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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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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Rachel Story, Style & Commerce Director
As mamas to little ones will know, eating alone is a very rare occurrence. Usually, it’s just about grabbing a quick bite to eat between meetings or enjoying a quick mid-shopping pick-me-up around Mayfair. However, this new restaurant, called Canal, by the incredible team behind trendy Bistro Freddie and Crispin has caught my attention, and looks perfect for those rare solo dining moments. The sleekly-designed interiors offer plenty of small tables for one as well as bar space for slipping right into the bustle of the restaurant and watching the chefs at work. Or, opt for a sun-trapped table canal-side for the late afternoon and people watch as the sun lowers and the city life moves around you. Pure bliss on a busy summer’s day.
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Ella Alexander, Fashion Features Director
Soho institution Bar Italia is great for relaxed, solo dining. More of a café than a restaurant, it has been a beacon for homesick Italians (or honorary ones such like myself) since the 40s. Go for pizza and a glass of wine in the evening, or a pastry and coffee for breakfast, and try and grab a table on the pavement outside for the best people-watching. It’s one of the few places in Soho that remains open until really late (4am according to Google), so remains a welcoming, spot that very last drink of the evening. The atmosphere is always chaotic and alive, and is the closest I get to Italy without the flight.
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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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Sadaf Quyoum, Contributor & Partnerships Consultant
For me solo dining means time to wind down away from the constant juggle of children and work. I love walking to my local street on Devonshire Road in Chiswick and embrace the outdoor dining experience at Napoli on the Road (voted best pizzeria in Europe, outside Italy). Napoli on the Road has built a cult following due to its creative seasonal inventions, which truly push the boundaries in terms of taste, and is regarded as one of the best places to enjoy Neapolitan pizza in London. I always feel like I’m on holiday when I dine here. My favourite is the summer salad and the classic margherita dripping with buffalo mozarella….The location of the restaurant is worth visiting for alone especially in the Summer, as you are surrounded by local coffee shops, gelatos and boutiques. What’s not to love.
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Ella Mansell, Junior Culture Editor
There is something undeniably chic and Bond girl-esque about dining alone. My piece of advice is to opt for a restaurant with seats at the bar or chef’s counter, so you don’t feel put off by gazing at an empty chair opposite you. I also love Italian restaurant, Campania and Jones, just off Columbia Road in East London which exudes a welcoming atmosphere. The restaurant is small enough that you won’t feel surrounded 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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Lead image credit: Canal by Adam Firman
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