Guide to walk-in restaurants in London

Guide to walk-in restaurants in London

Tamsin Spargo, Thatsup
Tamsin Spargo

With so many hungry diners in the city, booking a table for a meal is often the norm, especially in these post-pandemic times. But what if you want to be spontaneous or hunger strikes when you weren't expecting it? Thankfully London has plenty of restaurants that either don't take reservations at all or keep some seats free for walk-in customers. Know where to go with this guide to walk-in restaurants in London.

  1. Walk-in restaurants in London
    1. 1
      Kiln Countertop dining
    2. 2
      Xi'an Impression Quiet local spot
    3. 3
      Bar Douro Traditional Portuguese stylings
    4. 4
      Dobar It's breakfast time
    5. 5
      La Pesa Intimate rustic spot
    6. 6
      Mildreds Favourite plant-based spot
    7. 7
      Selale Popular restaurant in Green Lanes
    8. 8
      C&R Café Dining in Chinatown
    9. 9
      Barrafina Tapas at the counter
    10. 10
      Dim Sum Duck Chinese food in King's Cross
    11. 11
      40 Maltby Street One for wine lovers
    12. 12
      Flat Iron Steak for the people
    13. 13
      Fatt Pundit Vibrant fusion food
    14. 14
      Bone Daddies Western ramen
    15. 15
      Tayyabs Much-loved in East London
    16. 16
      Bao In-demand bao buns
    17. 17
      Lina Stores Pasta in Soho
    18. 18
      Roti King Drop by for roti
    19. 19
      Flour & Grape Easygoing Italian meals
    20. 20
      Bubala Vegetarian feasting
    21. 21
      Granger & Co. Relaxed global dining
    22. 22
      Sabor Michelin-starred meals
    23. 23
      Zia Lucia Pizza served your way
    24. 24
      Koya Oodles of noodles
    25. 25
      Hoppers Buzzy Sri Lankan dining
    26. 26
      Padella Modern hand-rolled pasta
    27. 27
      The Ninth French sharing dishes
    28. 28
      The Shed Celebrate British produce
    29. 29
      Dishoom Food worth queuing for
    30. 30
      10 Greek Street Neighbourhood spot in Soho
    31. 31
      Rabbit Rustic British restaurant
    32. 32
      Le Relais de Venise One simple choice
    33. 33
      Riding House & Rail House Spaces for all-day dining
    34. 34
      Berenjak Vibrant Iranian food
    35. 35
      The Breakfast Club Breakfast all day
    36. 36
      Manteca Rustic dining in Shoreditch
    37. 37
      Kolamba Comfortable Sri Lankan restaurant
    38. 38
      Bun House Walk-in Cantonese cooking
    39. 39
      No Drama. Never taking bookings

Jump to

Walk-in restaurants in London

Kiln

Countertop dining

Head to Kiln for Thai food that's bold and fun. Food is prepared in an open kitchen and there are seats around the kitchen counter that are kept open for walk-ins, giving you a fab view without even needing to book. Expect dishes to share like curries, laap sausage, and slow-grilled chicken.

Xi'an Impression

Quiet local spot

Local Holloway spot Xi'an Impression is compact and tucked away just opposite Emirates Stadium. Walk-in tables are usually available at this unassuming eatery. The restaurant specialises in food from the Xi'an province of China – think hand-pulled noodles, shredded bread in broth, and Xi'an-style burgers served in a simple and cosy setting.

Traditional Portuguese stylings

Bar Douro accepts reservations but walk-in spots are kept available too. This Portuguese restaurant is decorated with traditional blue and white tiles and dishes up small plates like smoked sausage and garlic smashed potatoes. The food and drinks options change frequently and the wine list here is an award-winner.

  • 1 Finsbury Ave, The City/City of London 85B Southwark Bridge Rd,, Southwark
Dobar – Walk-in restaurants
Dobar
Dobar – Walk-in restaurants
Dobar
Dobar – Walk-in restaurants
Dobar
Dobar – Walk-in restaurants
Dobar
Dobar – Walk-in restaurants
Dobar
Dobar – Walk-in restaurants
Dobar
Dobar – Walk-in restaurants
Dobar
Dobar – Walk-in restaurants
Dobar

Dobar

It's breakfast time

Breakfast fiends in North London head to Dobar. There's a real buzz around this neighbourhood spot, and you can get in with no reservation but you might need to queue at peak times. Once you're seated you'll be rewarded with a huge choice of breakfast dishes from fluffy signature pancakes to traditional fry-ups.

