Solo dining in London

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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 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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.