10 Casual Restaurants In London, England, For A Great Meal

casual restaurants in london
Chandana
Chandana 
Updated
| 3 min read

London, a city that has been around for centuries, one that is synonymous with power and culture, remains one of the most visited cities in the world. Rich in history, this metropolis is home to four UNESCO World Heritage sites. The city skyline is dotted with architectural wonders and there is no dearth of museums, theaters, and historic landmarks in this sprawling city. London is also counted among some of the greenest cities in the world given that about 40 percent of the city is occupied by open water or green space. Home to a diverse group of people with a large number of immigrants from various countries, it is a melting pot of ethnicities and this can be seen in the exotic cuisines that are on offer. Given the famous Brit penchant for etiquette and the need to be on your best behavior at all times, you are likely to want to find a place or two where you can enjoy some comfort food in an informal ambiance! Here are some of the popular casual restaurants in London.

1. Kricket - Soho

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account


Offering seasonal Indian cuisine with authentic flavors with British ingredients featuring prominently, this casual dining restaurant occupies two floors. You can enjoy counter dining with an open kitchen while the cocktail bar is adjacent to the bigger tables that can be reserved for groups. From street food specialties to traditional Indian breads accompanied by savory meat dishes, you will find all your favorites here.

Kricket

Address: 12 Denman Street, London W1D 7HH

Website: Kricket

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 12pm – 2:30pm, 5:15pm – 10:30pm (closed on Sun)

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2. Jidori

Hello weekend! Come eat sticks and small plates with us And remember - happy hour each day before 7pm!

Posted by Jidori on Friday, 26 April 2019

This Japanese yakitori restaurant offers you a choice of two locations – Covent Garden and Dalston. With counter seating and featuring minimalist furniture, this casual restaurant uses a bespoke Kama-Asa Shoten grill. Besides a variety of chicken options, you can also taste vegetarian dishes such as miso-buttered aubergines and seafood including prawns and salmon. The Covent Garden location also offers karaoke.

Jidori

Address: 89 Kingsland High St, Dalston, London E8 2PB, UK

Website: Jidori

Opening hours: Mon - Tue: 6pm - 11pm; Wed - Thu: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 11pm; Fri - Sat: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 12am (closed on Sun)

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3. Bao Soho

Pork confit bao, fried chicken bao and other BAO deliciousness
Source: Photo by Flickr user Bex Walton used under CC BY 2.0

Centrally located in Soho, this restaurant derives inspiration from the street food specialties of Taiwan. With its simple wood tables and seats as well as bar style counter seating, this casual restaurant offers delicacies such as Taiwanese fried chicken, fried Horlicks ice cream, and beef soup. Their non-alcoholic foamy drinks are a must try as is the pig blood cake which is not as gory as its name!

Bao Soho

Address: 53, Lexington Street, Soho, London WIF 9AS

Website: Bao Soho

Opening hours: Mon – Thu: 12pm – 3pm, 5:30pm – 10pm; Fri – Sat: 12pm – 10.30pm; Sun: 12pm – 5pm

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4. Burdock


This all-day restaurant is ideal for a casual get together with friends or extended family and has a sun terrace. The shuffle board tables are perfect for an afternoon of fun. Besides breakfast staples such as eggs cooked in different ways and accompanied by bacon, salmon, or sausage, they offer fresh juices and smoothies. The all-day menu includes burgers, seafood plates, and desserts with wine and champagne to accompany.

Burdock

Address: 22-25 Finsbury Square, London EC2A 1DX

Website: Burdock

Opening hours: Mon – Fri: 7am – 12am; Sat: 10am – 12am; Sun: 10am – 11pm

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London Tour Guide

Robert Woolf

Robert Woolf

I am a London tour guide and my tours include talking about people who have shaped the city plus the many connected places such as Hampton Court Palace, The Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, the commercial centre of the city: the City of London, and London’s world class museums and galleries. I have been guiding for 12 years. I am a licenced London Blue Badge Tour Guide, a City of London Guide, and a Westminster Guide. The reviews I receive from clients speak of their enjoyment from the local knowledge and the humour I bring to my tours. Born within sight of Hampton Court Palace, I am a Londoner and apart from 2 years in the Middle East, I have worked in this capital city all my business and tour guiding careers. I have travelled widely and I appreciate what appeals to visitors coming to London. I can tailor my tours to interest children. I guide couples, families and larger tour groups. I particularly enjoy visits to Westminster Abbey, where I also volunteer guiding students and children through its wonderful interior – on my tours you will hear about monarchs, why scientists and poets are remembered, the architecture and religious history. The Abbey is the story of England. Come on an engaging and fun tour with me. There is so much to show you !

