Solo dining in London

Solo dining in London

Daniel Sheppard, Content Writer UK, Thatsup Daniel Sheppard, Content Writer UK, Thatsup
Daniel Sheppard

A meal in a restaurant is often a social activity but that's not always the case. If you're a solo traveller visiting London, you fancy having dinner in a restaurant instead of cooking for one, or you just want to treat yourself, solo dining can be fun and sometimes a necessity if you're travelling. Eating out alone can be daunting so it's helpful to know where you can go without it all feeling a bit weird. Grab your favourite book and decide where to eat with our guide to solo dining in London.

  1. The best solo dining in London
    1. 1
      Sweetings Time for lunch
    2. 2
      Xi'an Biang Biang Noodles Regional noodle dishes
    3. 3
      Pappa Roma Rustic Italian venue
    4. 4
      Mr Falafel Grab a wrap
    5. 5
      Xi'an Impression Solo Asian eats
    6. 6
      Kiln Watch the chefs
    7. 7
      Koya Peaceful noodle bar
    8. 8
      St. John Classic London dining
    9. 9
      Ganapati Vibrant Indian restaurant
    10. 10
      Flour & Grape Pasta in Bermondsey
    11. 11
      The Cow Friendly gastropub
    12. 12
      El Rancho de Lalo Discover Colombian food
    13. 13
      Pizzeria Pellone Fresh and seasonal pizza
    14. 14
      Chang's Noodle Visit the noodle experts
    15. 15
      Theo's Pizzeria Contemporary pizza spot
    16. 16
      Emilia's Crafted Pasta Authentic Italian pasta
    17. 17
      Haringey Corbacisi Turkish comfort food
    18. 18
      Berenjak Creative cuisine
    19. 19
      Noodle & Beer Stylish dining
    20. 20
      The Persepolis Restaurant Eat and shop
    21. 21
      Colbert Easygoing Parisian bistro
    22. 22
      Burro e Salvia Celebrating pasta
    23. 23
      Seto Cosy meals in Camden Town
    24. 24
      Bocca di Lupo Award-winning cooking
    25. 25
      Trevi Ristorante Neighbourhood Italian restaurant
    26. 26
      Brutto Relaxed Italian meals
    27. 27
      Temaki Modern market restaurant
    28. 28
      40 Maltby Street The best of British
    29. 29
      Jugemu Surprising Japanese spot
    30. 30
      Levan Discover bistronomy in Peckham
    31. 31
      Roti King Sought-after Malaysian food
    32. 32
      Murger Han Xi'an street food
    33. 33
      My Old Place Fiery Sichuan food
    34. 34
      Nandine Relax and feel welcome
    35. 35
      Normah's Malaysian home cooking
    36. 36
      Wong Kei Dining in Chinatown
    37. 37
      Esters Get the day started
    38. 38
      Café Deco Modern British plates
    39. 39
      Taca Tacos Tasty burritos and tacos
    40. 40
      Llewelyn's Peaceful parkside restaurant
    41. 41
      Tai Won Mein Get your noodles here
    42. 42
      Supper clubs New food, new faces
    43. 43
      Tonkotsu Ramen for everyone

Jump to

The best solo dining in London

The best restaurants for solo dining in London

Sweetings – Solo dining
Sweetings
Sweetings – Solo dining
Sweetings
Sweetings – Solo dining
Sweetings
Sweetings – Solo dining
Sweetings
Sweetings – Solo dining
Sweetings
Sweetings – Solo dining
Sweetings

Sweetings

Time for lunch

Blue-fronted restaurant Sweetings is a classic destination for seafood that's only open for lunch. Seats at the bar are ideal for solo diners. This long-standing eatery has a traditional bill of fare rather than a menu, featuring a variety of fish and seafood dishes ranging from crab cocktail to fish pie.

