Eating My Way Through London

1. The Salusbury Pub

Our first meal in London was a lovely pairing of pizza and wine–notably the best glass of Pinot Grigio that both Amanda and I have had since we got to the UK. The atmosphere of the pub was busy but cozy, with warm lighting, close-knit clusters of tables, and lots of framed photos and chalkboard signs lining the walls. I got a classic Margherita pizza and Amanda got the "Funghi e rucola", and both were stunning. Fluffy crusts, not too doughy, with the perfect amount of toppings (though maybe a little heavy on the rocket). It was a simple dinner at a spur of the moment restaurant choice, but it led to a great night of talking, laughing, and soaking up our first official meal in the city (or near it, I guess).

2. Gail's Bakery

Gail’s was a cute little bakery chain that we stopped at multiple times during our stay outside London. On our first visit, we spent some time in the café eating our breakfast choices: quiches, pastries, buns, and coffees all around. We split a bag of shortbread cookies shaped like flowers and I sent my siblings a picture of the “Gail’s” packaging knowing they’d get a kick out of me eating there–if you know, you know. I wish I’d gotten a picture of the tap water spout on the wall; colorful tile backsplash, rich gold faucet and a white porcelain sink. It almost made up for the fact that the tap water wasn’t that great (there, or anywhere else we went).

3. Portobello Road Market

Walking south toward Notting Hill led us to the Portobello Road Market, where food vendors had set up shop along a side street for the day. Countless options were placed before our eyes, and the different scents walking down the road were enough to fill me up before I’d even eaten anything. I wanted something easy to pick at while walking, so I got the Cowboy Fries from the first vendor on the corner (and now I’m kicking myself for forgetting their name). There were at least 30 different spots to get a bite to eat, from arepas to cheese-wheel pasta, to Indian food and raclette sandwiches. Definitely some of the best street food I’ve seen in a long time.

4. The Waterway

After walking through Notting Hill down to Hyde Park, we made our way back up toward our Airbnb in search of dinner. Our host had suggested The Waterway by name, so we figured a nice dinner by the river in Little Venice would be a good finish to an already great day. Upscale and elegantly decorated, the restaurant was wholly satisfying in all aspects. Delicious cocktails (I got the “Cool as a Cucumber” and was pleasantly surprised that it looked nothing like what I’d expected), and outrageously yummy main dishes that resulted in lots of sitting back, hands on stomachs, smiling about the day we’d just had. The wild mushroom tortellini was absolutely to die for.

The Comedy

A small pub in between Piccadilly Circus and Trafalgar Square with comfy tables and booths, lots of great appetizers, and a unique cocktail menu. Tip: get the Elderflower Bellini.

What We Ordered:

• Bread & olives
• Triple cooked chunky chips
• Mini baked Camembert
• Baked falafel bites
• Elderflower Bellinis
• Vinuva Pinot Grigio Rosato, Italy

Cafe Jack's

A cute restaurant down the street from Queen’s Park station with a wide variety of starters and mains. The halloumi fries and club salad were both hits (especially if you like thick cut bacon on your salad).

What We Ordered:

• Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower
• Panko Halloumi fries
• Cafe Jack’s Club Salad
• Vegan Beyond Meat Burger
• Crispy Duck Hash
• Pinot Grigio San Giorgio

1. The Pelican

On our walk to Portobello Road Market, we stopped by The Pelican for a drink. We were greeted by a lovely waiter, sat outside at a roomy table, and each ordered a different drink from the menu. They specialize in a small number of classic cocktails, so us ladies shared our picks so we could all try them.

My Negroni was absolutely fantastic (I’m turning into a gin gal, for sure), and Amanda’s margarita was great as well. My mom got a vodka Martini, and I could barely get half a sip down–it wasn’t bad, but it was just so strong I almost got the wind knocked out of me. I stuck with my Negroni and snacked on the candied orange slice nestled between the ice cubes in my glass (which was a gorgeous vintage piece, as were the rest of the cocktail glasses. They weren’t serving food when we stopped in, but all in all, it was a really nice spot to relax with a good drink.

2. The Cock and Bottle

A beautiful little pub in the heart of Notting Hill–we were looking for a true, traditional English pub and we got exactly what we asked for here. Great beer and ciders, gorgeous stained wood, leather chairs and velvet booths gave this pub a quaint, cozy feel.

3. The Running Horse

Another traditional pub closer to the center of London. This spot was a little more roomy but still felt very homey, with big tables and booths lining the walls, armchairs and couches by a fireplace, and lots of horse racing decor.