Food is an aspect of travel that really helps to bring a destination to life. Yes, staying at nice hotels can add to the experience, but food is a way to get a taste of the area. For us, we love trying new restaurants when traveling, especially in Europe, and we had no shortage of those on our last trip.
From Italian restaurants to afternoon teas, here’s five dining experiences in London you’ll want to add to your travel itinerary whether you’re in Leicester Square or Soho.
Jacuzzi 
Table side pasta preparation at Jacuzzi in London.
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Jacuzzi is one of the most viral restaurants in London and for a good reason. This Italian restaurant from Big Mamma Group brings hospitality to the next level from atmosphere to food — it’s a must do. From the moment you walk in, you’ll be mesmerized by the bright red booths, greenery and artwork. The menu is filled with everything from fresh pasta to chicken cutlets and wine by the glass. We ordered the table side cacio e pepe and it was absolutely delish. The presentation in itself made it worth ordering and it did make for a create video. Oh, and don’t forget to order the chocolate mousse for dessert. You won’t regret it.
If you want to get a reservation at Jacuzzi, we recommend booking in advance because tables do fill up.
Padella
Cacio e pepe from Padella in Soho.
(@TheKingdomTwinz)
If you can’t get enough pasta like us, then you’ll want to visit Padella. We went to the Soho location and would book another trip to London just to go again. This fresh pasta was unlike anything we had while in Europe. We ordered the cacio e pepe and the stracci with pesto genovese. The portions are generous and the
Reservations go quickly here because the restaurant is so small so it’s imperative that you book early otherwise you risk not getting a table and that would be terrible if you couldn’t experience the goodness that is Padella.
Afternoon tea at The Stage
Afternoon tea setup at The Stage at The Londoner in Leicester Square.
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A visit to London isn’t complete without an afternoon tea. If you ask us, you definitely need more than one. If you only have time for one, then you’ll want to make a reservation at The Stage. Located at The Londoner in Leicester Square, this afternoon tea is a sophisticated experience that tea aficionados will love. The menu is filled with sweets, savories and sandwiches alongside a hefty number of teas to sift through. There’s also the option to add on a champagne pairing to your tea if you want to take it to the next level. We didn’t since we don’t drink, however, it’s a great option for those who want to get a bit of a buzz.
Our favorite bites were the coronation duck egg sandwich and the chocolate and blood orange cake. It’s worth noting that the tea service teas place in the lobby so you’ll get to people watch as you enjoy your tea which is always a bonus.
Afternoon tea at Ting 
Dessert stand from the afternoon tea at Shangri-La The Shard in London.
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If it’s your first time visiting London, then you can’t skip out on The Shard. Instead of purchasing a ticket to The Shard, you can make a reservation at Ting located at Shangri-La The Shard. From the restaurant, you can get sweeping views of London and from the comfort of a table with a cup of tea in hand.
The menu has the classic sweets, savories and sandwiches that you’ll recognize from a tea and it’s exquisite. When we visited, there was a collaboration going on with St-Germain where some of the items were made with the liqueur including the St-Germain Sunset Pavolva. Aside from that, we loved the smoked beef and goat cheese quiche and the truffle egg & cress. There’s also a robust tea menu and the option to get other beverages like hot chocolate. We did that and it was a solid way to end our tea experience on an even sweeter note.
Disney Princess afternoon tea at Park Corner Brasserie
As self-proclaimed Disney adults, we knew that a trip to Park Corner Brasserie was in order. We stopped in to try their Disney Princess afternoon tea which had a special dessert offering to celebrate the release of “Moana 2.” The experience starts off with sandwiches and savories inspired by the princesses. For example, there’s a cheese wedge inspired by Cinderella’s mice friend, Gus, and a sugar cookie that looks like the Heart of Te Fiti.
To end the experience, your server brings over a glass slipper filled with chocolates. It’s so special and unique — you won’t find anything else like it in London.
From the Disney music playing in the background to the life-like sculptures of Moana and Cinderella, this tea is a must-do for Disney fans and those with small kids who want a hint of magic.