Beyond The Tourist Traps: Hidden Restaurants In London That Locals Swear By

London is famous for its food scene, but too often visitors end up in crowded chains or overpriced tourist traps. The real magic of the city lies in its hidden gems – small restaurants that locals keep close to their hearts. These spots are authentic, cosy, and full of character. If you want to eat like a Londoner, here are ten of the best hidden restaurants in London that locals truly love.

Zeret Kitchen – 216–218 Camberwell Road, Camberwell

Zeret Kitchen is an Ethiopian restaurant that many Londoners whisper about – but rarely shout from the rooftops. It’s a cosy dining room where injera – the soft, tangy flatbread made from teff – arrives as a giant sharing platter topped with colourful stews and vegetables. Order the mixed meat and veg combinations to taste a bit of everything, from rich doro wot to fragrant lentils with berbere spice. Prices are friendly, the service is warm, and the experience is gloriously communal – perfect for groups who want to eat well without fuss. It’s a true neighbourhood favourite that feels miles from the central London crowds.

Pique-Nique – 64 Tanner Street, Bermondsey

Tucked away near Bermondsey Square, Pique-Nique is the kind of restaurant that feels like a well-kept neighbourhood secret. Housed in a converted park pavilion, it serves French-inspired dishes with a focus on seasonal ingredients. Expect classics such as rotisserie chicken, duck confit, and light vegetable starters, all cooked with elegance and care. The setting is simple but charming, with big windows that let in plenty of light during the day and a cosy glow in the evening. Locals come here for the relaxed atmosphere and refined cooking that makes every meal feel special.

Honey & Co. – 54 Lamb’s Conduit Street, Fitzrovia (also Store Street)

Londoners with a love for Middle Eastern flavours adore Honey & Co. The restaurant was founded by an Israeli husband-and-wife team, who bring the warmth of their heritage into every dish. This intimate spot is known for freshly baked pita, spiced lamb shawarma, and fragrant desserts such as rose water cheesecake. The atmosphere is cosy and welcoming, almost like eating in someone’s home. Locals come here for an authentic taste of Israeli-inspired food and often return again and again for the quality and friendliness that sets it apart.

SlowBurn – 114b Blackhorse Lane, Walthamstow

SlowBurn is more than just a restaurant – it’s an experience that combines creativity, sustainability, and flavour. Set inside a converted textile factory in Walthamstow, this hidden vegetarian gem focuses on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. Guests sit in an industrial-style space while enjoying bold and imaginative plates built around vegetables and grains. Expect smoky flavours, house-fermented sauces, and surprising twists on familiar dishes. It’s the kind of place you’d never find by chance, but once you’ve been introduced by a local, it quickly becomes unforgettable.

House of Momo – 52 Boleyn Road, Dalston

A small, family-run restaurant, House of Momo specialises in Tibetan and Nepalese comfort food. The star of the menu is the momo – delicate steamed dumplings filled with meat or vegetables, served with tangy dipping sauces. Alongside them, you’ll find warming noodle soups and generous thali platters that feel both nourishing and satisfying. The restaurant has a homely, unpolished charm, with friendly staff who make you feel like part of the family. It’s a hidden gem in Dalston that locals treasure for both the flavours and the welcoming atmosphere.

Xi’an Impression – 117 Benwell Road, Holloway

Right across from Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium sits Xi’an Impression, a tiny restaurant serving authentic Chinese street food. It may look modest from the outside, but inside you’ll find some of the best hand-pulled noodles in London. Their biang biang noodles, covered in chilli oil and garlic, are legendary among locals, as are the spicy pork burgers packed with flavour. The no-frills decor doesn’t matter – this is a place where food comes first. On match days you’ll often see Arsenal fans squeezing in for a quick, satisfying bite.

Casse-Croûte – 109 Bermondsey Street, Bermondsey

Nestled in the heart of Bermondsey, Casse-Croûte is a tiny, authentically French bistro that offers daily-changing chalkboard menus, cosy décor, and a heartwarming dose of Gallic charm. You’ll find gingham tablecloths, bistrot chairs, and vintage French posters—everything you’d expect in a Parisian café. The menu changes regularly but might feature coq au vin, filet de boeuf en croûte, or bouchées à la reine—delicious classics executed without pretense. Locals love it for its unforced elegance, sense of familiarity, and truly comforting cooking. 

Grumbles Bistro – 35 Churton Street, Pimlico

Grumbles has been serving locals since the 1960s, and it remains one of Pimlico’s most cherished secrets. This charming bistro is known for its traditional French and British comfort food, served in a warm and welcoming space. The menu features dishes such as steak frites, coq au vin, and hearty meat pies, all made with care. The atmosphere feels timeless, and many regulars have been coming here for decades. It’s the kind of place where you quickly feel at home, and the food never disappoints.

64 Goodge Street – 64 Goodge Street, Fitzrovia

With a modest frontage and a quietly confident menu, 64 Goodge Street feels like a secret you learn from someone who really knows London. The cooking leans French and Italian, with crisp tartares, rich sauces, and proper desserts, plus a thoughtful wine list that rewards curiosity. The room is intimate without being fussy, making it a favourite for date nights and catch-ups where you actually want to hear each other. It’s central, but it still feels like a local’s spot—one you’ll want to keep to yourself.

The Plimsoll – 52 St Thomas’s Road, Finsbury Park

From the outside, The Plimsoll looks like a regular North London pub, but step inside and you’ll find one of the best kitchens in the city. Known especially for its outstanding cheeseburger, The Plimsoll has built a reputation for serving food far beyond standard pub fare. The atmosphere is friendly and buzzing, with locals filling the tables for both the drinks and the dishes. It has all the charm of a neighbourhood pub while delivering restaurant-quality food, making it a true hidden treasure in Finsbury Park.