Post-Brexit means you’ll get a much better exchange rate for your American dollars when you travel to England. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t keep your budget in check, especially if you’re travelling with your family and children.
However, you won’t find any Applebee’s, Taco Bell or Waffle House in London. But don’t worry, because London offers a myriad of family friendly restaurants that offer excellent value and good food. Don’t believe the rumors that British food is boring and dull. There’s a lot of great and delicious meal options that will keep the whole family happy.
Pizza Express – the closest substitute for Pizza Hut
Pizza Express has over 400 restaurants across the United Kingdom. Think of it like an upscale Pizza Hut, with more authentic Italian style pizzas and pastas. Set in family friendly locations (often close to tourist attractions), Pizza Express offers great value and great food. Our recommendations include:
- Nduja Arancini: baked, creamy risotto balls with hot, soft ’nduja sausage and mozzarella cheese, served on rocket with pesto;
- The Campana pizza: crumbled pork & fennel sausage, friarielli, tomato, garlic oil and mozzarella, finished with Gran Milano cheese and parsley;
- And you MUST try the delicious and famous Pizza Express Dough Balls: a sharing portion of Dough Balls, served with a trio of dips: pesto, garlic butter and pestorissa (an harissa spiced tomato dip).
Pizza Express can get busy in peak times, but you can always reserve a table online, or if you’re feeling particularly lazy after exploring London’s top tourist attractions, then why not get it delivered to your hotel!
Masala Zone
Masala Zone serves authentic Indian food, and they have a real have a passion for making sure customers have an enjoyable time by serving delicious genuine Indian food, newly renovated exciting interiors and great staff. With seven locations in London, including the main tourist areas of Covent Garden, Soho, Earl’s Court and Camden, you’re sure to get a fulfilling Indian meal.
If you’re not sure what to order, we recommend going for the Grand Thali which is a balanced meal for each person comprising a platter of 4ozs of curry plus little bowls of varied dishes as eaten in Indian homes.
Banana Tree – the closest substitute for Panda Express
Banana Tree serves delicious fresh Asian food from regions including Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam and Thailand. They have nine locations across the United Kingdom. They also have a great vegetarian menu as well as some amazing oriental cocktails. All served in a relaxed and buzzing atmosphere.
Giraffe World Kitchen – the closest substitute for Applebee’s
Giraffe World Kitchen has around 10 locations in London. They serve a menu that offers flavours and recipes from around the world. They’re open for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner.
Dishes include tacos, huevos rancheros, Katsu chicken noodles, Malay chicken curry, lamb tagine as well as a large range of burgers and salads. There’s a special kids menu too, kids eat for free on weekends with every main meal purchased.
Giraffe have a great drinks menu too, including cocktails, beers and ciders, wine, smoothies, fresh juices and tea and coffee.
Paul – the closest substitute to Panera
Paul is a French chain of bakery/café restaurants. They have over 20 locations in London.
At Paul you’ll find great sandwiches, sweets, cakes, traditional French patisserie items and drinks. They’re open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
And one final tip!
You’ll find all these restaurants offer deeply discounted lunch specials where you can save lots! Sometimes the menus aren’t shown on the website, so make sure to pop in at lunch and see what’s on offer.
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