas on offer each day, which are presented to you on a tray to choose from.

Find out more here.

These simple hand-made soft steamed buns are like little clouds of deliciousness — truly the street food of dreams — and you can find them across all four of London's Street Feast locations as well as in Spitalfields Market.

Must try: Pork bun with slowly roasted pork belly, cucumber, spring onion, and hoi sin sauce, £4 each (pictured above).

Find out more here.

Navarro's has been serving up tapas since 1985. Its tiled walls and painted furniture are the perfect match for its menu full of classic Spanish dishes. Everything is delicious — just start ordering and see what happens.

Must try: Croquetas de jamon iberico y hierbabuena (chicken and Iberian ham croquettes with fresh mint), £5.70.

Find out more here.

From its exterior charm to its squished-together tables, red-checkered tablecloths, and blackboard featuring the menu du jour, this is a true French bistro.

Must try: Start with an aperitif, then order whatever the waiter recommends that day.

Find out more here.

The warm, colourful, floral Daphne's is located in London's high-end Chelsea neighbourhood, and it's not hard to tell it's from the same company famous for The Ivy. The menu, however, is pure seasonal Italian cooking. Everything is incredibly tasty, the decor is stunning, and it's worth a visit to see the bar alone.

Must try: Calamarata pasta with lobster, £17.50 for a small portion.

Find out more here.

A rare popular, modern London restaurant that actually takes bookings, Som Saa is a must visit if you find yourself in the east end of town. Located in a now-stylish former fabric warehouse, it serves up regional Thai dishes with flavours (and often spices) unlike anything you've tried before. You won't find any Pad Thai here.

Must try: Something from the specials board, or "gaeng phet phak thai si diplee," a roasted southern style curry of venison with diplee pepper and young galangal, £15.

Find out more here.

This is one of the absolute cosiest pubs in London, found inside a grade II listed building and complete with fireplaces and a more formal dining room. My recommendation? Make a booking for a Sunday roast, and work up an appetite with a walk on Hampstead Heath beforehand.

Must try: Roast leg of South Coast lamb, served with roast potatoes, Yorkshire pudding, buttered kale, honey roast parsnips & carrots, butternut squash puree, cauliflower cheese, and red wine gravy, £19.

Find out more here.

Go for the counter-style seating and beautiful blue and white tiled decor of this Portugese small plates spot, and stay for the giant prawns served in a sauce good enough to drink, and the pastel de nata at the end of the meal.

Must try: Octopus with sweet potato puree, £11 (pictured above).

Find out more here.

The Ivy is a British institution, so it would be easy to assume it's totally unaffordable — but that's actually not the case. The Ivy restaurants are stunningly decorated, open to bookings, and fully mid-range pricing, including set meals from £16.50 for two courses. The Ivy Chelsea Garden is quaint and iconic but the newly-opened Ivy Tower Bridge offers unbeatable riverside views of Tower Bridger and the Tower of London while you dine (and is also home to a pretty epic bar).

Must try: Grilled tuna loin serves with a salad of artichoke, tomato, green beans, Provençal olives and basil sauce, £17.95.

Find out more here.

The service can be... quirky... but the dim sum is truly worth a trip. There are more than 40 types of dumplings on the menu at really reasonable prices — and it's a big restaurant, so even in Chinatown your chances of getting a table are pretty good.

Must try: The "soup dumpling," called xiao long bao, around £6 for six.

Find out more here.

St. John restaurant is known for its nose-to-tail English food, but its bakeries are something else entirely. While the Druid Street (Bermondsey) location is only open on weekends, there's now a permanent bakery location in the quaint Neal's Yard selling delicious loaves of bread like sourdough and rye, pastries, and granolas.

Must try: The now-famous doughnuts, available with a number of fillings, £2.50 each.

Find out more here.

Israeli-British chef Yotam Ottolenghi put Mediterranean cooking on the map in London, and the Ottolenghi resaurants (of which there are four) don't dissappoint if you're looking for fresh, healthy dishes. You can also check out sister restaurants NOPI, which is a bit faster-paced but features some of the same dishes, and ROVI, where dishes are cooked over fire.

Must try: Shakshuka, a north African dish with baked eggs, peppers, and tomatoes, served with labneh and grilled focaccia, £12.50.

Find out more here.

Don't get me wrong — for the majority of us, this is not an affordable everyday option. However, if you're obsessed with food like me and would rather splurge on a big meal in a stunning setting than a handbag, the two-Michelin-starred Sketch Lecture Room & Library is one to go for. The entrance involves a red-carpeted staircase and impressive double doors, the service is impeccible, and every dish is absolutely to die for — even the homemade bread and butter.

