London
The Best Casual Restaurants in London
Step into the diverse and relaxed charm of London's culinary scene with our expertly curated guide to the city's best casual restaurants.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.
Whether you're a local or just visiting, London's casual dining scene offers a range of options that are both delicious and laid-back. From popular spots like BRAT to renowned classics like St. John, and even underground favorites like F.K.A.B.A.M., the city is full of places that will satisfy your cravings without the fuss. We've crafted this list with the help of some of the most trusted names in the food world, with top recommendations from World of Mouth experts like Tom Jenkins, Jonathan Alphandery, and Mariano Ramon. If you're on the hunt for the tastiest casual food in London, this article has got you covered, helping you navigate through the city's diverse culinary landscape to find those can't-miss spots.
BRAT Restaurant
BRAT specializes in high-end casual open fire cooking, offering Basque-style dishes such as turbot and beef rib. Customers particularly appreciate the grilled turbot and the Basque cheesecake, as well as the warm atmosphere and attentive staff. The restaurant, led by Chef Tomos Parry, is known for its wood-fired and flame-grilled cooking style, with all dishes cooked over live fire and charcoal.
Kiln
Kiln is a Thai-inspired restaurant serving dishes cooked over an open fire. With a compact yet cozy setting, this counter dining eatery offers a first-hand view of the chefs at work, enhancing your dining experience. From their spicy claypot noodles to their sour curry mussels, the menu is packed with flavorful options, complemented by a selection of natural wines and Thai-flavored cocktails.
St. JOHN Restaurant
St. JOHN Restaurant, a Michelin-starred establishment, is known for its iconic nose-to-tail dining approach and simple yet perfect dishes. The menu, crafted by legendary chef Fergus Henderson, focuses on using every part of the animal and offering clear-cut, direct flavors that reflect traditional British cuisine. With a philosophy of simplicity and rigor, St. JOHN also offers an all-French wine list, sourced from its own winery in La Livinière, France.
Noble Rot Lamb's Conduit
Noble Rot Lamb's Conduit is a welcoming spot that offers a vast list of wines paired with a seasonal British menu. The restaurant is known for its extensive wine list and cozy atmosphere, where guests can enjoy simple yet well-prepared dishes. Key highlights include the Slipsole with smoked butter, Whitstable oysters, and a notable bread selection.
Planque
Planque, located in Haggerston, is known for its inspiring and seasonal food prepared by chef Sebastian Myers. The restaurant offers a smart and personal dining experience, featuring a brilliant wine list curated by founder Jonathan Alphandery. With a dynamic menu that changes according to the availability of products, Planque ensures a fresh culinary journey on every visit.
Cafe Cecilia
Cafe Cecilia is a restaurant that offers straightforward yet flavorful meals, crafted by Chef Max Rocha. With a menu inspired by Rocha's experience at St John and The River Cafe, guests can enjoy simple seasonal dishes, delicious pastas, and homemade Guinness bread, among others. The interior is subtly decorated, allowing the focus to remain on the food and occasional art pieces, making it a perfect spot for those who appreciate clean, unfussy cooking.
NOPI
NOPI is a high-end dining spot known for its heartful Middle-Eastern cooking, inspired by the culinary prowess of Jerusalem-born chef Yotam Ottolenghi. The restaurant offers a casual and lively atmosphere, with a charming interior featuring oriental influences, whitewashed walls, and solid wood furniture. The menu changes with the seasons, and the restaurant is open for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, ensuring a fresh and diverse dining experience for all visitors.
Perilla
Perilla is a modern neighborhood restaurant that focuses on creating a modern interpretation of classic European flavors using high-quality, humble ingredients. The eatery offers a relaxed dining atmosphere and is known for its inventive dishes such as cauliflower mushroom carbonara, and its excellent bread served with homemade brown butter. The service at Perilla is friendly and unpretentious, and they offer a varied wine list that leans towards natural wines but also caters to those who prefer more traditional options.
Sabor
Sabor is a Spanish restaurant in London that offers a journey through Spanish cuisine from the tapas bars of Andalucía to the asadors of Castile and seafood restaurants of Galicia. The establishment, led by chef Nieves Barragan, has two distinct dining areas, the lively tapas counter on the ground floor and the Michelin-starred El Asador on the first floor, both serving authentic Spanish dishes cooked over fire. Noteworthy dishes include black ink rice, octopus, gazpacho, and the Segovian suckling pig.
