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.
Solo dining in London
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The best solo dining in London
- 1Sweetings Time for lunch
- 2Xi'an Biang Biang Noodles Regional noodle dishes
- 3Pappa Roma Rustic Italian venue
- 4Mr Falafel Grab a wrap
- 5Xi'an Impression Solo Asian eats
- 6Kiln Watch the chefs
- 7Koya Peaceful noodle bar
- 8St. John Classic London dining
- 9Ganapati Vibrant Indian restaurant
- 10Flour & Grape Pasta in Bermondsey
- 11The Cow Friendly gastropub
- 12El Rancho de Lalo Discover Colombian food
- 13Pizzeria Pellone Fresh and seasonal pizza
- 14Chang's Noodle Visit the noodle experts
- 15Theo's Pizzeria Contemporary pizza spot
- 16Emilia's Crafted Pasta Authentic Italian pasta
- 17Haringey Corbacisi Turkish comfort food
- 18Berenjak Creative cuisine
- 19Noodle & Beer Stylish dining
- 20The Persepolis Restaurant Eat and shop
- 21Colbert Easygoing Parisian bistro
- 22Burro e Salvia Celebrating pasta
- 23Seto Cosy meals in Camden Town
- 24Bocca di Lupo Award-winning cooking
- 25Trevi Ristorante Neighbourhood Italian restaurant
- 26Brutto Relaxed Italian meals
- 27Temaki Modern market restaurant
- 2840 Maltby Street The best of British
- 29Jugemu Surprising Japanese spot
- 30Levan Discover bistronomy in Peckham
- 31Roti King Sought-after Malaysian food
- 32Murger Han Xi'an street food
- 33My Old Place Fiery Sichuan food
- 34Nandine Relax and feel welcome
- 35Normah's Malaysian home cooking
- 36Wong Kei Dining in Chinatown
- 37Esters Get the day started
- 38Café Deco Modern British plates
- 39Taca Tacos Tasty burritos and tacos
- 40Llewelyn's Peaceful parkside restaurant
- 41Tai Won Mein Get your noodles here
- 42Supper clubs New food, new faces
- 43Tonkotsu Ramen for everyone
Jump to
The best solo dining in London
The best restaurants for solo dining in London
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.
- 39 Queen Victoria Street, The City/City of London
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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
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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.
- 6 Glendower Pl, Kensington
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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.
- 15 Uxbridge Road, Hammersmith and Fulham
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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.
- 117 Benwell Road
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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.
- 58 Brewer St, Soho
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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
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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.
- 26 St John Street
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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.
- 38 Holly Grove, Peckham
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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.
- 214 Bermondsey Street, Southwark
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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.
- 89 Westbourne Park Rd
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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.
- 1 Buckner Road, Brixton Hill, Brixton
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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.
- 42 Lavender Hill, Battersea
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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.
- 36-38 New Oxford St, Bloomsbury
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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
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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
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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.
- 7 Salisbury Promenade, Green Lanes, Haringey
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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.
- 27 Romilly St, Soho
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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.
- 31 Bell Lane, Tower Hamlets/City of London
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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.
- 28-30 Peckham High St, Peckham
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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.
- 50-52 Sloane Square, Chelsea/Belgravia
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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.
- 52 Redchurch St, Shoreditch/Tower Hamlets
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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.
- 5-6 Plender St, Camden Town
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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.
- 12 Archer Street, Soho
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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.
- 16 Highbury Cor
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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.
- 35-37 Greenhill Rents
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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.
- 12 Market Row, Brixton
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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.
- 40 Maltby Street, Southwark/Bermondsey
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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.
- 3 Winnett St, Soho
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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.
- 12-16 Blenheim Grove, Peckham
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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
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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
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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.
- 88-90 Middlesex Street, The City/City of London
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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
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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.
- Queensway Market, 23-25 Queensway
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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.
- 41-43 Wardour St, Soho/Covent Garden
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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.
- 55 Kynaston Rd, Stoke Newington
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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.
- 43 Store St, Fitzrovia/Bloomsbury
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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.
- Deptford Market Yard, Deptford
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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.
- 293-295 Railton Road
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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
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
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