Looking to eat your way through the best London Ontario restaurants?
Our comprehensive food & drink guide to the London Ontario restaurant scene features popular coffee shops, brunch menus, tasty take out, friendly craft breweries, chic cocktail bars, fun date night spots, and romantic fine dining rooms!
Eat Your Way Through The Best London Ontario Restaurants
London is located in Ontario Southwest, conveniently located halfway between Windsor and Toronto.
The city of London is located a short drive from St. Thomas, Hamilton, Niagara, Oxford County, Norfolk County, Kitchener Waterloo, Guelph Stratford and Oakville.
As of 2023 London has a population of over 500,000 residents, including the many students who come here to study at the world renowned Western University.
Our foodie guide is helpful for those who are keen to eat out at London Ontario restaurants while on vacation, at a sports tournament, conference, business meeting, or while visiting family and friends. If you’re a local food lover read through our restaurant list for tips on new trendy places to eat and drink in your own backyard.
Visit the friendly Ontario city and you’ll find the London restaurant scene offers a diversity of options. While you can find standard restaurant chains like Tim Horton’s and Swiss Chalet, London’s indie cafes and fine dining restaurants distinguish themselves with ethnic authenticity and historic tradition.
It’s not hard to find “made in London,” food and drink. Local food entrepreneurs and culinary artisans sell made by hand, small batch and seasonal offerings, using locally produced ingredients that celebrate Southwestern Ontario’s agricultural bounty. The city also boasts 2 community markets perfect for a weekly grocery shop: Covent Garden Market and The Market at Western Fair.
You can support local restauranteurs in London at any price point, from affordable homemade donuts at Commonwealth Coffee to a fancy fine dining feast at Gnosh or Grace.
The London Ontario food scene also showcases the city’s diverse multicultural communities: from Mediterranean dishes at Mezza to spicy Thai food at Thaifoon and spicy Indian curries at Charminar.
Check out our Fun Things To Do In London Ontario Travel Guide!
London Ontario Food Festivals
If you’re organizing an Ontario culinary tour why not plan your visit around a popular London Food Festival?
Food & Drink festivals are a fun way to explore a destinations culinary culture and meet local food producers in an environment that encourages lots of finger-licking-good taste testing!
- International Food & Drink Festival – June
- St Patrick’s Day by London Beer Fest – March
- London Beer Fest – June
- Colombian Gastronomy Festival – July
- London Taco Fest – August
- London Pizza Fest – September
Where To Stay In London Ontario
If you’re planning to visit the best London Ontario restaurants we suggest booking a trip over a weekend so you can enjoy late night Saturday beers at a craft brewery followed by the ritual of lazy pancake-stacked Sunday brunch.
There are accomodation options in London that fit every budget:
- Hotel Metro: London’s best boutique hotel is the perfect spot to stay on a romantic getaway. The pet friendly hotel features luxurious spacious suites and onsite fine dining restaurant.
- Best Western Plus Lamplighter Inn: this mid-range family friendly hotel in downtown London features a fantastic indoor pool with a waterslide surrounded by pretty palm trees.
- Travelodge by Wyndham London: if you’re traveling on a budget book one of the 60 simple rooms at Travelodge. It’s located close to the London International Airport.
You May Also Enjoy These Ontario Travel Guides…
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- Best Rooftop Patios in Toronto With A View
- Best Romantic High Tea in Downtown Toronto
- Best Things To Do In Port Dover
- Best St Thomas Ontario Restaurants
- Best Things To Do In Woodstock
- Best Restaurants in Orillia: Brewery, Bakery, Patios & Take Out
- Best Attractions & Things To Do In Orillia
- Best Restaurants in Muskoka Ontario
- Niagara Breweries: Best Craft Beer From Falls to Fort
- Best Hamilton Breweries and Craft Cider
Best Restaurants in London Ontario
We visited London over a 3 day long weekend to eat our way through the best restaurants in town!
