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Home / Taste / Calling All Canucks! 10 London Restaurants You Need to Try in 2025

Calling All Canucks! 10 London Restaurants You Need to Try in 2025

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London, a city teeming with history, culture, and undeniable charm, is also a haven for foodies. From Michelin-starred establishments to hidden gems serving up global flavours, there’s something to tantalize every taste bud. But for our Canadian friends across the pond, navigating this culinary landscape can be a tad daunting. Fear not, maple syrup lovers! We’ve curated a list of 10 London restaurants that are guaranteed to satisfy your cravings, quench your thirst for something new, and leave you saying “eh” with delight (in the best way possible, of course).

1. Sola in Soho: A Taste of California Cool

Nestled amidst the bustling streets of Soho, Sola brings a slice of California sunshine to London. This bright and airy restaurant is the brainchild of Chef Charlie Mitchell, who spent years honing his craft in the kitchens of acclaimed Californian establishments like Chez Panisse and Noma. The menu at Sola celebrates seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, with a focus on clean flavours and innovative techniques. Think: burrata with heirloom tomatoes and basil oil, or roasted cod with fennel and blood orange. Don’t miss their signature sourdough bread, baked fresh daily and perfect for mopping up every last drop of sauce. Sola offers a relaxed yet sophisticated ambience, making it ideal for a casual lunch with friends or a romantic date night. For Canadians yearning for a taste of the West Coast, Sola is a must-visit. 

2. Brat: Where Simplicity Reigns Supreme

If you’re a fan of no-nonsense cooking that lets the quality of the ingredients shine, then Brat is your kind of place. This Michelin-starred gem in Shoreditch takes a minimalist approach to fine dining, focusing on impeccably sourced seafood and meats cooked over an open fire. The menu changes daily, depending on what’s freshest at the market, but you can always expect dishes bursting with flavour. Think: grilled langoustines with seaweed butter, or Iberico pork pluma with caramelised onions. The atmosphere at Brat is intimate and lively, with an open kitchen that allows you to witness the culinary magic firsthand. While reservations are hard to come by, getting a seat at Brat is an experience worth the wait.

3. The Palomar: Modern Israeli Cuisine with a London Twist

Bringing the vibrant flavours of the Middle East to Fitzrovia, The Palomar is a restaurant that’s constantly buzzing. Chef Yotam Ottolenghi, a household name amongst food enthusiasts, is behind this culinary gem. The menu showcases modern Israeli cuisine, with an emphasis on fresh vegetables, fragrant spices, and innovative cooking techniques. Think: roasted cauliflower with tahini and pomegranate, or lamb shawarma with pickled onions and pine nuts. The restaurant itself is a delight, with a stylish yet relaxed ambience that makes it perfect for a group gathering or a casual bite. Canadians with a penchant for bold flavours and a taste for something different will find themselves right at home at The Palomar.

4. Kiln: Smoking Hot Innovation

If you’re looking for a truly unique dining experience, look no further than Kiln in Soho. This restaurant revolves around a custom-built wood-fired oven, where everything from vegetables to meats and even desserts are cooked to smoky perfection. The menu is a celebration of all things flame-kissed, with dishes like charred hispi cabbage with fennel seed butter, or wood-roasted suckling pig with apple sauce. The open kitchen allows you to witness the artistry of the chefs as they coax flavour from the flames. The atmosphere at Kiln is energetic and industrial-chic, with a focus on the communal dining experience. Kiln is perfect for adventurous eaters and Canadians seeking a taste of culinary innovation.

5. Roe in Canary Wharf: A Seafood Odyssey

For those who love their seafood, Roe in Canary Wharf is a must-visit. This elegant restaurant offers stunning views of the London Docklands and a menu that showcases the bounty of the British Isles. Chef Richard Turner, a veteran of the London seafood scene, creates dishes that are both beautiful and delicious. Think: steamed native lobsters with seaweed butter, or grilled turbot with brown butter and capers. The restaurant’s knowledgeable staff is always happy to recommend the perfect wine pairing to complement your meal. Roe offers a sophisticated yet welcoming ambience, making it ideal for a special occasion or a luxurious lunch break.

