LONDON

London is a city that invites you to wander, each neighborhood carrying its own identity, where you can move from Soho to Notting Hill to Mayfair and feel a complete shift in energy. It was my first time in London, and the city gave us a full week of sunshine, which is rare, but so beautiful to experience. It’s striking in all the obvious ways, from the architecture to the facades and the charm of every street. The taxis are so darling here and so fun to ride around in, especially because the drivers are incredibly kind. We found ourselves drawn to so many of the details London has to offer, from shopfronts to interiors and the way spaces feel layered, spending time exploring stationery shops and other design corners that felt truly right up my alley. London has a beautiful reputation for its dining scene, but what a delicious surprise, it far exceeded my expectations, with a few meals making their way into my global top list of all time. From exploring new dining spots to coffee shops to design stores, and spending time with friends and family, the days felt full in the best way. We also took a day trip to the Cotswolds, which offered something entirely different, quiet villages, winding roads, and that storybook charm you hear so much about. London, shall we?

Check out more images + videos from our trip in my London Highlights.

Below you’ll find a curated list of places I’ve truly loved in London: spots I’ve tried, tested, and would go back to again. Think of it as your go-to guide for the city.

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STAY

Biltmore Mayfair

📍 Mayfair
Instagram: @thebiltmoremayfair
A beautiful luxury stay in one of the best areas of London. Mayfair is incredibly central, so you’re close to a lot of the places you’ll likely be visiting, which makes it a really easy home base. The hotel itself is warm, polished, and extremely comfortable, from the rooms to the beds to the overall service. One thing I loved is how easy it is to get around from here, there are always taxis passing by right outside, so you’re never waiting long. If you’re planning to stay in a few different neighborhoods during your trip, I would definitely make Mayfair one of them.

The Londoner

📍 Leicester Square
Instagram: @thelondoner
This hotel was our second stay in London and a great way to experience a slightly different pocket of the city. It’s not far from Mayfair at all, but just inches you closer to Covent Garden area, which is exactly why we chose it for part two of our trip. The area is lively and very walkable, with plenty of restaurants and things to do right outside. The hotel itself is polished and comfortable, a true luxury stay with well designed rooms and an easy overall feel.

Tip* If you’re booking through Amex Platinum, this is a great one to take advantage of. They offer generous dining credits and perks, which made things like room service feel seamless and nice little perk to have that taken care of. A great option if you want to stay central, but experience a slightly different rhythm than Mayfair.

EAT

If you want a more detailed take on where to eat, I track and rank every spot on Beli, even the ones not listed on this guide. Think full notes with photos, standout dishes, and honest scores, so you can see how each place compares. Follow along on my Beli Profile @punarvi, for complete lists from cities around the world, where I’ve had the honor of experiencing their culinary scenes.

KOL

📍 Marlyebone
Instagram: @kol.restaurant
Michelin ❁ — This was one of those meals where you realize very quickly you’re onto something special. Three hours, course after course, and somehow it just kept getting better. Truly one of the most delicious meals we’ve had, easily in my top 10 globally. The level of detail in the flavors is unreal. You can choose between regular, pescatarian, or vegetarian menus, and every single dish feels so considered. There’s this subtle thread of spice that runs through the entire experience that I loved, and the pacing is perfect. The space itself is beautiful, warm, and minimal. At one point I genuinely kept thinking, how is this not CDMX? It felt like Mexico City dropped right into London. If there's one place you make time for, let it be this. 

Fonda

📍 Soho
Instagram: @fondarestaurant
Fully obsessed. It’s one of those spots that feels effortless in the best way. Nothing overcomplicated, just really strong flavors, done right. The kind of place you go for something casual that still feels elevated, and end up wanting to come back to again and again. I know I’ll be thinking about this place every single time I crave tacos now.

Chishuru

📍 Fitzrovia
Instagram: @chishuru
Michelin ❁ — Our first time trying Nigerian food and wow. This meal felt so intentional from start to finish. Every dish had depth, but in a way that still felt comforting and not heavy. The best part, though, was meeting Chef Adejoké. We ended up having the most genuine conversation with her during dinner, she’s so kind, generous, and honestly so funny. It added such a personal layer to the experience that made it even more memorable. Also worth noting, she’s the first Black female chef in the UK to earn a Michelin star for her own restaurant, which makes the whole experience feel even more special. This is one of those places where the food and the story behind it stay with you.

Bubala

📍 Soho
Instagram: @bubala_london
Came here for the spreads and they absolutely delivered. Everything felt so flavorful but still balanced in a way that didn’t feel heavy. The hummus with mango, the baba ganoush with curry leaves, and the labneh with confit garlic were all standouts, each one layered and a little unexpected in the best way. They were out of pita when we went, so we had it with laffa instead. I’d skip the oyster mushroom skewers next time, but the grilled halloumi was exactly how I like it, salty with that perfect touch of sweetness from the honey glaze. I’d recommend going for lunch over dinner, and definitely don’t skip the mango, basil, chili house soda. So good.

Dishoom

📍 Covent Garden
Instagram: @dishoom
Dishoom is one of those Indian restaurants you try in London. We had heard mixed things about Dishoom depending on the time of day, but our lunch here was great, and honestly made me feel like that’s when they’re at their best. It’s one of those places that captures a very specific mood, nostalgic, bustling, and full of character, while still delivering on flavor. The dishes felt comforting but still had that flavor punch want with Indian food, especially if you’re craving something that leans more traditional. If you’re deciding when to go, I’d definitely lean more toward lunch.