La Pesa

Intimate rustic spot

Located in Shoreditch, La Pesa is an intimate Italian restaurant and wine bar with a rustic look. You can book in advance but walk-ins are also welcome here. Menus are chalked up on blackboards and feature the likes of scallop carpaccio and pasta recipes, complemented by well-selected wine bottles. Guest chefs often make an appearance to switch things up a bit.

Favourite plant-based spot

Leading vegan eatery Mildreds is airy and contemporary. The original site is in Soho but there are now a number of locations around the city. You're free to book a table but walk-ins are accommodated too. In a bright and friendly space you can sample globally-inspired plant-based dishes alongside signature cocktails.

  • 9 Jamestown Road, Camden Town 200 Pentonville Road 1 Thomas Tower, Dalston Square, Dalston 79 St Martin's Lane, Covent Garden 45 Lexington Street, Soho 128 Wilton Rd, Westminster
Selale – Walk-in restaurants
Selale
Selale – Walk-in restaurants
Selale
Selale – Walk-in restaurants
Selale
Selale – Walk-in restaurants
Selale
Selale – Walk-in restaurants
Selale
Selale – Walk-in restaurants
Selale
Selale – Walk-in restaurants
Selale
Selale – Walk-in restaurants
Selale

Selale

Popular restaurant in Green Lanes

Award-winning Turkish restaurant Selale is large enough that getting a walk-in table is rarely a problem. This expansive local restaurant has a sleek modern look and friendly and prompt service. Tuck into the complimentary bread and salad whilst you peruse the menu, featuring pide, falafel, kebabs, and seafood. Expect generous portions of authentic food.

C&R Café Restaurant – Walk-in restaurants
C&R Café Restaurant
C&R Café Restaurant – Walk-in restaurants
C&R Café Restaurant
C&R Café Restaurant – Walk-in restaurants
C&R Café Restaurant
C&R Café Restaurant – Walk-in restaurants
C&R Café Restaurant
C&R Café Restaurant – Walk-in restaurants
C&R Café Restaurant
C&R Café Restaurant – Walk-in restaurants
C&R Café Restaurant
C&R Café Restaurant – Walk-in restaurants
C&R Café Restaurant
C&R Café Restaurant – Walk-in restaurants
C&R Café Restaurant

C&R Café

Dining in Chinatown

Try Malaysian food at C&R Café Restaurant in Chinatown. This place doesn't accept reservations at all. There's a friendly atmosphere at this casual eatery, where you can try recipes like fragrant curries and rice or noodle dishes. When you eat here you get speedy service as well as authentic flavour-packed food.

Barrafina

Tapas at the counter

The Dean Street branch of Barrafina is the only restaurant from the group to be walk-in only. This sleek restaurant is a popular choice for lunch or dinner, with seating at the counter whilst you watch the chefs at work. Luxury tapas are on the menu here, with a range of drinks too including sherry and wine.

Dim Sum Duck

Chinese food in King's Cross

You can't make a booking at Dim Sum Duck but diners are generally happy to wait their turn for a table at this King's Cross restaurant. Food at this intimate venue is prepared by a chef with decades of experience. Diners can expect generous dim sum, barbecue duck, and a wide variety of rice and noodle recipes.

40 Maltby Street

One for wine lovers

40 Maltby Street offers takeaway lunches as well as sit-down meals for dinner. You can't book ahead for either. This restaurant and wine bar has menus that change regularly and are chalked up on blackboards. The food showcases British produce; there are generous sandwiches at lunchtime, plates like pollock wrapped in bacon for dinner, and numerous bottles of wine.

Steak for the people

Budget-friendly steakhouse Flat Iron has a number of branches and is about providing everyone with quality steak. Advanced bookings are possible but tables are always kept aside for walk-in customers. The restaurants have distinctive style and are loaded with plants. It's a simple menu of premium steak with various sides and a free ice cream for dessert.

