London has been viewed as one of the most lively cities in the world. And while it’s known for the history, fashion and royal family, the English capital is also a great place to get your drink on. And after downing pints or gin and tonics for hours, you’ll want to grab some London late night eats. Unfortunately, London’s restaurants and cafes have been known to close on the early side of midnight.
So even though your stomach may be rumbling, it might be a little difficult to find places that’ll serve you a little something to hold you over on the way home. But as more pubs and clubs have been staying open later, there are no more food establishments that are starting to follow suit. And yes, there are some mom-and-pop shops that serve you some quick curry chips (fries smothered in curry sauce) or a bacon butty (a bacon sandwich on a buttered roll). But sometimes you want a place to unwind and eat your drunkenness away.
Not to worry, we found five great food spots that will let you eat to your heart’s content till the wee hours of the morning. Find out more about these London late night eats and how to get them into your tummy.
5.) Balans
After a night out, some people like to go straight to a diner to unwind and end their night with breakfast. And although the 24-hour diner has been a longtime American concept, Balans has taken the idea to another level. The Soho restaurant combines the warmth of comfort food with a classy lounge setting. Regardless of what time you decide to show up, Balans is ready for you. But as far as late night eats are concerned, their “Night” menu has all the fixins for every palate. You can go all the way with a red curry or The Infamous Balans Burger with twice-cooked fries. Or you can have something lighter like Korean BBW chicken wings or a black bean tostada.
However, if you’re craving breakfast options, you can order anything from a stack of fluffy pancakes with bacon, bananas or berries with warm maple butter or the more traditional full English breakfast. More importantly, the last call times at Balans are pretty extensive — 6 a.m. on Friday and Saturday, 5 a.m. on Monday through Thursday and 2 a.m. on Sunday. Balans guarantees that you’ll never go hungry.
Balans, 60 – 62 Old Compton St., London W1D 4UG
Tube stop: Piccadilly Circus or Leicester Square
4.) Royal Dragon Restaurant and Karaoke
If you start to feel peckish after a musical or play around Leicester Square, then you may want to pay the Royal Dragon Restaurant a visit. Located in Chinatown, the restaurant has an extensive dim sum menu that is relatively affordable. It also offers a variety of different dumplings and other small plates that cater to most people’s dietary needs. Aside from the fact that Royal Dragon is open till 3 a.m. every day, customers can have a karaoke session after enjoying their late night eats. As the restaurant’s website states, “Our philosophy here is all about providing freshly cooked fine Chinese food and [letting] you sing your heart out for an enjoyable & comfortable dining experience.”
You can book a table or karaoke area in advance, but walk-ins are also welcome.
Royal Dragon Restaurant and Karaoke, 30 Gerrard St., Chinatown, London, W1D 6JS
Tube stop: Piccadilly Circus or Leicester Square
3.) Duck & Waffle
If you’re looking for something a little more upscale, then the Duck & Waffle may be the right spot for you. The restaurant is located on the 40th floor of 110 Bishopgate. So you’ll not only enjoy some great food, but you’ll also get to experience majestic views of the the city. Opening its doors in 2012, the restaurant aims to serve its customers every hour of the day. It offers six menus including dessert and one for larger groups as well as solid drinks and wine lists.
And while you can order anything from the restaurant’s All Day menu, the Late Night selection has a great variety of options. It’s especially great for the more adventurous eater. From 11:30 p.m. to 5 a.m., there’s the Duck and Waffle, where the restaurant got its name, that includes a confit duck leg, fried duck egg and mustard maple syrup. For an extra £6, you can pair it with the Hojicha stem green tea. There’s also a spicy ox cheek doughnut with apricot jam smoked paprika. And if you’re interested in pure indulgence, there’s a foie gras crème brûlée with pork crackling brioche.
Duck & Waffle, 110 Bishopsgate, London EC2N 4AY
Tube stop: Liverpool Street or Aldgate
2.) Beigel Bake
If you’re in Shoreditch, Beigel Bake is the best place to get a casual bite. The 24-hour bakery has been offering its Jewish beigels to London since 1974. Unlike the ones you get in the U.S., these are not as big. However, they definitely hit the spot, especially if you add more than just cream cheese. If you want to get something traditional, try ordering a beigel with either chopped herring or cream cheese and smoked salmon. But if you’re hungrier, then try the famous salt beef with mustard and pickle. Although Beigel Bake’s lines can get long throughout the day and even during the late hours on the weekends, these handheld snacks will really hit the spot and make your trip home more bearable.
Beigel Bake, 159 Brick Lane, London E16SB
Tube stop: Bethnal Green or Whitechapel
1.) Ranoush Juice
No London late night eats list would be complete without including a shawarma spot, and if you ask the locals, Ranoush Juice is the place to be. It’s so popular that there are multiple locations, including one in High Street Kensington, one on Edgware Road and another on Kings Road. However, regardless of which location you go to, you’ll be able to fill your belly with some great Lebanese and Middle Eastern cuisine. Shawarmas and falafel sandwiches are under £10. You can also get a Lebanese pastry filled with feta, veggies or minced lamb. If you want a full meal, Ranoush Juice will fulfill your kebab needs for under £20. And if you have room after all that food, eat some baklava on the spot, or take some home. It’ll be a nice treat for you with your coffee or tea at breakfast after you’ve shaken off your night of boozy revelry.
Ranoush Juice, 86 High St., Kensington, London W8 4SG
Tube stop: High Street Kensington