People often joke about British food being bland. Don’t let that fool you. Dining in London can be quite an exciting experience. Often called a melting pot, London has become a home to various cuisines from around the world.
Still, eating out in London can take a pretty penny out of your pocket. But that doesn’t mean you should miss out. You can still get away with dining in style without the price tag in London. Here are some valuable tips for first-time tourists and London newcomers.
Keep Off the Main Street
As expected, the most expensive places will be the ones bustling with tourists. The crowd may fool you into thinking that the place is good and sells food to die for, but in reality, it’s just close to a tourist attraction.
As of 2020, London had nearly 14,000 restaurants. You can expect that most of them are placed around main shopping streets, famous monuments, and amusement parks.
A convenient location doesn’t guarantee good food, and it certainly won’t help you save money while you travel or if you’re just settling in a new (expensive) city.
Watch Where the Locals Go
The next step is to stop following the herd and do as the Romans do or – in this case –Londoners. Now, this might be tough with so many tourists around you. But if you’re looking for a specific cuisine, like Italian, Thai, Mexican, etc., you can gather a few hints about the place.
Do the guests seem relaxed? Is the owner or server talking to them openly? Are there groups of people who seem like old friends or whole families with a whole feast in front of them? (The last one is a bit specific, but have faith.)
Those are all the signs of restaurants worth checking out.
Get Recommendations
Getting recommendations from friends and family who’ve already visited London or live there is a great option to discover the hidden gems of the city. However, not everyone has an acquaintance or a relative in London. Moreover, even if you have someone living in the city, findings from 2020 revealed that Londoners don’t dine out that often.
Still, someone has to keep the businesses open.
If you’re staying at a hotel, asking the hotel staff might be a smart move. Tourist guides will direct you to a restaurant they might have a deal with, but regular staff usually goes to nearby places for lunch during their breaks. Find these creative loopholes and make the most of them.
Look for Online Reviews
Even one review, if it’s genuine, means a great deal. However, don’t just look at reviews on official websites or whatever Google serves you. Infiltrate Facebook groups or closed Reddit pages to strike gold. You’ll get much more reliable comments and even elaborate discussions about a place.
Additionally, sift through blogs, vlogs, and “foodstagram.” In 2017, 69% of millennials took photos of their food before eating. Since then, that number has probably skyrocketed.
The reviews might not tell you the price, but you should be able to find them on the official website menus. Once you know the reviews, you can check them out and find the most affordable one for your fancy dinner.
Don’t Let the Exterior Fool You
Unless it’s summer and you’re looking for a place that has a luxurious terrace or patio with tables, don’t be quick to judge an eatery by its exterior. After all, the important stuff is inside.
These places are far away from the noisy crowds, and often want it to stay that way. They’ll be in the nooks and crannies of the city but not completely hidden from tourists.
When You Find the One, Don’t Let It Go
Once you finally try a place that suits your tastes and your wallet, play smart. It might require some courage, but go up to another customer and ask them where else they like to dine. The odds that your taste for the food and atmosphere match are good, and they might have some good recommendations.
Other diners can advise where to go, what to avoid, or what to look for while choosing a good restaurant. If you’re traveling solo or have just moved in, you might even get a friend to go with to these places.
Bon Appétit
London can be pricey. Every seasoned traveler can tell you that much. But that shouldn’t discourage you from visiting on a tight budget or moving there. There’s a plethora of hidden places with delicious food, a good atmosphere, and fancy aesthetics. You just need to know how to find them.
OTS News on Social Media