Silo London
Silo London is a zero-waste restaurant that emphasizes on sustainable set menus. The establishment is recognized for its inventive cooking, utilizing offcuts and byproducts to create a diverse range of dishes, and even churns its own butter and bread from milled flour. With a strong focus on respect for the environment and the nourishment of our bodies, Silo London aims to innovate the food industry through its commitment to a sustainable lifestyle.
Rochelle Canteen
"Rochelle Canteen" is a modern British restaurant run by Margot Henderson, featuring a charming garden seating area. The menu is a blend of classic and modern European influences, with a focus on quality ingredients and simple, delicious dishes. Known for its warm and welcoming service, Rochelle Canteen is also admired for its brilliant dessert menu and is considered an ideal spot for a relaxed, long lunch.
HIDE
HIDE is a three-story establishment featuring innovative contemporary cuisine right on Piccadilly. The restaurant is divided into a basement bar, a casual dining area on the ground floor, and a more upscale dining experience upstairs. Known for its fresh ingredients, impeccable service, and creative dishes, HIDE offers a comprehensive wine list and dishes that appeal to a wide range of palates.
Singburi
Singburi is a Southern Thai restaurant renowned for its authentic flavors and daily specials. Known for its seafood dishes and a specials board that never disappoints, it's often regarded as one of the best Thai restaurants in Europe. Keep in mind, this is a cash-only establishment that provides a simple, unpretentious dining experience with bold, finger-licking good Southern Thai cuisine.
Lisboeta
Lisboeta is a Portuguese restaurant where chef Nuno Mendes showcases his culinary skills. The restaurant is known for its Portuguese-style sharing plates, with highlights including pork tartlets and charlotte potatoes with lard. The dining experience at Lisboeta is authentic, and guests have the option to dine at the kitchen counter and watch the chefs at work.
Trivet
Trivet is a restaurant that offers a relaxed lunch menu from Wednesday to Saturday. The restaurant has a reputation for its well-thought-out wine pairings and a variety of dishes, with the lamb neck and puffinis being highly recommended by visitors. Also noteworthy is Trivet's award-winning wine list, offering a unique selection that impresses even the most discerning wine enthusiasts.
St John Bread and Wine
St John Bread and Wine is a renowned establishment, known for its simple yet extremely tasty dishes, as well as its warm and welcoming atmosphere. It's a part of the St John family, and like its sibling in Farringdon, it champions nose to tail cooking. Visitors can enjoy a variety of meals throughout the day, from a slow Sunday lunch to a hearty dinner, all prepared by Head Chef Farokh Talati.
Noble Rot Soho
Noble Rot Soho is a well-regarded restaurant known for its quality food and excellent wine selection. The menu offers a variety of dishes, including smoked eel with horseradish, pig's head & ham hock terrine, and a family-sized roasted chicken with morels and vin jaune sauce. With a vast wine list, expert sommeliers are available to guide you through your selection, ensuring a memorable dining experience.
F.K.A.B.A.M. (Formerly Known as Black Axe Mangal)
F.K.A.B.A.M., formerly known as Black Axe Mangal, is a fusion restaurant known for its bold flavors and loud atmosphere. The restaurant offers a fixed price menu, which includes popular dishes like lamb offal flatbread and foie gras ice cream. F.K.A.B.A.M. also provides a selection of low intervention wines that regularly change, enhancing the dining experience with its variety.
Jolene Bakery & Restaurant
Jolene Bakery & Restaurant is a neighborhood hub where you can enjoy freshly baked pastries with your morning coffee or indulge in an uncomplicated yet delicious dinner menu. The eatery is noted for its friendly ambiance, commitment to sustainability, and use of high-quality produce. With a selection of natural wines and a reputation as one of the best local spots, Jolene's offers a welcoming dining experience throughout the day.
The Sea, The Sea - Hackney
"The Sea, The Sea - Hackney" is a modern seafood restaurant, known for its intimate 12-seat chef's counter and its location in a converted railway arch. The menu, crafted by Chef Leo Carreira, is a blend of experimental and traditional, with a focus on Portuguese and Japanese influences. The restaurant also offers private seafood masterclasses led by Chef Carreira, providing an opportunity to delve into the nuances of seafood cooking.
Looking for more restaurant recommendations to
London
? Download the World of Mouth app for free and discover expert recommendations to over 2,000 destinations, curated by top chefs, food writers and sommeliers. From street food to fine dining and well known institutions to hidden gems, World of Mouth is your ultimate insider's guide to the world's best restaurants.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.
