London ladies! (Restaurant recs)

[goldengirlz]

I’m going to London for work and I’m looking for recommendations on where to have a few good solo meals. So someplace that isn’t too much of a scene but has a friendly, laidback atmosphere. (If I recall, dining at the bar isn’t common in London, right? The last time I was there for work, I couldn’t find any place like that to eat and did fast food more times than I’d care to count.)

Anyway, I’m older and more confident now so let me know what you recommend! I’m staying near Westminster but I can travel as long as it’s not too out of the way. And I eat all kinds of food.

[wkatie]

I really enjoyed Mango Tree. I think the atmosphere is just like you described.

www.mangotree.org.uk/

[mbcdefg]

We were there in 2016 and really enjoyed:

www.dishoom.com/covent-garden/ (Indian)

www.the-counting-house.com/ (pub - the ale and pie sampler platter was really good)

The Counting House looks like it's part of a chain, Fuller's, with lots of locations. Maybe the locals can weigh in on whether the entire chain is good or if certain locations are better than others?

[just]

I still dream about Dishoom - so so good. I think the one near Kings Cross is bigger than Covent Garden and it does get busy, but 100% worth a wait.

[Miss Phryne Fisher]

I had a nice meal at Debenham's cafe. Strange, I know, but it was nice! (they also have plain scones...something surprisingly hard to find...apparently the British love their currants)

[Pibs]

We loved Dishoom and Padella. We sat at the counter at Padella and it was fun to watch them cook.

[mrsukyankee]

I dine on my own in pubs all the time - definitely feel free to do that. The Horseshoe in Hampstead is one of my favourites as is The Bull in HIghgate. But there are tons of good ones (I'd go on Timeout London to look for these).

My favourite restaurants for a reasonable evening that's not too insane:

For steak: Hawksmore Seven Dials
For Italian: Polpetto or 40 Dean Street
For Indian: I agree, Dishroom
Funky British: Lyle's
Small Plates: Caravan King's Cross
Seafood: J Sheekey's Atlantic Bar

[Miss Phryne Fisher]

Sept 20, 2018 11:43:35 GMT -5 mrsukyankee said:

I dine on my own in pubs all the time - definitely feel free to do that. The Horseshoe in Hampstead is one of my favourites as is The Bull in HIghgate. But there are tons of good ones (I'd go on Timeout London to look for these).

My favourite restaurants for a reasonable evening that's not too insane:

For steak: Hawksmore Seven Dials
For Italian: Polpetto or 40 Dean Street
For Indian: I agree, Dishroom
Funky British: Lyle's
Small Plates: Caravan King's Cross
Seafood: J Sheekey's Atlantic Bar

My best meal in Scotland was a pub I ate at on my own. Definitely going to do this again next time I am in England!