By Jane Coloccia

Let's face it… London hasn't always been known for its extraordinary culinary legacy. And while items like blood sausage and baked beans on toast might make you cringe, we can thank the Brits for some good contributions…namely fish and chips, Yorkshire pudding, and afternoon tea.

There was a time when people would say that you could travel to London and enjoy the sights and the great theatre…but don't expect much in terms of the food. Times have definitely changed. Today, diners in London will find most any cuisine imaginable and the food is actually quite good!

But let's get the traditional English fare out of the way first. Here's a quick primer on typical items that you may find on the menu so you know what they are ahead of time. Definitely go for the Roast Beef and Yorkshire Pudding (a glorified popover) which is considered a traditional Sunday lunch. It's a hearty meal and served pretty much all over town. Fish and Chips are also great for a quick and affordable lunch and they often come served with mushy green peas (you can skip the peas if you want).

Some tours come included with what is called a “Ploughman's Lunch”…don't expect too much here, it's basically a slice of cheese, some pickle and pickled onion, and bread. Shepherds Pie is also a winner…minced lamb or beef and veggies topped with mashed potatoes and grated cheese. Bangers and Mash are mashed potatoes and sausages, while Black Pudding, Blood Pudding, or Blood Sausage is made from the blood and fat of a cow or pig…definitely something to avoid…unless, of course, you go for that kind of stuff…maybe you also sleep during the day too!

There are just too many restaurants across London to mention — and restaurants come and go as well — however, we will give you some guidance on things to try and some of the old standbys that have been around forever.