Xi'an Biang Biang Noodles Aldgate East – Solo dining
Xi'an Biang Biang Noodles Aldgate East
Xi'an Biang Biang Noodles Aldgate East – Solo dining
Xi'an Biang Biang Noodles Aldgate East
Xi'an Biang Biang Noodles Aldgate East – Solo dining
Xi'an Biang Biang Noodles Aldgate East
Xi'an Biang Biang Noodles Aldgate East – Solo dining
Xi'an Biang Biang Noodles Aldgate East
Xi'an Biang Biang Noodles Aldgate East – Solo dining
Xi'an Biang Biang Noodles Aldgate East
Xi'an Biang Biang Noodles Aldgate East – Solo dining
Xi'an Biang Biang Noodles Aldgate East

Regional noodle dishes

Xi'an Biang Biang Noodles specialises in hand-pulled noodles from China's Xi'an province. With a range of broths and sauces available, there's a dish here for every type of noodle lover. The venue is simple and bright with graphics on the walls. Chinese beer is available here to complete your meal.

  • 36 Wellington St, Covent Garden 62 Wentworth St, Shoreditch/Tower Hamlets
Pappa Roma – Solo dining
Pappa Roma
Pappa Roma – Solo dining
Pappa Roma
Pappa Roma – Solo dining
Pappa Roma
Pappa Roma – Solo dining
Pappa Roma
Pappa Roma – Solo dining
Pappa Roma
Pappa Roma – Solo dining
Pappa Roma
Pappa Roma – Solo dining
Pappa Roma
Pappa Roma – Solo dining
Pappa Roma

Pappa Roma

Rustic Italian venue

Kensington's Pappa Roma is a rustic local restaurant serving Italian food, including award-winning pizza. The interior is cosy and comfortable and you can expect friendly service. Classic dishes are on the menu including caprese salad, lasagne, ravioli, and pizza with various toppings. The wine list is almost completely Italian, with every wine served by the glass, carafe, or bottle.

Mr Falafel Shepherd's Bush – Solo dining
Mr Falafel Shepherd's Bush
Mr Falafel Shepherd's Bush – Solo dining
Mr Falafel Shepherd's Bush
Mr Falafel Shepherd's Bush – Solo dining
Mr Falafel Shepherd's Bush
Mr Falafel Shepherd's Bush – Solo dining
Mr Falafel Shepherd's Bush
Mr Falafel Shepherd's Bush – Solo dining
Mr Falafel Shepherd's Bush
Mr Falafel Shepherd's Bush – Solo dining
Mr Falafel Shepherd's Bush
Mr Falafel Shepherd's Bush – Solo dining
Mr Falafel Shepherd's Bush
Mr Falafel Shepherd's Bush – Solo dining
Mr Falafel Shepherd's Bush

Mr Falafel

Grab a wrap

Some of the most sought-after falafel in town is available at Mr Falafel, a low-key and colourful Middle Eastern spot. Falafel is undoubtedly the speciality, with a huge range of wraps to cater to every taste and budget. You can always add extra toppings too to make your wrap just right.

Xi'an Impression

Solo Asian eats

Opposite Emirates Stadium there's quiet and compact local restaurant Xi'an Impression, which is a popular spot for solo diners in Islington. This simple place serves street food from the Xi'an province of China. You can try popular dishes like Xi'an-style burgers, shredded bread in broth, and hand-pulled noodles for a fresh take on Chinese cuisine.

Kiln

Watch the chefs

Some of the capital's top Thai food is available at Kiln. This place has walk-in seats around the kitchen counter that are a fab option if you're dining alone. Watch the chefs work their magic in the open kitchen and try out dishes like curries, laap sausage, and slowly-grilled chicken.

Peaceful noodle bar

With communal tables, a chef's counter, and a tranquil atmosphere, Koya is a haven for solo diners. This simple noodle bar specialises in udon and serves food all day, including a Japanese breakfast. Hot and cold udon recipes, donburi, and small plates are all on the menu at this modern eatery.

  • 10 Broadway Market Mews, Hackney/Dalston 10-12 Bloomberg Arcade, The City/City of London 50 Frith Street, Soho

St. John

Classic London dining

St. John opened in a disused smokehouse in 1994 and has held a Michelin star since 2009. The bar area is the ideal spot if you're dining solo. Credited with the revival of interest in offal dishes, the restaurant has daily-changing menus that offer something new every time, with classics like Welsh rarebit and faggots with mash.