  • 9 Young St, Kensington Ariel Way, Hammersmith and Fulham 112-116 Tooley St, Southwark 11 Clink St, Southwark 77 Curtain Rd, Shoreditch 17 Beak St, Soho 88-90 Commercial St, Shoreditch/Tower Hamlets 9 Denmark St 17-18 Henrietta St, Covent Garden 41 The Cut, South Bank/Southwark 44 James St, Marylebone 47-51 Caledonian Rd, Islington 18 Hammersmith Broadway, Hammersmith and Fulham 4-7 Victoria Buildings, Terminus Place, Westminster Royal Festival Hall, Belvedere Rd, South Bank/Southwark

Vibrant fusion food

Try the distinctive flavours of Indo-Chinese cooking at Fatt Pundit. These trendy modern restaurants celebrate this vibrant meeting of cultures and serve fusion recipes like dumplings with spicy chutney, lollypop chicken, and hakka noodles. You can book ahead but walk-ins are also welcome.

  • 6 Maiden Ln, Covent Garden 77 Berwick St, Soho

Western ramen

Grab some ramen at Bone Daddies. These modern spots serve Japanese food with a Western twist and this approach is reflected in the decor too. Every location is walk-in only so it's a fab option for spontaneous meals. Expect contemporary dishes like a fried chicken bun, ramen bowls, and tater tots.

  • 1A Phillimore Gardens, Kensington 46-48 James St, Marylebone Nova Development, 9 Sir Simon Milton Sq The Bower, 211 Old Street 27-28 Old Jamaica Business Estate, Old Jamaica Road, Bermondsey 31 Peter Street, Soho 35 Cranbourn St, Covent Garden
Tayyabs – Walk-in restaurants
Tayyabs
Tayyabs – Walk-in restaurants
Tayyabs
Tayyabs – Walk-in restaurants
Tayyabs
Tayyabs – Walk-in restaurants
Tayyabs
Tayyabs – Walk-in restaurants
Tayyabs
Tayyabs – Walk-in restaurants
Tayyabs
Tayyabs – Walk-in restaurants
Tayyabs
Tayyabs – Walk-in restaurants
Tayyabs
Tayyabs – Walk-in restaurants
Tayyabs
Tayyabs – Walk-in restaurants
Tayyabs

Tayyabs

Much-loved in East London

Serving Punjabi cuisine since 1972, Tayyabs is an icon in Whitechapel. Its mammoth size means that walk-in customers can easily be accommodated. This lively restaurant attracts a diverse crowd; it's budget-friendly, ideal for groups, and you can BYOB. The menu includes a variety of classic Indian dishes, with plenty of veggie options.

In-demand bao buns

Bao is a much-loved destination for steaming Taiwanese buns and small plates, and has a number of locations around the city. Reservations aren't necessary but sometimes there's a queue. The restaurant has a crisp and modern look and you can sample dishes ranging from filled bao buns to pig blood cake.

  • 13 Stoney St, Southwark 53 Lexington St, Soho 1 Redchurch St, Shoreditch 4 Pancras Square, King's Cross 56 James St, Marylebone Battersea Power Station, Vauxhall/Battersea 2-8 Bloomberg Arcade, The City/City of London

Lina Stores

Pasta in Soho

Head to Lina Stores in Greek Street for delicious fresh pasta without booking ahead. Seats at the kitchen counter are available if you don't have a reservation. The venue is cosy and contemporary, serving their famous pasta as well as antipasti and Italian desserts like tiramisu.

Drop by for roti

It's undoubtedly low-key but Roti King is one of the city's hottest spots for Malaysian cuisine. The restaurants don't reservations so be prepared to queue at these humble venues. When you get a table, you can sample pillowy roti loaded with tempting fillings or try one served alongside your choice of kari.