Tours by Robert

5. Hoppers Soho

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account


Featuring dishes from Sri Lankan and southern Indian cuisine, this restaurant has a cozy, casual vibe with its rustic wood interiors and décor. Enjoy creative hoppers, kothus, and dosas accompanied by exotic tropical drinks featuring toddy. The restaurant accepts reservations only for large groups.

Hoppers Soho

Address: 49 Frith Street, London, W1D 4SG

Website: Hoppers Soho

Opening hours: Mon – Thu: 12pm – 2:30pm, 5:30pm – 10:30pm; Fri – Sat: 12pm – 10:30pm (closed on Sun)

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6. BabaBoom

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account


Serving brunch, lunch, and dinner, this casual restaurant is often packed to capacity with diners looking for some flavorful kebabs. Try their frozen margaritas and hummus, and special craft beer with your order of kebabs for a complete meal. Vegans and vegetarians too have plenty of options here what with their cauliflower kebabs and the like.

BabaBoom

Address: 30 Battersea Rise, London SW11 1EE

Website: BabaBoom

Opening hours: Mon: 6pm – 10pm; Tue: 11:45am – 10pm; Wed - Thu: 11:45am – 10:30pm; Fri: 11:45am – 11:30pm; Sat: 10:30am – 11:30pm; Sun: 10:30am – 10pm

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7. Oklava

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account


This contemporary Turkish restaurant plates up creative cuisine that is a fusion of Turkish and Cypriot delicacies. Food cooked on the charcoal grill and the stone oven is what distinguishes this casual restaurant from many others of its kind. The extensive wine list and dessert ensure that you enjoy a hearty and flavorful meal every time.

Oklava

Address: 74 Luke Street, Shoreditch, London EC2A 4PY

Website: Oklava

Opening hours: Tue – Sat: 12pm – 3pm, 5:30pm – 10pm (closed Sun & Mon)

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8. Brawn

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account


Identifying itself as a neighborhood restaurant with a casual ambiance, you can taste fine Mediterranean cuisine here. The menu is seasonal and produces driven assuring you will be pleasantly surprised on every visit. Their wine list is also quite noteworthy with some real gems featured on it letting you relax as you enjoy your meal.

Brawn

Address: 49 Columbia Rd, Bethnal Green E27RG

Website: Brawn

Opening hours: Mon: 6pm -10:30pm; Tue – Thu: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm -10:30pm; Fri – Sat: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 11pm (closed on Sun)

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9. The Wolseley

Inside The Wolseley
Source: Photo by Flickr user Matt Brown used under CC BY 2.0

A complete restaurant catering to your hunger needs all day and up to late at night, The Wolseley also serves delicious afternoon tea featuring dainty sandwiches and pastries. The breakfast menu at this casual place offers a full English breakfast alongside fruits, cereals, and egg dishes. Lunch and dinner include soups, sandwiches, and classics like steak tartare with a list of mouthwatering desserts to finish up.

The Wolseley

Address: 160 Piccadilly, London, W1J 9EB

Website: The Wolseley

Opening hours: Mon – Fri: 7am – 11pm; Sat- Sun: 8am – 11pm

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10. Kiln


Known for its Thai barbecue delicacies using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. A good casual dining spot for groups, this restaurant has primarily bar seating overlooking the kitchen area. There are a few tables on the lower floor and the aroma of lemongrass and spices hits you the moment you open the door and enter. The friendly staff enhances the experience.

Kiln

Address: 58 Brewer Street, London W1F 9TL

Website: Kiln

Opening hours:Mon – Thu: 12pm - 3pm, 5pm – 11pm; Fri – Sat: 12pm – 11pm; Sun: 12pm – 10pm

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Be yourself

Marquis Cornwallis, Bloomsbury, London (3785186049)
Source: Photo by user Ewan Munro used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Being able to enjoy a delicious and filling meal without having to worry too much about the right fork to use for every course, is a relief especially when you are visiting a new city. These casual restaurants in London will let you be yourself while you satiate your hunger pangs!

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Chandana is a versatile writer with nearly two decades of experience in media, spanning clients across the globe. An avid traveler, she enjoys experiencing every new place to the fullest. Having...Read more

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