Best casual restaurants in London: 27 places perfect for a mid-week dinner

On the hunt for a great meal in London without all the fuss and frills? We hear you. While there is a time and a place for a tasting menu or a Michelin-starred meal, half the time we just want good grub in a relaxed setting. The good news is, there are loads of places in the capital offering just that. Discover our pick of the best casual restaurants in London, for excellent fare free from the faff of a dress code.

Firstly, what constitutes a casual restaurant? For starters, you can throw your starched white tablecloths and multi-course menus out the window. We consider a casual restaurant to be the sort of place you can nip into last-minute for some tasty sharing plates or a bowl of ramen with a friend – you know the type. Where the playlist is poppin’ and you consider the staff to be your best mates by the end of the night.

These are no-pressure places, where all you're expected to bring is an appetite and little else. We also want London’s best casual restaurants to not cost the earth. No one wants to be lumped with an astronomical bill after a chilled meal out, which is why we can promise that these guys won’t bring tears to your eyes when the cheque arrives – a rare thing in London these days.

If you’re looking for something more specific, we also have guides to the best burgers in London, and London’s best pasta restaurants, which both major in great food, laid-back vibes and friendly service. Anything that doesn’t fit in with the above, we’ve included here, in our guide to the best casual dining in London. A truly tasty and always reliable bunch of places to have up your sleeve. May they serve you well, time and time again. Bon appetit!

Casa, London Bridge, Victoria, and Mayfair

What: Ok, so the even more casual version of this Portuguese restaurant would be Nando's, but we’d still class piri piri spot Casa as a chilled-out joint. Flame-cooked chicken is the thing to go for here, which you can order alongside a selection of sides and sharing plates. We like the Portuguese cod fritters with roasted potatoes, caramelised onions and lemon aioli, and chargrilled hispi cabbage with roasted red pepper yoghurt and a garlic and parsley sauce.
Best for: Casual mid-week catch-ups over flame-cooked chicken
Where: Various locations
Book now: Casa London Bridge; Casa Victoria; Casa Mayfair

The Folly, City of London

What: Set right opposite Monument Station, The Folly is primed for the post-work crowd. Tables outside offer spots for alfresco cocktails, but if you wander through the floral archway you’ll spot long communal tables for lively group dinners, bar tables for more casual meals, and spaces for smaller groups to huddle and chat between faux olive trees. It’s beautifully lit, with interesting details in every corner, and the menu follows suit. We’re talking comforting burrata and mushroom ravioli pepped up with truffle, bright crispy duck salads, and crispy prawn lollipops. It’s just as good for a weekend brunch or lunch; this place does it all, including group and private dining.
Best for: Relaxed group dinners, catch-ups with friends and colleagues, and anyone who might want to kick off dinner with a cocktail (or two)
Where: 41 Gracechurch Street, EC3V 0BT
Book now: The Folly

Salut!, Islington

What: Salut! is your quintessential neighbourhood London restaurant - the seasonal menu is pared-back and inviting, with lots of British and French influences, and focused on locally-sourced produce. Inside this old pub feels stylish and bright thanks to big street-side windows, and vintage decor gives the dining room a lovely, homely quality. Menus change seasonally, so you can visit often and usually be sure that there’ll be lots of new dishes to try. The wine list is strong, the Sunday roasts are excellent, and the Carte Blanche set menu is fantastic value. Salut! just gets everything right.
Best for: Relaxed Sunday roasts and cosy neighbourhood date nights
Where: 412 Essex Road, N1 3PJ
Book now: Salut!

ISSO - Prawn Crazy, Canary Wharf

What: Injecting sunshine into Canary Wharf’s slick skyscraper jungle, ISSO is a buzzy hangout obsessed with Sri Lankan seafood street food. The vibe is bright, breezy and thoroughly relaxed, making it ideal whether you are grabbing a speedy desk escape or feasting with mates. Expect fiery devilled squid, garlic-drenched king prawns, punchy kottu and aromatic curries packed with spice and flavour. Paired with tropical cocktails and cold beers, this fun spot delivers a massive flavour punch.
Best for: Quick desk escapes and sunny team lunch breaks
Where: 25 Cabot Square, Ground Floor, Canary Wharf Estate, E14 4QA
Book now: ISSO - Prawn Crazy

