Best Restaurants Near London Gatwick — Eat Like a Local

London guide: real food walking/short-cab from airport. Real, specific, no fluff.

Arriving at London Gatwick Airport

London Gatwick Airport (LGW) is one of the busiest airports in Europe, but it's also relatively easy to navigate. You can grab a quick bite at the airport's South Terminal, where you'll find a range of restaurants and cafes, including Leon, a popular spot for healthy food, and the more indulgent Giraffe.

Once you've collected your luggage, you can make your way to the arrivals hall. From there, you can take a taxi or public transportation to your destination.

For a more affordable option, consider taking the Gatwick Express train to Victoria Station in central London. The journey takes around 30 minutes and costs around £20-£30. Alternatively, you can take the Southern Railway train to various stations in London, including Clapham Junction and London Bridge.

However, if you're looking for a more personalized and direct service, you can book a private transfer or taxi. This will take you directly to your destination, but be aware that prices can be higher, around £50-£70.

Neighborhoods to Explore

London has many vibrant neighborhoods to explore, each with its own unique character and charm. Here are a few of our favorites:

Covent Garden

Covent Garden is a historic district in the heart of London, known for its street performers, boutique shops, and restaurants. You can grab a coffee at the iconic Covent Garden Cafe or indulge in some Italian food at the nearby Gelupo.

Covent Garden is easily accessible by public transportation, with several bus and Tube lines passing through the area. You can also walk from nearby Trafalgar Square or Leicester Square.

Shoreditch

Shoreditch is a trendy neighborhood in East London, known for its street art, independent shops, and hip restaurants. You can grab a brunch at the popular Shoreditch Grind or try some delicious Indian food at Brick Lane Curry House.

Shoreditch is accessible by the London Overground or bus lines. You can also take a short cab ride from nearby Liverpool Street Station.

Camden

Camden is a lively neighborhood in North London, known for its market stalls, independent shops, and live music venues. You can grab a coffee at the famous Camden Market or try some delicious food at the nearby Camden Lock Market.

Camden is accessible by the London Overground or bus lines. You can also take a short cab ride from nearby King's Cross Station.

What to Avoid

While London is a vibrant and exciting city, there are some areas that you may want to avoid, especially at night. Here are a few neighborhoods to steer clear of:

Whitechapel

Whitechapel is a neighborhood in East London that has a reputation for being rough around the edges. While it's not as bad as it used to be, it's still not the safest area to explore, especially at night.

Stick to the main streets and avoid walking alone in poorly lit areas. If you do need to visit Whitechapel, consider taking a taxi or bus.

Woolwich

Peckham

Peckham is a neighborhood in South London that has a reputation for being rough and rundown. While it's not as bad as it used to be, it's still not the safest area to explore, especially at night.

Stick to the main streets and avoid walking alone in poorly lit areas. If you do need to visit Peckham, consider taking a taxi or bus.

Food and Drink

London is a food lover's paradise, with a diverse range of cuisines to suit all tastes and budgets. Here are a few of our top picks:

Traditional British Food

If you're looking for a taste of traditional British food, head to The Delaunay in Covent Garden. This upscale restaurant serves up classic dishes like fish and chips, bangers and mash, and roast beef.

For a more casual option, try The Spaniards Inn in Hampstead, which has been serving up traditional British fare since 1585.

Indian Food

London is home to some of the best Indian food in the world, and you can find it in neighborhoods like Brick Lane and Tooting. Try Dishoom in Covent Garden for a taste of authentic Indian cuisine, or Brick Lane Curry House for a more affordable option.

If you're looking for a unique dining experience, head to Tayyabs in Whitechapel, which serves up delicious Punjabi cuisine in a lively and atmospheric setting.

Street Food

London has a thriving street food scene, with markets like Camden Market and Borough Market offering a wide range of international cuisine. Try some delicious Korean BBQ at On The Bab in Shoreditch, or some tasty Mexican food at La Taqueria in Camden.

For a more affordable option, head to the street food stalls at the Southbank Centre, which offer a range of international cuisine at affordable prices.

Getting Around

London has a comprehensive public transportation system, including the Tube, buses, and trains. Here are a few tips for getting around the city:

The Tube

The Tube is London's iconic subway system, with 11 lines that cover the entire city. You can buy a paper ticket or use a contactless payment card to pay for your fare.

Be aware that the Tube can get very crowded during rush hour, so try to avoid traveling during peak times if possible.

Buses

London's buses are a convenient and affordable way to get around the city. You can buy a paper ticket or use a contactless payment card to pay for your fare.

Be aware that buses can get stuck in traffic, so plan your journey accordingly.

Taxis

London's taxis are a convenient way to get around the city, especially at night. You can hail a black cab on the street or book in advance through a taxi app.

Be aware that taxis can be more expensive than public transportation, especially during peak hours.

Final Tips

London is a vibrant and exciting city, but it can also be overwhelming. Here are a few final tips to help you make the most of your visit:

Be prepared for crowds and long lines, especially during peak season.

Don't be afraid to ask for help or directions from locals.

Try to avoid traveling during rush hour to avoid congestion.

Consider purchasing a Visitor Oyster Card for convenient and affordable travel.

And don't forget to exchange your currency for pounds at a competitive rate using a service like Portability App.