City Name
Temperature

Casual cravings: What are the best casual restaurants in London?

With its multicultural population and diverse culinary influences, London boasts an extensive array of casual restaurants that cater to every palate and craving. And today, we’re going over our favourites!

Whether you’re craving mouthwatering burgers, indulgent pizzas, delectable street food, or international delights, we’ll unveil the top casual dining destinations that will leave you craving more.

Dishoom 

Media from dishoom

Address: 12 Upper St Martin’s Ln, Covent Garden, London WC2H 9FB, United Kingdom

Contact: +44 20 7420 9320

Type of cuisine: Indian

Website

With its vibrant atmosphere and mouthwatering Indian cuisine, Dishoom whisks you away to the bustling streets of Mumbai. 

Dishoom specialises in Bombay-style cuisine, which is a fusion of Indian and Portuguese flavours. The menu features a wide variety of dishes, including curries, snacks, and desserts. The food is always fresh and flavorful, and the portions are generous.

Flat Iron

Media from flatironsteak

Address: 17 Beak St, Soho, London W1F 9RW, United Kingdom

Contact: +44 20 7494 3088

Type of cuisine: Steakhouse

Website

Flat Iron offers a no-frills dining experience that focuses on quality and flavour. Juicy, perfectly cooked steak is the star of the show, accompanied by delectable sides and a range of tasty sauces. 

Plus, Flat Iron steaks are priced at just £10, making them one of the most affordable steak options in London. Plus, the restaurant’s wine list is extensive, and there’s also a full bar with cocktails, beer, and wine.

Franco Manca

Media from francomancapizza

Address: 51 Berwick St, London W1F 8SJ, United Kingdom

Contact: +44 20 7734 9330

Type of cuisine: Pizza

Website

BAO

Media from bao_london

Address: 53 Lexington St, Soho, London W1F 9AS, United Kingdom

Contact: +44 20 3011 1733

Type of cuisine: Taiwanese

Website

Specialising in Taiwanese street food, Bao delivers a culinary adventure that tantalises the senses. Their signature fluffy steamed buns, filled with delicious ingredients like slow-cooked pork or crispy fried chicken, are a must-try. 

The restaurant also has a wide selection of other dishes, including dumplings, noodles, and rice. The xiao long bao is also a must-try and is filled with a flavourful pork broth and topped with a crispy wonton wrapper.

Patty & Bun

Media from pattyandbun

Address: 19 Borough High St, London SE1 9SE, United Kingdom

Contact: +44 20 7407 7994

Type of cuisine: Burgers

Website

With their juicy, handcrafted patties, loaded with flavorful toppings and nestled in brioche buns, Patty & Bun takes burgers to a whole new level. 

The emphasis on quality ingredients and attention to detail shines through in every bite. From their classic Ari Gold cheeseburger to unique creations like the Smokey Robinson, each burger is a mouthwatering delight. 

Plus, Patty & Bun offers a wide variety of sides to choose from. In addition to the classic french fries, they also offer sweet potato fries, onion rings, and mac and cheese.

The Breakfast Club 

Media from thebrekkyclub

Address: 11 Berwick St, London W1F 0PL, United Kingdom

Contact: +44 20 3727 5543

Type of cuisine: Brunch

Website

The Breakfast Club is an iconic casual restaurant in London that serves breakfast delights all day long. From fluffy pancakes to hearty full English breakfasts, their menu is a breakfast lover’s dream come true.

The menu features a wide variety of breakfast and brunch dishes. The pancakes are particularly popular, but there are plenty of other great options to choose from, such as eggs Benedict, avocado toast, and chorizo hash. 

The Blues Kitchen

Media from theblueskitchen

Address: 134-146 Curtain Rd, London EC2A 3AR, United Kingdom

Contact: +44 20 7729 7216

Type of cuisine: American, BBQ

Website

This establishment serves up a delicious blend of Southern American comfort food and live blues music. From finger-licking BBQ ribs to lip-smacking fried chicken, their menu will transport you straight to the heart of the Deep South. 

The restaurant also has a relaxed and welcoming vibe, with exposed brickwork, wooden beams, and dim lighting. There’s even a large stage at one end of the room where live bands play blues, soul, and funk music most nights of the week.

Yum Bowl 

Media from yumbowl

Address: 54 Whitecross St, London EC1Y 8JL, United Kingdom

Contact: +44 20 7253 8854

Type of cuisine: Asian Fusion

Website

Specialising in Asian fusion cuisine, Yum Bowl offers a delectable selection of dishes that blend traditional flavours with a modern twist. From their mouthwatering sushi rolls to their savoury stir-fries, each bite is a burst of deliciousness. 

On top of this, the attentive service, and affordable prices make Yum Bowl a must-visit destination for those seeking a casual dining experience with a touch of Asian culinary excellence in London.