Ganapati

Vibrant Indian restaurant

Vibrant eatery Ganapati is a popular destination in Peckham, with tables for one person available. This simple spot is homey and packed with colour, with an outdoor terrace too. The southern Indian cuisine here includes thali meals for lunch and a range of curries, with the menu changing frequently. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are available.

Flour & Grape

Pasta in Bermondsey

Relaxed restaurant Flour & Grape specialises in casual Italian meals. Its quiet atmosphere is appealing for solo diners. The dining space has exposed brick and comfortable leather seating. On the menu you'll see a simple selection of small plates and classic pasta recipes. Complete the meal with a pick from the Italian wine list.

The Cow

Friendly gastropub

Anglo-Irish gastropub The Cow is located in Notting Hill and has a friendly atmosphere where solo diners are welcome. The speciality here is seafood with northern European influences. There's a sizeable range of shellfish plus hearty mains like the popular fish stew. The interiors are decorated with playful murals.

El Rancho de Lalo

Discover Colombian food

Brixton restaurant El Rancho de Lalo serves Colombian cuisine. It's a comfy spot that's full of character and a great place to discover Colombian food culture. Generous main courses are served as well as a variety of traditional small plates like patacones, Colombian soft cheese, and filled empanadas. You can try Colombian drinks too.

Pizzeria Pellone

Fresh and seasonal pizza

Family-run pizza place Pizzeria Pellone is a popular local spot in Battersea. The space is simple but the food is loaded with flavour, bringing traditions all the way from Naples. Pizzas made with fresh and seasonal ingredients are cooked in a wood-fired oven and the fried calzone here is particularly in-demand.

Chang's Noodle

Visit the noodle experts

Solo diners are not an unusual sight at Chang's Noodle but the restaurant is also popular with groups. This simple Bloomsbury restaurant has a down-to-earth approach and a lengthy menu of tempting Chinese recipes. As the name implies, noodle dishes are pretty big on the menu here, with options like noodles with chicken and aubergine.

Contemporary pizza spot

Theo's Pizzeria in South London serves authentic sourdough pizzas with simple and classic combinations of toppings. Antipasti and sandwiches are also available for lunch. The interior is clean and contemporary and the Camberwell location has a breezy patio for al fresco meals. A curated range of cocktails and Italian wines are on the drinks list.

  • 17-18 Elephant and Castle, Southwark 2 Grove Lane, Camberwell

Authentic Italian pasta

Eat tasty pasta in a warm and welcoming setting at Emilia's Crafted Pasta, which has several locations. Inspired by travels in the Emilia Romagna region, the focus here is on authentic pasta with a variety of freshly-prepared sauces. You can see the pasta being made if you dine in this comfortable restaurant.

  • 12 George Street, Wood Wharf, Canary Wharf/Tower Hamlets 77 Alie Street, Tower Hamlets Ivory House, St Katharine Docks, Tower Hamlets

Haringey Corbacisi

Turkish comfort food

Local North London restaurant Haringey Corbacisi is as popular with solo diners as with couples and groups. This modern and comfortable Turkish restaurant is a destination for comfort food, specialising in soups and stews. There's no set menu – just head to the counter to see what's available that day. There are always meaty and veggie options.

Berenjak

Creative cuisine

Try Berenjak if you're craving Middle Eastern cuisine. Solo diners can sit at the counter rubbing shoulders with strangers at this compact and lively spot. Watch the chefs put imaginative spins on Iranian favourites like the hummus that's made from black chickpeas. Limited outdoor tables are available too.

Noodle & Beer

Stylish dining

Try modern Chinese dishes in a style-conscious space at Noodle & Beer. The place has a distinctive graphic look and you can even buy a souvenir wall plate to take home. Try Sichuan noodles and noodle soups loaded with fiery regional seasonings, plus small plates like spare ribs or sweetcorn pancakes.

The Persepolis Restaurant

Eat and shop

Located in the Middle Eastern corner shop of the same name, The Persepolis Restaurant is all about vibrant traditional recipes in a casual atmosphere. Lots of dishes are intended for sharing but there are plenty of options that are great if you're dining solo – try wraps, soup, or a small mezze platter made for one.