If you’re a foodie visiting London for the first time we highly recommend enjoying a fun self-guided tour in London’s Old East Village. It’s a great way to explore the city’s historic neighbourhood while sipping and nibbling unique dishes and drinks.
- Dumpling Trail: taste the world’s best dumplings on this walking tour featuring pierogies, momos and mandu!
- Libation District: immerse yourself in the artisanal world of spirits, beer, soda, tea, and coffee.
- Cultural Cruise: explore the murals, public art and the city’s only National Historic Site.
Wag your finger down our Best London Ontario Restaurants List to find a yummy place to eat on your next visit!
Commonwealth Coffee & Boxcar Donuts
478 Richmond St, 519-697-8580
Commonwealth Coffee & Boxcar Donuts is a popular cafe located in downtown London across from St. Peter’s Cathedral Basilica.
The homemade donut and artisanal coffee concept also has two other locations in Masonville and nearby St. Thomas, with plans to expand further into Windsor soon.
Boxcar sells a colourful selection of hand-cut and hand-decorated artisanal donuts. You’re absolutely spoilt for choice with deep fried dough here!
Peak into the glass display case and you’ll find the top row showcasing weekly flavour specials, like peanut butter honey and lemon meringue pie, while the bottom row displays classic flavours like apple fritters and chocolate dip.
Pair your sinfully sweet donut with a classic espresso beverage like a foamy latte or buzz-worthy Americano.
Commonwealth Coffee & Boxcar Donuts has plenty of seating and a big window offering a splash of sunlight.
Burger Burger
633 Richmond St, 226-663-8955
Wondering what the best London Ontario restaurants are to indulge in a delicious burger binge?
Owned and operated by a long line of family restaurateurs, Kirk Anastasiadis elevated the London burger scene with his simply titled eatery. There’s no need to guess what’s on the menu at Burger Burger!
Located a short stroll from Victoria Park, Burger Burger is a quick-service brick-clad restaurant famous for its hand-crafted burgers, fries and creamy milkshakes.
Skip inside and you’ll find a tiny front dining room with two communal tables. During the warmer months of the year a front patio offers seating in the sunshine.
When we visited we were greeted by a long line of locals waiting to pick up their lunch orders. Clearly a popular take out option downtown.
The style is smash burgers, with a patties prepared with a blend of sirloin, chuck and brisket. Our double decker burger was stuffed with crispy bacon, juicy pickles and oozing melted cheese. Seriously sublime.
Open until 3am Wednesday to Saturday, Burger Burger is definitely one of the best London Ontario restaurants for finger-licking-good late night eats.
Covent Garden Market
130 King St, 519-439-3921
Covent Garden Market is a must-visit city landmark first established in 1845. Way back when, local farmers and shoppers mingled on sawdust covered floors where everything and anything was sold: from butchered meat to lovingly jarred honey and freshly plucked wild raspberries.
Today, Covent Garden Market offers farm-fresh quality organic produce, meats, ethnic foods, baked goods, beautiful flower arrangements, and the largest assortment of cheeses in Southwestern Ontario.
Locals love to visit on weekends to do their weekly shopping but you can conveniently visit any day of the week.
In the winter bring your skates and lace up on the outdoor rink. Year round you can also enjoy concerts, cooking classes, and fun festivals like the always bustling St Patrick’s Day soiree!
Piping Kettle is a great lunch spot with soup and sandwiches and Supper Tasty Brazilian Snacks serves authentic South American street food.
Mezza Restobar
244 Dundas St, 519-672-9592
Looking for the best London Ontario restaurants for a romantic Middle Eastern meal?
Mezza Restobar is an upscale bistro serving traditional Mediterranean dishes paired with fine wine and creative cocktails.
The popular date night spot is open Wednesday to Saturday for dinner. Skip inside and you’ll find a narrow dining room with the twinkle of the night sky illuminated on the ceiling.
Mezza Restobar owner Rami Sefian offers a diverse menu featuring traditional Middle Eastern dishes like grilled halloumi, calamari, lamb chops and fattoush salad.
