London’s Best Restaurants For Solo Dining, According To Michelin

It’s official: solo dining is in. It was forecasted as one of the biggest restaurant trends of 2023 in a report from Resy, something which OpenTable confirmed in its end of year report. Many restaurateurs have highlighted more diners flying solo too, and the hashtags #SoloDate and #DiningAlone have amassed millions of views on TikTok. And now, Michelin has shown its support for solo diners, creating a list of recommended restaurants for people dining alone. Read on to find out which spots came out tops in the inaugural list. And if you’re nervous to  give it a go, Rebecca Cox might just convince you to take the plunge here.

Michelin’s Top Restaurants For Solo Dining in London

Honey & Co

This Middle Eastern hotspot is looking better than ever since its move to Conduit Street in Bloomsbury. Michelin highlights its ‘calming’ surroundings and ample counter seating, where solo diners can pull up a stool and take time to really take in the vibrant food on offer: think velvety smooth hummus, pillowy pitta and slow-cooked meats.

54 Lamb’s Conduit St, London WC1N 3LW, honeyandco.co.uk

Levan

This Peckham favourite might be all about sharing plates – but what if you want the famous comte fries all to yourself? Michelin recommends nabbing a window seat and opting for the chef’s menu, which currently includes flavoursome dishes like mussels with kale and crushed potato, and stracciatella with grape and hazelnut. Music is a big part of the restaurant too (it’s named after DJ Larry Levan), so you can tap along and watch the world go by.

12-16 Blenheim Grove, London SE15 4QL, levanlondon.co.uk

Lucky Cat by Gordon Ramsay

As a solo diner, a bit of people-watching can be fun – and there’s always a buzzy crowd of well-heeled guests at Gordon Ramsay’s glitzy Mayfair restaurant Lucky Cat. Michelin highlights its lively atmosphere, and of course the excellent food, which focuses on artfully crafted Asian dishes. Avoid breaking the bank by opting for the fixed price lunch menu.

10 Grosvenor Square, London W1K 6JP, gordonramsayrestaurants.com

Pig and Butcher

There’s a certain joy to a solo pint – even better if it’s paired with delicious food. Michelin has singled out Islington pub The Pig and Butcher as being particularly well-suited to dining alone, citing its homely country interiors and friendly feel. In-house butchered meats are a speciality here, and the fish pie is also worth an honourable mention. 

80 Liverpool Rd, London N1 0QD, thepigandbutcher.co.uk

Sabor

If you’re dining alone at Spanish eatery Sabor, the ground floor counter section is your best bet. They only take walk-ins and you may have to queue, but once inside you’ll be given a front row seat to the chefs in action as they sizzle up regional tapas. Think stuffed piquillo pepper with braised oxtail, cuttlefish pappardelle and a daily changing menu of fresh fish, alongside a wide selection of Spanish wines and cocktails. 

35-37 Heddon St, London W1B 4BR, saborrestaurants.co.uk

Sager + Wilde

Hoxton’s neighbourhood favourite Sager + Wilde is often hailed as a good date spot – but it works equally well for dates with yourself. Wine is sensibly priced and available by the glass, and can be paired with small, tasty plates of cacio e pepe and Cornish mussels (no need to worry about messy eating either).

250 Paradise Row, London E2 9LE, sagerandwilde.com

Upstairs (at Trinity)

Clapham’s best not-so-secret-secret is Upstairs at Trinity, the more casual dining room at Adam Byatt’s Michelin-starred restaurant. Whether you’re sitting at one of the counter seats by the window, or a high table and stool by the open kitchen, solo diners will be welcomed with open arms. Michelin points out that while you might struggle to tackle the large plates alone, the small versions will be just perfect.

4 The Polygon, London SW4 0JG, trinityrestaurant.co.uk

Wild By Tart

Jemima Jones and Lucy Carr-Ellison’s Belgravia restaurant is always a delight, with a mix of counter seating and tables set among lush greenery. The laid-back, friendly atmosphere makes it a great option for solo dining, with a seasonal menu of snacks, small plates and freshly baked flatbreads to get stuck into with no pesky forks trying to steal a bite. Afterwards, go for a wander round the restaurant’s neighbouring store.

3-4, Eccleston Yards, London SW1W 9AZ, wildbytart.com

Find the full list at guide.michelin.com