Yamabahce, Marylebone

What: Tucked away from the chaos of Oxford Street, Yamabahce is Alan Yau’s ultra-slick spin on a classic Turkish pide joint. The energy here is infectious, centred around a roaring stone oven slinging out blistering, freshly baked flatbreads. Load up on spiced minced lamb, fiery sujuk sausage or smoky aubergine and feta, as well as plenty of colourful mezze, juicy kebabs and zesty lemonades. Outrageously tasty and wallet-friendly, it's the perfect pitstop in the middle of an Oxford Street shopping session.
Best for: Post-shopping fuel stops off Oxford Street
Where: 26 James Street, W1U 1EN
Book now: Yamabahce

Masala Zone, Various locations

What: A London staple for over 20 years, Masala Zone effortlessly mashes together eye-popping decor and vibrant regional Indian cooking. Dining under a canopy of striking Rajasthani puppets, you can devour crunchy street-food chaats or epic thalis loaded with rich curries, lentils and fresh rotis. The menu showcases authentic home-style recipes from India's many diverse regions, so expect everything from aromatic biryanis to juicy tandoori grills, with menus that serve everything from celebrations to quick pre-theatre bites and lunch meets.
Best for: Pre-theatre suppers and big family gatherings
Where: 9 Marshall Street, W1F 7ER; 224 Piccadilly, W1J 9HP; 48 Floral Street, WC2E 9DA
Book now: Masala Zone Soho; Masala Zone Piccadilly Circus; Masala Zone Covent Garden

Noreen, Marylebone

What: Channeling effortless Levantine cool in Marylebone, Noreen is a gorgeous, sun-drenched hangout, with earthy hues that immediately grab your attention. Inside, sleek marble and plush velvet seating make for an ultra-inviting backdrop - an especially chic spot right in the centre of London if you're looking for something Insta-friendly. The food is all about vibrant Middle Eastern sharing plates: silky baba ganoush, spiced lamb flatbreads, sizzled skewers and herb-packed pilafs. Paired with natural wines and fresh juices, this is a dream sanctuary for an easy-going feast.
Best for: Insta-worthy brunches and picture-perfect catch-ups
Where: 28-32 St Christopher’s Place, WIU INU
Book now: Noreen

Baccala Seafood and Wine, Bermondsey

What: Bermondsey Street might be bursting with foodie hotspots, but Baccala shines bright thanks to its breezy coastal Italian charm and outrageously good seafood. Part chic wine bar, part rustic trattoria, it's the ultimate spot to graze on briny oysters, silky salted cod carpaccio and heavenly handmade pastas. Sourced with sustainable care and finished with liquid-gold Italian olive oils, paired with stellar biodynamic wines, it delivers proper Mediterranean holiday vibes right here. The Saturday seafood roast is also one of London's more unique, delicious weekend events, but we'd recommend booking well in advance as it sells out often. 
Best for: Unhurried Saturday seafood lunches and wine tastings
Where: 194-204 Bermondsey Street, SE1 3TQ
Book now: Baccala Seafood and Wine

Cinnamon Bazaar, Covent Garden and Richmond

What: Vivek Singh’s colourful Covent Garden dining room draws inspiration from the bustling spice markets of antiquity. Decked out in vivid silks, lush trailing greenery and warm brass lanterns, the atmosphere stays high-energy from midday to late night, and the menu is a riot of clever Indian street eats, starring a dedicated chaat counter alongside standout bites like chadhana lamb samosas and creamy butter chicken. Factor in spiced cocktails and great pre-theatre value, and it shines.
Best for: Playful group dinners with spiced cocktails
Where: 28 Maiden Lane, WC2E 7JS
Book now: Cinnamon Bazaar Covent Garden

Twist Connubio, Marylebone

What: Mashing Spanish tapas vibes with Italian swagger, Twist Connubio is a moodily candlelit Marylebone bolt-hole made for delicious grazing. Exposed brickwork and rustic timber set a chic, industrial background for wine-fuelled catch-ups. The kitchen works magic over open charcoal, firing up signatures like melt-in-the-mouth octopus, king prawn tempura and prime dry-aged beef. Add a killer team of sommeliers pouring rare biodynamic bottles, and some of the more inventive vegetarian cooking in London, and you've got yourself a proper hidden gem. 
Best for: Low-key, romantic candlelit date nights
Where: 42 Crawford Street, W1H 1JW
Book now: Twist Connubio