If you’re dining out with friends we suggest ordering the Mixed Grill Platter topped with shish tauk, sirloin steak kebab, kafta, grilled vegetables, french fries and a trio of dips.
Palasad Socialbowl
777 Adelaide St N, 519-645-7164
Wondering what the best London Ontario restaurants are for a night out with friends?
Palasad Socialbowl offers plenty of fun for those looking to enjoy a night out in London including 10 pin bowling, pool tables, arcade, escape rooms, and live music.
Start the night by wagging your finger down the from scratch food and drink menu. You’ll find all your favourite late night snacks like Mac & Cheese Balls, Bacon Wrapped Pickles, Pub Grub Nachos, Poutine, finger-licking-good Chicken Wings and creative selection of tacos and burgers.
We gobbled up a Pickle Pizza topped with crispy bacon and pepperoni, while playing a game of 10 pin!
Paradigm Spirits Co
100 Kellogg Ln, 519-659-6060
Are you a craft cocktail fan looking to sip local spirits on your next visit to London?
Paradigm Spirits Co. was created by passionate craft spirit entrepreneurs with a vision to build a distillery in London. The craft distillery is located in the impressive 100 Kellogg Lane complex.
Skip inside Paradigm Spirits Co. and you’ll find a production distillery on the first floor alongside the warehouse, tasting room, cocktail bar, and a covered patio along with a retail shop. Upstairs there’s a private event space, heated balcony, and kitchen.
We suggest cocktail connoisseurs hop up at the bar to sip through the distillers signature creations, which include a selection of vodka, gin, and whiskey bottles.
If you’re keen to learn a little in London, book unique boozy experiences like Shaken & Stirred, Iconic Pairings or a Tasting & Tour.
Paradigm Spirits Co. has quickly become one of the city’s most popular spots to enjoy weekend brunch. The menu offers plenty of healthy options for those who are gluten free, vegan and vegetarian.
Tony’s Famous Italian
980 Dundas St, 519-455-4520
Tony’s Famous Italian is one of London, Ontario’s most historic restaurants.
The popular pizzeria opened in London in 1961, a time when Canadians still thought Italian food was exotic.
Tony Ianni immigrated to Canada from Calabria and made his mark on the city by being one of the first to introduce pizza to Londoners.
Alongside their cheesy pies Tony’s Famous Italian serves up lasagna, spaghetti, and veal parmigiana.
Tony’s Famous Italian is perhaps most famous for its panzerotti, a stuffed and fried pizza similar to a calzone.
Tony’s Famous Italian now has 3 locations in London: Wonderland Road North, Dundas Street and Southdale Road East.
London Brewing Co Op
521 Burbrook Pl, 226-667-6363
If you’re on a restaurant hopping tour of London be sure to take a break to chat with friendly locals at one of London’s popular craft breweries.
London Brewing Co Op is a locally-focussed, organic, worker-owned cooperative craft brewery with an onsite kitchen and retail shop.
Hop up at the bar and you’ll find a chalkboard full of tasty craft beers of the moment. Beer aficionados will find unique beer styles and flavours like Cherry Apple Graf, Chocolate Orange Ginger Oatmeal Stout, Coconut Brown Organic and Hibiscus Haskap Sour.
We suggest ordering a flight of beers to sample and if you’re feeling peckish order some tasty grub from the onsite kitchen. London Brewing’s restaurant menu showcases local comfort food that of course perfectly pairs with a fresh pint.
Highlights from the menu include Beer Battered Chicken Drums with Kimchi Fries, Cheesy Quesadilla and Giant Nachos.
Gnosh
125 Dundas St, 519-601-8050
Looking for the best London Ontario restaurants to slice into a juicy medium rare steak?
Gnosh is the fine dining restaurant located on the main floor of the boutique Metro Hotel, which perches directly across from the city’s market building.
Skip inside Gnosh London and you’ll find a chic dining room and bar. Chef Cynthia Beaudoin’s menu features upscale dishes best enjoyed on a romantic night or special occasion.
