By now, we’ve all tried the infamous TikTok filter featuring that oh-so-catchy ‘girl dinner’ tune. But the choices? Hemp milk? A carrot? And some crackers? That’s certainly not a full meal in our books. With that said, we’re giving you the guide on how to do girl dinner in London – think a plethora of delicious small plates and innovative nibbles all served in Instagrammable surroundings.
The Cross
Knocking up truffle risotto with parmesan shavings, crispy chilli broccoli, and pan-fried cod with lentils, The Cross knows what it’s doing when it comes to small plates. Along with a gorgeous rooftop and sleek bar, the restaurant offers moreish Mediterranean dishes – perfect for ladies' nights and catch-ups. To wash it all down, grab the coconut margarita or lemon meringue martini.
The decadent interiors here make this one of the best restaurants for a ladies' lunch in London.
Aspen & Meursault
Want the best girls’ night dinner in London? Aspen & Meursault is coming up trumps on our list. The Battersea beaut exudes a calmness with its minimalist interiors and gorgeous greenery. We suggest nabbing the boozy cheeseboard featuring five alcohol-soaked dairy delights served on pane carasau. Add on some anchovies topped with blue cheese and spiced pickles.
This oasis is perfect for one-on-one catch-ups.
Spey Bar By Quaich At Browns
Browns Brasserie & Bar is always a fabulous choice, but if it’s the best girl dinner in London you’re after, we recommend heading to its whisky joint, Spey Bar By Quaich. Admire the decadent décor, settle into the plush sofas, and enjoy dishes that are all under £15 per plate. Seafood lovers will adore the lobster roll and oysters, while the cheddar toastie with green tomato chutney serves as a crowd favourite.
Upgrade your girl dinner with lush bites at this Covent Garden gem.
Arepa & Co
Located in Haggerston, Bethnal Green and other London hotspots, Arepa & Co is whipping up top-notch Venezuelan cuisine in a casual setting. Fronting zesty cocktails and wine, the venue’s menu also has a small plate section if you fancy eating a few different dishes. Expect excellent South American classics such as £3.75 tostones and crispy yuca chips for £5.50.
Want restaurants for girl dinner in London? Two to three plates are recommended per person.
The Black Book
Another gorge spot on our guide, The Black Book is the best place to take a girl to dinner in London. The venue showcases its walk-in Coravin Cellar, which is stocked with an impressive variety of wines. Nab a glass of red or white and snack on truffle popcorn before tucking into a range of sharing plates. The halloumi fries come with a zesty sriracha mayo while the button mushroom gratin has an earthy flavour.
Cheeseboards filled to the brim? The quintessential girl dinner when going out.
The Libertine
The Libertine is a fabulous underground watering hole thanks to its wide range of cocktails, beer and wine. While slurping down boozy bevvies, check out the bar menu filled with British snacks and light bites. Chow down on aubergine crisps, oysters, savoury rarebit crumpets and chilli chicken lollipops. Oh, and it wouldn’t be girl dinner without the bread - the 48-hour sourdough is a must-have for the table.
With veggie-friendly choices on offer, there's something for everyone at this joint.
Ollie’s House
If you have a penchant for Asian dishes, Ollie’s House promises some of the most scrumptious starters. Come to these Chelsea or Parsons Green gems and order five plates to share – you’ll be feasting on the likes of tuna tartare, fluffy bao buns and gochujang smothered chicken wings. To sweeten the deal, nab 50p gyozas (you read that right) during the week from 3pm to 6pm.
With plenty of deals and a buzzing ambience, it’s one of the most fun restaurants in London.
Mina’s
For girly restaurants in London, we had to mention Mina’s. Featuring beautiful shades of pink, lush hanging foliage and artwork peppered across the venue, it’s ideal for sharing plates and cocktails. Head here from 4pm to 7pm during the week for aperitivo hour and enjoy £9 signature serves. The courgette fries, spicy meatballs and silky smooth hummus all sound like filling options alongside salted almonds and olives.
Boasting pink interiors and beaut decor, this restaurant bar is unmissable.
May Fair Kitchen
For girl dinner spots in London, May Fair Kitchen has the most aesthetically-pleasing Japanese and Italian plates. And if you rather splash out the cash on a few sleek eats, its menu showcases fresh sashimi, tempura prawns, and gyozas tacos. These guys also have an £85 omakase-tasting experience so you can sample several nibbles in one sitting.
May Fair Kitchen is easily one of the coolest restaurants in London.
Barrafina’s Bar Daskal
A Spanish drinking den near London Bridge, Barrafina’s Bar Daskal has everything you need for a satisfying meal. Sit at the counter and get ready for several flavourful tapas whipped up by chef Angel Zapata Martin. We're talking everything from chorizo and crisps to beautiful blocks of cheese and much more. To top off your cute girl dinner in London, add a glass of sherry or rosé.
Don't sleep on Barrafina’s Coal Drops Yard and Covent Garden sites as well.
28-50 Wine Bars
Fronting sites in Marylebone, Oxford Circus, Chelsea and beyond, 28-50 serves plenty of sharing dishes to boot. While sipping a pinot grigio or Bordeaux, sample the garden platter which fronts hummus, naan, artichoke tempura, truffle arancini and padron peppers. Tack on some skinny fries or a bread basket, and you’re set for the evening.
Take your partner in wine to these fancy affordable restaurants.
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