Colbert

Easygoing Parisian bistro

Taste Paris at Colbert in Chelsea. This laid-back bistro has a classic look with a checked floor and framed posters on the walls. Traditional French cuisine is served all day, including for breakfast. The main menu features salads, sandwiches, and meat and fish recipes, plus a convenient prix fixe menu for easy meals. Sit at the bar if you're going solo.

Burro e Salvia

Celebrating pasta

Burro e Salvia is a Shoreditch pasta hotspot. At this rustic and on-trend venue the speciality is fresh pasta, with a menu that changes each month. Dishes are guided by seasonal ingredients and the chef's creativity. Antipasti and desserts are also served and you can buy pasta to enjoy at home too.

Seto

Cosy meals in Camden Town

Camden's Seto is a cosy family-run spot specialising in Japanese cuisine, and ramen in particular. The venue is rustic and homey, service is friendly, and you probably won't be the only solo diner around. Diners get hearty portions of authentic food here; as well as various ramen recipes, you can try teriyaki salmon or chicken, sashimi, or katsu curry.

Bocca di Lupo

Award-winning cooking

Try award-winning authentic Italian food at Bocca di Lupo. A seat at the counter watching the chefs is an ideal spot for solo diners. This intimate and pared-back restaurant serves regional specialities from across Italy with an extensive choice of antipasti, pasta, meat, and desserts. There's a considerable Italian wine list too.

Trevi Ristorante

Neighbourhood Italian restaurant

Right opposite Highbury & Islington station, Ristorante Trevi is a popular local spot with large windows and plenty of space. The atmosphere is welcoming and friendly at this family-run establishment. Here you can get traditional Italian dishes like spaghetti and meatballs or chicken in a red wine sauce.

Brutto

Relaxed Italian meals

Award-winning restaurant Brutto specialises in regional Italian cuisine from Florence. It's a homey and relaxed space with friendly service, and a seat at the bar is ideal for a solo diner. The menu changes regularly and follows the traditional Italian structure. Plant-based options are available as well and the bar serves classic cocktails - solo diners sometimes get offered a free spritz.

Temaki

Modern market restaurant

Visit Temaki in Brixton's bustling Market Row for Japanese handrolls. Seating here is at the counter, making it a good option for a solo meal. The modern interior combines marble, wood, and neutral colours. Order a handroll with a seafood or vegetable filling, small plates like sashimi or tempura, or a set menu. Drinks include sake and Asian-inspired cocktails.

40 Maltby Street

The best of British

40 Maltby Street has lots of cosy nooks that are great for solo meals. Menus are written by hand on chalkboards at this restaurant and wine bar. Dishes change frequently and show off the best of British produce. Grab a takeaway sandwich at lunchtime or try plates like braised beef shin in the evening.

Jugemu

Surprising Japanese spot

With only 20 seats and just one chef in the kitchen, Jugemu is ideal for solo diners who want to explore some of Japan's lesser-known dishes. The space is intimate, lively, and eclectic. You can sit at the counter to watch the chef in action, with dishes on the menu changing frequently. A broad selection of hot or cold sake is also served.

Levan

Discover bistronomy in Peckham

Levan brings bistronomy – creative food in a friendly setting – to Peckham. Solo diners can sit at the counter and sample the contemporary European cuisine with a focus on sustainability. Set menus are offered for lunch and dinner. There's a wide choice of drinks including plenty of wines by the glass.

Sought-after Malaysian food

Roti King is massively in-demand, with waits at the original Euston location sometimes lasting 45 minutes. These are walk-in only spots so you might get seated more quickly if you're going solo. The spaces are comfy and humble, serving pillowy roti loaded with tasty ingredients or served with your choice of kari.

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

Xi'an street food

One of London's first restaurants to serve cuisine from the Xi'an province was Murger Han. There are now several cosy locations with contemporary decor and tempting street food on the menu. Xi'an-style burgers – also known as murgers – feature on the menu, plus hand-pulled noodles, clay pot dishes, and vegan recipes.

  • 4 Castle Square 62 Eversholt Street, Camden Town 9-10 Philpot Ln, The City/City of London 8A Sackville St, Mayfair

My Old Place

Fiery Sichuan food

My Old Place has a homey and relaxed vibe and serves fiery Sichuan cuisine packed with hot red chillis. The bustling atmosphere feels authentic and so does the menu. You can try out meaty dishes that are a little out of the ordinary, with options like tripe or sliced pig's ears for a more unusual meal.