Suss out the dinner menu and you’ll find globally inspired Canadian fare like French Onion Soup, Moroccan Phyllo Cigars, Braised Beef Poutine and Baked Pesto Gnocchi.
We ordered a perfectly grilled beef tenderloin topped with a sun-dried tomato compound butter, port demiglace and garlic mashed potatoes.
If you’re a steak lover Gnosh is the perfect place to splurge on an elegant beef-centric dinner in downtown London.
Lucy’s Pizza & Cocktails
581 Richmond St, 548-689-9954
Lucy’s Pizza & Cocktails is one of London’s trendiest restaurants.
The chic yet unpretentious Italian eatery plays a hip soundtrack through its spacious dining room, which is outfitted with plenty of high top seating and white marble clad bar.
Lucy’s talented team of mixologists serve up some of the city’s most expertly executed cocktails. Pair a tequila or gin muddled tipple with a platter of freshly shucked oysters to start the evening with a bam!
Peak into the open concept kitchen and you’ll find an army of cooks serving up pretty pasta bowls and perfectly scorched Neapolitan-style pizzas.
On weekends Lucy’s is the place to be for a romantic date or girlfriends night out. After 10pm the space transitions into a lounge where a local DJ spins until the wee hours of the morning.
ChickPZ
125 King St, 519-679-9009
ChickPZ, a coy nod to the humble chickpea, is a fast casual Middle Eastern restaurant located across from the city’s market building.
It is the sister concept to Mezza Restobar, offering London foodies an affordable and healthy option for a casual meal.
We love the ChickPZ concept as it allows you to easily customize your meal. Stare up at the menu and you’ll find a selection of healthy Mediterranean-inspired bowls, sandwiches and wraps like chicken shawarma, falafel, and steak kabob.
The must-try dish at ChickPZ is their signature Halloumi Poutine. They’ve taken the classic Quebecois comfort food and given it their own spin by replacing cheese curds crispy grilled halloumi.
Grace Restaurant
211 Dundas St, 226-289-2793
Executive Chef Angela Murphy first opened Grace Restaurant in downtown London in May 2019.
The restaurant is named after Grace Murphy, grandmother of Executive Chef Angie Murphy. Grace is a new kind of intentional restaurant that prioritizes not only beautiful, seasonal, local food but also community, social responsibility, and industry fairness.
Chef Murphy shared, “My Grandmother was a hospitable, kind, smart, and funny woman who loved to dance. Early morning in the kitchen was a sacred time for the two of us while my brother slept in and my grandfather was already out for the day. It was in that kitchen where she taught me to line dance, to do an Irish jig, and to poach, scramble, fry and boil an egg. When I told Grace I was going to become a chef she told me, with her signature wit, that it was a great idea because the only people that always have a job are cooks and undertakers.”
Grace London is located in a heritage building called the Duffield Block, which was built in 1871 and at one time featured a 663-seat concert hall.
Skip inside Grace Restaurant in downtown London and you’ll find a chic dining room with seating for 60 guests, including a cocktail bar and lounge. An intimate private dining room called The Vault can sit up to 8 people.
The restaurant’s interior was designed in collaboration with Design House London and is inspired by 1920s glamour, executed in a refined manner with a deep navy theme offset with grey and gold, and extravagant, bold light fixtures. “The bar and dining room art was painted by local artist Grace Patrick, who has captured the fresh, often playful menu variations and seasonality our guests have come to expect from Grace. The canvases show light, cloud-like brush strokes and water colour tones all in different hues of blue,” said Chef Murphy.
We tucked into a table at Grace on Sunday morning for brunch and enjoyed delicious craft cocktails with a bowl of cassoulet and apple spiced waffles.
While the brunch was top drawer, we were told during our next visit to London we should book a reservation in the evening as Grace is considered one of the best London Ontario restaurants to indulge in a fancy prix fixe menu.
Thaifoon
120 Dundas St, 519-850-1222
Looking for the best London Ontario restaurants to taste spicy Thai food?