Salt Yard, Borough and Fitzrovia

What: The wildly popular Salt Yard sites are all about effortless Mediterranean cool. This is a perfect choice for those who enjoy the theatre of an open kitchen, as you can grab a front-row seat at the counter to watch the charcoal grill fire up a stream of top-notch tapas. Don't leave without trying the signature crispy courgette flowers stuffed with Monte Enebro cheese and honey, alongside dry-cured jamon, charred prawns and braised pork belly. The sherry list is fantastic too. 
Best for: Counter seating, open-kitchen drama, and sherry pairings
Where: New Hibernia House, Winchester Walk, SE1 9AG; 54 Goodge Street, W1T 4NA
Book now: Salt Yard Borough; Salt Yard Fitzrovia

Wolkite, Holloway

What: Situated in Holloway, Wolkite is a family-run Ethiopian restaurant offering a welcoming setting for casual, communal dining. Earthy tones, soft lighting and leather booths set the tone for a simple, easy-going meal where the food takes centre stage. Share, tear and snack on a variety of classic Ethiopian dishes, including doro wot (spiced chicken stew), kitfo (minced spiced beef) and misir wot (spicy red lentils), alongside traditional beverages and crisp wines. 
Best for: Communal dining and Ethiopian cuisine
Where: 82 Hornsey Road, N7 7NN
Book now: Wolkite

Coopers Restaurant & Bar, Holborn

What: Serving crowd-pleasing modern British dishes inside a slick industrial-chic space, Coopers has built a real cult following among the office workers and locals of Holborn. The sprawling room packs a buzzing central bar, leather banquettes and raw brick, making it flexible enough for quick working lunches and celebratory dinners alike. Dry-aged steaks and juicy burgers are a fantastic place to start on the menu, but Coopers also has you covered with blistered sourdough pizzas and seafood, backed by ice-cold craft beers and killer cocktails from friendly staff.
Best for: Energetic working lunches and after-work team drinks
Where: 49 Lincoln's Inn Fields, WC2A 3PF
Book now: Coopers Restaurant & Bar

Happy Lamb Hot Pot, Holborn and Bayswater

What: Happy Lamb Hot Pot turns dinner into a full-on interactive event with its ultra-aromatic Mongolian broths. The giant, lively space steams with built-in hot pots bubbling away at every table, where you can cook all your own food. Choose between silky bone marrow or tongue-tingling chili broth, then start dunking wafer-thin prime lamb, beef, springy hand-pulled noodles and fresh greens. Messy, delicious, and loads of fun, this place is built for massive group feasting and cosy suppers.
Best for: Interactive birthday celebrations and big group feasting
Where: 2 New Oxford Street, WC1A 1AD; 82-84 Bishop's Bridge Road, W2 6BB
Book now: Happy Lamb Hot Pot Holborn; Happy Lamb Hot Pot Bayswater

La Casetta, Clerkenwell

What: True to its name, La Casetta feels just like stepping into a nonna’s cosy Italian home. This family-run trattoria exudes old-school warmth and charm, with wooden tables, red-checked napkins and giant-hearted hospitality. The kitchen cranks out pure comfort food classics: silky handmade tagliatelle draped in rich wild boar ragu, blistered wood-fired pizzas and velvety tiramisu. Meanwhile, knock back unpretentious Italian house wine at unbeatable prices - this is a true neighbourhood treasure for locals.
Best for: Homely Italian comfort food suppers with best friends
Where: 160 Clerkenwell Road, EC1R 5DU
Book now: La Casetta

Ni Fon Kitchen, Stoke Newington

What: For a taste of Taiwan in Stoke Newington, you won’t find better than Ni Fon Kitchen, a cosy neighbourhood spot serving homestyle dishes packed with flavour. Its menu spans slow-cooked Taiwanese stews, handmade dumplings and comforting plates like red-braised pork belly, basil chicken and beef noodles. The relaxed setting, coupled with counter seating and intimate tables, suits everything from laid-back lunches to after-work dinners, while prices under £30 make it an easy choice for an unfussy meal that puts quality and comfort over frills and fripperies.
Best for: Wallet-friendly, unfussy weeknight Taiwanese bites
Where: 74 Green Lanes, N16 9EJ
Book now: Ni Fon Kitchen

