The 10 Best Sharing Plate Restaurants to Try in London in 2025
London’s culinary scene is a vibrant tapestry, constantly evolving and offering exciting new ways to dine. One of the most convivial and engaging trends to have taken hold is the rise of sharing plates. Forget rigid starters and mains; these restaurants encourage exploration, conversation, and a delightful communal experience. Whether you’re catching up with friends, enjoying a date night, or celebrating with family, sharing plates offer a taste of everything and a whole lot of fun. So, ditch the individual portions and dive headfirst into our curated list of the ten best sharing plate restaurants you absolutely need to try in London in 2025. Get ready for a flavour adventure!
1. Delamine Townhouse, Covent Garden
Nestled in the heart of Covent Garden, Delamine Townhouse isn’t just a restaurant; it’s an immersive journey into the vibrant and sun-drenched flavours of the Israeli Mediterranean. Taking the top spot for its sheer innovation and captivating atmosphere, Delamine Townhouse elevates sharing to an art form. The menu, a testament to fresh, seasonal ingredients, is a kaleidoscope of textures and tastes. Think creamy hummus drizzled with fragrant olive oil and scattered with toasted pine nuts, alongside perfectly grilled halloumi that squeaks delightfully with every bite. Their baba ghanoush is smoky and luscious, a perfect partner for warm, fluffy pita bread.
But it’s not just the classics that shine here. Delamine Townhouse’s chefs display a playful creativity, evident in dishes like their slow-cooked lamb shoulder, meltingly tender and infused with aromatic spices, served with a vibrant pomegranate and herb salsa. Vegetarians are equally spoiled for choice with inventive creations such as roasted cauliflower florets with tahini and za’atar, and vibrant beetroot carpaccio with pistachios and goat’s cheese. The cocktails are equally inspired, often incorporating Middle Eastern botanicals and spices, making them the perfect accompaniment to your culinary exploration. The ambiance, with its warm lighting, intricate tilework, and bustling yet intimate setting, makes Delamine Townhouse an unforgettable experience. It’s the kind of place where conversations flow as freely as the wine, and every plate is a discovery.
2. Ember Yard, Soho
Bringing the smoky allure of Spanish and Italian grilling to the heart of Soho, Ember Yard is a masterclass in flavour intensity. As the name suggests, the kitchen revolves around a bespoke charcoal grill and wood-fired oven, imparting a unique depth and character to every dish. Their small plates are designed for sharing and showcase the best of seasonal produce cooked over fire. Expect succulent grilled octopus with smoked paprika and potatoes, perfectly charred Iberico pork with rosemary and garlic, and delicate grilled scallops with lemon and parsley. Vegetarians will revel in the smoky aubergine with tahini and pomegranate, and the grilled halloumi with honey and thyme. The atmosphere is buzzy and energetic, making it a perfect spot for a lively evening out.
3. Morito Hackney Road, Hackney
Sister to the acclaimed Moro in Exmouth Market, Morito Hackney Road brings the same Moorish-inspired magic to East London. The menu is a vibrant tapestry of Spanish and North African flavours, designed for grazing and sharing. Highlights include their crispy fried aubergine with honey and rosemary, the intensely flavoured chorizo cooked in cider, and the delicate grilled sardines with lemon. Their selection of sherries is impressive, offering the perfect accompaniment to the rich and diverse flavours on offer. The atmosphere is relaxed and convivial, making it ideal for a casual yet exciting dining experience.
4. Barrafina Adelaide Street, Covent Garden
A stalwart of the London tapas scene, Barrafina’s Adelaide Street location continues to deliver authentic and consistently excellent Spanish small plates. Pull up a stool at the marble counter and watch the chefs expertly prepare classic dishes like pan con tomate, gambas al ajillo (garlic prawns), and tortilla española. Their daily specials board always offers exciting seasonal surprises. The atmosphere is lively and bustling, reminiscent of a traditional tapas bar in Spain. It’s a no-reservations spot, so be prepared to queue, but trust us, it’s worth the wait.
