Carnaby London’s Authentic Dining Scene

London boasts an eclectic mix of dining, from street vendors to five-star excellence, with authenticity key to success.

Carnaby London is home to fine examples of authentic cuisines. A couple of our favourites are Inko Nito, Jinjuu, and Ugly Dumpling, placed right in the heart of Carnaby and surrounded by dozens of boutiques. When you’re thoroughly ‘shopped out’, treat yourself to a culinary feast in one of these fabulous restaurants.

Inko Nito: Casual Japanese Innovation

Inko Nito is a casual Japanese restaurant serving unconventional robatayaki fare and sushi, combining a laid-back setting with innovative flavours.

Open for all-day dining, snag a spot near the open grill where food is cooked fresh as you order. Watch it being prepared from your counter seat, with tantalising aromas teasing your taste buds.

We enjoyed Maki rolls and salmon sashimi to start, followed by panko prawns with yuzu shichimi dressing and daikon, steamed prawn and leek dumplings with ginger ponzu, and Japanese breadcrumb-fried chicken with peanut, chilli garlic yoghurt. Everything was beautifully presented, delicious, light, and fresh. We finished with the two desserts on the menu: a deconstructed cheesecake and chocolate ice cream option—totally indulgent and highly calorific. But it was the weekend, we’d walked 14,000 steps around Carnaby, and we felt we deserved the energy boost!

Jinjuu: Korean Comfort Food Delights

In the evening, we fancied Korean cuisine, which we’d not tried before, so we booked a table at the supremely popular and busy Jinjuu in Soho. The concise menu sounded delicious. We chose Korean fried chicken sliders and beef and pork mandoo dumplings to start, followed by smoked baby back pork ribs, fish tempura, and baked black cod. The Jinjuu team helped us decide and described each dish perfectly. It was all presented with flair—tasty, hot, and a delight on the taste buds. Jinjuu’s sharing platters of Korean comfort foods perfectly complement the soju cocktails and Asian beer.

Ugly Dumpling: Fusion Dumpling Sensation

And finally, a casual but totally delightful little restaurant: the first-ever outpost from Ugly Dumpling. It features a fusion of Western and Eastern flavours, transforming the humble dumpling from an Asian street snack into a new dining sensation. Set over two floors, step inside for unique artisan dumplings proven popular with Londoners from the street market scene. Enjoy traditional Asian classics like aromatic duck and pork belly in dumpling form, plus innovative concoctions including cheeseburger and mushroom & truffle dumplings.

With only a couple of days to sample a few dining choices in Carnaby London, we definitely feel the need to return. We explored the famous Kingly Court‘s fine selection of street food-style restaurants—it’s a ‘must-see’ destination to experience the real Carnaby.

Skin Laundry Laser Facial Experience

That was our dining experience in Carnaby London, but I was also lucky enough to sample a Skin Laundry laser facial. Skin Laundry does not offer just regular facials; these are medical-grade and require an extensive, concise consultation.

Advanced technology rejuvenates your skin cells, boosts collagen production, and improves clarity for transformative results. There’s no downtime with these customised laser facials, safe and effective for all skin types. You’re required to have a 15-minute ND Yag laser treatment first as part of the consultation, allowing the operator to best assess your needs. It’s an introductory treatment, but even so, my skin felt extremely fresh and clean. Check out the website to see options and prices here.

Written by Debbie Stone, Global Editor for Luxuria Lifestyle International