Where to Eat in Bloomsbury London?

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Ideas for Eating Out in Bloomsbury

Bloomsbury is a leafy, academic area of London that is known for its bookshops and cafes, but if you’re looking for somewhere to go for a nice meal, there are plenty of options to choose from too. Nestled away in the corner of the Borough of Camden, Bloomsbury is often referred to as the literary and intellectual capital of London, with a gorgeous, historical charm about it.

The area is home to some of the oldest and most prestigious schools in the entire UK, and the University of London has based many of its colleges here, including the awesome London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, which is a world-leading centre for research in public and global health. And it’s not just home to some of the most well-known British universities; American colleges including the University of Delaware, Florida State University and the University of California all have London-based study centres in Bloomsbury. The Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), which is one of the most well-respected Performance and Theatre schools in the country, is also based in Bloomsbury with some notable alumni including Sean Bean and David Tennant.

Although Bloomsbury is a cool place to eat out, you can’t go here without finding somewhere to read. Bloomsbury has a long history with books and is home to several bookshops, libraries, and publishers. In fact, if it wasn’t for Bloomsbury Publishing, we might never have gotten to enjoy the much-loved Harry Potter series; they agreed to publish the most profitable book deal ever and introduced the most famous boy wizard to us all in print.

Picnics are also a good way to spend some time in Bloomsbury since, despite its central London location, it is home to some of the most gorgeous gardens and parks in the city. It is well known for its leafy squares that are definitely adding some welcome greenery into the industrial, grey city. Russell Square is perhaps one of the most famous squares in Bloomsbury; a grand open green space that is just a short walk from Russell Square station.

Best Restaurants: Where to Eat in Bloomsbury:

From cafes to fine-dining restaurants, this student-favourite area has plenty of great places to eat. Whether you are looking for a gorgeous Italian meal for date night or a quick bite to eat for lunch, Bloomsbury is filled with a diverse range of great places to eat out with friends, family, somebody special, or even on your own.

Sardo Restaurant, Bloomsbury:

Located on a quiet street that runs parallel to Tottenham Court Road, you will find the well-hidden gem, Sardo Restaurant. With its distinctive red roof and even more unforgettable Sardinian cuisine, it’s one of the few places in London to offer these dishes, which are similar to Italian. However, Sardinian food uses its own flavours and ingredients from the region. Try some favourites such as linguine al granchio, malloreddus pasta and spaghetti bottariga. Along with the delicious menu, they also offer an extensive list of gorgeous Sardinian wines to pair with your meal. Next door, you’ll find their welcoming, homely pizzeria, Sardo Cucina, offering authentic pizzas at great prices.

Honey & Co., Bloomsbury:

Honey & Co has certainly taken off in Bloomsbury since it was founded by a husband-and-wife team. This intimate Middle Eastern bakery offers gorgeous full meals and is open well into the night. The deserts served here will definitely get people talking, with some stunning options to choose from including gluten-free chocolate and pecan slices, marzipan cake with roasted plums, or knafeh with rose syrup and pistachios. Don’t forget to try the gorgeous cardamom black coffee at the end of your meal and pick up a copy of the award-winning Honey & Co. recipe book on your way out so you can bake more of your favourites at home.

Boopshi’s, Bloomsbury:

If you’re looking for a restaurant with a delightful mix of everything, Boopshi’s will deliver. Offering an unusual mix of classic favourites, Viennese cuisine is the highlight here, and it’s given the high-dining experience with a minimalist and modern vibe. Tuck into schnitzel, Bratwurst, or Kaiserschmarrn as you spend some time relaxing in this central location. Both upstairs and downstairs, you’ll find a bar serving a delicious wine list, plenty of beers, and a huge collection of amazing cocktails from around the world. Definitely, a place to be if you’re looking for a fun, friendly setting for a meal.

