London's renowned food festival, Taste of London, is returning from June 17 to 21, offering food enthusiasts a chance to sample dishes from top restaurants without the hassle of booking tables. Hailed as the city's 'greatest restaurant festival' on Tripadvisor, the event has been a staple since 2004, originally at Somerset House and now held in Regent's Park.
What is Taste of London?
The festival transforms a section of Regent's Park into a culinary paradise, featuring over 130 dishes from some of the capital's best restaurants. Visitors can also enjoy live cooking demonstrations, entertainment, bars, and a market with 160 artisan producers. A highlight is the 'Taste Exclusives' – 26 one-of-a-kind creations available only at the festival.
Must-Try Dishes for 2026
This year's exclusives include ancho chilli-glazed braised wagyu taco with tahoon mayonnaise and crispy shallots from Sexy Fish, ume miso cod kushiyaki by Los Mochis, and Roti King's XL Lamb Chops with aromatic spice mix and peanut sauce. Other standout dishes are the Baharat Chicken from Aram, Wagyu No Sumiyaki from Roka, and Singapore Lobster Laksa from Singapulah.
Ticket Information
Eight sessions are available, starting with an opening night party on June 17 at 5:30pm. Daytime sessions (12pm-4pm) and evening sessions (5:30pm-9:30pm) run Thursday through Saturday, with a final Sunday session from 12pm to 5pm. General entry costs £24, but food and drinks are extra. Individual dishes range from £6 to £10, with exclusives around £12-£14. Tasting tickets start at £39, including entry and two signature dishes. VIP packages offer fast-track entry, a lounge, private bar, champagne, and more.
What People Are Saying
Reviews are mixed. Some call it the best food festival in London, while others find it overpriced. Google reviewer Jana Abelovska noted that spending £60-90 per person for small plates and drinks might be comparable to a high-end dinner, but still worth it for food lovers. Matthew Clarke praised the 'excellent atmosphere,' while Katie Sandford felt food quality was average. Metro's food writer Courtney Pochin, a regular since 2018, loves discovering new dishes and freebies each year.
Full List of Taste Exclusives
- Baharat Chicken from Aram By Imad
- Kabuli Pilau from Afghan Caravan
- Crayfish and Prawn Roll from Rondo
- Ume Miso Cod Kushiyaki from Los Mochis
- Wagyu No Sumiyaki from Roka
- Sirloin Steak with Chips and Peppercorn Sauce from Steak and Company
- NY Striploin from Oblix
- XL Lamb Chops from Roti King
- Serranito Pintxo with Ibérico Ham from Prince Arthur, Belgravia
- Polpette Alla 'Nduja from Harry's Dolce Vita
- Parmigiana Bombs from Big Mama Group
- Homebaked Lamb Shoulder Pita Pocket from Gallio
- Ancho Chilli Wagyu Taco from Sexy Fish
- TakoTori Feast from Taro Japanese Restaurants
- Orion Black Cod from Orion by Alex Webb
- Bulgogi Beef from Oka Restaurant
- Mama's Summer Special from Mama Li
- Spiedino di Bombetta from Eataly
- Jaeyuk Yori from YORI
- Premium Dim Sum Platter from Dim Sum by Chai Wu
- Slow Cooked Short Ribs from Chai Wu
- Singapore Lobster Laksa from Singapulah
- Beef Fillet, Dressed Crab, and Sourdough Crostini from Rottura
- Masala Crab Moons from Pahli Hill Bandra Bhai
- Inferno Schnitzel from Schnitzel Heaven
- Chebureki | Wagyu Beef Crispy Pastry from DakaDaka
For more details, visit london.tastefestivals.com.
