The 30 Best Intimate dining in London

“We entered the store and were immediately greeted by the staff in their open kitchen. From the appetizers to the main dishes, everything was spot on — everything tasted really good. The staff were also very friendly.”

“⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Belle Ville is an absolute gem! Their Mediterranean cuisine is a tantalizing journey for the taste buds. Every dish is a masterpiece of flavor, showcasing the authenticity and quality that sets Belle Ville apart. The restaurant's environment is nothing short of excellent. Whether you prefer the cozy indoors or the charming outdoor patio, the ambiance is perfect for any occasion. It's an inviting space that adds to the overall dining experience, making every visit memorable. What truly makes Belle Ville shine is the impeccable service. The staff's dedication to ensuring your satisfaction is remarkable. Their knowledge of the menu and their attentiveness create a dining atmosphere that's both welcoming and impressive. I highly recommend Belle Ville; it's a culinary gem that consistently delivers a 5-star experience”

“Fantastic local place. This is the type of restaurant we need to keep using otherwise Lordship Lane will just end up all chains and lose the neighbourhood feeling. Fantastic pizza and pasta. And home made tiramisu to die for.”

“Simply some of the best latin American food on this side of the pond. Shoreditch has many great options for latin food, and this is one of my favourites. The food is exquisite, well priced, well portioned, and served quick and fresh!”

“Absolutely stunning food！Had the full tasting menu. Every single course tastes amazing！ The whole dining experience was fantastic. The amuse bouche was served in the bar area，and then we were led to the dining room. The dining tables are big and between tables it is very well spaced. The service is very professional. The environment is very well designed and decorated. Guests can watch the chefs cooking in the open kitchen. The taste of the food is complicated also very well balanced. My favourate dishes are lobster rice，quail，fish stew and the wagyu.”

“What a quietly dazzling place this is. There’s something wonderfully conspiratorial about stepping through that modest entrance, as though you’re being let in on a secret. The evening began with a generosity that’s actually become rare in fine dining - an extra splash of sauce here, a little more wine there - no questions, no charge, and not in excess, but with the sort of intuitive hospitality that says, “We’re glad you’re here.” It wasn’t about selling a product, or ticking boxes of ‘luxury’ and ‘innovation’; it was about making an experience breathe. The fish-focused menu was, quite simply, divine. Each plate felt considered but never contrived. The chef’s attention to detail was everywhere, not only in the precise cooking but in the courtesy and conversation that accompanied it. He seemed genuinely invested in the pleasure of his guests, which lent the whole evening a warmth too often missing from Michelin-minded establishments. In short, Behind is a restaurant that remembers why restaurants exist at all: to nourish, to delight, and, if only for a few hours, to make the world feel exquisitely well-arranged.”

“Delicious foods, and the owner is kindess person in London, and so helpfull.Thank you everything, the babysitting, the finding of our keys. Erik, Zsófi, Balázs from Hungary”

“Baban’s Naan — Kurdish Comfort with a London Twist This beloved Kurdish restaurant is known for its freshly baked naan, grilled meats, and generous portions. Whether you’re dining in or grabbing takeaway, Baban’s Naan offers a warm welcome and deeply satisfying food. Why it’s great for dinner: Fresh naan baked to order — soft, smoky, and perfect with dips or grilled meats Lamb shish, chicken tikka, and mixed grills — juicy, well-seasoned, and cooked over charcoal Vegetarian options — including falafel, hummus, and salads Affordable prices — great value for generous portions Quick service and friendly staff — even during busy hours”

“The overall dining experience was truly delightful, and the food comes in very generous portions. I ordered the Lamb Cutlets, which is my preferred dish at every restaurant I visit, and the serving here was easily the best size I have ever encountered. The dish consisted of four substantial pieces, and the portion was definitely satisfying. I left the restaurant feeling completely full and content. I would highly recommend this establishment and plan to visit again soon. The staff was also friendly and exceptionally helpful, adding to the overall positive atmosphere.”

“Beautiful meal to celebrate with family, we all enjoyed the starters mains and desserts and the staff were lovely helpful and smiley! We will come back for sure! Octopus starter was soooo yummy!”

“Absolutely love this place! Our favourite Turkish restaurant. The food is always top quality, full of flavour and beautifully presented (just look at the photos!). The service is consistently amazing, the staff are friendly and go above and beyond to make you feel welcome. Whether it’s the grilled meats or the delicious desserts, everything is spot on. Highly recommend!”

“A true family run authentic restaurant. The owners put their hearts and souls into it and it really shows in the quality of the food, service, and atmosphere.”

“Charming little spot with a warm vibe. The pizza crust was thin and crispy, exactly how I like it. Only downside was the wait time for dessert.”

“Very nice change to the usual food places in Sevenoaks, and it's not often outside of London you get South American food in my experience. Tried the Arepa Pabellón which consists of shredded beef, black beans, plantain, and grated cheese, in corn bread. Apparently the most popular Arepa that people get. For £10.50 I definitely think it's worth it, as the flavour was excellent and it was jammed full of ingredients! My photography doesn't do it justice! The lady that served me was friendly and music was playing while my food was being prepared. I will definitely be back!”

“Perfect Choice is the best chicken shop in the local area. The food is delicious, the staff are very friendly and accommodating and the wait times are very short. I couldn’t recommend it more.”