Whether you're a local or just visiting, London's casual dining scene offers a range of options that are both delicious and laid-back. From popular spots like BRAT to renowned classics like St. John, and even underground favorites like F.K.A.B.A.M., the city is full of places that will satisfy your cravings without the fuss. We've crafted this list with the help of some of the most trusted names in the food world, with top recommendations from World of Mouth experts like Tom Jenkins, Jonathan Alphandery, and Mariano Ramon. If you're on the hunt for the tastiest casual food in London, this article has got you covered, helping you navigate through the city's diverse culinary landscape to find those can't-miss spots.
BRAT Restaurant
BRAT specializes in high-end casual open fire cooking, offering Basque-style dishes such as turbot and beef rib. Customers particularly appreciate the grilled turbot and the Basque cheesecake, as well as the warm atmosphere and attentive staff. The restaurant, led by Chef Tomos Parry, is known for its wood-fired and flame-grilled cooking style, with all dishes cooked over live fire and charcoal.
Kiln
Kiln is a Thai-inspired restaurant serving dishes cooked over an open fire. With a compact yet cozy setting, this counter dining eatery offers a first-hand view of the chefs at work, enhancing your dining experience. From their spicy claypot noodles to their sour curry mussels, the menu is packed with flavorful options, complemented by a selection of natural wines and Thai-flavored cocktails.
St. JOHN Restaurant
St. JOHN Restaurant, a Michelin-starred establishment, is known for its iconic nose-to-tail dining approach and simple yet perfect dishes. The menu, crafted by legendary chef Fergus Henderson, focuses on using every part of the animal and offering clear-cut, direct flavors that reflect traditional British cuisine. With a philosophy of simplicity and rigor, St. JOHN also offers an all-French wine list, sourced from its own winery in La Livinière, France.
Noble Rot Lamb's Conduit
Noble Rot Lamb's Conduit is a welcoming spot that offers a vast list of wines paired with a seasonal British menu. The restaurant is known for its extensive wine list and cozy atmosphere, where guests can enjoy simple yet well-prepared dishes. Key highlights include the Slipsole with smoked butter, Whitstable oysters, and a notable bread selection.
Planque
Planque, located in Haggerston, is known for its inspiring and seasonal food prepared by chef Sebastian Myers. The restaurant offers a smart and personal dining experience, featuring a brilliant wine list curated by founder Jonathan Alphandery. With a dynamic menu that changes according to the availability of products, Planque ensures a fresh culinary journey on every visit.
Cafe Cecilia
Cafe Cecilia is a restaurant that offers straightforward yet flavorful meals, crafted by Chef Max Rocha. With a menu inspired by Rocha's experience at St John and The River Cafe, guests can enjoy simple seasonal dishes, delicious pastas, and homemade Guinness bread, among others. The interior is subtly decorated, allowing the focus to remain on the food and occasional art pieces, making it a perfect spot for those who appreciate clean, unfussy cooking.
NOPI
NOPI is a high-end dining spot known for its heartful Middle-Eastern cooking, inspired by the culinary prowess of Jerusalem-born chef Yotam Ottolenghi. The restaurant offers a casual and lively atmosphere, with a charming interior featuring oriental influences, whitewashed walls, and solid wood furniture. The menu changes with the seasons, and the restaurant is open for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, ensuring a fresh and diverse dining experience for all visitors.
Perilla
Perilla is a modern neighborhood restaurant that focuses on creating a modern interpretation of classic European flavors using high-quality, humble ingredients. The eatery offers a relaxed dining atmosphere and is known for its inventive dishes such as cauliflower mushroom carbonara, and its excellent bread served with homemade brown butter. The service at Perilla is friendly and unpretentious, and they offer a varied wine list that leans towards natural wines but also caters to those who prefer more traditional options.
Sabor
Sabor is a Spanish restaurant in London that offers a journey through Spanish cuisine from the tapas bars of Andalucía to the asadors of Castile and seafood restaurants of Galicia. The establishment, led by chef Nieves Barragan, has two distinct dining areas, the lively tapas counter on the ground floor and the Michelin-starred El Asador on the first floor, both serving authentic Spanish dishes cooked over fire. Noteworthy dishes include black ink rice, octopus, gazpacho, and the Segovian suckling pig.