Must try: Seven-course dinner tasting menu, £120.

Find out more here.

Theo’s started as a Camberwell neighbourhood favourite, and it’s easy to see why. The wood-fired pizzas are thick and flavourful and the atmosphere is warm and vibrant. A perfect Friday night treat, which just opened in Elephant & Castle this month as well.

Must try: Napoli Salami pizza, £10.

Find out more here.

This is an Indian restaurant unlike any other — it's part sports bar, part classy cocktail bar, part buzzing location for a Sunday brunch featuring Champagne. There are a number of different dining areas to choose from, a whisky vending machine, and cocktails on tap. The mouthwatering food channels Indian barbecue using tandoors, charcoal grills, rottisseries, wood ovens, and classic Indian smokers.

Must try: The three-course Sunday BBQ Roast, £30. Start with pappadums and chutneys, go for the butter masala rotisserie baby chicken served with pinenut & onion pilau, hens egg makhani, and kachumber raita (pictured above), and finish with the chocolate & coconut kulfi.

Find out more here.

I'm still surprised by how many Londoners haven't been to Mac & Wild, especially as it now has two locations. It's Scottish through-and-through — think deep-fried haggis "pops" and Irn Bru — and has a super cosy atmosphere.

Must try: Venimoo burger, comprised of a beef patty, venison patty, cheese, béarnaise & caramelised onions, served in a seeded bun, £12.

Find out more here.

Located in an old church in east London, La Chapelle is the third restaurant from brothers Jeff and Chris Galvin. It has held a Michelin star since 2011, and the food and service make it clear why — but it's certainly not stuffy. Super cosy and surprisingly relaxed, this is the perfect special occasion dinner where you can have a conversation without worrying about being too loud, or whether you're wearing the right thing. There's also a fairly affordable set menu at £34 for two courses.

Must try: Lasagne of Dorset crab, beurre Nantais & pea shoots, £22.50.

Find out more here.

The newer Asian concept restaurant and bar from the iconic Ivy is certainly worth a visit, both because of the bizarrely beautiful interiors and the delightful seafood-heavy menu. There's something to see everywhere you look, from the glowing green floors to the tiny gold fish-shaped chopstick holders.

Must try: Pretty much everything, but if you must start somewhere, go for the Thai sea bass with coriander, lime, and chilli, £18.95.

Find out more here.

Claiming to be London's oldest pie and mash shop since it was established in 1902, this is a true piece of British history which now has three south London locations. Try pie, mash, and jellied or stewed eels from recipes that haven't changed since then — served with liquor, of course.

Must try: Pie, mash, and liquor, £3.70.

Find out more here.

Getting a curry on east London's Brick Lane is quite the experience. Almost every curry house will claim to be "the best" in London, citing a number of probably-fake awards — but the standard of food is certainly high. City Spice is an unassuming BYOB spot where the staff are friendly, the prices are good, and the food is even better. Take a crowd and make a night of it.

Must try: Lamb bhuna (medium hot, naturally spiced, and fairly dry), £9.95.

Find out more here.

I'm not a fried chicken person. I don't gravitate towards KFC or a chicken shop after a night out. But Mother Clucker is in a league of its own. You can find it in Flat Iron Square, Exmouth Market, Hawker House, or a food truck on Brick Lane. There is SO MUCH CHICKEN and the batter is seriously good. Worth it.

Must try: Three chicken strips, cajun fires, and a drink, £9.

Find out more here.

It may be a celeb favourite — Leonardo DiCaprio is apparently a regular — but it's just so damn cosy. You can even eat in the bar area if you don't want to commit to a full meal, but if you can, try and book "The Snug" — a private little table for two with a curtain opening up to the bar, so you can order drinks directly. Dreamy.

Must try: For an affordable lunch, go for the Firehouse Caesar, with crispy chicken skin, anchovies & parmesan, £12. The Coronation Crab Donuts, £8, are also worth a shot.

Find out more here.

This is true Vietnamese street food in the middle of one of London's busiest neighbourhoods, and it happens to be run by a chef who was at Hakkasan when it was awarded a Michelin star. Viet Food is super casual, though — and with bento boxes from £6.90 it'll make your wallet happy too.

Must try: Pho Ga, 16-hour slow-boiled free range chicken soup with rice noodles, £6.90.

Find out more here.

Claiming to be the oldest pub on the Thames, this is a truly English spot nestled among cobblestone streets, situated right on the river with an outside deck where you're sure to get splashed. Inside is a cosy pub with open fires and an upstairs candlelit restaurant, with classic British pub dishes and ales and wine. It was apparently the mooring point for the The Mayflower ship in 1620. One warning: being very small, it also gets very busy. Go mid-week if you have a day off (or a job that isn't a 9-to-5), or make a booking.

