Dining alone doesn’t have to be intimidating, even in a big city such as London. These are the Citizen Femme team’s recommendations of the best restaurants for solo dining in London.
Whether you’re looking for a quick mid-morning pick-me up, new restaurant ideas for your lunch break, or a long, leisurely solo dinner date, these are some of the best places in London to dine solo. Each tried, tested and recommended by the Citizen Femme team.
Sheena Bhattessa, Founder
While it rarely happens, solo dining is a real treat. And I’m a huge fan of counter dining, sans company or otherwise. Jacob Kenedy’s Bocca di Lupo has become somewhat of a Soho institution and those in the know sit at the marble counter. It’s always brimming with energy and is a great place to people watch – so you won’t find yourself staring at a phone screen. They have an extensive daily changing menu covering all the Italian classics, with the region of origin noted against each dish. Over-ordering is easy to do, but leave space for dessert when you can pop across to Gelupo for their famous gelato.
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Katie Silcox, Managing Editor
I’ve eaten alone all over the world and will do so anywhere, from hole-in-the-wall spots to Michelin-starred favourites. But if you feel self-conscious about booking a table for one, opt for a hotel restaurant where you’re sure to encounter other solo diners alongside bigger groups. London has a lot of great hotel restaurants, and one of my favourites is Hans Bar & Grill at 11 Cadogan Gardens in Chelsea. It’s connected to the hotel, but also has a street-side entrance, ensuring a lovely mix of guests and non-guests and a great vibe – a far cry from that of hotel restaurants of old. I’d recommend the spicy Korean cauliflower wings and the pumpkin gnocchi.
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Gemma Louise Deeks, Contributing Fashion Editor
I love eating at the bar in Mildred’s in Covent Garden, one of London’s best plant-based dining scenes. I’ve often taken myself here for a solo dinner date when I have been in the area, tucking into their delicious dumplings and a lychee martini. It’s such a nice relaxed environment and I never feel intimidated dining alone here.
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Becki Murray, Beauty Editor
London’s brilliant food markets are some of my favourite places to visit when I’m going to be eating on my own, especially because every trip to them is unique and you can always try something you’ve never tasted before. My absolute favourite location is the hustle and bustle of Camden Market. There are plenty of scenic spots to eat overlooking the canal here too, so you can people watch while eating your choice of an incredibly wide range of cuisine. In my opinion though, you can’t get better than the gluten-free Venezuelan cornbread from Arepazo Bros.
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Morag Turner, Citizen Enfants Editor
I rarely eat alone; the occasions I do are when I’m between meetings, or shopping and want to grab a quick bite. If I’m in London’s West End then I head to Barrafina on Drury Lane. It has a countertop dining option that’s ideal for one, and I love that you can watch the chefs at work while you peruse the menu – they’ll give you plenty of inspiration for what to order. I’m a huge fan of tapas and you’ll find some of the best Spanish food in London here. They always reserve a few seats at the bar for walk-ins, which is convenient when you just want to pop in, without committing to a booking.
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BIBIANA OBAHOR, HEAD OF GRAPHIC DESIGN
While I generally prefer the lively company of friends for dining out, Sticks’n’Sushi in White City is my exception, ideal for rare solo lunch dates. Tucked away in a cosy corner, this intimate sushi bar offers the perfect retreat after a long day of shopping at Westfield London, with delicious set menu options for one. I recommend sitting at the bar; it’s a great spot to watch the chefs prepare your meal right in front of you.
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ELLA MANSELL, EDITORIAL ASSISTANT
Italian restaurant, Campania and Jones, just off Columbia Road in East London exudes a welcoming atmosphere. The restaurant is small enough that you won’t feel put off by large groups of people, but rather respected by your neighbouring diners. Queue for a table in the window for Sunday lunch (or outdoors during the summer months) to soak in the vibrant atmosphere of the flower market-goers and to listen to the live jazz music performed on the cobblestones just outside, accompanied by a glass of house red. Handmade pasta is cooked fresh in the open kitchen, and the wild mushroom tortelli is worth visiting for alone.
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