Having already pulled off several sell-out residencies across London, pop-up restaurant Fodder is now teaming up with cos cocktail bar Shrub and Shutter to create a menu full of innovative small plates that pair perfectly with their crowd-pleasing concoctions. Available between Wednesdays and Saturdays, the menu is divided into small plates and 'sticks' all made with seasonal ingredients and minimal waste products.
Casual Restaurants in London
In need of a breather from the 100 miles per hour nature of the capital? Find the best restaurants for casual dining in London with our hand-picked guide! Featuring laidback eateries with a touch of urban NYC, easygoing restaurants playing sweet soul music and stripped back cafes with spectacular views of the Shard, recharge those batteries at our recommended picks for casual restaurants in London.
Looking for further inspiration? Check out our complete guide to the best restaurants in London!
Last updated on 16th November 2020
Ain't nothing a more casual dining restaurant in London than a brew pub in Angel where gleaming copper stills can be marvelled at behind the bar. Chug on some of their in house brewed stuff or try out the craft beers matched to each of the plates on their hearty menu of British classics. Satisfying all pub folk and craft connoisseurs, you'll find heaven here.
We need to talk about The Four Thieves' Gin Yard. A charming alfresco space with ample comfy seating and artworks lining the walls, the space is covered all winter so it's really cosy all year round. Head out here with a drink or two before dinner and enjoy those relaxing vibes, they grow the lavender used in their gin out here, so it smells great too. Head chef Richard Allen prepares a menu of seasonal and fresh British pub classics when it's time to eat.
Looking for a laid-back neighbourhood restaurant and bar in Exmouth Market? Coin Laundry has your name all over it; serving up proper comfort food, rejuvenated 70s cocktails and a big fat slice of nostalgia in a cosy and comfortable setting. Come for a couple of drinks or play some kerplunk in the basement; there's an 'anything goes' spirit that makes Coin Laundry an excellent option for a casual London meal.
Based in the heart of Britain's political world, The Loose Box was created with the busy working populace in mind. Open early in the morning to cater for Westminster's many early risers, the restaurant-cum-cafe serves a number of delicious dishes throughout the day. Using only the freshest ingredients available and working had to ensure they cast the smallest possible carbon footprint, each meal and sharing platter is stunningly refreshing and will leave guests smiling from ear to ear.
Struggling to find a decent casual dining spot in South London. Fear not, the team at Meat & Shake are here to help. The venue has made a name for itself by serving fine cuts of seasoned halal meat. Enjoy a belly-warming brisket, sink your chops into a seasoned steak or enjoy a cheese and sauce topped burger that's full of attitude.
Looking for a chilled out restaurant in London with something a little extra for afterwards? It's time you met The Exhibit, a hub for eating, drinking and socialising in Balham. Check out their Dinner and a movie nights, where you can get a large plate from the main menu and a ticket to their snug independent cinema for less than £20. A great choice for a casual date night in London.
Whether you're looking for a quick bite to eat, an evening of drinking and dancing or a full-blown feast with friends, Arcade Food Theatre's the spot for you. The luxury new all-day food hall, located in Tottenham Court Road, hosts some of London's best restaurants - think Lina Stores and Flat Iron Workshop - and three conceptualised bars, as well as regular live DJ sets.
Echoing some rustic Spanish style and offering a menu of small plates and platters, you can nibble on tapas inspired plates at The Bolthole. The epitome of casual dining in London, this wine bar turn spot for dinner is a favourite among city folk thanks to its underground spec of brickwork arches and character.
The Pizza Pilgrims team are opening yet another site in London, this time setting up shop in Canary Wharf. Known for creating authentic, Neapolitan pizzas that are topped with the most flavoursome ingredients, this new East London venue also offers 16-player foosball tables, plasma screen TVs and vintage video games.
With a selection of affordable and delicious European small plates and a cracking drinks list, Effra Social is a great spot in South London to pick up a bite to eat. Join the casual venue as they bring a Georgian townhouse to life with live music, games nights and plenty of fun.
For some informal dining in London that promises hearty British plates of classic food, Jamies St Mary at Hill. Tuck into sharing platters, small plates, burgers and big plates like their cracking pie of the day or ribeye steak. Boasting quite the collection of fine wines as well, Jamies is a casual restaurant with style.
Tank and Paddle is the City's newest spot for a quick lunch or stellar after-work pints as the venue brings you some seriously delicious pizza and beer. Located minutes from Monument, there's a huge range of delicious stone-baked pizza and craft beer comes from their Meantime brewery - ensuring it's wonderfully fresh.
Having previously won the 'Best burger in London' award, Haché has got all your burger needs sorted with an eclectic range of chicken, steak, lamb and plant-based goodies. Dishes include chicken katsu sando, steak Mexican, rosemary sea salt lamb and chicken shwarma as well as tasty sharing plates, salads and brunch goodies
How to get good food in London without any of the fuss? Head down to Gotta Trattoria, who serve up a daily changing menu of delicious Italian food that blends in flourishes of British into the mix. Their alfresco dining area is perfect for the summer months, and their drinks range from home-made vermouth to a signature bottled negroni.
It might have a slick City venue on Finsbury Square, but Burdock is a bundle of fun. The venue whips up a seasonal storm, with sharing plates including goodies such as lobster and pork belly, as well as a selection of gorge-worthy milkshakes. Head to the bar for a selection of craft beers and shuffleboard.