Sam’s Kitchen, Hammersmith

What: Tucked away in the heart of Hammersmith, Sam's Kitchen is a laid-back neighbourhood cafe serving quality British and Australian-inspired comfort food. The Brasserie-style interiors and cosy al fresco terrace make this one of West London's best casual dining spots, with a selection of breakfast and brunch menus that are built for relaxed meals out. Start your day with the likes of eggs benedict, French toast with berry compote or grilled halloumi and chilli jam brioche, or visit on a Thursday to Saturday evening to enjoy a selection of Sam's smashburgers. Nearby Sam's Riverside is also worthy of a spot in this list, serving slightly more upmarket (though still relaxed and delicious) modern British cooking by the river. 
Best for: Sunny weekend brunches and terrace hangs
Where: 17 Crisp Road, W6 9RL
Book now: Sam's Kitchen Hammersmith

AGORA, London Bridge

What: Our 2025 London Restaurant of the Year has had queues snaking out of the door since it opened, thanks to the combo of outstanding dips, breads and affordable small plates. AGORA has been leading London’s Greek food resurgence from the front, slinging wood-fired flatbreads, scoopable mezze, glazed chicken thighs and rotisserie pork belly skewers, all at unbelievable value. The atmosphere is buzzing, the drinks are cheap, and the food is outrageous - AGORA is still one of London’s very best dining deals. You'll have to queue at peak times, but it's absolutely worth it (and you get crisps to tide you over whilst you wait).
Best for: High-energy budget dates and late-night flatbread cravings
Where: 3 Bedale Street, SE1 9AL
Book now: AGORA

Kolae, Borough

What: The same team behind Som Saa opened this Thai bar and grill to barnstorming acclaim at the end of 2023. You can find it inside an old coach house in Borough Market, serving its signature skewers (kolae is a style of cooking that sees meat, fish and veg cooked in a coconut marinade then grilled over open flames). Think chicken bamboo skewers and curry minced venison with lemongrass and cumin leaf. Still remarkably good value, with perhaps one of the best cocktail lists of any restaurant in London, Kolae is a must-visit in our book.
Best for: Impressive foodie dates over open-flame Thai skewers
Where: 6 Park Street, SE1 9AB
Book now: Kolae

Shoryu, Various locations

What: You’re never far away from a decent bowl of noodles with Shoryu Ramen in town. Boasting multiple sites across the city, these guys specialise in steaming bowls of tonkotsu ramen, which sees a creamy pork broth served with noodles made in-house, char siu barbecue pork, a soft-boiled egg, mushrooms, spring onions, red ginger and nori seaweed. The Soho restaurant also offers the largest selection of sake, shochu and umeshu in the UK with over 130 bottles - in case that helps you narrow down which branch to visit.
Best for: Quick, comforting solo noodle bowls on the go
Where: Various locations
Book now: Shoryu Ramen Soho; Shoryu Ramen Shoreditch; Shoryu Ramen Covent Garden; Shoryu Ramen Regent Street; Shoryu Ramen Carnaby

BAO, Various locations

What: Well and truly stitched into the fabric of London’s dining scene, BAO has been proving the power of those fluffy Taiwanese steamed buns since 2016 when it originally opened. As its empire continues to grow, so too does its legion of fans, who will seemingly queue for an infinite amount of time to try its signature bao buns and small plates (you’ll find different items on the menu at every restaurant). From Soho and King’s Cross through to Shoreditch and Marylebone, we recommend partaking in some sort of BAO crawl so you can try every dish on the various menus.
Best for: Fluffy bun cravings and informal restaurant crawls
Where: Various locations
Book now: BAO Mary; BAO Soho; BAO King's Cross; BAO Borough; BAO Noodle Shop; BAO Battersea; BAO City 

