Dining
The 5 Best Small Plates Restaurants in London
Order everything and share: the London rooms doing small plates better than anyone.
In short: our top picks are Barrafina, Brawn and Bubala. 5 places in total, chosen on merit, with the full reasoning below.
The small-plates room has become how London likes to eat: a short, changing menu, a glass of something interesting and a table covered in things to share. The best do it with real skill and a sense of fun. These are the rooms worth gathering people around for.
| Place | Area | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Barrafina | Soho | ££ |
| Brawn | Bethnal Green | ££ |
| Bubala | Spitalfields | £££ |
| Berenjak | Soho | ££ |
| Morito | Clerkenwell | ££ |
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Editor’s choice
Barrafina
Why we pick itThe benchmark Spanish counter; sit, watch the chefs and order the daily specials.
Worth knowingNo bookings at Dean Street, a Friday wait that runs past forty minutes with nowhere comfortable to stand, and counter seating only.
-
Brawn
Why we pick itA wine-led room of rustic European plates; effortless, soulful and consistently brilliant.
-
Bubala
Why we pick itVegetable-led Middle Eastern small plates; the oyster mushroom skewers convert everyone.
-
Berenjak
Why we pick itA buzzy take on a Tehran kebab house; charcoal grills and fresh-baked flatbread.
Worth knowingA tight room of close tables and low stools with noise bouncing off hard surfaces, no bookings for most seats, and a wait standard on weekend evenings.
-
Morito
Why we pick itSam and Sam Clark's tapas and meze; small plates with real depth and value.
Before you book
Order more than feels sensible and let it come as it is ready; that is the point of the format. Ask the staff what to prioritise; the kitchen usually has a few stars. And take the wine recommendation by the glass; small plates and a good list go hand in hand.
Common questions
What are the top picks in this guide?
Barrafina is our editor's choice: The benchmark Spanish counter; sit, watch the chefs and order the daily specials. Barrafina, Brawn and Bubala lead the guide, with 5 places in total, all chosen on merit.
How does Lamplit London choose its recommendations?
Every place is chosen on merit, after first-hand visits where possible, with no pay-for-placement. Read our full method at https://www.lamplitlondon.com/how-we-choose/.
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