Dining solo this Valentine’s Day? These London restaurants are perfect for singles
Dining by candlelight, holding hands across the table, and staring lovingly into one another’s eyes while seductively sucking on spaghetti sounds delightful, but it’s not everyone’s reality this Valentine’s Day.
While for many Brits, the annual day of love will be spent alone, that’s not to say you should be rotting in front of the telly with a microwave meal and a large glass of red.
Of course, if the Bridget Jones experience is your vibe, then who are we to judge? Should you wish to venture out in London though, the fear of being perceived while dining alone shouldn’t stop you.
So, whether you’re seeking a chilled environment free from being gawped at by cosy couples, or simply want a hearty meal that’s good value for money, we’ve got the recommendations.
Check out our list of the best places to dine solo in the capital this Valentine’s.
Smsh Bn
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Where? Charing Cross Road, Soho
What’s the vibe? With a no-reservations, walk-in feel, Smsh Bn is perfect for those seeking comfort food this Valentine’s Day.
Get your gnashers around a juicy burger without fear of judgement as condiments ooze from the bun and dribble down your chin, safe in the knowledge that you’ll be left alone to eat (or eat your feelings).
This smash burger destination has a bustling atmosphere and limited stools, making it the perfect place for a quick by-yourself bite.
AGORA Souvla Bar
Where? Bedale Street, Southwark
What’s the vibe? AGORA brings the streets and markets of Athens to Borough.
If you’ve got a proclivity for Greek cuisine but don’t fancy each bite being interrupted by debate, then you’ll be in the right place, as the restaurant is a magnet for solo diners.
But that’s not to say there’s a lack of ambience by any means, as the two-storey gem is filled with boisterous conversation and vivacity — just the right side of busy to ensure you won’t feel self-conscious.
Sit at the chef’s counter in front of the warm bread oven, or, should you fancy being sociable, why not move to the big communal table?
AGORA was named London Restaurant of the Year in 2025 by Square Meal and frequently has foodies queuing around the block.
Humble Chicken
Where? Frith Street, Soho
What’s the vibe? Humble Chicken prides itself on modernising Japanese cuisine, offering a ‘kitchen-theatre-like experience.’
The tasting menu is inspired by owner Angelo Sato’s Japanese and European roots, lacing each dish with personal meaning and a bit of history.
What’s more, the staff comprises a small team who plan and prep everything fresh each day for the evening’s service.
A convivial restaurant, Humble Chicken has counter dining plus outdoor seating available. No matter where you sit, you can be sure of a show.
Master Wei
Where? Cosmo Place, Bloomsbury
What’s the vibe? It’s easy to view noodles as a dull, mundane meal, but Master Wei can help to inject some bounce into it.
The acclaimed spot offers Xi’an-style street snacks, noodles, and drinks in what they declare a ‘down-to-earth atmosphere’—no cringe-inducing romance here.
Grab a quick bowl on a solo lunch date and treat your tastebuds to dishes from boneless chicken in ginger sauce to spicy and sour pork dumplings in soup.
Brutto
Where? Greenhill Rents, Farringdon
What’s the vibe? Brutto is named after the Italian word for ‘ugly’, and doesn’t put on airs and graces like some popular date spots—don’t be intimidated by the low lighting and sharing-friendly menu.
Specialising in Florentine staples from pasta to steaks, the highly praised (and rather affordable) establishment has the choice of counter seating, a table for one, or dining al fresco.
Loved by the late Russell Norman, the restaurant is proud to endorse solo dining and hands out a spritz (or non-alcoholic cocktail) completely on the house to anyone eating by themselves.
The freebie is available all day, every day, and with no minimum spend, with Brutto previously stating: ‘We love solo diners and always try to find a seat at the bar with our full menu or a cosy table.’
Emilia’s Crafted Pasta
Where? Locations around London
What’s the vibe? Don’t let the aforementioned couples’ spaghetti-sucking deter you from pasta this Valentine’s Day.
Emilia’s has counter dining across its four branches, perfect for watching the chefs in action as they plate up the custom-made pasta prepared freshly each morning in their pasta-making station (in full view of passersby).
Savour the chefs’ latest special, a four-hour slow-cooked Wagyu beef ragu, served with ridged Paccheri, a traditional pasta shape from Naples, without feeling like you need to share.
Amazing Grace
Where? St Thomas’ Church, London Bridge
What’s the vibe? If contempt for Valentine’s Day is seeping from your pores this year, perhaps an anti-Valentine’s Day is what you need.
Enter Amazing Grace, and their latest campaign, Cupid is Stupid, featuring a week-long calendar of events like breakup karaoke and ‘In Squad We Trust’, where they’ll be playing sisterhood anthems with an all-female lineup.
Situated in a 19th-century church building, good food and good cocktails flow, meaning you can groove to live music while savouring dishes from their à la carte menu, inspired by the vibrant flavours of Asia.
It’s a good idea to sit at a small table, as you’re away from the potential canoodling of those in the booths but won’t miss out on the show!
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