The Best Small Plates In London

Small plates are quickly becoming a favourite way to dine in London. Whether you're looking to share with friends, bond on a date night or you're just too darn indecisive, they're perfect for spreading across a table and diving in. While tapas will always have a place in our hearts, there’s plenty of dishes from around the world to sample, from Italian cicchetti to Middle Eatsern mezze, graze your way across continents with our guide to small plates in London. 

Last edited by Lauren Cole

Last updated on 19th November 2025




Osteria Vitis

For Italian small plates in London? Check out Osteria Vitis, found on Major Draper Street in Woolwich. Their charming, historical building dates back to 1671 and has been tastefully updated, yet still includes exposed brick, warm wood accents and a cosy vibe to create a true Italian osteria.

Small plates here include all-day brunch dishes like flaked poached salmon on an Italian stracchino cheese-slathered toast and whipped ricotta, honey walnut and figs atop warm waffles, alongside other dishes like the tender slow-cooked squid in a white wine-tomato sauce and traditional Sicilian arancini.

Forza Wine at the National Theatre

Situated inside the National Theatre, Forza Wine is a great choice for small plates and delicious drinks along the Southbank. Expect amazing views of the Thames while you dine, as well as sleek, modern interiors that are filled with natural light.

Tuck into a range of tasty treats like cauliflower fritti, burrata and anchovies on toast or purple sprouting broccoli, paired with a selection of premium wines or killer cocktails.

Noci Richmond

For lovers of creative, shareable dishes, Noci Richmond is a small-plates paradise. From crispy Parma ham parcels to burrata with dill oil, 'nduja arancini, and seasonal salads, there's a plate to suit every appetite.

Pair with cocktails like the peach and elderflower gin fizz or green chilli and mango margarita and enjoy a laid-back, buzzy atmosphere overlooking Richmond Hill. The same culinary style thrives across IslingtonShoreditch, and Battersea, making Noci a go-to destination for small-plate enthusiasts.

Under The Counter

Below popular Soho eatery The Counter, you'll find Under The Counter - a late-night listening bar brought to life by mixology expert João Silva and chef Kemal Demirasal. Here, you'll find DJs playing immersive playlists, as well as some cracking small plates.

Their Turkish-inspired menu ranges from white crab orzo to pistachio and feta cigars or fries with caviar mayonnaise. Plus, there's a huge selection of wines and spirits to enjoy on the side.

Pedro's Wine Bar

Wine Tasting and 2 other offers

Pedro's Wine Bar brings the vibrant flavours of Portugal to Bermondsey, perfectly pairing its wine selection with a delicious menu of traditional small plates.

From flaming chouriço to hearty feijoada pork stew, every dish celebrates Portugal's culinary heritage with a modern twist. Whether you're indulging in grilled octopus or finishing with a classic pastel de nata, the food here elevates the wine experience in a warm, inviting setting.

LULA

Whatever you're in the mood for, you'll find it in small plate form at LULA in Queen's Park. This charming eatery is full of pretty plants, rustic wooden furniture and white brick walls, with a gorgeous loft space for private hire too. What's more, you can dine on tasty bites like beef tartare, grilled tataki salmon and king oyster mushrooms here.

The Begging Bowl

TFC Wednesdays (Thai Fried Chicken) and 1 other offer

Nestled in the heart of Peckham, The Begging Bowl is a celebration of Thai street food culture, serving up small plates packed with flavour and flair. Founded by chef Jane Alty, the kitchen draws on regional Thai traditions and fresh British produce to craft dishes that are both authentic and inventive.

With unlimited rice, a laid-back vibe and a menu that changes with the seasons, it's perfect for casual dinners and group feasts alike.

Camino Farringdon

At Camino Farringdon, King's Cross, Monument and Shoreditch, it's all about good food, great company, and the relaxed joy of sharing plates. The former is set in a stunning historic building and was born from a life-changing journey through Spain, where the people, flavours, and energy left a mark on its founder.

Today, that passion lives on in every dish, drink, and lively moment inside. Whether you're after a cosy meal in the back dining room or a fun-filled night of tapas and cocktails, this is the perfect place to eat, drink, and embrace the Spanish way of life. 

Bloomsbury St. Lounge

🎄✨ Christmas Day Buffet in Bloomsbury ✨🎄£70pp and 1 other offer

Found near the British Museum, on Great Russell Street and minutes from Tottenham Court Road station is the conveniently located Bloomsbury St Lounge. The Mediterranean-inspired restaurant is tucked away inside Radisson Blu Hotel, serving moreish chilli garlic prawns, aubergine, goma and crumbled feta with crisp flat bread, and habanero-spiced chicken across its small plates. 

Wild by Tart

Located within a former power station, don't be deceived by this imposing 9000 sq.ft venue, the small plates here are as good as any cosy independent nook. With offerings such as clam, nduja and cider linguine, and smoked tomatoes served with burrata and basil oil, the focus at Wild by Tart is on sustainable local produce and the highest quality ingredients.

One Club Row

One Club Row is Shoreditch's intimate dining experience hidden just off Whitby Street, above the vibrant Knave of Clubs pub. The creation of hospitality experts James Dye, Benjy Leibowitz, and chef Patrick Powell, the venue blends the lively spirit of New York bistros with the elegance of Parisian brasseries, all while championing the best of British produce.

The restaurant's warm wood interiors and soft lighting create a cosy yet sophisticated ambience that evolves from day to night. The menu features inventive classics such as pickled jalapeño gougères and mussels frites, alongside standout martinis, especially the signature Club Row martini, a perfect match for those seeking a refined yet approachable dining destination in Shoreditch.

Kanishka

Tucked into the heart of Mayfair, Kanishka by Atul Kochhar redefines the small plates experience with a refined Indian twist. The menu is a journey through the lesser-known flavours of Northeast India, and every Tuesday to Thursday, from midday 'til 5pm you can enjoy three dishes from their small bites menu for £18 per person.

The tempting grilled seabass pollichattu is delicious, while the chicken tikka pie cleverly marries British comfort with subcontinental spice. For something more indulgent, the beef rib-eye roast is a must-order.

Chuku's

If you're in North London, you don't have to look too far for some of the best small plates around thanks to Chuku's, the world's first Nigerian tapas restaurant. Nestled on the High Road, this contemporary eatery is known best for whipping up innovative dishes, presenting the flavours of Lagos and beyond in a new light. Menu standouts include the plantain waffles, topped with blueberries, maple syrup and dairy-free ice cream, and the tender, suya meatballs. You won't be left thirsty either, as it offers an array of signature tipples, from Nigerian Guinness to coconut rum-based The Obi. 

AGORA

Beneath OMA on Bedale Street lies AGORA, a stripped-back souvla bar that brings the raw energy of Athenian street food to Borough Market. At its heart is a huge Greek charcoal rotisserie turning juicy pork, lamb, and chicken skewers, paired with oven-fresh flatbreads and vibrant dips.

The atmosphere is relaxed yet lively, with rustic, minimalist decor and an open kitchen that invites diners into the action. Led by Chef Jorge Paredes, AGORA is a hidden gem offering big flavours and great value, proudly recognised by the Michelin Guide.