  • 16 Arches Ln, Vauxhall/Battersea 40 Doric Way, Camden Town 97 Lower Marsh, South Bank/Lambeth/Southwark 4 Artillery Ln, Shoreditch/Tower Hamlets/City of London

Flour & Grape

Easygoing Italian meals

Flour & Grape specialises in casual Italian dining; so casual in fact that reservations are not accepted. It's a relaxed restaurant with leather seating, exposed bricks, and a basement bar. The simple menu includes small dishes and classic pasta recipes like monkfish linguine and spaghetti carbonara. An Italian wine list is available to complement a meal here.

Vegetarian feasting

Head to Bubala for a Middle Eastern feast that's also completely veggie-friendly. Book in advance or feel free to walk-in if you want to eat here. You'll find a cosy and elegant interior and a menu of old favourites and innovative new dishes. Highlights on the menu include halloumi with black seed honey.

  • 65 Commercial St, Shoreditch/Tower Hamlets 15 Poland St, Soho

Relaxed global dining

Some Granger & Co. restaurants don't take reservations at all whilst others accept them at certain times whilst still keeping plenty of space for drop-in customers. Expect a welcoming and contemporary space with warm hospitality. Food is served all day and the menu centres on globally-inspired favourites like burgers and curry.

  • 105 Marylebone High Street, Marylebone 175 Westbourne Grove, Notting Hill The Stanley Building, 7 Pancras Sq, King's Cross 50 Sekforde St 237-239 Pavilion Rd, Chelsea
Sabor – Walk-in restaurants
Sabor
Sabor – Walk-in restaurants
Sabor
Sabor – Walk-in restaurants
Sabor
Sabor – Walk-in restaurants
Sabor
Sabor – Walk-in restaurants
Sabor
Sabor – Walk-in restaurants
Sabor
Sabor – Walk-in restaurants
Sabor
Sabor – Walk-in restaurants
Sabor

Sabor

Michelin-starred meals

Try Michelin-starred Spanish cooking at Sabor in Heddon Street. Tables at the bar and counter are always kept for walk-in customers. This vibrant restaurant includes three distinct areas set over two floors. At the counter you can try freshly-prepared tapas and a daily changing menu of fish dishes.

Pizza served your way

Some of the city's best-loved pizza is available at Zia Lucia and you can usually grab a table without booking ahead. The restaurants are contemporary and friendly. One of the big attractions here is that you get a choice of different pizza bases. Pick one and then decide on which tasty toppings to go for.

  • Hampton Tower, 75 Marsh Wall, Canary Wharf/Tower Hamlets 61 Stoke Newington Church Street, Stoke Newington 356 Old York Road, Wandsworth 157 Holloway Road 61 Blythe Road, Hammersmith and Fulham Olympic Way Boxpark, Wembley/Brent 65 Balham High Road 12 Piazza Walk, Tower Hamlets 238 W End Ln, Hampstead 49 Fulham Broadway, Fulham/Hammersmith and Fulham

Oodles of noodles

Head to Koya if you're in the mood for authentic Japanese noodles. The Soho branch doesn't take reservations at all whilst at the City branch you can get a walk-in table before 3pm. Udon is the speciality at these modern and simple eateries, with food served throughout the day, including Japanese breakfast dishes.

  • 10-12 Bloomberg Arcade, The City/City of London 50 Frith Street, Soho
Hoppers King's Cross – Walk-in restaurants
Hoppers King's Cross
Hoppers King's Cross – Walk-in restaurants
Hoppers King's Cross
Hoppers King's Cross – Walk-in restaurants
Hoppers King's Cross
Hoppers King's Cross – Walk-in restaurants
Hoppers King's Cross
Hoppers King's Cross – Walk-in restaurants
Hoppers King's Cross
Hoppers King's Cross – Walk-in restaurants
Hoppers King's Cross
Hoppers King's Cross – Walk-in restaurants
Hoppers King's Cross
Hoppers King's Cross – Walk-in restaurants
Hoppers King's Cross

Buzzy Sri Lankan dining

Discover the flavours of Sri Lankan cuisine at Hoppers. Some tables at these stylish and buzzy spots are always kept available for walk-in customers. You can sample the crispy rice pancakes that are a Sri Lankan staple and give the place its name, as well as other classic dishes like black pork curry.