Ristorante Olivelli, Bloomsbury:

Store Street in Bloomsbury is a favourite location for many, with so much to offer from artisan coffee to books and even a bike shop. Ristorante Olivelli, a restaurant that has made a name for itself in the area for its gorgeous authentic Italian and Sicilian cuisine, takes pride in place on Store Street. It’s been around for a very long time and was a firm favourite among RADA students back in the 1930s. Today, there are four Ristorante Olivelli restaurants in London and the company also owns Caffe Paradiso, one of which can also be found close by on Store Street. If you’re looking for high-quality, delicious Italian cuisine at a fair price, this is definitely one at the top of your list.

Chez Mamie, Bloomsbury:

Although it is technically a café, Chez Mamie is open until 9 PM and offers a stunning selection of what can only be described as comfort food. If you’re looking for somewhere to eat where you can escape the hustle and bustle of the city, this is the place to be. Comfortable wooden tables and chairs topped with vases of colourful flowers will welcome you as you tuck into the warming, home-style French classics, smoothies, and delicious coffee. The artsy décor with hanging light bulbs and interesting photographs give the place and even cosier, relaxed, and intimate vibe. Even though it’s open until quite light compared to many other cafes in the area, you can also grab breakfast here, with some of Bloomsbury’s best options for the first meal of the day.

Best Cafes and Coffee Shops: Where to Eat in Bloomsbury, London:

Looking for a coffee, a quick bite to eat, and a cosy place to catch up with a friend or get some work done? You’re in the right place since Bloomsbury is filled with some of the best cafes in London. Here you will find some of the cosiest and most inviting coffee shops and cafes in the city, perfect for getting cosy on a cold, busy day.

The Espresso Room, Bloomsbury:

Located on Great Ormond Street in the centre of Bloomsbury, you’ll find excellent coffee in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere at The Espresso Room. As the name suggests, the majority of coffees here are espresso-based, making it the perfect haunt for those who need a good caffeine fix.

Bloomsbury Coffee House, Bloomsbury:

Situated close to Russell Square, this basement-level café is one of the best places in the area for fresh coffee and tea that’s full of flavour. It’s the ideal location for breakfast or a quick lunch with a selection of gorgeous homemade pastries and buns on offer, and a dynamic lunch menu with daily specials that includes a range of soups, sandwiches, and salads.

Café Presto, Bloomsbury:

Café Presto is a firm favourite option for coffee and a quick bite to eat, with a selection of fresh coffees that are brought to your table quickly by the friendly staff. It’s a great spot for a quick lunch with a delicious range of fresh sandwiches, paninis and salads on offer at great prices for eating in or taking away. You’ll find it just off Tottenham Court Road in Torrington Place.

Café in the Gardens, Bloomsbury:

This unique café is located in the heart of Russell Square Gardens, one of the leafiest places in Bloomsbury. Offering a range of stunning coffees and other hot and cold beverages, it’s the perfect place to visit for lunch after spending your morning exploring the gardens. There’s a wide selection of snacks, light meals, and delicious cakes on offer in a magnificent setting.

Bea’s of Bloomsbury, Bloomsbury:

If you’re looking for somewhere to satisfy your sweet tooth, look no further than Bea’s of Bloomsbury. Here you will find a delicious range of pastries and cakes accompanied by some of the best coffee in town. You’ll be spoilt for choice with the menu of cookies, brownies, scones, cupcakes and so much more on offer, in the friendly and laid-back atmosphere.

Lumen Café, Bloomsbury:

Lumen Café is making a difference and only uses sustainably produced ingredients on its menu. You can find delicious lunches made with fresh foods or grab a light snack along with a menu of delicious coffee and tea. Its unique location inside a church building gives it an unusual yet cosy vibe with modern interior décor that contrasts well. In the summer, there is a stunning and peaceful outdoor garden that makes the perfect place to relax at lunchtime.

Known for its literary and intellectual history, Bloomsbury is popular with students and one of the best places to find affordable yet high-quality places to eat out in London.