5. Crispin, Spitalfields
Nestled in the historic heart of Spitalfields, Crispin offers a more refined take on the sharing plate concept, blending modern European techniques with a focus on seasonal and often foraged ingredients. Housed in a striking architectural space, Crispin provides a unique and stylish backdrop for a memorable meal. Their menu changes regularly to reflect the best of what’s available, but you can expect beautifully presented and thoughtfully composed dishes. Past highlights have included delicate cured trout with pickled fennel, flavourful wild mushroom arancini, and perfectly cooked lamb rump with smoked aubergine puree. Their impressive wine list, featuring many natural and biodynamic options, perfectly complements the food. Crispin offers a more intimate and sophisticated sharing experience, perfect for a special occasion or a discerning palate.
6. The Palomar, Soho
Bringing the vibrant and eclectic flavours of modern Jerusalem to the heart of Soho, The Palomar is a culinary sensation. Expect bold and exciting dishes designed for sharing, bursting with fresh herbs, spices, and innovative combinations. Their Kubaneh bread, served with tahini and crushed tomatoes, is a must-order. Other standout dishes include the shakshuka, the deconstructed kebab, and the octopus with smoked paprika and potato cream. The atmosphere is energetic and convivial, with an open kitchen adding to the buzz. Be prepared for a lively and flavour-packed experience.
7. Bocca di Lupo, Soho
A celebration of regional Italian cuisine, Bocca di Lupo offers a delightful array of small plates designed for sharing, each representing a different part of Italy. From Venetian cicchetti to Roman fritti and Tuscan crostini, the menu is a delicious journey through Italy’s diverse culinary landscape. Highlights include their fresh pasta dishes, the crispy zucchini flowers, and the flavourful meatballs. The atmosphere is bustling and authentic, making you feel like you’ve stepped into a traditional Italian trattoria.
8. Copita, Soho
Another gem in Soho’s tapas crown, Copita offers a more intimate and relaxed setting compared to its bustling neighbours. Their menu features a carefully curated selection of classic and contemporary Spanish tapas, all made with high-quality ingredients. Expect delicious jamón ibérico, flavourful patatas bravas, and creative seafood dishes. Their sherry list is also noteworthy. Copita is a great option for a more low-key yet still delicious sharing experience.
9. Fallow, St James’s
With a strong focus on sustainability and nose-to-tail cooking, Fallow in St James’s offers a unique and innovative approach to sharing plates. Their menu showcases often-overlooked ingredients and creative preparations, resulting in dishes that are both delicious and thought-provoking. Expect inventive creations like their deer tartare with smoked bone marrow, the cod’s head with XO sauce, and their signature mushroom parfait with truffle. Vegetarians will also find exciting options, such as their fermented vegetable skewers. The atmosphere is stylish and modern, reflecting their innovative culinary approach. Fallow is a must-try for adventurous eaters looking for a sustainable and flavourful sharing experience.
10. Salt Yard, Fitzrovia
A long-standing favourite on the London tapas scene, Salt Yard in Fitzrovia continues to impress with its consistently high-quality Spanish and Italian small plates. Their menu offers a good balance of classic and contemporary dishes, all designed for sharing and showcasing fresh, seasonal ingredients. Highlights include their grilled chorizo with piquillo peppers, the crispy fried squid with aioli, and their selection of artisanal cheeses and cured meats. The atmosphere is relaxed and inviting, making it a great spot for a casual catch-up or a relaxed evening out.
London’s sharing plate scene is a vibrant and exciting reflection of the city’s diverse culinary landscape. From the vibrant Israeli flavours of Delamine Townhouse to the sustainable innovations of Fallow and the refined European offerings of Crispin, each of these ten restaurants offers a unique and memorable dining experience. So gather your friends, embrace the communal spirit, and embark on a delicious journey through the best sharing plates London has to offer in 2025. Your taste buds will thank you!