Must try: Ale-battered haddock & chips served with pea mint puree & tartare sauce, £11.95

Find out more here.

It's easy to assume that a trendy spot like SUSHISAMBA, which sits on the 38th floor of the City's Heron Tower, would be overrated, but it's truly the opposite. The Peruvian and Japanese fusion food is truly exceptional and worth every penny — and the view doesn't suck, either. Plus, there are some more reasonable set menu options, such as the £58 Omakase set lunch menu, which comprises of eight to-die-for courses.

Must try: Wagyu gyoza with kabocha purée and sweet soy, £16, or the sea bass tempura (pictured above), served with heritage tomatoes and beetroot seviche, aji verde, and lime (£29).

Find out more here.

For a well-cooked, thick, juicy burger without all of the gross Instagrammable toppings (sorry, but I don't need an entire lobster ON my burger, thanks), Honest Burgers is the way forward. The whole menu is tasty, and the prices are really reasonable.

Must try: Free range chicken burger with lettuce, tomato, and mustard mayo, served with rosemary salted chips, £10.50.

Find out more here.

Peruvian food has the freshest flavours in the game, and Andina, which pairs the cooking with local British produce, is the perfect little spot to explore them, as good for breakfast as it is for lunch or dinner.

Must try: Yellowfin tuna ceviche with ponzu tiger's milk, £11.

Find out more here.

So the wine might be the main draw at Bedales, but the charcuterie is truly exceptional as well. The Borough Market location, the original, is easily the best (and newly refurbished), backing right onto the market stalls. The selection of wines available by both the glass and bottle is outstanding, the staff incredibly knowledgable without being condescending, and the venue is super cosy — the perfect date spot.

Must try: Selection of five cheese and charcuterie platter, £18.

Find out more here.

The first solo restaurant from former Chef Director of the Polpo Group, Tom Oldroyd, this quaint and cosy townhouse-style spot in Angel has a constantly changing European menu with super-fresh local ingredients.

Must try: A little bit of everything.

Find out more here.

The only full-on chain on this list, Franco Manca has more than 20 locations across London, and more throughout the UK. It even has a pizzeria in Italy. However, it's truly a go-to for affordable sourdough pizza with a good, unpretentious vibe, "no logo" beer, and natural, organic wine.

Must try: Tomato, mozzarella & basil pizza, £6.55.

Find out more here.

Islington's Upper Street is home to some amazing restaurants, and French bistro Le Mercury is an incredibly affordable staple. All mains are £11.95, all starters are £4.95, and desserts all £3.95. Make sure you ask for a table on the buzzy main floor, though — it can be a little quiet upstairs.

Must try: "Magret de Canard," roast breast of Barbary duck (served pink) with pommes purées, savoy cabbage & Grand Marnier sauce, £11.95.

Find out more here.

As much as I hate to say it, Treves & Hyde — with a cafe downstairs and restaurant upstairs — is an Instagrammer's dream, from the winding pink staircase to those perfect-looking pancakes. The food is truly delicious, though — a great place for lunch.

Must try: Grilled lemon verbena chicken with radish & cucumber, £16.20.

Find out more here.

I absolutely love sushi, but in London, unless you go for high street fast food chains, it can be hard to find the good stuff without spending a fortune. Since my favourite outpost of Feng Sushi closed down in Borough Market, I've recently discovered this east London gem, which is cosy with an authentic Japanese feel and cooking. Grab one of the low tables with sunken floors and dig in.

Must try: Sashimi & sushi lunch bento, £17.90.

Find out more here.

José Pizarro has three London restaurants, two of which are a bit more casual. His first venture was the tiny José Tapas Bar with an everchanging menu on Bermondsey Street, but José Pizarro, a restaurant in Broadgate Circle, is also worth a visit (and easier to get a table at).

Must try: Spicy prawn fritters & alioli, £10.

Find out more here.

Leadbelly's is a little bit of everything — quirky brunch spot, great summer patio, cool late-night bar, or ideal spot for a Sunday roast with a crowd.

Must try: For brunch, try the Leadbelly's twist on crushed avocado toast, served with two poached eggs, basil, tomato, olive oil, mint, chicory, and lovage dressing on gluten-free bread, £9. For a bigger bite, the southern fried chicken burger with charred pineapple and garlic mayo is a major win for £13.95.

Find out more here.

If you're dedicated to getting that Padella pasta, the restaurant actually has a sister in north London — Highbury's Trullo. Slightly more formal, it features a lot of the same dishes (such as the beef shin ragu), and you can actually book a table.

