Autumn And Winter Food In London: Warming Dishes And Drinks In The Capital

Laura Reynolds
By Laura Reynolds Last edited 54 months ago

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Autumn And Winter Food In London: Warming Dishes And Drinks In The Capital
Best winter warming food in London

When autumn and winter arrive in London, all we want to do is wrap up warm and tuck into all the comfort food the city has to offer. From hot chocolates to roast dinners, and melted cheese to chocolate fondues, check out the best warming food and drink across the capital.

The best roast dinners in London

Sunday roast at Smokehouse, Islington - one of the best Sunday roasts in London
Sunday roast at Smokehouse, Islington — one of the best Sunday roasts in London

When Sunday rolls round and you need warming from within, tuck into one of London's best Sunday roasts. Roast dinners vary so much in quality, and it can be hard to find a truly decent one, with tender meat, crispy spuds and fluffy Yorkshires — so suss out your nearest on our map.

Veggies and vegans needn't miss out on the fun — check out these recommended vegan and vegetarian roast dinners in London. Nut roasts, mushroom wellingtons and other meat substitutes all feature, along with those delicious roasted veggies, thick gravy and Yorkie puds.

The best hot chocolates in London

Hot chocolate at The Parlour, Fortnum & Mason - one of London's most luxurious hot chocolates
Hot chocolate at The Parlour, Fortnum & Mason - one of London's most luxurious hot chocolates

Sweet, smooth, warming chocolate, served up in a mug which you can cup in your chilly hands. Yup, we're talking hot chocolate. Warming cocoa drinks can be found in chocolatiers, cafes and book shops all over town — these are just a few of our favourite hot chocolates in London.

Celebrating something special? Having a really bad day? Feel like pushing the boat out? You need one of London's most decadent, luxurious, ridiculous and OTT hot chocolates. Think whipped cream, flakes, marshmallows — the works.

The best pasta in London

The pasta at Padella is one of London's best warming dishes in winter
Pasta at Padella. You'll be fit to run a marathon after this. Or have an epic snooze.

At any time of year, an oversized bowl of pasta is a comfort food favourite. But in winter? Warm bowls filled with hearty pasta keep your insides nice and toasty for hours on end – it's a no brainer. Whether you like yours smothered in cheese (an option that features heavily on this list), tangy with tomato or mouthwateringly meaty, London has the perfect pasta to suit.

The best fondues in London

Cheese fondue at Alpes, Brixton — one of the best fondues in London

Cheese or chocolate? Why not both? The best cheese fondues in London can be found at fancy restaurants, cheese specialists and cold weather pop-ups across the capital.

Afterwards — if you have any room left — dip all the marshmallows, strawberries and bananas you can handle into London's best chocolate fondues. From high-end at Harrods to veggie dining in Angel, pick from milk, dark or white chocolate — or be a devil and mix your flavours.

The best raclettes in London

Cheese raclette at Alpes, Brixton — one of the best raclettes in London

Fed up of fondue? No, of course you're not, so for an alternative way to ingest melted cheese, tuck into the best cheese raclettes in London — rich, smooth cheese, melted and scraped over bread, vegetables and more.

All the cheese

You'll find some of London's best cheese toasties at Morty & Bob's

If raclette and fondue haven't satiated your craving for hot, melty, cheese, we'll let you into where to get the best cheese toasties in London. Whether you're after a trusty cheese toastie, or something a bit more gourmet — just don't burn the roof of your mouth.

Otherwise, make more of a meal of it with London's best mac 'n' cheese.

The best ramen in London

Best winter warming meals in London: Ramen is a fine choice
A bowl of ramen at Shoryu Ramen - one of the best restaurants for ramen in London

Soup is so often the winter warmer of choice, but it's not the only bowl of steaming deliciousness around. Japanese ramen, packed full of savoury broth,  slurp-worthy noodles and slathered in toppings is another fine choice, says Londonist's Ruth Hargreaves. The available meat and veggie toppings are an ever-changing feat, so find your favourite combination at one of the best ramen restaurants in London.

Winter pubs in London

Cosy winter pubs in London

Whether you're out for a bracing wander through a London park, meeting up with friends or getting stuck into some Christmas shopping, you can't go far wrong with a pub trip. These cosy, traditional pubs all have roaring fireplaces for curling up next to.


For more food and drink inspiration, excellent pubs, bars, restaurants and cafes in London, take a look at our page of the best food and drink in London.

Last Updated 17 September 2019

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