  • Unit 3, 4 Pancras Sq, King's Cross 77 Wigmore St, Marylebone 49 Frith St, Soho

Modern hand-rolled pasta

Padella is an iconic spot for affordable pasta. These modern restaurants focus on hand-rolled pasta served with a range of tempting sauces and fillings. The Borough Market branch doesn't take bookings but dedicated diners are happy to queue. The Shoreditch locations keeps half of its tables free for walk-in customers.

  • 1 Phipp St, Shoreditch 6 Southwark Street, Southwark

The Ninth

French sharing dishes

Intimate restaurant The Ninth has rugged exposed brick walls and a cosy feel. Indoor and outdoor seats are available, with tables on the terrace being kept free for drop-ins. The refined French dishes here are designed for sharing and are prepared with fresh seasonal ingredients. The pasta is particularly popular.

The Shed – Walk-in restaurants
The Shed
The Shed – Walk-in restaurants
The Shed
The Shed – Walk-in restaurants
The Shed
The Shed – Walk-in restaurants
The Shed
The Shed – Walk-in restaurants
The Shed
The Shed – Walk-in restaurants
The Shed
The Shed – Walk-in restaurants
The Shed
The Shed – Walk-in restaurants
The Shed

The Shed

Celebrate British produce

Some spaces at farm-to-fork British restaurant The Shed are always kept available for walk-in customers. This venue evokes the English countryside and serves sustainable and seasonal dishes with zero waste. Explore the cooking here with the tasting menu or à la carte choices like a mushroom marmite eclair or oven-baked goat's cheese.

Food worth queuing for

Walk past any branch of Dishoom and you'll likely see a long queue outside. Reservations are possible but walk-ins are welcome too. These popular spots have tasteful and smart decor along with a buzzy atmosphere. The cuisine is inspired by Indian street food like samosas, roti rolls, and the signature black daal.

  • 4 Derry Street, Kensington 13 Water St, Canary Wharf/Tower Hamlets 22 Kingly St, Carnaby, Soho 7 Boundary St, Shoreditch, Shoreditch 12 Upper St Martin's Ln, Covent Garden 5 Stable St, King's Cross 42 Electric Blvd, Vauxhall/Battersea
10 Greek Street – Walk-in restaurants
10 Greek Street
10 Greek Street – Walk-in restaurants
10 Greek Street
10 Greek Street – Walk-in restaurants
10 Greek Street
10 Greek Street – Walk-in restaurants
10 Greek Street
10 Greek Street – Walk-in restaurants
10 Greek Street
10 Greek Street – Walk-in restaurants
10 Greek Street
10 Greek Street – Walk-in restaurants
10 Greek Street
10 Greek Street – Walk-in restaurants
10 Greek Street
10 Greek Street – Walk-in restaurants
10 Greek Street
10 Greek Street – Walk-in restaurants
10 Greek Street

10 Greek Street

Neighbourhood spot in Soho

Buzzing neighbourhood eatery 10 Greek Street has an understated exterior and a rustic, intimate feel inside. Modern European food is on the menu, with seasonal dishes that change every day. Wine is also a speciality here, including a little black book of rare gems by the glass. Some walk-in tables are kept aside but it's also possible to book.

Rabbit

Rustic British restaurant

Chelsea restaurant Rabbit specialises in farm-to-fork dining. Classic British dishes are served here, including game meat. Ingredients are seasonal, sustainable, and there's a zero-waste ethos. English wine is available to accompany a meal. The interior has a distinctive rustic look and walk-in tables are available.

One simple choice

Head to Le Relais de Venise L'Entrecôte for a simple yet satisfying French meal. This lively venue doesn't accept any reservations. There's a traditional feel here and a simple set menu of salad, steak-frites, French wines, and tempting desserts. Baguettes stuffed with steak-frites are also available for takeaways.

  • 5 Throgmorton St, The City/City of London 120 Marylebone Ln, Marylebone

Spaces for all-day dining

Riding House and Rail House Café are airy contemporary venues for all-day dining. These spaces have a stylish appearance and a light feel, plus plenty of space for walk-ins. Food is available here all day with breakfast options like pancakes and poached eggs plus contemporary lunches and dinners like skewers and grain bowls.