FouZan Beg And Manisay Beg are the owners of Thaifoon, which has a location in downtown London near the Convent Garden Market. There is also a second Thaifoon location at CF Masonville Place shopping mall.
FouZan shared, “Thaifoon was originally opened by my wife’s family, her nephew Eddy and eldest sister Arunvathy. After Arounvathy wanted to retire we were given the opportunity to take over the management.”
The 60 seat restaurant also offers a seasonal 60 seat patio during the warm summer months. Ken Lam from Navigate Design created the restaurant’s trendy interior, which features a colourful wallpaper adorned cocktail bar and romantic lighting in the main dining room.
FouZan describes Thaifoon’s menu as a blend of traditional Thai dishes as well as fun fusion recipes like Basil Tacos, Mango Bruschetta and Pad Thai Burritos.
Charminar Indian Cuisine
252 Dundas St, 226-663-2357
Looking for the best London Ontario restaurants to enjoy authentic Indian cuisine?
Rakesh Challa first opened Charminar in downtown London in October, 2021.
The restaurants ethos is inspired by the saying “Atithi devo bhava,” which translates to “The guest is equivalent to god.”
After moving to Canada Challa joined London’s hospitality industry after noticing he wasn’t able to easily find authentic dum biryani and South Indian dosa.
Charminar Indian Cuisine is a popular chain of traditional Indian restaurants and Challa was thrilled to bring the authentic tastes of biryani and masalas from his homeland to London, Ontario.
Charminar Indian Cuisine is located on London’s bustling Dundas Street. Skip inside and you’ll find a casual dining room featuring an idol of Lord Ganesh that welcomes guests. The dining room can seat up to 40 diners.
Chef Ajay Kumar cooks aromatic dishes that offer a sensory trip to culinary destinations across India. “Our signature dishes are Hyderabadi chicken curry, Butter chicken, Tandoori chicken, and Hyderabad goat dum biryani,” said Challa.
BTRMLK
275 Wharncliffe Rd N, 226-400-8909
Monia Elhayek and Shad Haidar first opened BTRMLK on March 1, 2021.
The London Ontario restaurant is famous for its fried chicken sandwiches, creamy mac & cheese and fancy fries.
Elhayek shared, “We always aspired to own a business and be self-employed. Our love for food and exploring food scenes lead us to realize the lack of premium fried chicken-focussed business in London. As lovers of fried chicken sandwiches we began to experiment with recipes. The word spread quickly and here we are!”
BTRMLK is located in an unassuming strip mall at the bustling Oxford and Wharncliffe intersection. Step inside London’s best fried chicken restaurant and you’ll find a tiny space available for take out and delivery. As we waited for our order to come through a non-stop stream of local foodies patiently waited to snatch their fried chicken meal to go. The place is clearly popular with the nearby Western University crowd.
Thanks to BTRMLK’s initial success, fans in London will be able to visit a second location when it opens in the Fall of 2023 at West 5 with seating for up to 20 diners.
If it’s your first time visiting BTRMLK Elhayek says, “The three most ordered dishes are our Original Sandwich (Nashville Hot style), Chicken strips and BTRMLK fries with chicken. Our most loved item is our Honey Popper, a sandwich that includes honey, jalapeños, BTRMLK Sauce, and cream cheese!”
Haven’s Creamery
226 Piccadilly St, 519-204-1786
Makers of small batch hand-made ice cream in the Old East Village region of London, Haven’s Creamery is your stop for all things frozen and delicious.
Enjoy ice cream, waffles, sorbet, and even to go containers so you can enjoy their unique creations at home!
Haven’s Creamery operates two locations in London as well as Ottawa. The London location on Piccadilly Street is located in a historic house and features a pretty front patio and indoor tall tables, perfect for standing around and licking your cones.
During our visit the seasonal ice cream flavours of the moment were London Fog, French Toast Cheesecake, Salty Caramel and Sparkling Rose Strawberry Sorbet,
Los Lobos Tacos
580 Talbot St, 519-601-8226
Los Lobos Tacos is the go-to London Ontario restaurant for Mexican food lovers.
