Don't know about you, but we love a good bar stool to perch on. Especially as it's getting colder and we're ready to get warmed up at a buzzling restaurant.
Granted, it's not ideal for your big group night out but for two, it's the best seats in the house in our book (and always a preference if dining solo). You're up high, with the best view from which to watch the magic happen in the kitchen or bar. What's not to love? There's just something so casual, yet intimate and lively about it.
That's why we've put together this list of some of our favourite London restaurants for counter top or bar seat dining. Enjoy!
Barbary Next Door
This is the little sister to the Barbary, located (guess where?) next door. A distressed antique mirror and lime washed walls with large windows (that open fully in warmer months) set the tone at this relaxed neighbourhood restaurant and wine bar. Taking inspiration from Moroccan courtyards and Andalusian bars, the food & drinks here are a true treat. Expect to squeeze in at the zinc counter or narrow seats along the wall.
Address: 16A Neal's Yard, London WC2H 9DP | Open Daily | Website here
Berenjak
We've been Berenjak fans since they opened the doors to their first venue back in 2018. Their Soho restaurant quickly gained renown for their reinterpretation of a Tehran classic, hole-in-the-wall kabab house. Their second London site, on Bedale Street in Borough Market, spans two floors but retains an intimate atmosphere, perfect for a date night. Grab a seat at the counter by the tall windows, and share a Zereshk Polow Ba Morgh (rotisserie chicken with saffron sauce, barberries, tahdig and salad) with a liberal order of hummus and Mast o Musir (a wonderful yoghurt dip).
Address: 1 Bedale St, London SE1 9AL| Open Mon - Sat | Website here
Little Duck the Picklery
This is the delightful sister restaurant to Soho's Duck Soup and we love their take on simple and seasonal cooking (including a healthy dose of fermented goodies, of course). The menu and wine list is ever-changing, and we'll happily keep on trying anything and everything new they serve up. Grab a seat at the heart of the restaurant, the centerpiece kitchen counter, and order at least 3-5 of the sharing plates.
Address: 68 Dalston Lane, London E8 3AH | Open daily | Website here
Luca
The best of British ingredients through an Italian lense; that's what Luca is all about and we're very much here for it. Beautiful interiors, leather upholstered booths and bar seats, dimmed lighting and a brick-walled terrace with an open fireplace, make this a gorgeous dining destination. Seasonal fish, meat and veg are expertly prepared and you might start feeling quite far away from Clerkenwell as you peruse the wine list starring choices from all regions of Italy.
Address: 88 St John St, London EC1M 4EH | Open Tue - Sat | Website here
Evelyn's Table
It doesn't get much more intimate than this. With only 12 seats, Evelyn's Table is a hidden gem, just a block away from Piccadilly Circus. Enter through The Blue Post, an 18th Century pub, and head down the unassuming stairs in the back to settle in for a Michelin-starred, five-course meal (£125 p/p) prepared by five chefs behind the counter. This is a hot ticket, so make sure to book in advance. It'll be well worth the wait.
Address: 28 Rupert St, London W1D 6DJ | Open Mon - Sat | Website here
Darby's
This New York inspired oyster bar in Nine Elms is one of our favourite places to head over to for a dressier drink and nibble at a beautiful counter. Grab a dry martini or sparkling wine and some of the delicious bits from the open grill, or make the most of the Oyster Happy Hour (Wed-Fri 5-7pm + Saturday 3-6pm & 9-11pm). The food is one delicious reason to visit Darby's again and again, another is the live music. Settle in for some Late Night Blues on Saturday nights or enjoy an array of live music at their Sunday Sessions.
Address: 3 Viaduct Gardens, London SW11 7AY | Open Tue - Sun | Website here
Palomar
With a menu drawing inspiration from the wonderful flavours of the Levant, Palomar is always a treat. Pull aside the curtain around the entrance and you're instantly greeted by the bustling open kitchen and a busy maître d. Settle in at the bar stools facing the open kitchen and delve into the menu. Split into Snacks, Bread & Dips, Raw, Fire and Sweets, we recommend getting something from all section but paying extra attention to the breads, dips and fire. You won't be disappointed.
Address: 34 Rupert St, London W1D 6DN | Open daily | Website here
Kiln
This Soho gem is always packed - and for good reason. Kiln serves up Thai-inspired dishes cooked in clay pots over hot coals, using wood-burning ovens and flaming woks. It's the type of warming (and sometimes very spicy) plates that we never get enough of. Upon entry you meet the curved bar overlooking the theatre of the chefs at work. If the wait isn't too long, perch at the back of the restaurant with a drink, eagerly awaiting your seats, or head out for a drink and come back when summoned. There is always a waiting list but it's well worth the wait.
Address: 58 Brewer St, London W1F 9TL | Open daily | Website here
Padella
Pasta and and the chilly autumn air go together like, well, pasta and anything else; really, really well! Prepare to que but the fresh, handmade dishes are worth it. It's a no-frills menu and a no-frills place but the ingredients and preparation make it real special. Cacio e Pepe (cheese & pepper) is a Padella staple that everyone should try. Order some wine by the bottle or carafe and get at least 3 pasta dishes to share, throwing in a burrata for good measure.
Address: 6 Southwark St, London SE1 1TQ | Open Daily | Website here
Kricket
What started out as a small pop-up in one of the converted shipping containers at Pop Brixton, has grown into a flourishing restaurant group over the last few years. Kricket now has restaurants in Brixton, Soho, White City, and most-recently, Canary Wharf. Kricket might not be the most traditional Indian cuisine in a hub like London, where there are so many amazing ones to try. But we love popping in for lunch at their Soho branch, grabbing one of the powder pink seats and always ordering the Keralan Fried Chicken, it's dangerously good.
Address: 12 Denman St, London W1D 7HJ| Open daily | Website here
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