  • 43-51 Great Titchfield Street, Fitzrovia 1 Brunswick Centre, Bernard Street, Bloomsbury 8 Sir Simon Milton Square

Vibrant Iranian food

Visit Berenjak for vibrant and authentic Iranian dishes. These buzzy spots are in-demand but if you don't have a booking you can get a table at the counter. Here you can watch the chefs preparing traditional food with a creative flair. Menus are inspired by cosy family gatherings and includes lots of food for sharing. 

  • 1 Bedale St, Southwark 27 Romilly St, Soho
The Breakfast Club Hackney Wick – Walk-in restaurants
The Breakfast Club Hackney Wick
The Breakfast Club Hackney Wick – Walk-in restaurants
The Breakfast Club Hackney Wick
The Breakfast Club Hackney Wick – Walk-in restaurants
The Breakfast Club Hackney Wick
The Breakfast Club Hackney Wick – Walk-in restaurants
The Breakfast Club Hackney Wick
The Breakfast Club Hackney Wick – Walk-in restaurants
The Breakfast Club Hackney Wick
The Breakfast Club Hackney Wick – Walk-in restaurants
The Breakfast Club Hackney Wick

Breakfast all day

Breakfast and brunch fans love The Breakfast Club, which has a casual feel, a sunny look, and a varied menu of morning foods to enjoy at any time. Reservations are available early in the morning but otherwise it's a walk-in situation. On the menu you'll find eclectic sweet and savoury dishes from pancakes to fry-ups.

  • 12-16 Artillery Lane, Shoreditch/The City/City of London 11 Berwick Street, Soho 33 D'Arblay Street, Soho Unit 48-52, Boxpark, 99 George Street, Croydon, Croydon 31 Camden Passage, Islington 11 Southwark Street, Southwark 2-4 Rufus St, Shoreditch 29 E Bay Ln 55 Neal St, Covent Garden Saint Pancras Station, Camden Town/King's Cross North Terminal, Gatwick Airport 18 Old Compton St, Soho

Manteca

Rustic dining in Shoreditch

Known for hand-rolled pasta and whole-animal butchery, Manteca is a trendy spot for simple Italian-inspired cuisine. The venue has a contemporary rustic feel. Dishes include pheasant cotoletta and duck liver parfait, plus vegetarian options. Cocktails are served as well as English and Welsh wines. The bar and kitchen counters are reserved for walk-ins.

Kolamba

Comfortable Sri Lankan restaurant

Kolamba serves Sri Lankan food in a relaxed setting with trailing plants, dim lights, and exposed brick walls. Walk-ins are welcome at this Soho restaurant, with seats at the counter and some tables kept available for spontaneous customers. The menu includes small and large dishes, plenty of veggie options, and numerous authentic curries.

Bun House

Walk-in Cantonese cooking

When you're craving dumplings but you haven't booked a table, Bun House is the solution. This place specialises in steamy Cantonese buns and doesn't take reservations. The buns are thick, fluffy, and come with a choice of savoury and sweet fillings. Other small plates are also available. It's a spacious place with an informal atmosphere. 

No Drama.

Never taking bookings

One of the most popular places to eat in Acton, No Drama. serves food all day in an on-trend and relaxed setting. This spot doesn't take reservations to feel free to just walk in. A simple menu of delicious burgers and sandwiches is available here, including options suitable for veggies. The smash burgers here are particularly in-demand.

Walk-in restaurants – About the guide

Walk-in restaurants in London - Our guide to walk-in restaurants in London is updated regularly. If you know of a great no-reservations restaurant in London that we haven't featured in our guide, feel free to get in touch. Please let us know if you see any mistakes in our guide to drop-in restaurants in London. Have you visited any of the places mentioned in the guide? Don't forget to write a review on Thatsup.

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At Thatsup, we have extensive experience of guiding our readers to a city’s hidden gems. Since 2008, our editors have been writing insightful guides covering restaurants, bars, cafes, hotels, and hairdressers, among other things. Our guides consist of carefully selected tips based on our local knowledge and are regularly updated with the help of our focus group, where we collectively discuss selections and content. We are constantly working to inspire and provide you with the best possible experience, no matter where you are or what you are looking for.