As this rather cold winter comes closer to the end and we look forward to spring there is no better time to leave the warmth of your home to explore London's amazing food scene. London is home to one of the most diverse food and beverage experiences around the globe with everything from phenomenal street food to some of the finest restaurants. However, this edition we are going to explore some of the hidden gems that won't break the bank and game changers that may be worth splashing out a little on.

E. Pellici’s

£ | 332 Bethnal Grn Rd, London E2 0AG

Situated on Bethnal Green Road, Pellici’s has been serving up amazing Italian food and a stunning full English for over a century. The restaurant has been run by the same family for just over 100 years, with the Nonna still cooking up lovely desserts! If you need a weekend brunch to catch up or are hanging after a big Friday night out I couldn’t think of a better place to grab some food and caffeine and have a lovely chat. The staff are friendly and the restaurant is packed with regulars, who all make you feel welcome from your first trip!

Sid’s Order: Full English and whatever dessert they made that day

BAO Noodle Shop

££ | 1 Redchurch St, London E1 6JJ

A new spin off from the fantastic team behind BAO, an Asian sensation in London, comes BAO Noodle shop. Serving a curated menu of Taiwanese cuisine and fantastic cocktails, the restaurant also has a karaoke room for hire (perfect to start or finish the night). Over half of the menu is vegetarian and vegan so it's a perfect fit for all. It is quite busy so I would recommend reserving a seat if you plan an evening visit.

Sid’s Order: Slow Cooked Beef Cheek and Short Rib noodle in a rich beef broth with spiced beef butter + Koji Coffee Washed Old Fashioned

Beigel Bake Brick Lane Bakery

£ | 159 Brick Ln, London E1 6SB

Perhaps the most iconic food spot in east London, beigel bake is perfect for everyone. Open 24 hours, beigel bake will satisfy any late evening cravings, or early morning fuel for the day, serving a wide range of beigels and desserts. Located down the iconic brick lane, beigel bake will provide you with a perfect mood boost and leave your wallet unscathed in this cost of living crisis. id’s Order: Salt Beef with Extra Mustard or Smoked Salmon w/ Cream Cheese (+ lemon & pepper) and a cheesecake bite.

Saravanaa Bhavan

£ | 300 High St N, London E12 6SA

Saravanaa Bhavan is an international chain of south Indian restaurants serving some of the best dosas this side of the old empire. A vegetarian restaurant (with a vegan menu as well) serving amazing south Indian delicacies and service as quick as a maccies. It’s a fantastic place to try some south Indian food without breaking the bank and is conveniently located close to the east ham tube station for a quick dinner trip out.

Sid’s Order: Ghee Roast Masala Dosa + Extra Coconut Chutney

Iskelé

£££ | 179-181 Whitecross St, London EC1Y 8QP

Iskelé transports you to the heart of Istanbul’s night markets and street side restaurants with a beautiful interior and amazing Turkish grill and mezze options. Attached to it’s sister restaurant Cozzo, Iskelé transforms in the evening with dim lighting and wonderful reflective Turkish lamps and stained glass. The kitchen runs off their amazing charcoal grill which infuses every dish with that amazing smoky aroma we all love. Perfect for a birthday dinner, a special occasion or just when you need to treat yourself.

Sid’s Order: The Healthy Meal Platter (It’s a mixed grill with a small portion of each mezze) + A bottle of Picpoul de Pinet, Duc de Morny (to share or not).