21 Sep 10 Best Places To Eat in Camden Town
Camden Town is known for its quirky street art, bustling underground scene and cheap street food, some of which will have you causing a scene on the underground as you frantically search for a toilet.
For £4 a pop you can get just about any type of food from one of the countless stalls lining Camden’s markets – but many vendors’ hygiene standards seem dodgy at best. Not all of them, mind you, but it can be a bit hit or miss. That is why I’ve decided to put together this list of ten best places to eat in Camden Town.
After spending a year living, eating and breathing the area (the latter isn’t always that pleasant), I feel confident in my knowledge on the subject… and I’m finally sharing it with you. I’ve already written about the best reasons to visit Camden Town when in London and the top free things to do while you’re there, but I think this post might be the most convincing one yet. I mean, who doesn’t love food?
I’m not limiting this list to any particular cuisine or budget – just good food I’d be happy to recommend to anyone looking for a tasty bite. In no particular order, here are my top picks…
[custom_headline type=”left, center, right” level=”h2″ looks_like=”h5″ accent=”true”]1. Bar Centrale[/custom_headline]
I’m usually open to new things but the idea of deep dish pizza makes me cry a little on the inside. I like mine thin and Italian! If you feel the same way, Bar Centrale is the place for you. This is probably the best pizza I’ve had in London – or possibly outside of Italy – so go ahead and check it out before the word spreads too far!
Address: 43 Chalk Farm Road
[custom_headline type=”left, center, right” level=”h2″ looks_like=”h5″ accent=”true”]2. Thanh Binh[/custom_headline]
I’m something of a self-proclaimed pho expert. Having never visited Vietnam I realise that’s a ridiculous statement, but thanks to my mild obsession with the dish I’ve tried it about half a million times. Hyperbolic much? Not even. The pho at Thanh Binh is one of the best one I’ve had in London, which is an achievement not to be scoffed at – especially at £6.50.
Address: 14 Chalk Farm Road
[custom_headline type=”left, center, right” level=”h2″ looks_like=”h5″ accent=”true”]3. The Bowery[/custom_headline]
The Bowery’s New York bagels are insane… if you think insanity is a good thing, which I totally do. Not because the ingredients are quirky – think salt beef, pumpernickel break, sauerkraut and mustard – but because the portions are huge and the quality outstanding. Delicious coffee, freshly-baked bread, friendly staff – breakfast at the Bowery was pretty much the best thing you can do with your morning in Camden Town.
The cafe is also full of quirky art, most of which you can buy should you fall in love with it (which you might!). This photo was snapped last winter so don’t go in expecting Santa though – the decorations are always changing, which makes each visit feel even more special.
Address: 47 Chalk Farm Road
[custom_headline type=”left, center, right” level=”h2″ looks_like=”h5″ accent=”true”]4. The Blues Kitchen[/custom_headline]
photo via The Blues Kitchen
While we’re on the topic of all things American, I have to mention The Blues Kitchen. I loved and hated living so close to this place. I mean – BBQ, bourbon and blues? So bad for my body, so good at nourishing my soul. Note that the music is often live and loud, so don’t come here on a first date unless you just want to stare at each other and makeout… which could be pretty fun to be fair.
The menu is very meat-heavy but all of it is organic, ethically produced and incredibly delicious. They serve these amazing Texan ribs that just melt in your mouth – if you’re only going to try one dish I’d recommend this one. You can find The Blues Kitchen in Shoreditch and Brixton as well, so there’s no excuse not to go and have your mind blown!
Address: 111-113 Camden High Street
[custom_headline type=”left, center, right” level=”h2″ looks_like=”h5″ accent=”true”]5. Chin Chin Labs[/custom_headline]
If you’re open to a little experimentation, Chin Chin Labs could quickly become your favourite ice cream joint. Their nitro ice cream comes in a few new flavours every week – think pondicherry vanilla, burnt butter caramel or coffee and doughnuts. And then there are the toppings, which include crushed rose macarons, brownwich cookies or syrupy chocolate. Yum!
Address: 49-50 Camden Lock Place
[custom_headline type=”left, center, right” level=”h2″ looks_like=”h5″ accent=”true”]6. Made in Brasil Boteco[/custom_headline]
Made in Brasil Boteca (which is just next to The Bowery) is the perfect place to get your drink on while having a little nibble on the side. Their happy hour runs every day from 5pm to 8pm and every Monday all night long, and they have a page-long list of delicious caipirinhas for £4.50! The food isn’t groundbreaking, but combined with a few drinks and great live music makes for a great place to hang out.
Address: 48 Chalk Farm Road
[custom_headline type=”left, center, right” level=”h2″ looks_like=”h5″ accent=”true”]7. Dingwalls Galleries Market[/custom_headline]
I know, I know. I started this post by talking trash about the local markets and the first item on my list is a market. Am I crazy? No. The market below Dingwalls Galleries (a great place for finding off-beat souvenirs) is very different, because it’s host to some of London’s most amazing culinary stalls. Even popular restaurants like Fitzrovia’s “Bubbledogs” have a presence there!
Lockside Lounge which overlooks the Dingwalls Galleries Market is also great. This lively roof terrace pub offers tasty cocktails (from 19th century classic Mint Julep to funky Grannies Sloe Gin Fizz), a classy take on pub grub and great live music.
Address: Dingwalls, 11 Middle Yard
[custom_headline type=”left, center, right” level=”h2″ looks_like=”h5″ accent=”true”]8. My Village Cafe[/custom_headline]
If you like your lunches vegetarian or vegan, My Village Café will have plenty to keep you happy. This cosy spot offers meat-free Mediterranean food, a huge tea and coffee selection, freshly prepared smoothies and a variety of organic deserts.
Address: 37 Chalk Farm Road
[custom_headline type=”left, center, right” level=”h2″ looks_like=”h5″ accent=”true”]9. Tennessee Land Chicken[/custom_headline]
photo via Stephen Depolo
It is with a heavy heart that I include this little treasure on my list for all to see, lest the world spreads and the place becomes too popular for its own good. You see, Tennessee Land Chicken has the best fried chicken wings in Camden Town… nay, the world!
This is definitely not a classy place – I’m mainly including it in case you find yourself in the area after a heavy night out and need something to eat before you crash into bed at around 3am. Have I mentioned that three hot wings only cost 99p? I usually buy at least twelve, just to be safe side.
Address: 29 Camden High Street
[custom_headline type=”left, center, right” level=”h2″ looks_like=”h5″ accent=”true”]10. La Patagonia[/custom_headline]
Last but not least, La Patagonia definitely deserves to be included on this list. This unassuming restaurant serves homestyle Argentinian cuisine and also hosts regular tango nights. My top pick here is definitely a simple steak, washed down with a glass of Malbec imported from the foothills of the Andes.
I like the restaurant so much that when Millennium Hotels asked me to contribute to their hidden foodies gem infographic, I knew it deserved a shoutout. Wondering what other London bloggers suggested? Have a look below – one other place on this list made it as well…
Address: 31 Camden High Street
Have you ever tried any of the places in this post? What is your favourite foodie area in London? Which restaurant would you add to the infographic above? Let me know in the comments below!