A new study has revealed Westminster as the top area in London for food enthusiasts, boasting the most restaurant options per capita. Travel experts from London Tickets and Tours analysed data from Bing Maps to rank the top 10 London boroughs based on their number of eateries per 100,000 residents.
The findings show that Westminster, home to famous attractions like Chinatown and Westminster Abbey, topped the list with an impressive 3,838.44 restaurants per 100,000 people. Scoring a perfect 10, Westminster has cemented its reputation as a prime destination for food lovers, catering to both tourists and locals.
Travel expert Magdalena Petrusic from London Tickets and Tours. commented on the area’s popularity:
“Westminster is a key tourist hub, and with its attractions like Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, it’s no surprise that the demand for dining options is high. London’s diverse culture has also greatly contributed to the variety of cuisines on offer, creating a vibrant culinary scene.”
Camden came in second with a score of 9.25, driven by its well-known Camden Market, which offers a broad array of food choices. The borough averages 1,850.37 restaurants per 100,000 residents, highlighting its status as a food hotspot, particularly for those seeking street food and eclectic flavours.
Third on the list is Kensington and Chelsea, scoring 8.78. With 1,461.72 restaurants per 100,000 people, this affluent area is home to high-end dining experiences, including Michelin-starred establishments like Restaurant Gordon Ramsay.
Islington secured the fourth spot with a score of 8.26, recognised for its independent hospitality scene. It boasts 1,187.45 eateries per 100,000 residents, offering a range of intimate dining experiences.
In joint fifth place are Hammersmith and Fulham, and Tower Hamlets, both scoring 7.89. Each borough has over 1,050 restaurants per 100,000 people, marking them as thriving food destinations.
Hackney follows in sixth place with a score of 7.70, boasting an average of 992.09 restaurants per 100,000 residents. Hackney has undergone a cultural transformation in recent years, attracting a wide range of eateries to complement its evolving identity.
Southwark, known for its bustling Borough Market, came in seventh, scoring 7.42. It offers 919.14 restaurants per 100,000 people, making it another favourite among food lovers.
Lambeth placed eighth with a score of 6.78, home to the popular Southbank Food Market and 786.78 restaurants per 100,000 residents.
Wandsworth, known for its brewing history, ranked ninth with a score of 6.47, offering 735.15 restaurants per 100,000 people.
Haringey completed the top 10 with a score of 6.18, showcasing a hospitality scene that has rapidly grown, boasting 693.22 eateries per 100,000 people.
London’s multicultural population and tourism boom, with over 38 million visits in 2023, have been key factors driving the city’s food industry growth. With more visitors expected this year, the capital continues to thrive as one of the world’s most diverse culinary destinations.