A lot of us may turn our noses up when presented with a pair of empty stools instead of a table, but we’re here to tell you that if a restaurant gets it right, counter dining can be magical. It’s also bang on-trend: these days, a table for two simply doesn’t cut it darling. Find out London’s best places to perch pretty here.
![Bocca di Lupo Interior](https://cdn.squaremeal.co.uk/articles/restaurants/news/boccadiluposoho20144web.jpg)
Bocca di Lupo, Soho
We love Bocca di Lupo's bustling counter, although one visit won't do the large menu justice. But don't worry, because keen-as-mustard staff will happily guide you to the must-order dishes.
![Gotto London Italian restaurant](https://cdn.squaremeal.co.uk/articles/restaurants/news/gotto20167webcounter.jpg)
Gotto, Hackney Wick
Canalside Gotto serves fabulous Italian food in a relaxed atmosphere; a seat at the counter gives you a front-row view of the chefs hard at work.
![The Ivy Bar Restaurant London](https://cdn.squaremeal.co.uk/articles/restaurants/news/the-ivy-bar-2015-web.jpg)
The Ivy, Covent Garden
Perch on one of these plush chairs (not quite the bar stools we’re all used to) – that swivel is incredibly convenient for a bit of celeb-spotting…
![Padella London Italian pasta restaurant city](https://cdn.squaremeal.co.uk/articles/restaurants/news/padella-2016-2-web.jpg)
Padella, Borough
This no-reservations pasta bar features a marble-topped counter overlooking the kitchen, where you can watch the pasta being hand-rolled.
![The Palomar London Soho restaurant](https://cdn.squaremeal.co.uk/articles/restaurants/news/the-palomar-2016-web-counter.jpg)
The Palomar, Soho
A prime example of why counter dining is the way forward: there are bookable tables at the rear, but once you’ve seen how much fun the kitchen is having behind the counter, you’ll pull up a stool every time (and they’ll give you free shots).
Discover our full selection of the best counter dining restaurants
This article was published 29 June 2016
Yasmin Godfrey