Tuck into the tableside white chocolate cheesecake, a must-share at Blacklock. Credit: Blacklock
London‘s vibrant food scene transforms the simple act of sharing food into a symphony of joy, where passing plates and trading bites becomes a language of love. From family-style Sunday roasts to seafood towers overflowing with fresh produce, the city’s top restaurants are prepared for those magical moments when forks cross and stories flow.
During the holiday season, this spirit of sharing reaches its peak – whether it’s fighting over the last crispy potato at Sunday lunch in a cosy pub, or passing steaming bowls of pasta around a marble table – each shared bite carries the warmth of connection, turning meals into memories.
Escape to the warm shores of the Caribbean at a cocktail bar in Fitzrovia where you can sip spiced rum sharing jugs with friends. Have a sweet tooth? End a luscious meal indulging in a rich chocolate mousse tray at a local hotspot in Kentish Town. An Islington neighbourhood gem is famous for an outstanding Sunday roast, and Bank, Mayfair and Knightsbridge are home to some Italian icons serving pasta prepared tableside in a cheese wheel.
As the holiday season approaches, multiply the celebratory fervour with every friend or family member who joins the table. We have just the right spots for you, so make sure you book ahead on OpenTable to celebrate special moments and make new memories with your loved ones.
5 exceptional sharing dishes in London to try this festive season
What to order: tonnarelli cacio e pepe with black truffle in pecorino wheel
Best for: truffle cravings
Nestled in a charming Knightsbridge backstreet, where cobblestones whisper tales of old London, Osteria Romana offers an escape to the eternal city. Here, the theatrical preparation of tonnarelli cacio e pepe becomes a tableside performance as fresh pasta dances in a hollowed wheel of aged pecorino, crowned with a snowfall of black truffle. The front tables offer ringside seats to this culinary spectacle, where the heady aroma of truffle and cheese transforms an ordinary evening into an escape to Rome.
What to order: homemade truffle spaghetti with extra fresh black truffle
Best for: an Instagram-worthy celebration
Under the masterful touch of Sicilian virtuoso chef Remo Mazzucato at Piazza Italiana in Bank, Italy’s diverse regional flavours come alive on every plate. While the menu spans the boot of Italy, it’s the homemade truffle spaghetti that steals the spotlight – a dish that begs to be captured and shared. For a mere £9 extra, watch as your pasta pirouettes in a wheel of pecorino, each strand embracing the cheese’s salty embrace. The antipasto, a carefully curated charcuterie, cheeses, and pickled gems, is another sharing favourite.
What to order: large traditional spaghetti carbonara
Best for: great value
Among Mayfair’s constellation of Italian eateries, Piccolino shines bright on Heddon Street, offering a slice of Italian generosity in the heart of London. Whether you’re basking in the outdoor seatings or cosying up inside, each dish arrives with characteristic Italian abundance at a great price value. The traditional spaghetti carbonara, crafted from Puglia’s finest durum wheat and the pristine waters of Gragnano, turns any gathering – from milestone celebrations to casual lunches – into a feast worth remembering. Here, sharing isn’t just encouraged; it’s practically mandatory.
What to order: Hereford beef sirloin or free range chicken with sage and apricot stuffing
Best for: locally sourced meats
When family visits for the holidays, take a leisurely stroll through the charming streets of Marylebone Village, soaking in the festive atmosphere. Make sure to pause at Boxcar Bar & Grill for a delightful lunch. Their Sunday roasts are crafted for either individual enjoyment or sharing, presented alongside lightly charred cabbage, tender roasted carrots, and creamy baby leek gratin. The dish is completed with beef-fat roast potatoes, all infused with a rich red wine jus. You can choose between the succulent, locally sourced Hereford beef sirloin or a free-range chicken, generously stuffed with aromatic sage and sweet apricot stuffing, ensuring a heartwarming meal perfect for the season.
What to order: unlimited prime rib carved from the trolley
Best for: theatrical service with an old-school feel
Step back in time at Lutyens Grill at The Ned London in the upscale corner of Bank, where the ambiance of a classic steakhouse comes to life. Picture a sophisticated, club-like setting, complete with elegantly dressed waiters and traditional carving trolleys that evoke a sense of nostalgia. The menu is a celebration of the grill, and you won’t want to miss the highlight: unlimited cuts of prime rib and sirloin sourced from the finest British Isles. Each slice of the 45-day slow-roasted shorthorn prime rib is expertly carved right before your eyes, served alongside rich red wine jus, velvety mashed potatoes, and decadent creamed spinach.
What to order: a whole roast chicken, seven-hour shoulder of lamb and côte de boeuf for 2 to 3 people served with all the trimmings
Best for: neighbourhood feels and homey vibes
Head to your neighbourhood pub in Islington with two or three of your best pals during a lazy afternoon for a perfect Sunday lunch. Whether you’re sitting in the outdoor garden at Drapers Arms or the private dining room, there are numerous mains you can share. Opt for the shoulder of lamb meticulously prepared over seven hours with a hefty side of roast potatoes, sauteed carrots, greens and thick gravy or the côte de boeuf. The Yorkshire puddings are a must-have.
