Casual Restaurants In London

Looking for a chilled out restaurant in London with something a little extra for afterwards? It's time you met The Exhibit, a hub for eating, drinking and socialising in Balham. Check out their Dinner and a movie nights, where you can get a large plate from the main menu and a ticket to their snug independent cinema for less than £20. A great choice for a casual date night in London.

With a selection of affordable and delicious European small plates and a cracking drinks list, Effra Social is a great spot in South London to pick up a bite to eat. Join the casual venue as they bring a Georgian townhouse to life with live music, games nights and plenty of fun.

Boasting sites in Stratford, Wimbledon and Shepherd's Bush, GBK is a brilliant restaurant for casual catch-ups and family gatherings. Enjoy comfort eats such as burgers, halloumi fries and chicken tenders, alongside a delicious milkshake.

With a menu dreamt up by pasta master Girolamo de Gennaro and executive chef Manuele Bazzoni, Spagnoletti is an all-day Italian restaurant located in King's Cross. Their open kitchen cooks up everything from lobster tagliolini and cacio e pepe to yellowtail tuna steaks or charcoal arancini, paired with a refreshing Aperol spritz.

Made fresh every day and baked to perfection, Crudough's sourdough pizza makes any casual lunch memorable. Its super stylish bar and restaurant is the perfect place to wash down your meal with a fine wine or pair the crunch of your crust with a craft beer.

From your seat in its super stylish bar, you can ponder the meaning of the modern art on its walls over every bite. When the sun's shining, al fresco is the order of the day on the suntrap terrace.

With an excellent range of local and continental craft beer and a focus on quality fresh food with a Spanish influence, the Gatehouse is the ideal place to relax with great food and drink.

Located in the heart of the City, HộP Vietnamese is an excellent casual dining restaurant that's perfect for lunch dates and after-work socialising. Replicating the vibrant eateries of Hanoi with its bright interiors, the restaurant is made even better with cracking happy hour deals. 

Don't be phased by its menu of over 110 wines and 60 cocktails, Bbar is a casual spot that's perfect for after work drinks and client meetings. Housed in the heart of Victoria, the unique South African inspired bar and restaurant has quickly become a favourite for city folk. 

Looking for a casual date spot that'll impress? Or a place to catch up with friends or family over delicious food in a relaxed environment? Then Busaba should be your go-to. The first Busaba restaurant opened up in Soho 1999, but since then, they've gained mass popularity, now boasting numerous locations across the city, including Covent Garden, Kingston and Stratford. 

You'll find these lovely, laid-back spots slinging out a fantastic menu of authentic Thai food. So, whether you fancy chicken satay, black pepper beef from the wok, green curry or a fragrant pad Thai, head here to fill your boots with delicious eats - complete with wine or refreshing Singha beer.

With dark grey walls, deep velvet sofas, and an airy roof terrace, No 32 The Old Town has got everything you need for every occasion. Start early with a healthy and filling breakfast, before moving on to hearty dinners and stylish cocktails.

Slug & Lettuce is the perfect spot to hang out with your crew, with loads of tasty drinks and grub to dig into. These bars are scattered all over London, from Croydon to Richmond and Tower Bridge, so you can dive into cocktail trees and snag some fabulous bottomless brunch bargains.

Tank and Paddle is the City's newest spot for a quick lunch or stellar after-work pints as the venue brings you some seriously delicious pizza and beer. Located minutes from Monument, there's a huge range of delicious stone-baked pizza and craft beer comes from their Meantime brewery - ensuring it's wonderfully fresh.

Next time you fancy a casual bite in the city, drop into Forza Wine. Settle into the super cool dining room or the rooftop terrace to tuck into delicious Italian-“ish” small plates.

We're talking cauliflower fritti, bavette, whipped cod's roe and all kinds of indulgent desserts. There's plenty to wet your whistle while you're here, from Italian spritzes and creative cocktails to natural wines and craft beer.

How to get good food in London without any of the fuss? Head down to Gotta Trattoria, who serve up a daily changing menu of delicious Italian food that blends in flourishes of British into the mix. Their alfresco dining area is perfect for the summer months, and their drinks range from home-made vermouth to a signature bottled negroni.

Beautifully crafted with sleek furniture, exposed brick walls and simple decor, the bar offers over 30 different varieties of wine for the venue's guests. If that wasn't enough, guests can accompany their drinks with a selection of delicious, casual dishes.

The Pizza Pilgrims team are opening yet another site in London, this time setting up shop in Canary Wharf. Known for creating authentic, Neapolitan pizzas that are topped with the most flavoursome ingredients, this new East London venue also offers 16-player foosball tables, plasma screen TVs and vintage video games.

It might have a slick City venue on Finsbury Square, but Burdock Café & Cocktail Bar is a bundle of fun. The venue whips up a seasonal storm, with sharing plates including goodies such as lobster and pork belly, as well as a selection of gorge-worthy milkshakes. Head to the bar for a selection of craft beers and shuffleboard.

