While Soho is home to plenty of fine dining venues, it's arguably at its best when it comes to casual dining. The restaurants featured in this guide combine excellent food, welcoming atmospheres and accessible pricing, making them ideal for everything from spontaneous lunches to evening meals and social occasions.
Short on Time? Start Here
If you're looking for somewhere to eat in Soho and don't want to spend hours researching, these are three casual dining restaurants we'd confidently recommend:
At a Glance
Best for Sharing Plates
Brother Marcus, POLPO, Señor Ceviche
Best for Lunch
Koya, Pastaio, BAO
Best for Groups
Blacklock, Dishoom, Brother Marcus
Best for Date Night
Señor Ceviche, Bancone, Brother Marcus
Best Value
Pastaio, Koya, Flat Iron
Best Cuisines
- Mediterranean: Brother Marcus
- Japanese: Koya
- Peruvian: Señor Ceviche
- Italian: Pastaio & POLPO
- Indian: Dishoom
- Steak: Flat Iron & Blacklock
What Is Casual Dining?
Casual dining sits comfortably between fast food and fine dining. It focuses on quality food, table service and a relaxed atmosphere without the formality, lengthy tasting menus or premium pricing often associated with higher-end restaurants.
In Soho, casual dining can mean everything from handmade Japanese noodles and fresh pasta to Mediterranean sharing plates, Peruvian small plates and modern Indian cuisine. The common thread is great food served in an environment that feels welcoming and accessible.
Why Soho Is One of London's Best Areas for Casual Dining
Few areas of London offer the same concentration of casual dining restaurants as Soho. Within just a few streets, diners can choose between Mediterranean sharing plates, fresh pasta, Japanese comfort food, Peruvian small plates, Indian cuisine and some of the capital's most popular steak restaurants.
Neighbourhoods such as Carnaby, Kingly Court and the streets surrounding Soho Square have become dining destinations in their own right, making it easy to enjoy a completely different experience on each visit. The area's walkability is also part of its appeal, with dozens of highly regarded restaurants located within a few minutes of one another.
For diners who value variety, atmosphere and convenience, Soho remains one of the best places in London to enjoy casual dining.
Our Favourite Casual Dining Restaurants in Soho
While every restaurant featured in this guide offers something different, they all share the qualities that define great casual dining: quality food, welcoming service, relaxed atmospheres and strong value relative to the experience they provide.
Brother Marcus
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Best For: Sharing plates, long lunches and group dining
Brother Marcus has become one of Soho's most popular casual dining destinations thanks to its vibrant Eastern Mediterranean-inspired menu and relaxed atmosphere. The sharing-style dishes make it particularly well suited to social dining and meals with friends.
Koya
Cuisine: Japanese
Best For: Lunches and Japanese comfort food
Known for its handmade udon noodles, Koya has built a loyal following among Soho diners. Its simple approach, authentic flavours and relatively accessible pricing make it one of the area's strongest lunchtime options.
Pastaio
Cuisine: Italian
Best For: Fresh pasta and value
Pastaio's fresh pasta dishes and lively atmosphere have made it a favourite among both locals and visitors. It's a great example of how casual dining can deliver quality food without the premium pricing often associated with central London.
Señor Ceviche
Cuisine: Peruvian
Best For: Sharing dishes and date nights
Located in Kingly Court, Señor Ceviche brings bold Peruvian flavours to Soho. Its colourful menu and energetic atmosphere make it particularly popular for evening dining and social occasions.
POLPO
Cuisine: Italian Small Plates
Best For: Sharing and group dining
POLPO's Venetian-inspired menu centres around small plates designed for sharing. The relaxed setting and sociable dining style continue to make it a Soho favourite.
Dishoom Carnaby
Cuisine: Indian
Best For: Long lunches and groups
Dishoom has become one of London's most recognisable restaurant brands. Its Bombay-inspired dishes, distinctive interiors and broad menu make it suitable for everything from casual lunches to larger gatherings.
