Late-Night Food Spots in London: Where to Eat After Hours
London’s dynamic culinary scene doesn’t hit the brakes when the sun goes down. Whether you’re finishing a night out, working late, or just craving something delicious in the early hours, the capital is packed with restaurants, diners, food trucks and eateries that cater to night owls.
From sizzling street food to comforting plates of pasta, these late-night food spots in London have your hunger covered—long after most kitchens have closed. In this guide, we uncover the very best places across the city to grab a bite after hours, covering budget-friendly bites, trendy hotspots, and 24-hour eateries.
Why London is a Late-Night Food Lover’s Dream
London is a multicultural city with an around-the-clock heartbeat. With its vibrant nightlife, theatre district, and bustling transport hubs, demand for good food doesn’t sleep. Unlike many cities that close early, London offers a treasure trove of late-night food options, ranging from Michelin-starred Chinese cuisine to humble kebab joints that have earned cult followings.
Whether you’re in Soho, Shoreditch, Camden or South Bank, there’s something sizzling nearby, often until 3am or later.
Central London: Classic Late-Night Spots
Duck & Rice, Soho
Hours: Open until 1am
What to Try: Crispy Aromatic Duck, XO Scallop Fried Rice
This Chinese gastropub offers upscale comfort food in the heart of Soho. With a stylish interior and a solid menu of Cantonese classics, Duck & Rice is a great option for a post-pub dinner or midnight feast.
Voodoo Ray’s, Dalston & Shoreditch
Hours: Until 2am (Friday-Saturday)
What to Try: The Full Moon Slice (beef, bacon, and pickles)
Famous for their NYC-style pizza slices served until the early hours, Voodoo Ray’s is a hit among party-goers. Their inventive toppings and casual vibe make it a must-visit for a late-night pizza fix.
Tandoor Chop House, Covent Garden
Hours: Until 11:30pm (most nights)
What to Try: Amritsari Lamb Chops, Garlic Naan
Fusion meets tradition in this Indian-British grill house. Tandoor Chop House offers smoky, spice-packed dishes with a modern twist. Perfect for a hearty and satisfying late-night meal.
Budget-Friendly Late-Night Eats
Beigel Bake, Brick Lane
Hours: Open 24/7
What to Try: Salt Beef Beigel with Pickles & Mustard
A London institution, Beigel Bake has been serving hungry Londoners since 1974. Their bagels (or beigels) are cheap, delicious, and ideal for any time of night. Expect a queue, but it moves fast.
Tacos Padre, Borough Market
Hours: Up to 10:30pm (late by market standards)
What to Try: Short Rib Taco, Pork Belly Taco
Though Borough Market is known for daytime trading, Tacos Padre’s evening service offers bold Mexican flavours perfect for a lively late bite. Their tacos are made with fresh ingredients and heaps of love.
Polo Bar, Liverpool Street
Hours: Open 24/7
What to Try: All-Day Breakfast, Loaded Fries, Pancakes
One of the few truly 24-hour sit-down eateries in central London, Polo Bar is beloved for its broad menu, including breakfast, brunch and British comfort food—all served around the clock.
Trendy & Instagrammable Night Bites
Bar Italia, Soho
Hours: Until 5am
What to Try: Italian Coffee, Fresh Pastries
Open since 1949, Bar Italia is the classic post-club hangout spot for espresso and authentic Italian pastries. It’s an atmospheric spot full of old-world charm and late-night conversation.
Circolo Popolare, Fitzrovia
Hours: Until 11:30pm
What to Try: Truffle Pasta, Giant Tiramisu
Big portions, bold flavours and photo-worthy decor make Circolo Popolare a hot late-night ticket. Though queues are common, it’s worth the wait for their decadent Italian dishes and lively atmosphere.
Flat Iron, Soho & Covent Garden
Hours: Until 11pm (some nights)
What to Try: Signature Flat Iron Steak, Creamed Spinach
Affordable yet high-quality steak, served in a chic setting. If you’re hungry for red meat and don’t want to break the bank, Flat Iron is a stylish solution for a later-than-usual dinner.
24/7 & All-Night Eateries
E. Pellicci, Bethnal Green
Hours: Open from early morning to late evening
What to Try: Full English Breakfast, Homemade Lasagna
Though not technically 24/7, this family-run East End café has been feeding locals for generations. Open long into the night, it’s one of the most authentic places for a classic British meal.
Tinseltown, Multiple Locations
Hours: 24 hours (select branches)
What to Try: Chicken and Waffles, American Shakes
For late-night cravings with an American twist, Tinseltown offers burgers, desserts and shakes in a retro diner setting. Ideal for groups and post-club munchies.
Late-Night Street Food Markets
Seven Dials Market (COVENT GARDEN)
Hours: Until 11pm
What to Try: Everything from Bao to Gelato
Though most street food markets close by 10pm, Seven Dials stretches the limits, offering a trendy space filled with independent vendors. From ramen to vegan bites, there’s plenty to explore.
Street Feast (Dinerama, Model Market)
Hours: Until Midnight or later (weekends)
What to Try: Global street eats, Craft beer, Cocktails
With rotating food stalls, open-air vibes, and music, Street Feast is a party in itself. Perfect for food lovers who want to keep the night going.
Best Late-Night Neighbourhoods for Food
Soho
A hub of nightlife and gastronomy, Soho is packed with late-night gems, including Chinese dim sum parlours, Korean BBQ spots, and independent burger joints. No matter the time, Soho is buzzing.
amden
Home to music venues, alternative bars and night markets, Camden has plenty to offer after hours. From vegan diners to Turkish grills, it’s a melting pot of cultures and flavours.
Shoreditch
Trendy and edgy, Shoreditch comes alive at night with food trucks, late-night bagel shops, and edgy cafés. A hotspot for creatives and club-goers alike, it’s rich with culinary diversity.
Tips for Late-Night Dining in London
- Check Closing Times – Some kitchens close before the venue itself.
- Expect Queues – Popular spots like Beigel Bake or Circolo Popolare draw late-night crowds.
- Have a Backup Option – Not every place is open 24/7; always good to have a Plan B.
- Stay Safe – Stick to well-lit areas and travel in groups when possible.
- Use Delivery Apps – Uber Eats, Deliveroo, and Just Eat offer great late-night delivery in most parts of London.
Final Thoughts: Eating Late in the Capital
From 24-hour diners to globally inspired street food, London’s late-night food scene is second to none. Whether you’re wandering the West End after a theatre show, wrapping up a big night in Shoreditch, or just on the hunt for a midnight snack, there’s always somewhere ready to feed you.
With its mix of affordability, variety, and quality, the capital caters to all kinds of appetites—even the ones that strike at 2am.