Relax and feel welcome

The welcoming atmosphere at Nandine will make solo diners feel comfortable. This award-winning spot specialises in Kurdish dishes, with classic recipes like kebabs and borek. It's maybe best-known for its unique twist on falafel, made with lentils rather than chickpeas. Try some in a burger, wrap, or as part of a mezze platter.

  • 82 Vestry Road, Camberwell 45 Camberwell Church Street, Camberwell

Normah's

Malaysian home cooking

No-frills Malaysian eatery Normah's is low-key and homey, making it feel like you're eating in someone's kitchen. This independent spot serves classic home cooking with meat, fish, and vegetarian options. Try dishes like nasi goreng, laksa, and beef rendang. Malaysian tea and soft drinks are served to complement your meal.

Wong Kei

Dining in Chinatown

Wong Kei is a mainstay in Chinatown. Being one of the largest Cantonese restaurants in the area, there's plenty of space if you're eating alone. It's a simple and classic restaurant serving a varied selection of dishes, including veggie options and set menus. A small range of wine is also available.

Esters

Get the day started

Head to Esters if you're eating breakfast on your own. This crisp and modern café puts its own distinctive gourmet twist on breakfast favourites like French toast served with poached loquats, blood orange purée, Earl Grey cream, and buckwheat-oat brittle. Baked goods are also available for something a little lighter.

Café Deco

Modern British plates

Café Deco in Bloomsbury combines a restaurant, bar, and wine store in a homey modern space with a distinctive tiled floor. Fuss-free British dishes are on the menu with choices like marinated aubergines, braised rabbit, and roast monkfish. Whatever you choose, there are plenty of fine wines to enjoy with a meal.

Taca Tacos

Tasty burritos and tacos

Relaxed Deptford restaurant Taca Tacos occupies a railway arch and has outdoor tables too. It tends to be quiet midweek, making it an easy choice for a solo meal. Expect tacos and burritos with a Californian twist and a variety of tempting fillings. Breakfast tacos and burritos are served for brunch at the weekend.

Llewelyn's

Peaceful parkside restaurant

Llewelyn's is a peaceful spot for a meal, with a simple interior and a spacious terrace too. This bistro serves European cuisine and a menu that changes often. Expect dishes like pork loin with parsnip, pine nuts, and spinach or courgette tart with goat's curd. A range of wines are available, with some by the glass.

Get your noodles here

Tai Won Mein attracts all sorts of diners with its generous portions of noodles. The long tables in both restaurants make them just as popular with solo diners as with bigger groups. The speciality is generous servings of fried noodles or noodle soup with tasty ingredients. Takeaways are also available. The space is loud and bustling.

  • 90-92 Rushey Grn 39 Greenwich Church St, Greenwich

Supper clubs

New food, new faces

Supper clubs are a great choice for solo diners, especially those looking to meet new people. Often held in cosy, intimate settings with limited seating, they're a great place to chat and get to know unfamiliar faces over good food. Supper clubs have really taken off among diners who are on their own, and you can find some of the best ones in our regularly updated guide.

Ramen for everyone

Not only are the Tonkotsu ramen joints perfectly happy to let you sit at a table by yourself and eat your meal in peace, they even accommodate single diners on their menu. In addition to their signature bowls of hot steaming ramen available in different sizes, you can order one-person portions of their sharing sides.

  • 153 Clapham High St, Clapham 202 Hoe Street, Walthamstow/Waltham Forest Selfridges, Marylebone 1 Endeavour Square, Newham 63 Dean St, Soho 1 Anning St, Shoreditch 133 Rye Ln, Peckham 7 Blenheim Cres, Notting Hill 382 Mare St 323 Kentish Town Rd, Camden Town 38a Wells Terrace 1a Dunston St, Dalston 14 New Broadway, Ealing 6 Arches Lane, Vauxhall/Battersea 4 Canvey St, Southwark

Solo dining – About the guide

Solo dining in London - Our guide to solo dining in London is updated regularly. If you know of a great restaurant for solo diners 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 dining solo 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.