Flat Iron
Cuisine: Steak
Best For: Affordable dining
Flat Iron's straightforward approach to quality steak has made it one of Soho's most reliable dining options. It's particularly appealing to diners looking for excellent value.
BAO
Cuisine: Taiwanese
Best For: Quick meals and casual lunches
BAO's soft steamed buns and compact menu have helped it become one of Soho's most popular casual dining venues. It's ideal for a quick meal without sacrificing quality.
Blacklock
Cuisine: Steak & Chops
Best For: Groups and celebrations
Known for generous portions and a lively atmosphere, Blacklock is especially popular with larger groups. Its focus on quality meat and sharing options makes it a strong social dining choice.
Bancone
Cuisine: Italian
Best For: Relaxed evening dining
Bancone has earned a reputation as one of Soho's standout pasta restaurants. The fresh pasta dishes and comfortable atmosphere make it a great choice for a leisurely dinner.
Choosing the Right Restaurant
One of Soho's greatest strengths is the variety of dining experiences available within a relatively small area.
If you're meeting friends and want a sociable meal built around sharing dishes, Brother Marcus, POLPO and Señor Ceviche are all excellent choices. Their menus encourage diners to sample multiple dishes, creating a more relaxed and communal experience.
For quick lunches, Koya, BAO and Pastaio are particularly strong options thanks to their focused menus and efficient service. If you're planning a larger gathering, Blacklock and Dishoom are among the most reliable choices for groups.
Meanwhile, diners looking for a more intimate evening meal may find themselves drawn towards Bancone, Señor Ceviche or Brother Marcus, where the atmosphere strikes a balance between relaxed and special.
Best Restaurants by Occasion
Best for Sharing Plates
- Brother Marcus
- POLPO
- Señor Ceviche
Best for Lunch
- Koya
- Pastaio
- BAO
Best for Groups
- Blacklock
- Dishoom
- Brother Marcus
Best for Date Night
- Señor Ceviche
- Bancone
- Brother Marcus
What to Expect from Casual Dining in Soho
While Soho is generally more expensive than many other parts of London, casual dining still offers excellent value compared to fine dining restaurants and tasting-menu experiences. Most diners will find plenty of options that deliver a memorable meal without stretching the budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is considered casual dining?
Casual dining combines quality food, table service and a relaxed atmosphere without the formality typically associated with fine dining restaurants.
How much should you expect to spend at a casual dining restaurant in Soho?
Most diners should expect to spend between £20 and £50 per person depending on what they order and whether drinks are included.
Do you need to book casual dining restaurants in Soho?
Many restaurants accept walk-ins, particularly during quieter weekday periods. However, reservations are recommended for evenings and weekends, especially at popular venues.
Is there a dress code for casual dining restaurants in Soho?
Most Soho casual dining restaurants operate a relaxed smart-casual dress code. Formal attire is rarely required and everyday clothing is generally acceptable.
What are the best days to visit Soho restaurants?
Tuesday to Thursday often provide the best balance of atmosphere and availability. Fridays and Saturdays are typically the busiest, while Sundays tend to offer a more relaxed dining experience.
What are the best casual dining restaurants in Soho for groups?
Blacklock, Dishoom and Brother Marcus are all excellent choices for larger groups thanks to their layouts, menus and sociable dining styles.
Which Soho casual dining restaurants offer the best value for money?
Pastaio, Koya and Flat Iron are often regarded as some of Soho's best-value casual dining options, offering high-quality food at relatively accessible prices.
Ready to Eat?
Soho's casual dining scene is one of the most varied in London. Whether you're craving Mediterranean sharing plates, handmade Japanese noodles, fresh pasta, Peruvian small plates or a great steak, there is no shortage of excellent options to choose from.
The best restaurant ultimately depends on what you're looking for, but the venues featured in this guide consistently deliver the quality, atmosphere and value that make casual dining in Soho so appealing.
