Group dining in London doesn’t have to mean splitting checks and arguing over who ordered what.
Forget the awkward silence when the bill lands and everyone starts counting napkins. The best group meals in London are built around sharing menus and long tables where plates keep coming, conversation flows, and no one’s left hungry. You don’t need a fancy occasion to do it right-just a hungry crew and a place that knows how to feed a crowd without turning dinner into a logistics exercise.
London’s food scene has quietly shifted over the last few years. Big tables aren’t just for birthdays anymore. They’re the default for friend gatherings, work dinners after a long week, and even solo travelers who want to eat like a local. The city’s top spots now design menus for groups-not just by adding more dishes, but by rethinking how food moves from kitchen to table.
What makes a great group meal in London?
It’s not about having the most expensive steak or the fanciest cocktail. It’s about structure. A good group menu gives you options without overwhelming you. It lets people eat at their own pace. It encourages grabbing food off the same plate. And it doesn’t require five rounds of ordering.
Look for places with:
- Small plates designed to be passed around
- Large-format dishes that feed 3-6 people
- Shared sides that complement the mains
- Clear portion sizes so no one feels shortchanged
- Tables that actually fit more than four people comfortably
Some spots still try to sell you a “group set menu” that’s just three small dishes and a dessert. That’s not sharing. That’s rationing. Real group dining means food arriving in waves, not all at once. It means someone else’s spicy chicken wings end up on your plate because you didn’t order them-and you’re glad they did.
Where to find the best sharing menus in London
Here are five places that get group dining right-and why they stand out.
1. Bao
With locations in Soho, Shoreditch, and Covent Garden, Bao is the go-to for groups who want fun, fast, and flavorful. Their signature steamed buns come in sets of three: pork belly, duck, or tofu. Order three sets, and you’ve got a full meal. Add crispy chicken wings, stir-fried greens, and a side of their house-made chili oil, and you’ve got a table full of sticky fingers and happy faces.
They don’t have big tables, but they do have long communal benches. Perfect for groups of 6-8. No reservations needed for parties under six, and they seat walk-ins quickly. The menu is designed so you can eat with your hands. No forks required.
2. The Palomar
If you want a real taste of Tel Aviv in London, head to Soho. The Palomar is loud, bright, and built for groups. Their menu is all about small plates meant to be shared-think hummus with warm flatbread, lamb kebabs, roasted beetroot with labneh, and a whole roasted cauliflower that arrives with a cloud of za’atar steam.
They have two long tables that seat 10-12. Book ahead, especially on weekends. The kitchen sends out dishes as they’re ready, so the table fills up like a parade. You’ll be grabbing bites from your neighbor’s plate before you even realize you’re sharing. The wine list is Israeli-heavy, and the staff will guide you through what to order based on how hungry you are.
3. Dishoom
Dishoom is the British-Indian classic that nailed the group dining formula before it was trendy. Their Bombay-style breakfasts, black daal, and butter chicken come in generous portions. Order the “Feast for Two” or “Feast for Four,” and you’ll get a mix of starters, mains, rice, and naan that feeds everyone without over-ordering.
They’ve got long wooden tables in every location. The Bombay Café in Covent Garden seats up to 14. The menu is simple: choose from a few big plates, add sides, and let the kitchen do the rest. Their chai is so good, you’ll want to order a second round-even if you’re not a tea drinker.
4. Bistrotheque
Hidden in a converted warehouse in Shoreditch, Bistrotheque feels like a secret. It’s French, rustic, and perfect for groups who want something a little more relaxed than a fine-dining experience. Their signature dish? A whole roasted chicken for two, served with crispy potatoes and a side of green beans. But the real star is the “Feast for Six”-a platter of charcuterie, cheese, roasted vegetables, and a whole duck leg that takes 45 minutes to cook.
They have one long table that seats 12. It’s booked weeks in advance, but if you show up at 5:30 PM on a Tuesday, you might get lucky. The staff brings out food slowly, letting the group settle in. It’s not rushed. It’s meant to be savored.
5. Koya
For a change of pace, try Koya in Soho or Covent Garden. This is Japanese soba noodles done right. They don’t do sushi. They do bowls-big, steaming, rich bowls of hand-pulled noodles in broth, topped with anything from miso-glazed eggplant to crispy pork belly.
