5 Hidden Gems in London Restaurants You Didn't Know About

5 Hidden Gems in London Restaurants You Didn't Know About

2 January 2026 Views: 0

1️⃣The Copper Fig

Shoreditch's under-the-radar date-night star serving wood-fired British plates and natural wines. Intimate, candlelit tables and a chef's counter deliver theatre without the price tag. Book the late seating for a quieter, ultra-romantic vibe.

Address: 14 Redchurch Street, London, United Kingdom

  • sensational value tasting menu
  • natural wine list
  • cosy date-night ambience
  • chef's counter seats
  • last-minute reservations often available
  • small dining room
  • desserts sell out late

2️⃣Blackbird & Thyme

A bistro tucked behind Waterloo pouring Michelin-level flavour into neighbourhood pricing. Weeknight prix fixe is a steal and the lunch set draws city workers and food obsessives alike. Their house sourdough and butter are worth the visit alone.

Address: 3 Roupell Street, London, United Kingdom

  • wallet-friendly prix fixe
  • luxe plating without the fuss
  • excellent for client lunches
  • smart wine by the glass
  • stellar sourdough
  • books out for weekends
  • limited vegetarian mains

3️⃣Koi Lantern Izakaya

Low-lit izakaya with skewers, sake flights, and a late-night buzz. The specials board hides the best bites, and the bar team loves off-menu recs.

Address: 129 Kingsland Road, London, United Kingdom

  • sake flights
  • open late
  • counter seating for solo diners
  • fun for groups
  • walk-in waits can be long
  • music is loud
  • cashless only

4️⃣Pastificio Aurelia

Tiny Roman pasta lab rolling silky tonnarelli and saucing like a dream. The carbonara is textbook and the amatriciana packs heat; portions are fair rather than huge.

Address: 28 Lamb's Conduit Street, London, United Kingdom

  • fresh pasta made daily
  • good Italian wines
  • counter spots to watch the action
  • no bookings
  • cramped at peak times
  • portion sizes modest
  • menu skews meat-heavy

5️⃣Greenhouse Pantry

Plant-first brunch and ferments with a zero-waste ethos. Coffee geeks will love the single-origin rotation, but the food can be hit-and-miss on busy weekends.

Address: 52 Wilton Way, London, United Kingdom

  • great for brunch photos
  • seasonal produce
  • speciality coffee
  • vegan-friendly
  • queues on weekends
  • some dishes underseasoned
  • service slows when full
  • prices creeping up