Solo dinner in London

[Babysharkdoodoodood]

I'm staying in London for one night before I go to the Netherlands for a week. DH will be in KL visiting grandchildren.

I'm looking forward to my solo 'adventure', but want to treat myself to a really nice dinner. I'm already splurging on the hotel thanks to ds's friends and family discount at a hotel on Park Lane, and have my day planned going to Westfield to go to Sephora (amongst others) and Liberty.

Where would you suggest is a lovely restaurant for a dinner on my own? I eat anything. I don't have a budget as I've saved really hard for this trip, but not stupid money.

If I had the chance, I would go to Le Gavroche before it closes.

So many lovely restaurants to choose from! I love dining alone.

There are some great middle-eastern restaurants in Shepherd Market which is just behind Park Lane.

Ormer Mayfair is quite fancy on Half Moon Street if you want something swankier.

Or The Wolseley on Piccadilly if you want something chic and buzzy.

Brilliant suggestion.

I wouldn’t usually suggest The Ivy but I think it could be perfect for this - I like bar seating when eating alone as I get to watch the bar or kitchen at work, plus the whole place feels like a bit of a treat.

https://humolondon.com/ I haven’t been here but it gets wonderful reviews and also has a bar area/open kitchen so you can watch the action.

The Ivy has really gone downhill - most of its offerings are pre-prepared catering. I had to send a steak back last week as it was tough as boots. But the dining rooms are nice.

I agree with minipie that bar seating is best when you’re alone, especially when there is interesting kitchen action to watch. I usually choose sushi bars when I eat alone for this reason. Perhaps try somewhere like Roka.

https://rokarestaurant.com/en/roka-aldwych-london

The Delaunay has a nice atmosphere, I'd be happy having dinner by myself there, reading my book or just people watching. The food is great at Fumo on St Martin's Lane, if you like Italian, good wine and cocktails there too. Enjoy your trip, it sounds lovely!

I love Le Garrick: https://www.legarrick.co.uk/ - simple French food done well.

No reservations left for the date I need 😔

Another vote for Roka at the counter but I’d go for the Mayfair one as probably closer to where you’re staying.

😂😂hilarious. you realise reservations are booked waaay in advance? even more so now

for quintessential british fayre, my recommendation would be st John but you are unlikely to get a reservation at short notice...

depends on what you fancy really.

for seafood - there is brat in Spitalfields...

for a great Indian- there is veeraswamy

for the very best Cantonese (the staff from the Chinese embassy including the ambassador dines here) you want imperial treasure.

for just a chilled dinner, I drop by at Claridges (reading room, not their michelin star offering) who do excellent food and really look after you as a solo diner.

all depends on what you fancy. For any of the above, I would call now and make a booking, otherwise difficult.

I love eating out alone! enjoy your fancy evening!

oh and if you truly want to indulge the treatments at the la mer spa at harrods are gorgeous (not sure you will get something at short notice, but you can try) . the bvlgari spa is also great. personally I wouldn't go to Westfield... there are much better offerings near park lane..

I’d go to Benihaha, I love the food and the ‘show’ and you will be on a table with others you can chat to. We went recently and had a single diner on our table who was really friendly :)

The Wolseley, Cecconi's, Chutney Mary, Franco's or Scott's are all great options imo 😀all around the Mayfair area

Benihana looks good. May have to reserve there.

Randall & Aubin if you like seafood.

Oh really, shame, it was never an exciting menu but was done well at least.

What about Rules? Lovely quintessential food and atmosphere.

Rules is totally fabulous!

Westfield is a terrible waste of a day in London - same old shops you get everywhere but imbued with the stench of rancid fat from all those food stalls. Each to their own - but it's my idea of hell on earth!

didn't rules close a while back?

personally benihana is not for me.... I went as a student, a long time ago and found it to be crass and the food uninspired and definitely far from an authentic Japanese experience. but many like it and you may enjoy it. my favourite Japanese restaurant in London is asakusa in mornington crescent - a little place tucked behind the station frequented by Japanese customers. it is a humble place with fantastic food.

didn't rules close a while back?

@therealcookiemonster certainly not! That would be a travesty!!

I just want to go to Sephora.