Must try: The ragu, again, but there are also meat dishes on the menu.

Find out more here.

Hotel restaurants may not typically be the most attractive dining destinations, but the Michelin-starred Seven Park Place by William Drabble, hidden away inside the chic and cosy St. James's Hotel & Club, is certainly an exception to the rule. It's formal, but not stuffy — the staff are as full of flavor as the food, which seems to just keep on coming. Order from the a la carte menu to try three delectable courses for a very-worth-it £75 ($98).

Must try: The sea bass fillet served with Jerusalem artichokes, parsley purée, wild mushrooms, and a red wine and tarragon jus.

Find out more here.

This may be a hotel restaurant, but the food — and service — stand alone. Meat and fish are cooked over an open flame using wood and charcoal to serve up flavor-packed dishes from executive chef Richard Turner, best known for his work at steakhouse Hawksmoor. The staff are chatty and happy to provide recommendations.

One warning: wear something loose, as this isn't a light meal.

Must try: The angel hair lobster pasta from the new menu, pictured.

Find out more here.

Poke is not overrated — the colorful, trendy Hawaiian bowls really are as delicious as they look. I'm a fan of Polu because of all of the customization options, meaning you can load up on what you love and leave what you don't.

Must try: Build your own bowl with a mix of Shoyu Tuna and Yuzu Citrus Salmon, and load it with the likes of mango and edamame (less than £7).

Find out more here.

Sri Lanka was just named the best island in the world for 2019, but if you can't afford a trip, you should at least eat the food. The always-popular Hoppers is a fun way to eat — named after the bowl-shaped, super-thin pancakes that go perfectly with a Kari (or curry), simply ask the staff what they recommend ordering and dig in.

Must try: The Crab Kari, £9.50.

Find out more here.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, this English/European fine dining restaurant from Chris Denney and Luca Longobardi is actually set in an old garage — but though the style is rustic-chic, the food is exquisite. Sit at the counter to watch the chefs in action and chat to them throughout a set meal.

Must try: The tasting menu, £65 a head plus plenty of surprises along the way.

Find out more here.

I'm not often in Chelsea (which you may notice by the locations of most of the restaurants on this list), but this elegant newcomer is particularly charming. Set right on the river, the open grill makes it super-cozy — take note for your next special occasion.

Must try: Any fish or meat from the grill.

Find out more here.

The pasta trend isn't going anywhere, and neither is Lina Stores. Originally a deli on Brewer Street (which still exists), the pasta is handmade (and super affordable) and the vibe is cozy.

Must try: Ricotta & Herb Gnudi (which is kind of like gnocchi), served with Sage & Brown Butter, £8.50 (pictured above).

Find out more here.

Yes, another pizza place makes my list (and it won't be the last), simply because it was the location where I was introduced to the curiosity that is charcoal base pizza. It looks pretty grim, but it tastes normal, and apparently has "digestive gas-absorbing capacities," whatever that means. The restaurant is cozy and affordable, too — a great spot for a last-minute bite and a drink.

Must try: I'm a sucker for a simple Margherita, but you can add buffalo mozzarella to jazz it up (£10.40).

Find out more here.

Pho is my comfort food, and the chain cafe by the same name my comfort restaurant. Unpretentious but not quite the hole-in-the-wall Vietnamese you often come across, the menu is fresh, healthy, and delicious, with the drinks to boot if you're in the mood.

Must try: The simple but always solid Pho Tom, tiger prawns in a steaming bowl of broth, rice noodles, and fresh herbs (£10.95).

Find out more here.

The name doesn't lie — located in the Grade-II listed Old Westminster Library with its high ceilings and bookcases still intact, this really does feel like an exclusive club. However, the food from Executive Chef Vivek Singh and the service are both warm and more than welcoming.

Must try: 3 courses for £30 if you eat early or late, including the likes of tandoori chicken leg tikka and a beef pickle and fermented rice pancake.

Find out more here.

Formerly called Strut & Cluck, this is a cozy spot for some proper home cooking from the eastern Mediterranean, packed with herbs and spices. Order a little bit of everything and share to get the most out of your visit.

Must try: The very sharable large charred cauliflower (£14) served with lemon-zest infused creme fraiche, pomegranate molasses, and seeds (pictured).

Find out more here.

There's nowhere else quite like Carousel, which has a changing chef and cuisine every few weeks, offering a taste of some of the best restaurants from around the world (and usually at a discount). You have to be in a social mood to visit — you'll be sitting on long sharing tables and it's really, really loud — but it's a fun experience, particularly with a group.

