Comments on: Where would you dine alone in London?

By: Jess

Jess — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 21:56:35 +0000

I sometimes go to Sausage and Mash as well, in Notting Hill or Islington, I just take a good book, enjoy the day and watch the people walking past the window.

By: Tim

Tim — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 18:42:49 +0000

As a regular solo eater – I would recommend Barafina in Soho – brilliant for sitting at the bar with a book or a copy of the evening standard. Or Kulu Kulu on Brewer street, Bustling, friendly. Or Randall and Aubin for a touch of the camp – great sea food.

By: Ally

Ally — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 12:57:13 +0000

I like to sit at the counter of Busaba on Wardour and watch people pass by.

By: Gourmet Chick

Gourmet Chick — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 11:45:06 +0000

Places with a chefs counter/bar so you can perch there and have something to look at. Bocca di Lupo and Zuma both fit the bill.

By: Lizzie

Lizzie — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 20:03:21 +0000

I usually go to Wong Kei alone if I need a quick feed. The singles section is the ground floor. Also agree with Jen Cafe.

Other places I like to alone is Atari-Ya, Busaba, F&W, and I imagine Princi would be fine if I actually had the motivation to visit – the queueing at the counter puts me off.

By: Daniel

Daniel — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 13:24:46 +0000

I’d go as far to say that I’d rather go to Bocca di Lupo alone than with friends. While the dining room is an amberish-brown bore with modern designer flourishes that might’ve seemed cool five years ago in an Upper Street lounge bar, the kitchen-facing counter gleams in white, stainless steel and possibility. The contrast is startling. It’s possible, yes, to dine with a friend at the counter. But it’s difficult for me to smoothly executive frequent half-neck turns while I’m trying not to get bucatini on my sweater. Besides, I’d rather watch the frantic yet accomplished performance of Jacob Kenedy’s kitchen without worrying that I’m showing much more interest in it than my companion.

By: Krista

Krista — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 11:15:33 +0000

F&W is one of my fave places for dining solo. Am actually trying to decide
right now if I want to trek into central London, or head East to Brick Lane
for lunch.

By: Neil

Neil — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 11:04:20 +0000

I’d agree with some of the above.

I work in London a lot, but as I live in Birmingham a lot of evening meals can be solo. (Plus I’ve done this for 2 years!)

Abeno/Too,
Dehesa,
Brindisa,
ChaCha
Waga (If one is lazy)
Ferdanez&Wells (if one wants wine with a snack after large lunch!)

I pretty much eat anywhere on my own, I have no qualms with it. Plus I love people watching and listening in!

Anytime I see a new restaurant that has been recommended, and is within my budget then I’ll probably head over and dine solo!

By: Su-Lin

Su-Lin — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 23:30:32 +0000

Yeah, I think it’s the ground floor at Wong Kei, no? If not, I like Jen Cafe by myself too.

And any cafe serving fryups/sandwiches, you know the kind!

By: Krista

Krista — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 21:45:28 +0000

Good to know. I wonder if ladies can dine and drink for free? OK, really, I
don’t wonder that. But I had to ask.

By: Krista

Krista — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 21:44:06 +0000

Yes! I just recommended Abeno Too for solo dining! Must try Ed’s.

By: Krista

Krista — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 21:40:25 +0000

Wong Kei has a singles only section???? I had NO IDEA! That’s fantastic!
Agree with you on Dehesa. And I’ve admired the bar at Boca di Luppo in
photos!