“We had the most amazing experience at Hayward’s this weekend. I booked the dinner and accommodation package for my husbands birthday months ago. Since booking, I have had to go on a strict diet for medical reasons. I contacted Hayward’s and they went above and beyond what I had expected by creating a fully bespoke menu for myself, meaning I didn’t miss out on anything and you would never have known the food had been adapted. My husbands food was incredible as well. The service on the night was impeccable, our glasses were never empty and little touches such as the waitress’s ensuring the tables were clean after each course did not go unnoticed. We would highly recommend visiting this family run business and we will be back for definite.”

“"I had a great experience at Eat From a Box! The food was absolutely delicious and exceeded my expectations. The service was friendly, quick, and attentive, making the experience even better. The atmosphere was cozy and welcoming, creating a perfect setting to enjoy a meal. I dined in and ordered [kebab dona], which was fresh and full of flavour. Highly recommend this place for anyone looking for great food and excellent service!"”

“I recently had the pleasure of dining at this Restaurant, and it was an experience to remember. From the moment I walked in, the warm, friendly smiles and welcoming ambiance set the tone for a delightful evening. The menu offers a fantastic variety of authentic Indian dishes, each crafted with care and bursting with flavor. I started with the popadoms which were perfectly crispy then tandoor platter. later For the main course, I opted for the chicken chilly and the lamb mince curry , both of which were absolutely divine.The fresh, soft garlic naan bread was the ideal accompaniment, and the portions were generous, and finally they had an amazing variety of ice cream ensuring great value for the price. What truly stood out, aside from the incredible food, was the impeccable service. The staff was attentive, knowledgeable, and eager to make recommendations that enhanced our dining experience. The restaurant itself is beautifully decorated, creating a cozy yet elegant atmosphere that’s perfect for any occasion. The Grand Taj Indian Restaurant has undoubtedly become one of my favorite dining spots. Whether you’re a fan of Indian cuisine or new to it, this restaurant promises a memorable experience that will keep you coming back for more. Highly recommended!”

“Always have a fantastic experience coming here and have found it’s especially good for groups. Food is top notch and Rocky is the perfect host recommending lots of great dishes. Will come back soon!”

“I just happened to pass by this Indian cuisine restaurant. The price is reasonable and the food is delicious. We tried the chicken noodles, lolipop and some chilli chicken and they were commendable.”

“Stumbled across this amazing restaurant and had an absolutely delicious dinner here! Fabulous flavours and perfect spice levels. Lovely and attentive hosts. Thank you - we highly recommend!”

“Me and the Missus eat here often. The pub itself is a little run down ( cracking pub though ) and we see many people come in, have a look around and promptly leave. They made a big mistake. The food is delicious and plentiful. My current favourite is the Penang curry and I always ask for small potato pieces to be added which they are happy to do. Prices are very reasonable. Oh, I forgot to mention the crispy pork belly for starters. I have just talked myself into going there this afternoon. Never know, we may just see you in there.”

“Fabulous place! Schnitzels are huge and super tasty! Service very attentive! Can't wait to come back!”

“Visiting from Montréal. Recommended by family and friends. This place was cozy and felt like home! Antonio and his son’s welcomed us with open arms. The food was just like eating Sunday lunch at Nonna’s. I highly recommend it.”

“Lovely surprise! We have lived in the area for years and never tried the restaurant under the new management before. We liked the mussels and prawns dishes a lot. Pizza and Parmigiana were nice as a main but not as much as the starters, those were top. The chef must be really good skilled in handling fish dishes I guess, and we'll definitely be back to try more. Service was attentive and not obtrusive.”

“Absolute gem! Popped in with two of my friends and everything was perfect. If you like sweet-flavoured dishes, go for the Cola Pork Ribs with Rice Cakes, the Plum Powder Potato Tower, and the Black Pepper Honey Beef. If you’re into bold Sichuan flavours, the Guan Gong Spicy Beef and the Salt and Pepper Lotus are both amazing. Mango and Taro Flavoured Rice Cakes are a must-try after-meal delight — they go perfectly with the condensed milk dipping. Portions are generous, prices are fair for London, and the staff were super friendly. Will definitely be back!”

“An absolutely beautiful, local gem. The food is delicious, homely yet filling. The owner is so warm and friendly. The bruschette is fantastic and the pasta is superb. We had the mushroom pasta and the day special which was artichoke tortellini with the most delicious spicy tomato sauce. Highly recommend!”

“We came here for our annual Christmas party and had the private area downstairs to ourselves so we really felt at home. The table set up was beautiful, the staff are excellent and tended to our every need. Everything on the menu is delicious! The food is amazing here! Thank you so much for a wonderful meal Jimmy & family!”

“Visited Gloria in Shoreditch for World Pasta Day and it was absolutely fantastic! The truffle fettuccine was rich, creamy and full of flavour and definitely the highlight of the night. The parmigiana was also delicious and perfectly cooked. The starters were lovely, and the cocktails were top-notch too. The staff were super friendly and made the whole experience even better. Such a great vibe overall and I can’t wait to come back!”

“Sophisticated fine dining venue that works beautifully for special occasions, even with larger groups. The tasting menu cleverly weaves Asian aromatics into Italian foundations. Cocktails and tea service bookend the meal nicely. The smoked focaccia and strawberry-sauced raw fish were our evening's highlights - creative and expertly executed. The pasta course was excellent, though the grilled quail felt somewhat predictable for this calibre of menu. One of the starters being another fried item seemed like a missed opportunity for more variety. For the price point, it delivers solid value and a memorable experience. Staff are exceptional - knowledgeable about every dish and genuinely passionate. Arrive early and you might snag counter seats with kitchen views, which adds to the experience.”