Silo London
Silo London is a zero-waste restaurant that emphasizes on sustainable set menus. The establishment is recognized for its inventive cooking, utilizing offcuts and byproducts to create a diverse range of dishes, and even churns its own butter and bread from milled flour. With a strong focus on respect for the environment and the nourishment of our bodies, Silo London aims to innovate the food industry through its commitment to a sustainable lifestyle.
Rochelle Canteen
"Rochelle Canteen" is a modern British restaurant run by Margot Henderson, featuring a charming garden seating area. The menu is a blend of classic and modern European influences, with a focus on quality ingredients and simple, delicious dishes. Known for its warm and welcoming service, Rochelle Canteen is also admired for its brilliant dessert menu and is considered an ideal spot for a relaxed, long lunch.
HIDE
HIDE is a three-story establishment featuring innovative contemporary cuisine right on Piccadilly. The restaurant is divided into a basement bar, a casual dining area on the ground floor, and a more upscale dining experience upstairs. Known for its fresh ingredients, impeccable service, and creative dishes, HIDE offers a comprehensive wine list and dishes that appeal to a wide range of palates.
Singburi
Singburi is a Southern Thai restaurant renowned for its authentic flavors and daily specials. Known for its seafood dishes and a specials board that never disappoints, it's often regarded as one of the best Thai restaurants in Europe. Keep in mind, this is a cash-only establishment that provides a simple, unpretentious dining experience with bold, finger-licking good Southern Thai cuisine.
Lisboeta
Lisboeta is a Portuguese restaurant where chef Nuno Mendes showcases his culinary skills. The restaurant is known for its Portuguese-style sharing plates, with highlights including pork tartlets and charlotte potatoes with lard. The dining experience at Lisboeta is authentic, and guests have the option to dine at the kitchen counter and watch the chefs at work.
Trivet
Trivet is a restaurant that offers a relaxed lunch menu from Wednesday to Saturday. The restaurant has a reputation for its well-thought-out wine pairings and a variety of dishes, with the lamb neck and puffinis being highly recommended by visitors. Also noteworthy is Trivet's award-winning wine list, offering a unique selection that impresses even the most discerning wine enthusiasts.
St John Bread and Wine
St John Bread and Wine is a renowned establishment, known for its simple yet extremely tasty dishes, as well as its warm and welcoming atmosphere. It's a part of the St John family, and like its sibling in Farringdon, it champions nose to tail cooking. Visitors can enjoy a variety of meals throughout the day, from a slow Sunday lunch to a hearty dinner, all prepared by Head Chef Farokh Talati.
Noble Rot Soho
Noble Rot Soho is a well-regarded restaurant known for its quality food and excellent wine selection. The menu offers a variety of dishes, including smoked eel with horseradish, pig's head & ham hock terrine, and a family-sized roasted chicken with morels and vin jaune sauce. With a vast wine list, expert sommeliers are available to guide you through your selection, ensuring a memorable dining experience.
F.K.A.B.A.M. (Formerly Known as Black Axe Mangal)
F.K.A.B.A.M., formerly known as Black Axe Mangal, is a fusion restaurant known for its bold flavors and loud atmosphere. The restaurant offers a fixed price menu, which includes popular dishes like lamb offal flatbread and foie gras ice cream. F.K.A.B.A.M. also provides a selection of low intervention wines that regularly change, enhancing the dining experience with its variety.
Jolene Bakery & Restaurant
Jolene Bakery & Restaurant is a neighborhood hub where you can enjoy freshly baked pastries with your morning coffee or indulge in an uncomplicated yet delicious dinner menu. The eatery is noted for its friendly ambiance, commitment to sustainability, and use of high-quality produce. With a selection of natural wines and a reputation as one of the best local spots, Jolene's offers a welcoming dining experience throughout the day.
The Sea, The Sea - Hackney
"The Sea, The Sea - Hackney" is a modern seafood restaurant, known for its intimate 12-seat chef's counter and its location in a converted railway arch. The menu, crafted by Chef Leo Carreira, is a blend of experimental and traditional, with a focus on Portuguese and Japanese influences. The restaurant also offers private seafood masterclasses led by Chef Carreira, providing an opportunity to delve into the nuances of seafood cooking.
Looking for more restaurant recommendations to
London
? Download the World of Mouth app for free and discover expert recommendations to over
2,200
destinations, curated by top chefs, food writers and sommeliers. From street food to fine dining and well known institutions to hidden gems, World of Mouth is your ultimate insider's guide to the world's best restaurants.
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