Miznon, Notting Hill and Soho

What: The cult New York chain known for its outrageous stuffed pitta breads has sailed the seas over to London and now has restaurants in Notting Hill and Soho. Expect lots of weird and whacky quirks both on and off the menu – every table dons a single fresh tomato, for example. Random. The fun continues with the food, which includes things like an erot-isserie pitta stuffed with roasted chicken, za’atar, spring onions, peppers and aioli, and a folded burger pitta crowned with cheese, tomato, pickles and soured cream.
Best for: Quirky, informal lunches stuffed with personality
Where: 14 Elgin Crescent, W11 2HX; 8-12 Broadwick Street, W1F 8HW
Book now: Miznon Notting Hill; Miznon Soho

Lahpet, Covent Garden, Shoreditch and Bermondsey

What: Lahpet’s easy-going Burmese cooking has taken it from a popular supper club to one of London’s most reliable and well-loved mini restaurant groups. The menu delves into traditional Burmese flavours but dishes are just contemporary enough to feel accessible; as a result, London has fallen in love with traditional Burmese dishes like mohinga (fish and lemongrass chowder) and the eponymous lahpet thoke (tea leaf salad). Throw in an excellent cocktail list and speedy, friendly service, and it’s no wonder that Lahpet sites are always thriving.
Best for: Exploring vibrant Burmese flavours with adventurous eating companions
Where: 21 Slingsby Place, St Martins Courtyard, WC2E 9AB; 58 Bethnal Green Road, E1 8JW; 39-45 Bermondsey Street, SE1 3XF
Book now: Lahpet West End; Lahpet Shoreditch; Lahpet Larder

Speedboat Bar, Chinatown and Notting Hill

What: Luke Farrell’s sense-attacking Thai restaurants are a follow-up to his debut opening Plaza Khao Gaeng, located above Arcade Food Hall on Tottenham Court Road. It’s loud, eclectic and kind of crazy, but yes, it is most definitely casual. Somewhere amidst a roaring 80s soundtrack and pints of Jelly Bia (ginger, Thai honey, calamansi and Singha beer) being directed to your table, you’ll find a tastebud-awakening selection of authentic Thai dishes, from crispy chicken skin to thick drunkard’s noodles. Beware the spice warnings, they aren't joking around.
Best for: High-octane, spicy late-night suppers with loud music
Where: 30 Rupert Street, W1D 6DL; 191 Portobello Road, W11 2ED
Book now: Speedboat Bar Chinatown; Speedboat Bar Notting Hill

Bar Crispin, Soho

What: The smaller, cosier and more casual cousin to its original restaurant Crispin in Spitalfields, this sweet little restaurant and wine bar finds its home in Soho where it offers a fine selection of seasonal sharing plates and low-intervention wines. Pop in for the likes of crispy polenta with aioli, oyster mushrooms with marmite butter and egg yolk, and sea bream with tomato emulsion and tarragon, washed down with a bottle of something organic and bio-dynamic.
Best for: Intimate natural wine dates and small-plate grazing
Where: 19 Kingly Street, W1B 5PY
Book now: Bar Crispin

Roti King, Various locations

What: Malaysian and Singaporean street food finds a home at cult favourite Roti King. Here, you'll find fragrant curries - from mutton to fish - served with the flaky, pastry-like flatbreads, along with more authentic noodle and rice dishes. It's one of the best budget eats in the city too, with all main dishes coming in at less than a tenner. Don't miss its sweet rotis for dessert, including one filled with coconut jam.
Best for: Ultra-fast, flavor-packed budget street food on the fly
Where: Various locations
Book now: Roti King King's Cross; Roti King Battersea; Roti King Waterloo; Roti King Spitalfields

Koya, Soho, City, and Hackney

What: Originally opened in Soho in 2010, this buzzy little udon bar serves up freshly-made noodles and dashi along with weekly blackboard specials. Proper noodle fans will understand the difference between hot and cold udon bowls, of which there are many of both on the menu. Think hot udon in curry soup, to cold udon served with a pork miso sauce. It doesn’t take reservations, so simply turn up and grab a seat (you might have to queue for the Soho branch).
Best for: Fast, comforting udon noodle bowls during a busy workday
Where: 50 Frith Street, W1D 4SQ; 10-12 Bloomberg Arcade, EC4N 8AR; 12 Broadway Market Mews, E8 4TS
Book now: Koya Soho; Koya City; Koya Ko

Love a deal? These are the best set menus in London right now. Or, check out our guide to the best London restaurants open on a Monday, designed to save you the hours of trawling through Google Maps.