Looking for the best seat in the house? Then look no further than London’s kitchen-side counter dining restaurants. Closer to the food? Check. Closer to the agile chef action? Check. Closer to the cocktails? Check, check and check (…one for every espresso martini consumed).
Thanks to stool-space only restaurants and intimate chef-to-table experiences, eating at the counter’s no longer something to turn your nose up at in favour of a table. From plush bar stools and 6-course kebab tasting menus, to cheese conveyor belts, sumptuous small plates and theatrical kitchen action, here are some of the most sought-after counter seats in town.
Bar des Prés
The second outpost of Parisian chef Cyril Lignac’s restaurant, Bar des Prés in Mayfair boasts both bar-side dining and booths, alongside a stellar sushi menu you won’t want to miss. Paired alongside a cocktail or bottle of wine to share, book your spot at the bar to see what it’s all about.
Where: 16 Albemarle St, London W1S 4HW
Website: www.bardespres.com
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Bubala
Enter the world of plant-based Middle-Eastern feasting at Bubala, where sitting at the main counter you can order the likes of Whipped carrot, chilli pickled raisins and coriander oil; Halloumi with black seed honey, and Charred oyster mushroom skewers with tamari, coriander seed and agave.
Plant-based counter-dining so good, you won’t miss the meat at all.
Plant-based counter-dining so good, you won’t miss the meat at all.
Where: 65 Commercial St, London E1 6BD
Website: www.bubala.co.uk
The Barbary
The Barbary has gained quite the reputation in Seven Dials. With a buzzy vibe and adventurous dishes inspired by the Barbary Coast and Israeli influences, the counter dining experience (which seats just 24) is second to none.
Expect joyful, flavour-packed small plates and bright, bold flavours.
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Where: 16 Neal’s Yard, London WC2H 9DP
Website: www.thebarbary.co.uk
The Cheese Bar
It wouldn’t be a counterside dining guide without including a countertop conveyor belt of cheese. And with bottomless cheese and charcuterie every Wednesday for 1hr and 15 mins, you’ll be wobbling out of here from a blur of brie.
With bottomless cheese and charcuterie, you’ll be wobbling out of here from a blur of brie.
Where: Seven Dials Market, Short’s Gardens, London WC2H 9AT
Website: www.thecheesebar.com/seven-dials
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Barrafina
Barrafina is famously known for its counter dining because, well, that’s all that’s available! Each restaurant boasts an intimate number of stools and is known for their extraordinary tapas dishes, marble-topped bars and chic red leather stools with views into open kitchens.
Work your way through ham croquetas, gambas rojas, and prawn and piquillo pepper tortillas, and wash it all down with a glass on manzanilla.
Extraordinary tapas dishes, marble-topped bars and chic red leather stools with views into open kitchens.
Where: Multiple Locations
Website: www.barrafina.co.uk
Bibi
The best seat in the house at Bibi is counter-topped, kitchen-side, and right next to the action. Expect contemporary food with recognisable Indian flavours, like their signature juicy Sharmaji’s Lahori Chicken, and buttery-soft lamp chop barra.
Where: 42 N Audley St, London W1K 6ZP
Website: www.bibirestaurants.com
The Grill at The Dorchester
Who knew one of London’s most iconic hotels was also home to counter-dining with desserts? Grab a seat at The Dorchester’s Pudding Bar and enjoy a front row seat to the chefs in action as you select your final course.
Choose between puddings like the coffee and cream soft serve with hazelnuts, Pedro Ximenez sherry and Jamaica Blue Mountain coffee.
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Where: 53 Park Ln, London W1K 1QA
Website: www.dorchestercollection.com
Pasta e Pizza
Get yourself down to Eataly, grab a countertop seat, and tuck in to splendid dishes alongside an unbeatable view of their chefs at work. While ‘pasta and pizza’ are just the tip of the Italian (and Eatalian) iceberg, there’s a reason these two culinary staples are the most beloved exports of the Italian peninsula. At Pasta e Pizza, the dough is leavened for 50 hours total to create a light and fluffy pizza base, and their traditional pasta is served perfectly al dente for a deliciously unforgettable experience.
Where: 135 Bishopsgate, London EC2M 3YD
Website: www.eataly.co.uk/restaurants
Temaki
From the Japanese term “kaunta seki”, Temaki in Brixton is counter-dining only, letting guests watch the chef prepare their meal Kappo-style (directly in front of them at the counter).
Freshly rolled temaki, made from vinegared red Uruchiamai rice, are handed directly to you from across the counter. Best eaten immediately.
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Freshly rolled temaki are handed directly to you from across the counter.
Where: 12 Market Row, London SW9 8LB
Website: www.temaki.co.uk
Roketsu
This highly sought-after restaurant may be booked up two months in advance but one step inside and you can see why. Headed by chef Daisuke Hayashi, the restaurant serves up traditional Japanese kaiseki, a multi-course dinner that shows off the skills and techniques of Hayashi. Every ounce of this restaurant is inspired by Japan, through to the interiors that were even made in Kyoto and shipped specially to London. It’s a true delight and worth visiting if you get the chance.
where: 12 New Quebec Street, W1H 7RW
Website: www.roketsu.co.uk
Temper
Pull up a pew at Temper and dig into their sumptuous offerings of melt-in-your-mouth sweet and sour pork ribs, cheeseburger tacos, or brisket with Tajín on house-made paratha.
Meat over open flames is the vibe at Temper, and a seat at the bar is the best way to soak up the action happening at the theatrical central firepit.
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Where: Multiple Locations
Website: www.temperrestaurant.com
Kebab Queen
Ask an in-the-know Londoner to recommend counter-dining in Covent Garden and they’ll likely reply Kebab Queen. With a countertop that’s heated in places so the chef can cook your food, literally, right in front of you, the counter is right at the heart of the action.
It’s an intimate 10-seat dining experience, with a 6-course tasting menu only, but it’s something really quite special that must be tried.
An intimate 10-seat dining experience with a 6-course tasting menu.
Where: 4 Mercer Walk, London WC2H 9FA
Website: www.eatlebab.com/kebab-queen
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Kama By Vineet
For upmarket counter-dining, Kama by Vineet is a must-try. Located inside Harrods Dining Hall, this restaurant from the world’s first Michelin star Indian chef serves up jaw-droppingly good food.
Unsurprisingly, these are some of the plushest, comfiest counter seats in London. It is Harrods, after all – only the best for your bum cheeks.
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Where: Harrods, 87-135 Brompton Rd, London SW1X 7XL
Website: www.kamarestaurant.co.uk
J Sheekey
If you’re looking to get your seafood fix, head to J Sheekey’s for mouth-watering oysters and their legendary fish pie. Treat yourself to a selection of dishes and sip a martini or three while perched on plush counter stools.
Where: 28-32 St Martin’s Ct, London WC2N 4AL
Website: www.j-sheekey.co.uk
Kricket Soho
One place that knows how to put some epic food on the counter is Soho’s Kricket. Counter-diners can expect to perch on awesome pink stools as you tuck into small plates from kerala fried chicken and samphire pakoras to grilled butternut squash and mussels.
The extensive menu keeps the chefs busy kitchen-side, and you’re perfectly positioned to watch them work their culinary magic.
Perch on pink stools as you tuck into small plates.
Where: 12 Denman St, London W1D 7HJ
Website: www.kricket.co.uk/soho
