
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.
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
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
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
By The Handbook