115 "Drinks & A Light Bite" restaurants in London.
When you don’t want to commit to a full dinner (blind date, catching up with an aunt, waiting two hours for a table elsewhere), bars with good food are ideal. Make an easy exit after the first round, or go for a second and maybe some food if it’s going well. Either way, these spots have you covered.
P Franco is a Clapton wine shop that hosts guest chefs who serve stunning small plates to neighbourhood regulars. You want to be a regular.
Barrafina is a legendary tapas restaurant that’s crowded but always worth the wait. The Drury Lane outpost in Covent Garden has a pretty terrace.
Sibarita is a casual, affordable tapas spot just far away enough from the madness of Covent Garden’s main square.
Not only is the sushi at Sushi Atelier on Great Portland Street great, it’s also very affordable. Sit at the bar and get the 12-piece omakase.
Parsons is a tiny seafood restaurant in Covent Garden. It’s a sanctuary from the crowds and serves some very nice fish based dishes too.
Uchi is an attractive and humble sushi restaurant in Clapton serving very nice sashimi, nigiri, and rolls
Sager + Wilde’s Bethnal Green outpost brings good wine and Italian eats, and mixes it with railway arch vibes and plenty of outdoor seats for summer.
Everyone needs a reliable go-to restaurant in Soho. Dean Street Townhouse covers every occasion, from solo brunch to dinner with the parents.
The Gate is a vegetarian spot in Islington that meat-eaters won’t complain about. And if you don’t feel like going healthy, have some cocktails.
Polpetto is a cool Soho Italian restaurant that’s all about the candlelight and intimate atmosphere. There is also pasta. And negronis.
The Duck and Rice pairs cold pints of Pilsener Urquell with brilliant Cantonese dim sum. Hit it up for a weeknight dinner or an afternoon snack.
A chilled spot on the Uxbridge Road in Shepherds Bush, Bush Hall Dining Rooms serves everything from pizza to crab cakes.
Donostia Social Club is a cool, low-key spot in Pop Brixton for drinks and small plates of tasty Spanish tapas.
