Hawksmoor in Spitalfields London

11 Great Restaurants for Expats in London

So you’ve arrived in London, and naturally you want to find some great eateries in which to celebrate your new home. But London has so many… How on earth do you decide which ones are worth trying?

So we’ve put together a list of 11 great restaurants for expats to visit in London. You know, ones that are a little bit off the tourist trail, and where those in the know go to eat, drink and be merry in their time off.

These restaurants aren’t dull, chain affairs. They’re as individual as the menus they offer – as well as providing you with a night (or lunch) out to remember. Enjoy…

1. The one for meat lovers…

Hawksmoor in Spitalfields is, arguably, one of the best steak restaurants in the whole city. Since opening in 2006, this has become a veritable institution amongst steak aficionados, mainly thanks to the top quality beef they serve.

All their meat is provided by the infamous London butcher, Ginger Pig. And the portions are large! So order a T-Bone, Porterhouse or Chateaubriand only if you’re up for the challenge.

And for the non-steak lovers amongst you? There’s a great choice of other dishes including chicken and lobster, and even a nod towards the odd vegetarian dish as well. And the restaurant is perfectly located for exploring the infamous Spitalfields Market too.

2. The one for Chinese lovers…

Champor Champor is located in Southwark, in the shadow of the towering Shard. Serving a Thai-Malay mix of Asian food, the restaurant has been around since 2000, and draws a mix of both locals and visitors alike. The menu boasts delights such as Sizzling Beef Sirloin, King Prawns and Duck Confit, as well as a great selection of starters, sides and desserts.

Be sure to book well in advance, as it’s extremely popular. And for such a great location and dining experience, you can rest assured that a meal here won’t break the bank. A win-win situation in all respects.

3. The one for Italian lovers…

Soho restaurant, Bocca di Lupo is a hugely popular Italian eatery that serves an eclectic mix of authentic Italian fare. Winner of many accolades and awards, you can enjoy food from all regions of Italy. Many of the ingredients used in the menu are sourced from origin, and the extensive and top quality drinks list is an added bonus.

Once again, be sure to book in advance as this is the only way to ensure that you’ll get a table.

4. The one for authentic British cuisine…

If you’re not sure exactly what to expect from a British inspired menu, then Berners Tavern will certainly put you right. Enjoy such delights as Tender Pork Belly, Pan Braised Halibut and Highland Venison, whilst seated in an environment that’s won awards for its interior design.

This is a dressy establishment, so be sure to don your glad rags – it’s the perfect venue for a night out with family or that special someone. And it’s easy to get to, being located not far from Oxford Street, with the nearest tube station being Tottenham Court Road.

5. The one for Indian lovers…

Needoo Grill in Whitechapel has offered authentic Punjabi cuisine since 2009. The atmosphere is fun, with Bollywood music and films playing whilst you eat.

As you’d expect from such a restaurant, there’s a great mix of both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. Choose from such favourites as Masala, Korma, Tikka and Roti – there’s something here for all tastes.

You can book online, or direct by telephone. Just be sure to take a healthy appetite with you…

6. The one for African lovers…

With such a large continent, it’s hard to pick just one restaurant offering authentic cuisine. But Mosob, an Eritrean restaurant in Harrow, certainly has to be near the top of the list. The obliging staff are proud to tell you all about their homeland, as well as serving you authentic dishes such as Hamil mis Siga (spinach and beef) and Quanta Fifit (dried meat cooked in a spicy sauce).

There’s a great choice for both vegetarians and carnivores. The dishes are of a good size.

7. The one for French lovers…

This Michelin starred restaurant is headed by Toulouse head chef, Pascal Aussignac. The food served is from the Gascony region of France, serving such wonders as Landes White Asparagus, Roast Turbot and Charolais Beef. Club Gascon is not the cheapest restaurant in the world, but we have to say that the food is certainly worth the price.

The location is within walking distance of St Paul’s Cathedral, with Barbican, Farringdon and St Paul’s being the closest tube stations.

8. The one for Mexican lovers…

Daddy Donkey might be a bit of a strange name, but there’s nothing odd about the quality of the food served here. Okay, so there’s no seats and you have to take your food away, but the length of the queues at this Clerkenwell based joint show how popular the food is here.

Burritos, tacos and tostadas are the name of the game here, and it’s perfectly located for exploring the delights of Leather Lane bric a brac market as well.

9. The one for Sushi lovers…

Dinings in Marylebone serves amazing Japanese Sushi in a wonderful contemporary atmosphere. Not only is the food fantastic, but if you choose the set lunch menu (from around £16 per person), then it becomes exceedingly affordable as well.

You can also order takeaway from here, but this needs to be booked well in advance due to the restaurant’s popularity.

10. The one for Kebab lovers…

Kebabs don’t have to be eaten on the run, and Antiplier in Islington proves this point splendidly. Enjoy the best in Turkish kebabs, along with wonderful Mezes and desserts in a delightful atmosphere. This unpretentious café simply serves great food at a reasonable price. One not to be missed.

11. The one for Fish and Chip lovers…

For authentic fish and chips in a truly British kitsch atmosphere, Poppies in Camden and Spitalfields is pretty much as good as it gets.

The fish is of top quality, the batter perfect and as for the chips – well, mouthwatering comes to mind. If you want to enjoy a truly authentic dish, then choosing one of these joints will certainly show you what this British phenomenon is all about…