London’s Best Foodie Spots Worth Queueing For
If you’re anything like us, your Instagram feed is probably full of the most delicious-looking takeaway food spots in London, from sandwiches in Borough Market to falafel in Camberwell.
One problem, inevitable in a city with over twelve million people, is the queues. It creates a sort of self-fulfilling prophecy: people queue, the queue grows, more people queue, and it can become such that nobody is willing to admit all their labour and time was spent chasing something disappointing. Thankfully, we’ve put together a list that can truly be trusted, including the best sourdough bakeries and affordable Mexican street food. Scroll on to see our list.
The Black Pig
Famous for: Elevated sandwiches
Borough Market is like the Aladdin’s Cave of the London food scene, and sandwich experts at the Black Pig have made their mark.
From their signature honey truffle and parmesan pork ciabatta to a small ever-changing selection of specials, their sandwiches are made using Blythburgh free-range pork, cheeses from the Parma Ham and Mozzarella Stand, and fresh ciabatta from Bread Ahead Bakery. This is one of London’s best-loved and, well, just best, sarnies.
where: Borough Market Kitchen, Winchester Walk, London SE1 9AG
website: theblackpiglondon.com
Humble Crumble
Famous for: Extravagant desserts
Humble Crumble began with the simple question: “Why doesn’t London have any dedicated spots for crumble?” Judging by the regular queues out the door of each of its locations, clearly, it was a question well worth asking.
Featuring sustainable and freshly sourced produce and an array of some of the most creative desserts in the capital, this is a must-visit. Choose from a selection of regular crumbles as well as seasonal specials, with toppings including everything like custard, fresh fruit, ice cream, and melted chocolate.
where: Borough Market, Spitalfields & Camden Market
website: humble-crumble.com
Beigel Bake
Famous for: Old-school bagels
Bagels in London have the same reputation as Mexican food: ie, not exactly the city’s specialty. But while the depth may not be the same as in New York, at the top end the quality certainly is.
Since 1974 Beigel Bake on Brick Lane has been one of London’s best. Open 24/7, this is no-nonsense and high quality, with the added bonus of still remaining one of the most affordable deals. Where else could you get a massive smoked salmon and cream cheese bagel for under £5? Also a must-try is the famous salt beef number.
where: 159 Brick Ln, London E1 6SB
website: bricklanebeigel.co.uk
Alley Cats Pizza
Famous for: NYC-style pizza
From bagels to New York-style pizza, London is close to out Big Apple-ing the Big Apple. Since opening just last year Alley Cats has already become a hit, serving up artisan 14-inch NYC pizza to walk-ins until the dough runs out (it usually does).
With the finest Southern Italian ingredients such as sweet San Marzano tomatoes and creamy Buffalo Mozzarella from Campania, menu highlights include the Vodka Sauce, Artichokes, and Vegan’N’Fire.
where: 22 Paddington St, London
website: alleycatspizza.co.uk
La Maritxu
Famous for: The best cheesecake in town
The Basque region in Spain is, possibly, the culinary centre of the world, with more Michelin-star restaurants per capita than anywhere else. Thankfully, places like La Maritxu share some of this wealth with the rest of us.
Run by three sisters from the area, this is a true labour of love, serving up traditional and delicious Basque cheesecake. The burnt exterior and rich creamy middle prompts a queue down the street from its Paddington location.
where: 12 Connaught St, St George’s Fields, London W2 2AF
website: lamaritxucheesecake.co.uk
Pockets
Famous for: Fresh, filling pitta
One of those food market stalls (at Netil Market) that was so uber-popular that it blossomed into a permanent location, also in Hackney.
Serving stuffed-to-the-brim pittas (hence the name), this is one of the best full meals you can have in London – anyone who argues a pitta isn’t a full meal clearly hasn’t been to Pockets.
Arguably the star of the show is the homemade sauces, which include houmous, tahini, red zhug, or amba (pickled mango), and elevate each pitta into another stratosphere.
where: 367 Mentmore Terrace, London E8 3RT
Sourdough Sophia
Famous for: Creative sourdough creations
Lockdown was the time of sourdough; For some reason, people across the world turned to a simple mix of salt, water, and flour for solace during the pandemic. Some turned out alright, some disastrous, but few lockdown hobbies surely turned out as wildly successful as Sourdough Sophia.
What started as a micro-bakery has turned into a sourdough wonderland, full of delights like a passionfruit curd-filled croissant bow, boules, and fresh sandwiches. They’ve just opened their second store in Islington to go with the Crouch End original, which hopefully will assuage some of the queue length (it won’t).
where: Crouch End & Islington
website: sourdoughsofia.co.uk
Sonora Taquería
Famous for: Affordable, genuine Mexican street food
Like Pockets, Sonora Taquería came out of Hackney’s Netil Market, subsequently becoming such a hit that they opened a permanent location. Serving fresh Mexican fare, it’s gone from strength to strength.
From £4 tacos with marinated grilled pork with pineapple and habanero salsa, and grilled beef with pickled onion to £5 quesadillas with melted cheese and your choice of filling, this is delicious food at a bargain price.
where: 208 Stoke Newington High St, London N16 7HU
website: sonorotaqueria.com
Little Bread Pedlar
Famous for: London’s finest breadmakers
Long one of the best bakeries in London, Little Bread Pedlar’s commitment to the quality of its product and brand means that it has stayed at the top of the game to this day.
Now spanning multiple London locations, from its sourdough boules, indulgent pastries, and a constant carousel of exciting specials, this is a true bucket list food spot.
where: across London
website: lbpedlar.com