Counter Culture: London’s Best Counter Dining

14th November 2019 | By Astrid Carter

Counter culture has been heating up London’s restaurant scene of late and it’s spanning all the types of eateries you can think of, from Japanese izakaya bars to fine dining grills and rotating cheese counters. Pull up a pew, knock knees and be wowed by the theatre of the chefs behind the bar at these top 19 counter top dining spots.

The Grill at The Dorchester

Obviously The Grill is going to nail meaty dishes but if you’re a veggie, vegan or dining with one it’s worth trying out their vegetarian menu too – the cauliflower steaks with shaved truffle are sublime. You may be sitting at the bar but this is still fine dining – expect to leave with a lighter wallet and a heavier belly.

Where: The Dorchester, 53 Park Lane, Mayfair, W1K 1QA
Website: www.dorchestercollection.com

Angelina

This Dalston gem is fast becoming one of our favourites in east London. The restaurant is made up of candlelit sharing tables but book a spot at the bar to see all the live action from the chefs. The menu is Italian-meets-Japanese – shouldn’t work but it does – and the menu changes regularly. Meaning you’ll always want to go back.

Where: Angelina, 56 Dalston Lane, Dalston, E8 3AH
Website: www.angelina.london

Balthazar

This NY-meets-LND-meets-French Brasserie establishment is a Covent Garden favourite. Sit at the bar, chat to the welcoming waiters and order something simple – you can’t beat bar snacks and a bottle of wine for two post-shopping spree.

Where: 4-6 Russell Street, Covent Garden, London WC2B 5HZ
Website: www.balthazarlondon.com

Rosewood London

If you like a good G&T with your dinner book into the counter bar at Rosewood London’s Holborn Dining Room where they have a sound selection of mother’s ruin. The interiors are Insta-friendly thanks to the red leather seats, copper-topped bar and antique mirrors and the food is hearty – we highly recommend one of their signature pies on dreary grey London days.

Where: Rosewood London, High Holborn, London, United Kingdom
Website: www.rosewoodhotels.com

The LaLiT London

Bar-side dining dedicated to bread? We’re here for it. Head to the Naan’ery at the LaLiT where they have a dedicated naan bread bar within the Buluchi restaurant. Watch the chefs work their culinary magic and create delicious dishes right in front of you, including butter chicken curry with steaming hot naans to dip in or the aubergine and tamarind curry.

Where: 181 Tooley Street, London SE1 2JR, UK
Website: www.thelalit.com

Robata

The best spot in the house is at Japanese restaurant ROBATA, the izakaya-style bar. Watch the talented chefs through billows of smoke cook up their famous skewers and bao buns before plating them up right in front of your eyes.

Where: 56 Old Compton Street, Soho, London W1D 4UE, UK
Website: www.robata.co.uk

Kitchen Table

A dining experience like no other, there are quite literally no other options than to sit at the counter at Kitchen Table. You’ll find the restaurant through a discreet entrance on Charlotte Street and inside 20 diners can sit around a chef’s counter for a full on culinary experience. Headed up by Head Chef James Knappett, the menu changes daily and is meticulously sourced and foraged in Britain. Oh, and did we mention it has two Michelin stars? You might have to wait for a booking but it’s well worth it.

Where: Kitchen Table, 70 Charlotte Street, Bloomsbury, W1T 4QG

Morito

Undoubtedly one of East London’s top restaurants, Morito offers food inspired by the cuisines of southern Spain, northern Africa and the eastern Mediterranean – think of it as a holiday in the heart of Hackney. Book a table at the horseshoe-shaped marble bar to watch and smell the magic happening first-hand.

Where: Morito, 195 Hackney Road, E2 8JL
Website: www.moritohackneyroad.co.uk

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