London is one of the most diverse food cities in the world, a place where you can take a culinary journey across continents without ever leaving the city. From Michelin-starred fine dining to hole-in-the-wall gems, every neighborhood offers flavors from around the globe. With a day dedicated to exploring international cuisine, I set out to find the best spots representing different continents, tasting my way through some of London’s most exciting restaurants.
Europe – Italian Comfort at Gloria
I started my food adventure in Shoreditch, home to some of the best Italian food outside of Italy. Gloria, an over-the-top trattoria inspired by 1970s Capri, was my first stop. The atmosphere was buzzing, with golden chandeliers, vintage furniture, and waiters singing in Italian as they carried out giant plates of pasta. I went for the Neapolitan-style carbonara, which came served inside a massive wheel of pecorino cheese, mixed tableside until it was creamy and rich. The fresh pasta, thick with egg yolk and crispy guanciale, tasted like something straight out of Rome.
Asia – Japanese Perfection at Zuma
For my next stop, I craved something refined yet packed with flavor, so I made my way to Zuma in Knightsbridge, one of London’s most renowned Japanese restaurants. Unlike the small sushi spots of Tokyo, Zuma has a sleek, modern vibe with an open robata grill and an impressive sake selection. I ordered the black cod miso, a dish so perfectly cooked that the fish flaked apart at the slightest touch of my chopsticks. The caramelized miso glaze added a delicate sweetness, while the umami depth made every bite unforgettable.
Africa – A Hidden Gem in Brixton
One of the most underrated food scenes in London is African cuisine, and for that, I headed to Zeret Kitchen, an Ethiopian restaurant tucked away in Camberwell. Ethiopian food is all about sharing, so I ordered the Zeret Surprise Platter, which arrived on a massive plate lined with injera, a spongy, sour flatbread. The platter was loaded with lentils, slow-cooked lamb, spicy berbere chicken, and sautéed greens. Every bite was bursting with earthy spices, and the experience of eating with my hands, scooping up stews with the injera, made it feel authentic and communal.
South America – Argentinian Steak at Gaucho
For a taste of South America, nothing beats a perfectly grilled Argentinian steak, so I headed to Gaucho in Piccadilly. The restaurant’s dim lighting, cowhide seats, and extensive Malbec selection immediately transported me to Buenos Aires. I went for the churrasco de lomo, a spiral-cut tenderloin marinated in garlic and parsley, cooked to a perfect medium-rare. It was buttery-soft, bursting with smoky flavor from the open grill, and paired beautifully with a deep, full-bodied Malbec. It was the kind of meal that makes you slow down and savor every bite.
North America – Classic BBQ at Smokestak
For a taste of American-style barbecue, I stopped by Smokestak, a meat-lover’s paradise in Shoreditch. The scent of slow-smoked brisket hit me before I even walked in, and I knew I was in for something special. I ordered the beef brisket with pickled red chili, which arrived in thick, juicy slices with a perfect bark on the outside. The meat was smoky, tender, and packed with flavor, balanced by the tangy heat of the chilies. It was as good as any barbecue I’d had in Texas—maybe even better.
Oceania – New Zealand-Inspired Brunch at Ozone Coffee
I wrapped up my international food tour with a laid-back New Zealand-style brunch at Ozone Coffee. This café is known for its incredible coffee and fresh, seasonal dishes inspired by Kiwi cuisine. I went for the sweetcorn fritters with avocado, poached eggs, and chorizo, a dish that was both hearty and refreshing. Paired with a perfectly brewed flat white, it was the ideal way to end my global food crawl.
By the time my day of eating was over, I had traveled across six continents without ever leaving London. Whether you’re in the mood for Japanese elegance, Ethiopian warmth, or Argentinian indulgence, this city has something for everyone. London isn’t just a great place to eat—it’s a place where food tells the story of the world, one bite at a time.