Casual Restaurants in London

Tucked away in Paddington Basin, not only are Lockhouse known for a supreme selection of craft beers, they're here to help all your casual dining needs with some of the very best in award-winning burgers and bites.

Clerkenwell & Social are pretty casual about their bookings policies. So relaxed, in fact, that you can reserve an area or a table for drinks here with no minimum spend involved. A literary themed venue renowned for its homemade bitters and syrups, while away the hours with great cocktails and delight at an Italian-inspired menu where everything is made from scratch at this laid back London restaurant.

A name to be proud of when it comes to chicken in London, Absurd Bird is one of the biggest names in casual dining in the city. Not only perfect when it comes to their poultry, their cocktails are a list to be messed with in a laid-back and cool, East London inspired setting.

Whether it's a post-shopping pit stop or an evening before the theatre, Comptoir Libanais is serving up scrumptious plates of Middle Eastern fare in vibrant settings. Stop by and indulge in delicacies such as mezze, falafel wraps and fresh salads.

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.

The Rum Kitchen goes above and beyond expectations of a casual restaurant, in fact it's a non-stop party. Swing by the Soho haunt and you'll find a vibrant atmosphere paired with flowing rum-based cocktails that are bursting with flavour and equally bodacious food offerings. 

Offering varied and diverse menus for all occasions and all times of the day, it's no surprise that Bill's is one of London's favourite casual dining restaurants. Offering boozy brunches, sumptuous lunches and daily dinner specials, it's a perfect all-rounder. 

Hankering for a meal in Holborn? Sick of stuffy, stuck up restaurants? Then we think you deserve something fresh and new to try. Found in the heart of Holborn, Balls Brothers Shoe Lane is a classic dining space known for its affordable British plates, top notch drinks menu and laid-back charm. Tuck in, and enjoy.

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. 

A firm favourite for pubbing out west, Ealing Park Tavern is a cosy place to enjoy some beer, seasonal foods and a laid back atmosphere. A pretty casual place to dine in London, you can enjoy your dinner in its rustic countryside setting where stags heads and antlers adorn the walls. Settle down over a weekend or head here for some comforting after work drinks too.

A family-run restaurant on the Brompton Road, The Gojk offers a delicious mix dishes from across Europe and further abroad. Head down for the chance to tuck into grilled tiger prawns, lamb croquettes and some of the best steaks in West London.

Tuck into a casual meal in East London as Shane's provides a front for some of the best New Zealand inspired food in the city. Moreish with their meats, head on down for steaks, venison and wood pigeon in a relaxed and charming dining enviroment. 

Granted, Blues can create a raucous atmosphere as the evening wears on and those bourbon cocktails take over. It's a more laidback affair a little earlier in the day, though, as guests cosy up in booths and bond over platefuls of glorious Texan BBQ. One of our favourite chilled out restaurants in London and a popular choice if you're heading out in Shoreditch, finish off with a sing and a dance to those soothing blues tunes.

Meat People is a laid back diner in North London that has been built with the people in mind. Head down to this charming, communal restaurant and tuck into a menu of delightful dishes - all made from the highest quality cuts of meat and freshest ingredients... and all locally sourced too! Whatever dish you opt for, why not accompany with a glass of vino from their impressive selection, or wash it down with a classic cocktail? 

With it's street art, cool games and easy menu, Beer & Buns is a bolthole in the City. Stop by afterwork for a quick bite of Asian inspired goodies, a pint of craft beer and games such as pinball and foosball.

The restaurant found in the heart of one of London's most notorious clubbing destinations is one of your more unlikely places to eat but ahead of the wave when it comes to casual dining in London. Haymarket Kitchen in Tiger Tiger boasts vibrant interiors and a relaxed aesthetic where you can enjoy a curated international menu with influence from Mexico to Europe. 

When it comes to casual dining in London, there's nothing better than the scoffing of pizza between friends, and Venn St Records is offering out just that. Join them in their cool music themed bar for cocktails, of course, but also a fun smattering of pizza bites to boot. 

Don't be phased by its menu of over 110 wines and 60 cocktails, Bbar is a casual spot that's perfect for after work drinks and client meetings. Housed in the heart of Victoria, the unique South African inspired bar and restaurant has quickly become a favourite for city folk. 

The Birds in Leytonstone has been given a make over, keeping its traditional boozer charm and adding a heap of kitsch interiors inspired by Alfred Hitchcock. As well as a delicious pub menu, great craft beer selection and quaint beer garden, the venue also hosts regular events from brunch through to bingo.

From the minds behind Wahaca, DF Tacos offers affordable, delicious Mexican classics that'll give you a quick fix. From classic burritos and burgers, to DIY taco boards, there's plenty to enjoy, whatever your tastes. 

Set in a formerly disused car park, the Bermondsey Bar & Kitchen has casual dining in London down to a tee. Come and make yourself comfortable inside this truly unique oasis, foods are honest and beautifully created and they've paired up with a classy selection of drinks. Make for the snug garden area to chill out with great views of the Shard.

