London is an exciting, vibrant place to explore, full of adventures to experience on every corner. However, its constant noise and crowds can sometimes overwhelm visitors and locals alike.
Amidst the hustle and bustle, there are a number of quiet restaurants that can offer a tranquil escape from the fast pace of the city, whether you’re searching for a peaceful brunch spot, or a calm café to get some work done.
In this article, I’ll explore restaurants that offer not only delectable dishes but also a respite for those seeking a moment of peace in this vibrant city.
The Best Quiet Restaurants in London
The Garden Museum Cafe – Enjoy a Peaceful Coffee
Tucked away in the Garden Museum, The Garden Museum Cafe offers a changing British and European menu of light, seasonal dishes.
This hidden oasis is a lovely spot to sit alone and enjoy the peace, or to meet a friend for a relaxed lunch amongst the trees.
The gnocchi with courgette was bursting with flavour, making this dish an absolute must-try. The coffee was also very enjoyable if you’re just looking for a quick afternoon break.
Address: 5 Lambeth Palace Rd, London SE1 7LB
Common Ground – The Perfect Relaxing Brunch
One of my favourite brunch spots in the city, Common Ground offers a relaxing atmosphere and a beautiful garden.
You instantly feel calm when you walk into this café, surrounded by neutral tones and minimalist decor, with the smell of handmade pastries and fresh bread filling the air.
Common Ground serves a variety of freshly baked treats and homemade sandwiches, as well as a delightful brunch menu if you’re looking for a hearty meal. Highlights include the shakshuka and ultra-cheesy Welsh rarebit croissant, which is my personal favourite for an indulgent breakfast.
Many people visit Common Ground for a quiet brunch with a friend, or to enjoy a cup of coffee while reading or working.
Address: 49 Stroud Green Rd, Finsbury Park, London N4 3EF
Champagne + Fromage – Beautiful Wine Bar
Aptly named, Champagne + Fromage is a chic restaurant offering a wide range of champagne alongside French cheeses and charcuterie.
This restaurant has a warm, relaxing atmosphere, and provides a lovely escape from the city. You can enjoy a cool glass of wine and some delicious cheese without the loud music and chatter that you may find in other wine bars.
Address: 34 Greenwich Church St, London SE10 9BL
La Petite Auberge – Peaceful French Bistro
If you’re a lover of French cuisine and looking for a quiet place to enjoy your meal, La Petite Auberge, in Islington is the perfect bistro for you.
The atmosphere at this restaurant is casual, yet romantic. Young children are not allowed in the restaurant after 5pm, providing a quiet dining experience in the evenings.
I thought that the crepes here were amazing, perfectly thin and not too sweet. The wine list was also extensive, with options to suit everyone’s tastes.
Though La Petite Auberge is fairly expensive, they do have set menu deals to make this a more affordable option.
Address: 283-284 Upper St, London N1 2TZ
Chiringuito – Tapas on the Roof Terrace
A peaceful, Spanish oasis situated in Bethnal Green, Chiringuito boasts a beautiful rooftop terrace serving tapas and other Spanish-inspired dishes.
This location is ideal if you’re looking for a quiet spot to relax with some small plates to snack on while you enjoy the view. I loved the padron peppers and the garlic prawns; the portion sizes were very generous, making this great value.
The tables on the terrace are arranged for smaller groups, surrounded by green plants, making this restaurant feel very private and tranquil. Note that Chiringuito can get busier (and louder) in the evenings, particularly on Saturdays.
Address: Museum Gardens, Chiringuito, London E2 9PA
Delamina East – Delightful Small Plates Restaurant
Delamina East is a Middle Eastern-Mediterranean restaurant serving delectable small plates in their quiet Shoreditch restaurant.
With lime wash walls, rustic furniture and plants surrounding the dining area, Delamina East has a calming ambiance. Soft Mediterranean music plays while diners tuck into their hummus and fresh pita bread, a great spot for a solo dinner or a quiet conversation.
I thought that the service was fantastic, the waiter was able to advise how many plates to order and came around to see whether we had enough food or wanted to order any extra dishes. All of the food was also faultless, with fresh ingredients and creative flavour combinations.
Address: 151 Commercial St, London E1 6BJ
Gauthier Soho – Dine in a Quiet Georgian Townhouse
Gauthier Soho offers Alexis Gauthier’s modern French cuisine in an elegant Georgian townhouse. This restaurant specialises in innovative vegan fine dining.
Gauthier Soho pride themselves on being a sustainable gastronomic restaurant, using local ingredients from sustainable sources.
This is a more expensive option at £95 per person for the dinner tasting menu, however, you can expect incredible quality and picture-perfect presentation for every dish.
Address: 21 Romilly St, London W1D 5AF
Suzzle Café – Café in a Lovely Art Gallery
Suzzle Café is a peaceful lunch spot, with a small garden space in the summer months. This café-gallery-deli has a gluten-free menu of fresh pastries, salads, and sweet treats.
This lovely, quiet spot also functions as an art gallery, so you can take in some of the beautiful pieces on the walls during your visit.
The staff are exceptionally kind and helpful, which makes visiting this cafe even more pleasant. I’d recommend Suzzle Café for a relaxing catch-up with friends or a quiet solo brunch with a book.
Address: 47 Brick Lane, London, E1 6PU
Tips for Finding a Quiet Restaurant in London
What are the typical off-peak hours for dining in London? Typically, off-peak dining times are between 2pm-5pm, after lunchtime but before the evening rush. Mondays to Thursdays are also less busy compared to the weekends.
Are there any particular areas of London that are quieter? Residential areas and certain parts of East London like Shoreditch or Hackney can offer quieter dining experiences compared to tourist hotspots like Covent Garden or Leicester Square.