Order the “Koya Feast” for four: four different noodle bowls, three small sides, and a shared dessert. The bowls come out one at a time, so everyone gets to taste everything. The space is cozy, with low tables and benches. It’s not loud, but it’s lively. Perfect for a group that wants to talk without shouting.
What to avoid when dining in groups
Not every place that says “group-friendly” actually is.
Avoid:
- Restaurants with tiny tables and no space between them
- Menus that only offer “set menus” for two
- Places that charge extra for more than four people
- Spots where the staff seems annoyed when you ask for extra plates
- Any place that doesn’t let you order multiple dishes at once
Also, don’t assume that “family-style” means “all-you-can-eat.” Some places use the term to justify charging more for a few extra dishes. Ask upfront: “Can we order a few small plates and share?” If they hesitate, walk out.
How to order like a pro
Ordering for a group isn’t about letting everyone pick their favorite thing. It’s about balance.
Use this simple rule: One protein, one veggie, one carb, one wild card.
- Choose one main protein (e.g., duck, lamb, tofu)
- One vegetable dish (e.g., roasted carrots, stir-fried greens)
- One carb (e.g., rice, noodles, flatbread)
- One wild card (e.g., spicy wings, fried cheese, dessert)
Then add two more sides if you’re a group of six or more. That’s it. No need for five mains and three desserts. You’ll end up with leftovers, not overload.
Pro tip: Ask your server, “What’s the most popular thing to order for a group of five?” They’ve seen it all. Let them help.
Big tables aren’t just about size-they’re about rhythm
The best group meals in London don’t just have long tables. They have rhythm. Food comes out in waves. People talk. Someone laughs loudly. Someone else steals a bite. Someone says, “I’ll take the last piece.” And no one minds.
It’s not about the food alone. It’s about the space, the pace, and the way the staff moves. The best places don’t rush you. They don’t hover. They just keep the plates coming.
That’s why the real secret isn’t the menu. It’s the place. Find a spot that treats your group like a party-not a reservation number. And you’ll never go back to splitting bills again.
What to drink with group meals in London
Wine lists can be intimidating. Cocktails take forever. Stick to these simple options:
- Carafes of house wine (most places offer these for groups)
- Beer flights (try Camden Town Brewery or Beavertown)
- Non-alcoholic spritzes or kombucha (many places now have great options)
- Tea or coffee to end the meal (especially at Dishoom or Koya)
Don’t overthink it. The goal is to keep the table moving, not to become a sommelier.
Can I book a big table in London without a reservation?
Some places, like Bao and Dishoom, accept walk-ins for groups under six, especially on weekdays before 6 PM. But for tables that seat eight or more, you’ll almost always need to book ahead. Call or use OpenTable. Don’t rely on just showing up.
Are there vegetarian-friendly group dining spots in London?
Absolutely. The Palomar, Koya, and Dishoom all have strong vegetarian options. Bao’s tofu buns and stir-fried greens are popular with veg groups. Bistrotheque’s roasted vegetable platter works well for vegetarians. Just tell the staff you’re dining as a group with dietary needs-they’ll adjust the order.
How much should I expect to spend per person on a group meal in London?
For a solid group meal with sharing plates, plan for £25-£40 per person. That includes drinks and tip. At places like The Palomar or Bistrotheque, you’ll be closer to £35-£45. Bao and Koya are more budget-friendly at £20-£30. Avoid places that charge more than £50 unless it’s a special occasion.
Do London restaurants charge extra for large groups?
Some do. Always ask when booking. A few places add a 12.5% service charge automatically for groups of six or more. Others don’t. If they charge extra, check if it’s a service charge (which goes to staff) or a “group fee” (which doesn’t). The former is normal. The latter is a red flag.
What’s the best time to go for a group dinner in London?
Try 5:30-6:30 PM. That’s when restaurants are less crowded, staff have more time to help you, and the kitchen isn’t slammed. You’ll get better service, faster food, and often better seating. Avoid 8 PM sharp-it’s chaos.
Next steps: Plan your next group meal
Start by picking a group size. Then pick a vibe: casual (Bao), lively (Dishoom), relaxed (Bistrotheque), or authentic (The Palomar). Check the menu online. Call ahead if you need a big table. Don’t be shy about asking for recommendations.
Group dining isn’t about perfection. It’s about connection. The best meals happen when the food is good, the space is warm, and no one’s stressing over the bill. London has plenty of places that get that. You just have to know where to look.