Mildreds

Media from mildredsrestaurants

Address: 45 Lexington St, Carnaby, London W1F 9AN, United Kingdom

Contact: +44 20 7494 1634

Type of cuisine: Vegetarian, Vegan

Website

Mildreds offers a wide variety of vegan and vegetarian dishes. The menu includes everything from hearty mains to light snacks, and there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

From their hearty vegan burgers to their salads and globally-inspired mains, each plate showcases the incredible potential of vegetarian cuisine. 

Franco’s

Media from francoslondon

Address: 61 Jermyn St, St. James’s, London SW1Y 6LX, United Kingdom

Contact: +44 20 7499 2211

Type of cuisine: Italian

Website

Franco’s has been serving up classic Italian dishes since 1945, and the menu has been updated over the years to reflect the changing tastes of its customers. However, the restaurant has never lost its commitment to using fresh, high-quality ingredients and preparing its food in the traditional Italian way.

From traditional pasta dishes to wood-fired pizzas and irresistible gelato, each bite is a delight for the senses. Plus, the atmosphere at Franco’s is warm and inviting, with exposed brick walls, dim lighting, and plenty of cosy seating. 

The Rum Kitchen

Media from therumkitchen

Address: Carnaby St, Carnaby, London W1B 5PW, United Kingdom

Contact: +44 20 3668 2537

Type of cuisine: Caribbean 

Website

The Rum Kitchen is a casual restaurant in London that brings the flavours of the Caribbean to your plate. 

With its lively atmosphere, tropical cocktails, and mouthwatering dishes inspired by island cuisine, The Rum Kitchen offers a culinary journey that will transport you to sun-soaked beaches.

Kiln

Media from kilnsoho

Address: 58 Brewer St, London W1F 9TL, United Kingdom

Contact: [email protected]

Type of cuisine: Thai 

Website

With its open kitchen and rustic ambience, Kiln takes you on a culinary journey through the bustling streets of Bangkok. 

From their sizzling clay pot dishes to their fiery grilled meats and fragrant curries, each bite is a symphony of bold and authentic Thai flavours. And the emphasis on fresh, high-quality ingredients and traditional cooking techniques sets Kiln apart.

Balans No.60 Soho

Media from balanslondon

Address: 60-62 Old Compton St, London W1D 4UG, United Kingdom

Contact: +44 20 7439 2183

Type of cuisine: International

Website

With its eclectic menu, stylish decor, and vibrant atmosphere, Balans No.60 Soho captures the essence of Soho’s lively spirit. From their all-day breakfast options to their mouthwatering burgers and tantalizing cocktails, each dish is a celebration of flavour and creativity. 

Overall, Balans No.60 Soho is a great option for a casual meal in London. It’s the perfect place to go for a relaxed lunch with friends, a romantic dinner for two, or a fun night out with colleagues.

Mother Mash

Media from mothermash

Address: 26 Ganton St, Carnaby, London W1F 7QZ, United Kingdom

Contact: +44 20 7494 9644

Type of cuisine: London, Comfort food

Website

Get ready to mash it up at Mother Mash, a casual restaurant in London that takes comfort food to a whole new level. 

Specialising in delicious mashed potato creations, Mother Mash offers a menu full of hearty goodness. They have everything from classic bangers and mash to creative flavour combinations like caramelized onion and goat cheese. 

The Diner

Media from thedineruk

Address: 95 Kingsland High St, London E8 2PB, United Kingdom

Contact: +44 20 7249 7865

Type of cuisine: Pizza

Website

With its retro diner vibes and mouthwatering menu, The Diner captures the essence of classic American cuisine. Think: juicy burgers to stacked pancakes and indulgent milkshakes, each bite a delicious trip across the Atlantic. 

And the restaurant has a vintage American diner vibe, with checkered floors, red leather booths, and a jukebox. It’s the perfect place to go for a casual meal with friends or family. 

Honest Burgers

Media from honestburgers

Address: 6 Bermondsey St, London SE1 2TF, United Kingdom

Contact: +44 20 3841 2330

Type of cuisine: Burgers

Website

With their focus on locally sourced ingredients and homemade sauces, Honest Burgers delivers a burger experience like no other. 

On top of this, the atmosphere is relaxed and inviting at Honest Burgers since it has a modern, industrial feel with exposed brick walls and wooden tables. 

Voodoo Ray’s

Media from voodoorays

Address: 95 Kingsland High St, London E8 2PB, United Kingdom

Contact: +44 20 7249 7865

Type of cuisine: Pizza

Website

There are a variety of pizzas to choose from in Voodoo Ray’s, including traditional favourites like pepperoni and Margherita, as well as more unique options like the Voodoo Ray’s Special, which is topped with pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, onions, peppers, and green olives.

Plus, the vibrant atmosphere, funky decor, and late-night hours make it a go-to spot for pizza lovers seeking a casual and delicious dining experience. 

Thrifty travel tactics

Previous Post

Thrifty travel tactics: What is the cheapest way to get around London?

Next Post

Eighteen and the city: Where can I celebrate my 18th birthday in London?

Eighteen and the city