Known for being the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, the city of London is filled with such unique culture and history that it continues to be my absolute FAVORITE city in the world. When you “cross the pond” to visit this foreign place, you will constantly be discovering your own unique mini-adventures and will quickly fall in love with London locals. They are so helpful and kind!
Once you visit London a few times, you’ll quickly grow your own list of places that you will always want to visit on each trip. I studied abroad here for a semester my junior year, but I recently had the opportunity to stay with my dear friend, Kristin, and her family who live in Belgravia. Staying with them allowed me to gain an entirely new prospective of the city that is about to have world-wide attention with the upcoming Royal Wedding!
This chic city constantly has new places opening, but these are my top picks – Enjoy!
Favorite Breakfast or Afternoon Tea:
The Wolseley makes your regular breakfast a glamorous event, and the Granola is to die for…along with the Bacon Roll!
Favorite Lunch:
1. Bar Boulud
Bar Bouloud is located inside the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park Hotel. I suggest the Yankee Burger or the Cauliflower Soup!
Fifth Floor London is located inside Harvey Nichols
The market directly next to the Fifth Floor restaurant, cafe, and bar has the most interesting products to check out after lunch!
Favorite Afternoon Snack:
Laduree at Harrods is filled of various pastries and macaroons, and they have different style rooms where you can eat as well. I went there literally every day when I recently visited…there is nothing to compare to their caramel with salted butter macaroon!
Favorite Dinner:
5. Nobu
Nobu on Park Lane or Berkeley Street is just as good over in London as in New York. Start with the Shashimi salad, Rock Shrimp Tempura with the spicy creamy sauce, and then move onto the Black Cod. The lounge at the Berkeley Street location pictured above is so hip and you can even order dinner there as well!
2. Roka
Roka is Zuma’s sister restaurant is also a hot spot to hit up – start with the Tuna Tartare!
3. Zuma
Zuma is my absolute favorite restaurant. Ever. Call now for reservations before you go over to London because they fill up so fast! But if you don’t have a reservation, I suggest to go there anyway and put your name in. Having appetizers and drinks by the window will make the time go by quickly!
My favorite dish at Zuma is the Wagyu Beef!
Zuma’s famous Chocolate Molten Cake
Locanda Locatelli is a regular spot for Gwyneth Paltrow, Victoria Beckham, and Madonna – all of their dish presentations are impeccable – start with the scallops!
Favorite Bars / Clubs:
{bars} Soho House, Sketch, and The Long Bar at the Sanderson Hotel
{clubs} Maddox, Lux, Jalouse, The Cuckoo Club, Whiskey Mist (there are other new ones, but these are the ones we decided to chill at recently after dinners)
Favorite Late Night Snack:
Maroush (the chicken shawarmas are out of this world!)
Favorite Hair Salons:
Favorite workout:
Bikram Yoga Soho (ask for Bill – tell him you know me!)
Other fun spots to check out:
Villandry is located right around the corner from Bikram Yogo Soho, and is an amazing french inspired market filled of fresh homemade pastas, breads, pesto sauces and the most amazing ready to go meals. There is even a restaurant connected directly next door if you decide to stay for munching – Lady Gaga is a regular!
And, how can I leave out Harrods?
Many people head straight for the clothing department or to check out the new Christian Louboutins, which I do as well, but I love exploring other departments too such as the amazing Dior for children section and the Fendi Casa home area. Both are just breathtaking and one of a kind!
Grab some yummy gelato from Morelli’s in the Food Hall on your way out!
I had such a wonderful time on my recent trip to London, but it wouldn’t have been half as fun without staying with my friend Kristin and her generous parents!
Her father even made us the most delicious thai-influenced dinner. It was so nice to have a home-cooked meal!
It was just as delicious as it looks!
These are the places that love visiting when I am in London, and I hope they help make your next trip across the pond more fabulous as well!
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