Light bites in London

[jay55]

I have an older relative coming to stay and she’s a plain eater with not a big appetite.
Can anyone recommend places, open for dinner with normal height tables (she recently broke her leg so will need to sit, and won’t be doing high stools) that serve simple salads, small meals?
Area wise Greenwich, Canary Wharf and west end and anywhere touristy. We’ll visit the museums too but the museum cafes will be good those days.

She might be okay with noodles but not Mexican or Indian.

Although it wouldn’t be my first choice this is what chains are very good for. There is a Bills in Greenwich and Covent Garden they do a nice fish pie and burgers. Pizza and pub food would also work well I think. Have a great trip!

A lot of places offer small plates and lighter options. Most of the Italians do, Comptoir Libonais, All Bar One for example which have branches all over the city.

If pub food and pizza were options I’d not be asking for suggestions 😂😂

Bills are far too big portions. All bar one centrally tend to be very much bars in the evenings.

We’re talking small salad, bowl of soup type options and I’m drawing a blank as most like that are not open for dinner.

just order her a starter and/or side dishes?
or a tapas restaurant?

Nessa Soho and My Place Soho would definitely have the kind of meal you’re after.
All of the pasta dishes on the a la carte menu at Pastaio are available in half portions. There are some plainer options like carbonara and pasta and tomato sauce.
Ziggy in Soho has some lighter options on the main dinner menu. I wouldn’t say they’re particularly plain though.

Kitty Hawk, on the 6th floor opposite the national portrait gallery. Lovely little plates, beautiful outdoor area and spectacular views! We just visited it as one of the Restaurant Tour venues.

For smaller portions: Ordering a starter as a main works fine. I’ve done this plenty of times when not very hungry. Or look for “small plates” restaurants as a pp said.

Actually the plain eating requirement is probably more difficult. Everywhere wants to ramp up their flavour profiles and trending ingredients!

Somewhere like Leon or Gails would work well I think.

The Ivy in the Park in Canary Wharf is a good choice to try. They have salads and lighter dishes as well as more filling options, so there should be something your relative can manage without ordering a big meal. It is also a proper sit-down restaurant with normal tables, so she will not have to worry about high stools. I think you will like it for an easy dinner.

What about somewhere that does Tapas?