Winter is nearly here, which means that we’re in the mood for one thing – cosiness! We’ve rounded up some of our favourite cosy restaurants in London, from welcoming German chalets to friendly pho joints. You’ll always be able to snuggle up and enjoy delicious fare in any of these restaurants this winter.
Table of Contents
1. The White Haus, Farringdon
Packed with to the gills with German kitsch (including cuckoo clocks and a bookable vintage cable car), this restaurant in London is a love letter to the cosiness of après ski. Supported by the Ski Club of Great Britain, The White Haus uses quirky winter sports memorabilia to full effect. But it’s not just rustic wood and sheepskin blankets – this winter wonderland has also won awards, including the Best Food Offer in London at the Publican Awards.
Packed with to the gills with German kitsch (including cuckoo clocks and a bookable vintage cable car), this restaurant in London is a love letter to the cosiness of après ski.
We recommend snuggling up by the roaring fireplace with a hot toddy or a salted caramel old fashioned. And although their burgers, schnitzels and steaks are delicious, to really capture those cosy Alpine vibes you have to have their three cheese fondue – because nothing says ‘cosy’ more than a dish of hot, bubbling cheese.
www.thewhitehaus.co.uk
IG: @thewhitehausldn
2. Absurd Bird, Soho
If your soul is in need of nourishment, then you’d better head to Absurd Bird. Specialising in American-style soul food, this unique restaurant effortlessly fills your heart (and stomach) with joy. Taking inspiration from the American South, everything about it smacks of warm hospitality. While the intimate booths might be your first choice for a cosy night, there’s also a lower level full of comfy corners with retro vibes.
As for the food, chicken and waffles are the main event, but don’t miss out on the mac and cheese or their Nashville hot wings – they’ve even got vegan versions on offer. If you’re looking for cosy restaurants in London, then Absurd Bird might be just the ticket.
If your soul is in need of nourishment, then you’d better head to Absurd Bird. Specialising in American-style soul food, this unique restaurant effortlessly fills your heart (and stomach) with joy.
www.absurdbird.com
IG: @absurdbirduk
3. Bánh Bánh, Peckham
If there’s one thing we’re eating to evoke warm, cosy feelings this winter, it’s the steaming pho from Bánh Bánh. This family-run restaurant brings the rich flavours of Vietnam to every aspect of its short menu – from the cocktails (the cognac soda accented by jackfruit is a must) to the dishes (some of which originate from 1940s Saigon). Vegans and vegetarians will be particularly pleased – there are lots of options for them, including meat-free Mondays every week.
The restaurant itself is simple and uncluttered, which works well. Because of this, the sumptuous dishes and the chilled, friendly staff are really allowed to shine. The homey atmosphere really allows you to see and taste the love of family and Vietnam throughout this cosy restaurant in London.
If there’s one thing we’re eating to evoke warm, cosy feelings this winter, it’s the steaming pho from Bánh Bánh. This family-run restaurant brings the rich flavours of Vietnam to every aspect of its short menu – from the cocktails (the cognac soda accented by jackfruit is a must) to the dishes (some of which originate from 1940s Saigon).
4. Lardo, Hackney
Italian dishes can be so comfortingly homey, and Lardo have managed to perfectly capture this aspect of pizza, pasta, and more. Offering cheerfully rustic pizzas, homemade pastas and an array of antipasti and charcuterie, Lardo is everything that you could want from one of the best Italian restaurants in London.
Intimate tables are dotted around the restaurant, all with a view of the pizza oven’s roaring fire. We particularly enjoy drinking a couple of glasses of their organic wine and exploring the range of delicious dishes that Lardo has to offer. Mixing classic, rustic Italian charm with a tinge of industrial edge, Lardo is the perfect place for anyone looking for a homey and romantic place to dine.
Italian dishes can be so comfortingly homey, and Lardo have managed to perfectly capture this aspect of pizza, pasta, and more.
www.lardo.co.uk
IG: @lardolondon
5. Hoppers, Soho
One of the best cosy restaurants in London to visit this winter is Hoppers. The Sri Lankan restaurant offers a wonderfully intimate experience to share with your loved ones as you try new dishes, or revisit old favourites. The comfortable setting encourages you to eat hoppers (rice pancakes) and kari (curry) as they’re intended – with your hands.
One of the best cosy restaurants in London to visit this winter is Hoppers.
The welcoming atmosphere is amplified by the restaurant’s dark panelling and the warm colours that evoke their delicious dishes. Patterned tiles and devil masks decorate the walls and add a comforting type of clutter. This is a restaurant in London where you can really forget the hustle and bustle of the city, and simply enjoy a warm and inviting meal.
www.hopperslondon.com
IG: @hopperslondon
👨🍳 Our Expert – @WendyTuxworth