6. Crispin in Spitalfields: Modern European Plates with Big Flavours

Tucked away in the historic Spitalfields market, Crispin is a charming spot serving up modern European cuisine with a focus on seasonal ingredients and natural wines. This intimate restaurant boasts a regularly changing menu of small plates, perfect for sharing and sampling a variety of flavours. Think: grilled octopus with smoked paprika and chickpeas, or roasted lamb rump with rosemary and garlic. Crispin’s thoughtfully curated wine list features a wide selection of natural wines, making it a haven for those seeking a more sustainable and biodynamic approach to winemaking. The atmosphere is relaxed and convivial, making it an ideal spot for a casual dinner with friends or a romantic date night. Crispin provides a perfect respite from the bustle of the market and offers a taste of refined yet approachable European cuisine, something any Canadian with a taste for good food will appreciate.

7. Dishoom: Bombay Café Culture Comes to London

No London culinary tour is complete without a visit to Dishoom. This wildly popular restaurant chain has brought the vibrant atmosphere and delicious flavours of Bombay’s Irani cafés to London. With multiple locations across the city, Dishoom offers a menu packed with flavorful curries, tandoori dishes, and small plates perfect for sharing. Think: black daal, a rich and creamy lentil stew simmered overnight, or chicken ruby, a fragrant tomato-based curry. The atmosphere at Dishoom is always buzzing, with a lively and energetic vibe that transports you straight to the streets of Bombay. While queues can be long, they move quickly, and the experience is well worth the wait. Canadians seeking a taste of authentic Indian cuisine in a vibrant setting won’t be disappointed.

8. Core by Clare Smyth: A Michelin-Starred Masterpiece

For a truly unforgettable dining experience, look no further than Core by Clare Smyth. This three-Michelin-starred restaurant in Notting Hill is the brainchild of Chef Clare Smyth, the first British female chef to hold three Michelin stars. Core offers a refined and elegant tasting menu that showcases the best of British produce. Think: potato and roe, a deceptively simple dish of Charlotte potatoes cooked in seaweed butter and topped with smoked trout roe, or lamb with carrot and mint. The service at Core is impeccable, and the atmosphere is sophisticated yet welcoming. While Core is undoubtedly a splurge, it’s an investment in an unparalleled culinary experience. For Canadians celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking the pinnacle of fine dining, Core is a must-try.

9. The Clove Club: Modern British Cuisine in a Shoreditch Townhouse

Housed in a charming Shoreditch townhouse, The Clove Club offers a modern take on British cuisine. This Michelin-starred restaurant features a tasting menu that highlights seasonal ingredients and innovative cooking techniques. Think: raw Orkney scallops with apple and horseradish, or grouse with elderberries and bread sauce. The Clove Club also boasts an impressive wine list, with a focus on natural and biodynamic wines. The atmosphere is intimate and relaxed, with a focus on providing a warm and welcoming experience. The Clove Club is perfect for Canadians seeking a refined yet approachable dining experience that showcases the best of British cuisine.

10. Padella: Pasta Perfection in Borough Market

For a taste of authentic Italian pasta without the hefty price tag, head to Padella in Borough Market. This bustling restaurant serves up fresh, handmade pasta dishes that are both simple and delicious. Think: cacio e pepe, a classic Roman dish of spaghetti with pecorino cheese and black pepper, or pappardelle with eight-hour beef shin ragu. Padella operates on a no-reservations policy, so be prepared to queue, especially during peak hours. However, the wait is well worth it for a taste of some of the best pasta in London. Canadians craving a taste of Italy will find themselves more than satisfied with Padella’s offerings.

A Culinary Adventure Awaits

London’s dining scene is a vibrant tapestry of flavours, cultures, and culinary innovation. From Michelin-starred establishments to bustling street food markets, there’s something to satisfy every palate. For Canadian visitors in 2025, this diverse culinary landscape offers a unique opportunity to explore new flavours, discover hidden gems, and create lasting memories. So, pack your bags, grab your appetite, and get ready to embark on a culinary adventure in one of the world’s most exciting food cities. Whether you’re craving Californian sunshine at Sola, indulging in seafood delights at Roe, or exploring modern European flavours at Crispin, London’s restaurants are ready to welcome you with open arms (and delicious dishes). Eh? You know you want to.

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