Solo dining is on the rise. A recent poll by YouGov discovered 87 per cent of diners have no problem eating out alone, shunning the stigma of solo dining being sad, lonely or boring. With the resurgence of business travel and the prevalence of foodie influencers seeing more and more people willing to go to great lengths to try hot new restaurants, single cover reservations have become increasingly popular over the past few years, helped in no small part by modern restaurants’ willingness to offer counter dining. However, some establishments are definitely more welcoming than others, so we’ve scoured London to find the best eateries to visit when you want to dine alone. 

Ramo Ramen, Soho

If there is one dish that is made to be eaten in the privacy of one’s own company, it’s ramen. Get messy and slurp to your heart’s content (with no companion around to judge) thanks to Ramo Ramen’s unique blend of Filipino-Japanese noodles. The express lunch menu, priced at £14, includes one drink and one main and features combinations such as chicken sopas – think creamy chicken broth, adobo chicken, Hakata noodles, nitamago egg, and shiitake – and oxtail kare kare, with peanut beef broth, pulled oxtail, and all the aforementioned trimmings. Also don’t miss the miso-baked shrimp dumplings, fried chicken katsu donburi and the delicious soft shell crab ginataan: chicken and seafood coconut cream broth, fried soft shell crab, chive oil, Hakata noodles, spring onions and lime.

28 Brewer Street, W1F 0SR, visit ramoramen.com

Bao, across London

A poetic translation of Taiwanese Xiao Chi houses, Bao invites solo diners to take a seat at its counter and tuck into delightful buns stuffed with confit pork, fried chicken and beef short rib in single portions – ideal to enjoy alone (and avoid any awkward attempt at splitting). The no-reservation policy is also optimally suited to those looking to grab a quick bite for lunch or a solo dinner spot. Elsewhere, small plates make for a fun mix-and-match dining experience paired with an extensive list of cocktails, wines, beers and Bao’s Dream Drinks, which have their roots in Asia’s bubble and milk-foam tea cultures. Oh, and do save room for a milk tea ice cream bao bun for dessert. It’s a true revelation.

Visit baolondon.com

Cento, South Kensington

London hotels often host solo travellers who visit the capital on business or leisure trips, and Hilton’s five-star 100 Queens Gate establishment is no exception. The hotel’s Italian-inspired eatery Cento is making those dining alone feel especially welcome by offering each solo guest an aperitivo on arrival. Pick from Italian and European wines, champagnes and beers before moving onto the extensive food menu comprising antipasto favourites, such as beef meatballs in puttanesca sauce on sourdough and spinach gnocchi, and more traditional dishes of chicken milanese and lobster ravioli for the main event. We trust you’ll feel right at home among Cento’s floral arrangements and plush furnishings. 

100 Queen's Gate, SW7 5AG, visit 100queensgate.com

The Libertine, The City

Image: Billy Bolton Studio

Image: Steven Joyce

If you feel the biggest stumbling block in the solo dining concept is whether you’re made to feel comfortable, we recommend you take a trip to The Libertine, tucked underground in the Royal Exchange. “At The Libertine we have a number of tables and spaces at the bar designed with solo diners in mind. Our doors will always remain wide open for those looking for a great meal,” says general manager Connal Donovan. “Whether you’re visiting London for business or a local seeking a tranquil moment to unwind and relax, everyone is made to feel welcome.”

Situated on the site where the very first royal alcohol licence in Britain was granted, the restaurant is steeped in hedonism and mischief – the perfect place to really treat yourself. Inside, expect low-lit surroundings, exposed brickwork and plush leather banquettes furnished with plenty of foliage and tongue-in-cheek art. Once seated, flick through the seafood-inspired food menu to choose from market oysters, a shellfish cocktail, scallop St Jacques and the signature Libertine fish pie. 

1 Royal Exchange, EC3V 3LL, visit libertinelondon.co.uk

Kiln, Soho

Image: Benjamin McMahon

This eclectic Thai restaurant on Soho’s Brewer Street has enough flaming dishes, sizzling sounds and aromatic scents to keep any solo diner occupied. Bag yourself a table at Kiln’s counter and you’ll be in for a show as the expert chefs rustle up dishes inspired by regions where Thailand borders Myanmar, Laos and Yunnan using British produce. The menu changes regularly, but our top picks from Kiln’s most recent fare include roasted shrimp relish, jungle curry with smoked kippers, grilled bavette with smoked chilli glaze and clay pot baked glass noodles. The portions are hearty so take your time with the menu – and at Kiln, it’s always best to check which dishes won’t set your mouth on fire before ordering… 

58 Brewer Street, W1F 9TL, visit kilnsoho.com

Lina Stores, across London

Born on the aforementioned Brewer Street, Lina Stores now operates an Italian-inspired empire across the capital with pasta-centric outposts in King’s Cross, Clapham, The City and Marylebone. The dining concept is simple: fresh, delicious handmade pasta dishes ranging from 30-egg yolk tagliolini with black truffle and crab linguine to burrata ravioli, datterini tomato and spaghetti alla chitarra with Amalfi lemon. Each restaurant caters for solo diners too, with spaces available at smaller tables and at counters so you can watch the chefs at work. And when dishes start at £7.50, this really does seem like the perfect solo dining option for those looking to treat themselves without going too overboard. 

Visit linastores.co.uk

Read more: The best Chinese fine dining restaurants in London