The Wolfe family first opened Los Lobos Tacos on Talbot Street in 2017. The name is a play on the families last name as Los Lobos means, “The Wolves,” in Spanish.
The trendy Mexican restaurant in downtown London is located in a beautiful historic home, which was converted into a bar and restaurant over 40 years ago.
Skip inside Los Lobos and you’ll find a main dining room with seating for 80 guests and a popular seasonal patio for those looking to sip margaritas in the sun.
The jaw-dropping restaurant interior looks like Mexican street art, produced by Toronto Artist Stu Andrenelli who owns Play Dead Cult. The artwork is one of a kind from floor to ceiling and includes paintings, prints, and furniture. The large cross built out of guitars suspended from the ceiling and the patio bathtub shrine are absolute eye catchers!
Upon arrival we suggest grabbing a seat at the Los Lobos bar. Wag your finger down the drinks menu and you’ll find local craft beer, classic margaritas and other tequila muddled libations.
Local foodies rave for Chef Justin Wolfe’s creative tacos, with favourites including crispy pork belly and tender beef cheek. The Chorizo Fundido is a drool-worthy appetizer for cheese lovers willing to share.
The Church Key Bistro
476 Richmond St, 519-936-0960
Peter and Vanessa Willis first opened The Church Key Bistro in downtown London in May, 2009.
“We saw a space in London’s restaurant scene that we thought a place like The Church Key could fill. The concept of a Gastropub did not really exist in London yet, and we felt like we were the right people to introduce it,” said Vanessa.
Skip inside the 80 seat London restaurant and you’ll find yourself inside a historic building originally erected in 1890. The interior design features exposed brick walls and eye-popping wine rack behind the bar. During the warmer months of the year locals love grabbing a seat on the restaurants 40 seat outdoor patio.
The Church Key Bistro’s Chef Michael Anglestad produces an upscale pub menu, which changes throughout the seasons to reflect what’s fresh on nearby farms. Highlights from the menu include the Lamb Curry, Smoked Mushroom Dip and The Church Key Burger.
The River Room
421 Ridout St N, 519-850-2287
The River Room is a fine dining restaurant in London Ontario situated at the fork of the Thames River.
Jess Jazey-Spoelstra and Harmen Spoelstra launched The River Room in May, 2012. Jazey-Spoelstra shared, “We already had a catering business so the idea to open a restaurant came very organically. The name comes from the view. We are the only waterfront dining in London with floor to ceiling windows.”
Skip inside and you’ll see why it’s one of our favourite romantic London Ontario restaurants. The chic dining room located inside Museum London is the perfect place for art lovers to enjoy a tasty date night.
The River Room’s interior was designed by Myra Tuer and is art deco inspired. The elegant space can seat 85 guests. The aesthetic offers a quiet nod to the owner’s beginnings in the TriBeCa neighbourhood of NYC by framing and displaying her own black and white photography of her time there.
Executive Chef Jeffrey Fortner describes The River Room menu as French inspired elevated comfort food with rustic style plating.
Highlights from Chef Forter’s menu include lobster rolls, pumpkin ravioli, and braised beef short ribs.
The Early Bird
355 Talbot St, 519-439-6483
Crystal Kendall is the owner of The Early Bird, which has been feeding foodies in London Ontario for over 12 years.
Skip inside The Early Bird in downtown London and you’ll find a collection of eye-popping art plus music & movie posters from the 80’s era.
Looking for the best breakfast and brunch restaurant in London Ontario?
The Early Bird is one of the city’s most popular places to grab a bite in the morning on a weekend. It playfuly refers to itself as a “fine diner,” as food is sourced locally when possible and everything is made from scratch in house.
The extensive menu features classics like eggs benedict, waffles, pancakes, huevos rancheros, breakfast burritos, fresh salads and sandwiches.
We ordered the bacon wrapped pickles and Jalapeno Popper Grilled Cheese featuring creamy cheese, jalapeno peppers, sweet red pepper jelly, corn chips and sour cream.
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