The Best BYOB Restaurants In London
Restaurant wine lists are wonderful—until the bill arrives. That’s where BYOB comes in. Whether you’re celebrating with a special bottle you’ve been saving or simply trying to keep dinner a little more affordable, London’s bring-your-own scene is packed with hidden gems, from legendary Punjabi institutions to neighbourhood Turkish grills and authentic noodle houses. These are the BYOB restaurants worth knowing about.
Viet Soho
Among Soho’s expensive restaurants, Viet Soho remains a reliable spot for affordable Vietnamese comfort food. Expect generous bowls of pho, crisp spring rolls, and noodle dishes, making it a handy central London option when you’re dining on a budget.
BYOB: £10 corkage per person (wine only).
Where: 34 Greek Street, London W1D 5DJ
Website: www.vietsoho.co.uk
Tayyabs
Few restaurants have achieved cult status quite like Tayyabs. The Whitechapel institution has been drawing queues since 1972, serving some of London’s best Punjabi and Pakistani food in a dining room that’s as lively as the sizzling platters flying through it. The lamb chops are legendary for good reason, but the rich karahis, smoky kebabs and comforting dhal are just as worthy of your order.
BYOB: Free corkage all week. There’s also an off-licence just a few doors down if you forget your bottle.
Where: 83–89 Fieldgate Street, London E1 1JU
Website: www.tayyabs.co.uk
Hawksmoor
Perhaps London’s most surprising BYOB deal belongs to Hawksmoor. Every Monday, the celebrated steakhouse group drops its corkage fee to just £5 per bottle, making it the perfect excuse to dust off that special bottle you’ve been saving. Pair it with one of the restaurant’s dry-aged British steaks, triple-cooked chips and bone marrow gravy, and you’ve got one of the best-value luxury dinners in the capital.
BYOB: £5 corkage per bottle every Monday (£25 Tuesday–Sunday).
Where: Multiple locations
Website: www.thehawksmoor.com
Little Georgia
The Hackney branch of Little Georgia remains one of London’s best-kept BYOB secrets. Filled with vintage furniture and old-world charm, it’s the ideal introduction to Georgian cooking, from molten cheese-filled khachapuri to juicy khinkali dumplings and hearty stews. Unlike the Islington restaurant, this branch is strictly BYOB.
BYOB: Free corkage.
Where:87 Goldsmiths Row, London E2 8QR
Website: www.littlegeorgia.co.uk
Mangal 1
One of Dalston’s longest-standing favourites, Mangal 1 proves you don’t need fancy interiors when the food is this good. The charcoal grill is the star of the show, producing beautifully smoky lamb skewers, minced chicken beyti and generous mixed grills that have made it a north-east London institution.
BYOB: Free corkage all week.
Where: 10 Arcola Street, London E8 2DN
Xi’an Impression
Tiny in size but huge on flavour, Xi’an Impression has become a pilgrimage site for lovers of authentic north-west Chinese cooking. The hand-pulled noodles, Xi’an pork burgers and chilli-laced cold dishes are reason enough to visit, while the modest corkage keeps things refreshingly affordable.
BYOB: £5.50 corkage for wine, £1.90 for beer.
Where: 117 Benwell Road, London N7 7BW
Website: www.xianimpressions.shop
Dar’s Tandoor & Grill
A neighbourhood favourite in Belsize Park, Dar’s specialises in charcoal-grilled Pakistani and Indian cooking, with everything from chicken shashlik and seekh kebabs to richly spiced curries. The warm welcome is every bit as memorable as the food.
BYOB: Guests are welcome to bring their own alcohol. Corkage may vary, so it’s worth checking when booking.
Where: 2 Elm Ter, London NW3 2LL
Website: www.darsgrill.co.uk
Before you go
BYOB policies can change, so it’s always worth checking corkage fees when you book. Many of these restaurants are also close to excellent independent wine shops or local off-licences, making it easy to pick up the perfect bottle before you sit down.