Must try: Whichever menu and chef sounds good to you.

Find out more here.

LIMA London claims to be the first Peruvian restaurant to be awarded a Michelin star after it received the accolade in 2013. It's easy to see why — the flavors are so fresh your taste buds won't know what's going on.

Must try: The two-course set lunch menu, which includes the likes of Tuna Ceviche Poke and Slow Cooked Lamb, £18.

Find out more here.

Real authentic Japanese ramen isn't for the faint-hearted, and Bone Daddies really delivers. The pork bone broth simmers away for 20 hours before it's served up to you in a giant bowl. The vibe is cool and casual, too — a great spot for meeting friends.

Must try: Any ramen dish, ranging from £10.80 to £14.60 depending on what's in it.

Find out more here.

Delivering pizzas lightning fast at crazy cheap prices, this is the ultimate go-to team lunch spot at work on a Friday — and if you have the capacity to dabble in an equally affordable frozen cocktail, even better.

Must try: The Calabria pizza, complete with tomato sauce, mozzarella, mascarpone, spicy nduja sausage and rocket for £5.95.

Find out more here.

Dalloway Terrace, complete with outdoor flower walls and tables complete with pillows and cosy blankets, is certainly Insta-friendly, that much I'll admit. But the food checks out, too, making it the ideal spot for dinner with your girlfriends, or a romantic date night.

Must try: One of the daily specials, which include a Half Lobster Thermidor on Fridays for £22.

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If you haven't dipped your toes into the wonder that is Burmese cuisine, it's time. The contemporary, plant-covered interiors alone make Lahpet worth a visit, and the fragrant herbs and warm spices will keep you there. Order plenty, and go with someone you're fine with sharing food with.

Must try: Something from every section of the menu.

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This may not be a restaurant, exactly, but it's certainly a quirky place for afternoon tea. You'll be served sandwiches, cakes, scones, and tea all while on board a moving red Routemaster London bus which shows you the sights of the city. The vibe is fun and music-focused, too — just make sure you don't get motion sick.

Must try: Traditional Afternoon Tea, from £45.

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There's a time and a place for a real dirty burger — the time is when you're hungover, and the place is Patty and Bun.

Must try: The "Ari Gold" Cheeseburger, with a beef patty, cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickled onions, ketchup, and smokey mayo on a brioche bun.

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There's nothing like finding a local brunch spot, and The Pear Tree is it for me. It's worth a trip to Surrey Quays, though, for some breakfast, a browse of the deli, then a walk along the marina or river.

Must try: The fresh and hearty veggie breakfast (£9.75), with grilled halloumi, roasted tomato, grilled mushroom, avocado, house baked beans, two eggs, and sourdough.

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This is apparently a west London institution, though I only just discovered it. The garden with its twinkling lights is nothing short of magical — head out there for some wine and a bit then end the night downstairs for some live jazz.

Must try: Anything cheesy (to pair with the wine, of course).

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It may have a Michelin star, but it's certainly not the traditional fine dining restaurant you might expect. From its neon red sign outside to its focus on good music, Leroy is a buzzing and fun Bistro where you'll be glad to settle in for a wine-fueled lunch or dinner.

Must try: Confit rainbow trout with peas, sea herbs, and lovage, £24.

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Eating a good steak in London usually results in a bill that leaves a pit in your stomach, but Flat Iron is the exception (if you can get a table, that is — there are no reservations). It's a simple menu and a fuss-free venue, but the steak is pretty solid, so it does the job.

Must try: The Flat Iron steak with house leaf salad, £11, plus sides from £3.

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Be warned right away: this is absolutely a splurge spot. However, if you have clients that need feeding, a generous expense budget, or simply feel like really treating yourself or someone else, your money will be well spent on this to-die-for sushi restaurant with gorgeous design, situated inside the Four Seasons.

Must try: Yellowtail Carpaccio with Truffle Ponzu, £19.

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This was one of the first tapas restaurants I ever went to in London, so perhaps it's a bit nostalgic, but it remains a solid go-to for a decent Spanish spread no matter where in London you find yourself in search of a feed. Ordering a bunch of small plates and sharing is one of the nicest ways of eating, in my opinion, and Brindisa is for just that.

Must try: Monte Enebro goat's cheese & spinach croquettes, £5.50.

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Sourdough pizza is a treat, and Radio Alice is a perfectly lovely place to eat a supersoft organic one, washed down with some organic wine. The Canary Wharf location is set to open later this year, if you find yourself in the north end of the city.

Must try: Pork sausage pizza with tomato, Parmigiano Reggiano, and fennel seeds, £9.50.

Find out more here.