Located between Battersea and Clapham, The Thieves is a huge, multi-level venue that has got everything you could ask for under one roof. They've got Balans in the kitchen, cooking up a range of hearty, high-quality dishes, from brunch classics to juicy cheeseburgers and sumptuous Sunday roasts.

After your meal, there's plenty to keep you entertained in this adult playground. The gaming section features everything from RC racing to darts and arcade games, and you'll also find cool events such as live music, themed brunches and cabaret taking place on a regular basis.

This cool restaurant in Bethnal Green is located on the buzzing Paradise Row and boasts a menu of vibrant Venezuelan eats. Explore a plethora of authentic dishes that are jam-packed with flavour, such as cachapas, rice bowls and their namesake, arepas. 

Nothing says a casual meal out in London quite like a leafy, suburban boozer. Enjoy just that as Duke on the Green in Parsons Green is a charming getaway from the bustle of the capital; primed with gastro dishes, cold pints and casual spaces aplenty.

Casual and cool, and more that ready to deal with your unrelenting burger habit, The Fire Stables is a laid-back restaurant in South London that provides humble diners with piled-high patties, cool craft beers and plenty more.

For a laid-back time with a great entertainment lineup throughout the week (think cabaret, live music and more), head to Albert's Schloss Soho, a buzzing venue inspired by Queen Victoria's husband's heritage and love of the arts.

The Bavarian bier hall is decked out with long benches, a sparkling disco ball and stacked logs to give that Alpine feel. On the menu, you can look forward to sharing gooey pots of fondue with your friends, schnitzel and curried wurst, washed down with a cool stein of beer. 

Looking for a casual place to eat in Central London where the atmosphere is fun, frivolous and dare we say it, flirty? Then we've just the joint. Leave stuffy attitudes at the door as The Long Acre welcomes in diners for classic British plates, affordable cocktails and more. 

Delivering delicious comfort food at all time of the day and accompanying each dish with an ice-cold drink, Smith of Smithfield is a vibrant, four storey restaurant in Central London. Decorated with distinctly rustic decor, the restaurant's talented team of chefs work with the best cuts of meat that Britain's farmers have to offer, butchering, seasoning and grilling each cut on site before serving it to the many guests that walk through the door. To help wash the copious amounts of comfort food down, the bar offers 60 different types of craft beer and an array of handcrafted cocktails. 

From Brixton to Loughborough Junction, laid-back Mexican outpost Jalisco is making sure you can nab casual and affordable meals. Plates like extra large burritos, enchiladas and tacos are all around a tenner - plus margs are under £10 too so you can wash down your meal no problem. 

Casual British dining in a hearty, traditional pub? Sold. A firm favourite amongst the boozing, Liverpool Street crowd, head on down to Dirty Dicks and their plush, English dining room for an honest dose of gastro meals and British classics. 

Bringing offbeat charm and some of the capital's finest eats, to it, these great market hall venues are truly offering something for every appetite. With a plethora of eateries and delicious cocktails, it really is perfect for just chilling with mates for lunch, or grabbing a quick bite. 

If you're looking for something rather laid back, head to The Breakfast Club. You'll find friendly service, paired back interiors and a simple menu compromising of breakfast and brunch dishes, plus classic cocktails and twists on old favourites. Locations span from London Bridge and Soho to Croydon and Spitalfields. 

When it comes to casual dining in London, there's nothing better than the scoffing of pizza between friends, and Venn St Records is offering out just that. Join them in their cool music themed bar for cocktails, of course, but also a fun smattering of pizza bites to boot. 

Looking to keep things casual when it comes to dinner in London? Sounds about right, and it sounds like Heist Bank might be up you alley. Found in Paddington with industrial interiors and art-sy nods, head on down for craft beer alongside a delicious roster of wood-fired pizzas.

Rudie's is your place to get delicious Jamaican food in Boxpark, offering up tapas-style, traditional dishes like their signature real jerk chicken and boss burger, as well as a grab and go lunch counter. Wash it all down with their tasty rum drinks too.

After a quick pit stop? Head south, where this Bermondsey Street favourite is crafting delicious pizza and mouthwatering cocktails in laid-back surroundings. Whether you're a meat-feaster or veggie fiend, you'll find it all here.

Head to Euston, Bloomsbury, Notting Hill or Aldgate where the stylish and relaxed VQ has got you covered for quick bites and long lunches from breakfast through dinner. Boasting everything from soup and sandwiches to steak and spaghetti, it's one of London's best casual restaurants.

Based in the heart of Britain's political world, The Loose Box was created with the busy working populace in mind. Open early in the morning to cater for Westminster's many early risers, the restaurant-cum-cafe serves a number of delicious dishes throughout the day. Using only the freshest ingredients available and working had to ensure they cast the smallest possible carbon footprint, each meal and sharing platter is stunningly refreshing and will leave guests smiling from ear to ear. 

YO! Sushi's London venues are offering a great place to have Japanese fare across casual spaces. Nab items from their famous conveyor belt or go for a cheap set menu offer from Monday to Thursday.