Gymkhana

📍 Mayfair
Instagram: @gymkhanalondon
Michelin ❁ ❁ — Gymkhana is another one of those Indian restaurants you try in London. It’s iconic in its own way, known for deeply spiced, layered dishes and a setting that invites a slower, more lingering kind of meal. We’ve visited a couple of their other properties, including Vegas and Ambassador’s Club NYC, and while the group has built a strong name for itself, it doesn’t always fully live up to that level of hype in our opinion. That said, Gymkhana London is where it comes closest. The balance of service and flavor here feels the most refined and complete, and if you’re going to experience it, this is the one to do.

QUICK BITES + CAFES

Arome Bakery

📍 Covent Garden
Instagram: @aromebakerylondon
If the smell doesn’t pull you in, this review absolutely will. The honey butter toast is unreal. Like, truly one of those simple things done so well that you can’t stop thinking about it. Perfectly crisp on the outside, soft on the inside, and just the right amount of sweetness. The kind of place you pop into quickly and then end up talking about for the rest of the day.

Special Guests Coffee

📍 Marylebone
Instagram: @specialguestscoffee
This coffee shop has been getting a lot of recognition in the coffee world, and we had to see why. Founded by a three time UK barista champion, Maxwell Colonna-Dashwood, they focus on rare, competition level beans and treat coffee almost like a craft experience rather than just a drink. Everything feels very intentional, from sourcing some of the highest quality and most unique coffees to the precision in how each cup is made. My husband and I went with our go to latte order and it was really solid.

THINGS TO DO

Mercato Mayfair

📍 Mayfair
Instagram: @mercatometropolitano
Set inside a former church, this is one of those London spots that feels impressive before you even decide what to eat. The architecture, stained glass, and layered layout make it worth visiting for the setting alone, and it’s a great place to wander when you want to try multiple food options.  

Hirono

📍 Brick Lane
Instagram: @popmartuk
If you’re a fan of PopMart, this is a fun stop for anyone drawn to playful design, collectibles, and character driven retail of Hirono. It feels very Brick Lane in the sense that it taps into London’s art, fashion, and street culture energy, and it’s the kind of place that makes you want to look a little closer at all the tiny details within the world of Hirono. 

Brick Lane Vintage Market

📍 Brick Lane
Instagram: @bricklanevintagemarket
If you love the thrill of finding something a little unexpected, Brick Lane is always worth a wander. Between the vintage, the mix of personal style, and the creative energy of the area, it’s one of my favorite parts of London for people watching and finding pieces that feel one of one.  

Horizon 22

📍 City of London
Instagram: @horizon22b
For a completely different view of London, this one is such a good stop. It’s the city’s highest free viewing platform, and the 300 degree views make everything feel a little more cinematic. I love adding in at least one experience like this on a trip because it gives you that pause moment, where you can really take in the scale and beauty of the city especially during sunset hours right before dinner.  

Portobello Road Market

📍Notting Hill
Instagram: @portobellomarketofficial
One of those classic London experiences that still feels worth doing, especially if you love antiques, texture, and a good street with personality. It’s best when you go with time to wander, because the charm is really in the mix of stalls, houses, and little details you notice along the way.  

Columbia Road Flower Market

📍Bethnal Green
Instagram: @columbia_road_flower_market
This is one of my favorite kinds of London Sunday mornings, a little chaotic, full of color, and endlessly inspiring. Even if you are not buying flowers, it’s worth going just to take in the atmosphere, the storefronts, and the feeling of being surrounded by so much life and texture.   

Maison Assouline 

📍St. James
Instagram: @maisonassouline
A must stop if you love design books, beautiful objects, and spaces that feel as curated as the things they sell. Even if you don’t buy anything, it’s such a gorgeous creative reset.

Evoke London 

📍Marylebone
Instagram: @evoke_london
Such a special store for anyone who loves soulful interiors and pieces that feel collected rather than manufactured. The mix of handcrafted and antique objects, especially from Africa and India, makes it feel deeply layered and so inspiring.

Harrods

📍Knightsbridge
Instagram: @harrods
A London staple and one of those places you end up going at least once. If you’re in the mood to shop, you can easily spend a few hours here, but even if you’re not, the food halls downstairs are worth it on their own. There’s a wide range of options, from fresh juices and international counters to beautifully packaged pantry items that are great to bring back home. If you’re there, pick up the Bordier butter, it’s one of my favorite things to grab. 

ETIQUETTE + TIPS

⟡ Where to stay: Mayfair, Covent Garden, Soho, Notting Hill, Shoreditch

⟡ The Underground (Tube) is the fastest way to get around the city

⟡ Tap your credit card or Apple Pay directly at the gates, no need to buy a separate ticket

*Every trip I take to a new country, I choose a new fragrance to wear throughout the trip. It becomes intertwined with the places, moments, and memories of that adventure. Whenever I wear it again, I’m instantly transported back to the travel memories. For this trip, I wore Musc Pallida by Hermes — a soft, powdery musk with iris that felt exactly right for London. Clean, slightly warm like being wrapped in a light layer on one of those rare sunny days.