Dining Solo in London: Best Spots to Savor Your Own Company
There’s a special kind of joy in dining alone. No debates over what to order, no compromises, no chatter—just you, your thoughts, and some great food. And in a city as vibrant and welcoming as London, solo dining isn’t just accepted—it’s celebrated.
Whether you're between meetings, exploring the city, or just claiming time with yourself, here are London’s best spots for solo dining—your unofficial guide to enjoying a meal at your own pace.
Why Dining Alone in London Feels Just Right
I used to feel a twinge of awkwardness eating solo, until I realised most restaurant staff don’t even blink when someone asks for a table for one. In fact, London’s food scene has evolved with solo diners in mind—offering bar seating, buzzing food halls, communal counters, and plates meant for one.
Places like Kiln, Barrafina, and Padella are living proof that if you walk in with confidence, a good appetite, and a sense of peace in your own company—you’re already doing lunchtime right.
High-Watch and High-Comfort: Counter Dining That Welcomes You
Kiln, Soho
Stepping into Kiln feels like entering a lively Thai open kitchen. You can grab a seat at the sizzling counter and watch chefs flit between clay pots, flames, and intense cooking. Their glass noodles with belly pork and crab cost under £10—and the bar-style dining means you'll feel part of the action, not overlooked.
Barrafina
Barrafina’s counter seats—sprawling across several branches—are perfect for solo diners. Grab tapas like prawn tortilla or ham croquetas, perched near the kitchen. It’s personal, theatrical, and never awkward when it’s just you and your plate.
The Barbary, Covent Garden
This North African–inspired restaurant invites you to sit around a horseshoe counter. Watch the chefs craft dips, breads, and plates—while you enjoy bites like freshly baked bread and flavorful mains. It’s lively and immersive.
The Counter at Sabor
If you fancied conversation with chefs over Spanish-style plates, Sabor’s Counter offers just that. Plates are tapas-sized and perfect for sharing—or keeping all to yourself.
Creative & Comfortable: Cafés that Understand Solo Energy
Jikoni, Marylebone
Chef Ravinder Bhogal’s fusion-driven menu lets you order creative, worldly dishes while sitting at the central bar. It’s friendly, unpretentious, and solo-diner-approved.
Humble Chicken, Soho
Feeling fancy? This intimate counter-only spot serves a refined Japanese-inspired tasting menu. Solo doesn't just fit in—it’s a vibe.
Padella, Borough Market & Shoreditch
Yes, Padella has queues—queues that solo diners fit into pretty quickly. The long counter welcomes one-person parties, and the freshly made pasta (try pappardelle with beef shin ragu) is worth every minute.
Creative Communal: Food Halls & Markets for One
Seven Dials Market, Covent Garden
This spot feels like a micro-city: food vendors like Curry on Naanstop offer solo-sized seating, Wi-Fi, and outlets. It's casual, buzzy, and perfect if you fancy a quick solo-fueled meal with mood and electric energy.
Arcade Food Hall & 40 Maltby Street
Crowds? You’ll barely notice. At Arcade, communal seating invites company or solitary bliss—your choice. Upstairs by a long counter at 40 Maltby, you can watch Bermondsey’s foodies while slowly savouring sluts steals like fritters and wine by the glass.
Quiet Corners for Contemplation & Cuisine
Quo Vadis, Soho
A more classic option with white tablecloths, polite staff, and calm energy. Perfect with a Kindle and a simple plate, like truffle pasta or roast dinner.
Kyseri, Bloomsbury
Turkish small plates in a friendly setting where you're allowed—encouraged, even—to order what you fancy and take leftovers home.
Real Talk from London Locals (Reddit Chatter)
“Solo eating in London? Anywhere—the freedom is the fun.”
“Kiln, Palomar, Barrafina—counters are underrated solo dining gold.”
“I love eating at the bar at Brasserie Zedel—it feels undone but elegant.”
Tips for a Great Solo Meal
Bring a book or your phone—reading feels totally normal when alone.
Go early or mid-week—less crowd, more quiet.
Counter or bar seats = instant solo comfort.
Don’t worry about pace—eat slow, enjoy your thoughts, soak in the vibe.
Final Bite
Dining by yourself in London? It’s not just okay—it might be the best way to see and taste the city. Whether it’s spicy Thai, perfect pasta, inventive tapas, or bar-side banter, there’s a seat at the table with your name on it. Enjoy it.
If you’re planning a solo food adventure, bookmark this guide and share it with your fellow solo diner. Follow @Londonyaar for more unapologetic London gems where being alone never feels alone.