Tucked away in Paddington Basin, not only are Lockhouse known for a supreme selection of craft beers, they're here to help all your casual dining needs with some of the very best in award-winning burgers and bites.

Whether you are settling in for a meal or quick bite while seeing London's sights, Aubaine is here for you. Along with a Mayfair location, they serve up some amazing French and European food, making it the best spot for a relaxed bite whatever time of day.

The Birds in Leytonstone has been given a make over, keeping its traditional boozer charm and adding a heap of kitsch interiors inspired by Alfred Hitchcock. As well as a delicious pub menu, great craft beer selection and quaint beer garden, the venue also hosts regular events from brunch through to bingo.

Sophistication and relaxation meet at Balans Society Soho, with a quirky interior, amazing cocktails and a mean British menu, this all-day den is the perfect way to hide away from the bustling streets outside.

If you're craving some comfort food, we highly recommend checking out Britannia. The venue is right near London Bridge and slings out everything from loaded fries to vegan burgers and buffalo chicken wings with blue cheese. Pair your bites with a bit of whisky or a bottle of beer.

With locations including the picturesque setting of Battersea Rise and a charming hideaway in Oxford Circus, Pho is a firm favourite on London's casual dining scene. Expect tasty Vietnamese food with authenticity and relaxed service at the core.

Located in the heart of Fulham, Koka is a great shout for laid-back dining, whether you're after a relaxed date night or a group lunch. This is a family-run joint that specialises in Mediterranean fare, also promising warm hospitality in a rustic, charming space filled with natural light.

Kick back with a beer or cocktail, and tuck into their delicious menu. We're talking tomato burrata salads, seafood risotto and tasty sourdough pizzas, and you can even nab two courses for £12.90 on weekday afternoons.

Looking for a laid-back neighbourhood restaurant and bar in Exmouth Market? Coin Laundry has your name all over it; serving up proper comfort food, rejuvenated 70s cocktails and a big fat slice of nostalgia in a cosy and comfortable setting. Come for a couple of drinks or play some kerplunk in the basement; there's an 'anything goes' spirit that makes Coin Laundry an excellent option for a casual London meal.

In need of a casual dining spot in London? Carb lovers will go absolutely nuts for Pasta Remoli. They're serving up some of the best Italian eats, from creamy spaghetti to decadent ravioli and plenty of parmesan cheese to top it off.

While Drake and Morgan is a laid back venue perfect for a catch up with friends, they don't skimp on quality. Head there for some delicious grilled meat, fish and vegetarian dishes, or stop by one of their two bars for fabulous cocktails and tasty wines.

The restaurant found in the heart of one of London's most notorious clubbing destinations is one of your more unlikely places to eat but ahead of the wave when it comes to casual dining in London. Haymarket Kitchen in Tiger Tiger boasts vibrant interiors and a relaxed aesthetic where you can enjoy a curated international menu with influence from Mexico to Europe. 

Pop into SAMA for a casual meal and you won't be disappointed. The venue operates like a member's club without the membership, meaning you can get that high quality without having to spruce yourselves up. Perfect for munching on their selection of tasty Caribbean treats.

Casual, approachable, and packed with flavour, Noci Islington is the kind of Italian restaurant that makes dining effortless. From simple favourites for kids like ziti with tomato or pesto to indulgent bites like 'nduja arancini and fritto misto, there's something for everyone.

The bright, welcoming space encourages relaxed catch-ups, long lunches, or laid-back dinners with cocktails like the strawberry, blood orange and ginger spritz. And for Londoners across the city, Noci's Richmond, Shoreditch, and Battersea locations bring the same friendly, pasta-filled vibes to multiple neighbourhoods.

The Gourmet Bar is a modern, sophisticated restaurant located within Novotel, Greenwich. It invites you to unwind after a long day in its quirky surroundings, decked out with velvet sofas and contemporary art. Whether you're looking for a spot of brunch or a delicious dinner, it has something for everyone, including pizzas, burgers and tempting starters like salt and pepper squid.

The vibes at Gourmet Burger Club may be chilled out and laid back, but this place takes its food mighty seriously. Its signature smashed burgers are made with 100% grass-fed Irish beef while its starters are handcrafted by the team with sauces made fresh every day.

There's plenty to pick from on the menu with beef and chicken burgers alongside club sandwiches, vegetarian burgers, vegan options, onion rings, all kinds of fries and Italian gelato when you're ready for something sweet. To wash it all down, take your pick from the simple but well-selected range of beers and wines.

Having previously won the 'Best burger in London' award, Haché has got all your burger needs sorted with an eclectic range of chicken, steak, lamb and plant-based goodies. Dishes include chicken katsu sando, steak Mexican, rosemary sea salt lamb and chicken shwarma as well as tasty sharing plates, salads and brunch goodies

If you're in need of a casual Portuguese restaurant in London, then Shoreditch's Casa do Frango is just the place. Settle down here for chic interiors, wood-charcoal fired Frango piri-piri and classic sharing plates, all washed down with wine.