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 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.

While Drake and Morgan is a laid back venue perfect for a catch up with friends, they don't skimp on quality. Head there for some delicious grilled meat, fish and vegetarian dishes, or stop by one of their two bars for fabulous cocktails and tasty wines.

Echoing some rustic Spanish style and offering a menu of small plates and platters, you can nibble on tapas inspired plates at Jamie's Suffolk Lane. 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. 

Beautifully crafted with sleek furniture, exposed brick walls and simple decor, the bar offers over 30 different varieties of wine for the venue's guests. If that wasn't enough, guests can accompany their drinks with a selection of delicious, casual dishes.

Head down to Covent Garden for some deliciously fun pizzas and Fire and Stone. Around the corner from the renowned London theatres, they serve up a fun menu of delicious global pizzas, coming from cities like Mumbai and Casablanca, as well as loads of refreshing cocktails.

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.

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.

Looking for somewhere a little laid back? Head to Firebrand, where you'll not only find an enviable location but also a casual menu boasting everything from wood-fired pizza to authentic pasta, all washed down with wine, beers and classic negronis.

After a quick pit stop? Head south, where this Bermondsey Street favourite is crafting delicious pizza and mouthwatering cocktails in laid-back surroundings. Whether you're a meat-feaster or veggie fiend, you'll find it all here.

With locations including the picturesque setting of Battersea Rise and a charming hideaway in Oxford Circus, Pho is a firm favourite on London's casual dining scene. Expect tasty Vietnamese food with authenticity and relaxed service at the core.

With its stripped back interiors and easy-going pasta menu, Pasta Remoli is a great casual restaurant in London. Head to Ealing Boradway or Finsbury Park to find their fresh homemade pasta, which can be topped however you like, or following the chef's recommendations.

Relaxed and welcoming - yet seriously stylish - Ping Pong specialises in seasonal, bite-size dim sum, refreshing cocktails and theatrical Chinese teas. It's a stunning place for some food and drinks across London, with an excellent brunch offering which includes bottomless plates.

Nothing says a casual meal out in London quite like a leafy, suburban boozer. Enjoy just that as Duke on the Green in Parsons Green is a charming getaway from the bustle of the capital; primed with gastro dishes, cold pints and casual spaces aplenty.

Based in Wandsworth, Stillwater is a fun-loving cocktail bar and kitchen that serve some of the best flavours in South London. Chef Brett Milligan has worked tirelessly to produce an enticing menu of Cajun food, while cocktail masters Dan Priseman (previously of NOLA Bar in Shoreditch) and Simon Webster have produced a line-up of classic concoctions that can compete with any in London. 

Head to Euston, Bloomsbury, Notting Hill or Aldgate where the stylish and relaxed VQ has got you covered for quick bites and long lunches from breakfast through dinner. Boasting everything from soup and sandwiches to steak and spaghetti, it's one of London's best casual restaurants.

Forget the fuss and ditch the frills because this Clapham favourite is serving up top-notch dishes and drinks in laid back settings. Venture south of the river for JAmaican-led small plates, tasty desserts and bottomless brunch alongside rum-laced cocktails and Caribbean beers.

Giving the capital mouthwatering pizzas made from wild yeast and stone ground flour, Radio Alice serve sought-after sourdough bases, airy bites and fine Italian wines. 

Looking for some low-key, lip-smacking, mouthwatering pizza? Swing by Voodoo Rays and get a slice of the action. Offering everything from breakfast pizzas to veggie, vegan and meaty treat, these guys have mastered the art of the finest NYC-style slices. 

Located in the heart of South Woodford, this George Lane eatery is all about Lebanese food with a French twist. Choose from three dining areas and make your way through the mouthwatering menu before ending with shisha on the terrace.

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.

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.

With its stripped back interiors and neat selection of Persian small plates, this quirky and cool Battersea spot is the perfect place to pitch up after a long week and enjoy some delicious food with a side order of live music and comedy.

Once your nose leads you into Bababoom, you'll feel more than welcomed by the attentive staff. Sit down for a relaxed meal of charcoal grilled meats, Persian flatbreads, and punchy vegetables, all filled with delicious Middle Eastern flavours and sourced from quality British produce at one of their great restaurants in Battersea and Islington.

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.

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. 

Looking for a casual place to eat in Central London where the atmosphere is fun, frivolous and dare we say it, flirty? Then we've just the joint. Leave stuffy attitudes at the door as The Long Acre welcomes in diners for classic British plates, affordable cocktails and more. 

With dark grey walls, deep velvet sofas, and an airy roof terrace, No 32 The Old Town has got everything you need for every occasion. Start early with a healthy and filling breakfast, before moving on to hearty dinners and stylish cocktails.

This spot in Fulham has a certain offbeat charm, to it, with its Edwardian Underground-themed decor and furnishings, multiple eateries and delicious cocktails. It really is perfect for just chilling with mates for lunch, or grabbing a quick bite.