What to order: Sunday feasting andmixed grill for sharing
Best for: a Sunday lunch with mates
Have mates visiting out of town but don’t know where to go? Check out the stalwart Sunday roast at one of Hawksmoor’s many locations spread out in Borough, Shoreditch, Bank, Knightsbridge, and Covent Garden. For only £68, indulge in the tantalising mixed grill at Hawksmoor. This generous platter features a selection of expertly prepared dry-aged rump steak, tender lamb chops, and a succulent sugar-pit bacon chop, all grilled to perfection. Savour the juicy Hawksmoor sausages, alongside rich roasted bone marrow that melts in your mouth. Accompanying this feast are crispy onion rings, earthy roasted mushrooms, and sweet roasted tomatoes to round off the flavours.
The shareable mixed grill and sharing roast are given star treatment across all of London’s Hawksmoor locations. Credit: HawksmoorTuck into hearty roasts with your loved ones this festive season. Credit: Hawksmoor
What to order: a selection of four roasts for four people or more
Best for: the ultimate family feast
While the seasons might change, one thing’s constant: owned by famed film director Guy Ritchie, The Lore of the Land in Fitzrovia offers year-round family-style Sunday roast for four. A selection of meat is expertly infused with the rich, smoky flavour of real charcoal, then gently finished in the oven to achieve perfect tenderness. The dish is artfully plated alongside an array of beloved accompaniments: golden, crispy beef-dripping potatoes, vibrant buttered greens, and sweet, glazed carrots drenched in gravy. Head down to the ground floor pub to wash down your meal with pints of Gritchie beer brewed locally in Wiltshire.
What to order: deluxe plateau de fruits de mer overflowing with oysters, crab, prawns,, mussels, clams, ceviche, cockles, whelks, king prawns and lobster
Best for: luxurious shellfish
Since the Victorian era, J Sheekey has been a glittering jewel in Covent Garden’s crown, its iconic red façade beckoning seafood lovers to its entrance. Behind those storied walls, the deluxe plateau de fruits de mer is an oceanic treasure chest – a spectacular £84-per-person voyage through the seas. Fresh oysters gleam like pearls alongside succulent dressed crab, while Atlantic prawns, mussels, and lobster create a maritime masterpiece that demands to be savoured with a crisp, chilled glass of your preferred wine.
What to order: royale platter of prawns, oysters salmon tartare, mussels, scallops and palourdes
Best for: market fresh, sustainable produce
Hidden within the historic Old Bengal Warehouse, where 18th-century merchants once traded their exotic wares, Fish Market is an understated gem in Liverpool Street. Here, fresh, daily catches are transformed into shareable experiences. Dig into the royale platter featuring plump prawns, briny-sweet oysters, delicate salmon tartare, pillowy scallops, and tender palourdes is a customer favourite and representative of Britain’s rich maritime heritage. All specials are prepared and cooked on-site.
What to order: an afternoon sea tower brimming with cousteau, calypso and simone
Best for: Instagrammable seafood take on traditional afternoon tea
Seabird at the Hoxton crowns Southwark with spectacular skyline views that compete for attention with its magnificent seafood offerings. The restaurant’s Portuguese and Spanish-influenced menu reaches its crescendo with the afternoon sea tower – a three-tiered tower of cousteau, calypso, and simone that will look impressive on your Instagram feed. Available throughout the day without reservation requirements, it’s an invitation to gather two or three friends who are seafood lovers to opt for a non-traditional afternoon tea experience.
What to order: £1.50 oysters with sparkling wine add-on daily from 3 pm to 5 pm
Best for: Oyster happy hour with bubbles
You might be surprised to hear that Soho is also home to The Seafood Bar, a family-owned seafood restaurant that offers a refreshing take on coastal cuisine without the hefty price tag. Join them for a delightful happy hour from 3 pm to 5 pm, where you can indulge in freshly shucked oysters for just £1.50 each. Gather your colleagues for a post-work treat or plan a fun girls’ night out, and savour as many oysters as you can handle. Picture unwinding after a long week while clinking glasses of bubbly with your closest ones, sharing stories and laughter in a lively atmosphere.
What to order: tableside white chocolate cheesecake that stops until you drop
Best for: nostalgic grandma cuddle
Like stepping into a warm embrace, Blacklock transforms a former electricity substation into an unexpected haven of comfort. Behind its industrial stone walls in Shoreditch, Soho, Covent Garden, City, or Canary Wharf locations, you’ll step into what feels like your grandmum’s treasured parlour. The star of this nostalgic show is the white chocolate cheesecake, which arrives at your table not in prim, precise slices, but in glorious scoops from a communal dish. Each spoonful delivers the perfect marriage of buttery, crunchy biscuit base and cloud-like creamy filling, in portions generous enough to share (though we won’t judge if you don’t).
Make sure to leave room for dessert at Blacklock – the famous white chocolate cheesecake is a must-try. Credit: Blackclock Let the team dole out scoops of cheesecake at your table until you say ‘stop’, just like granny used to. Credit: Blacklock
What to order: rich chocolate mousse tray on a buttery biscuit base
Best for: chocolate addicts
The Parakeet, Kentish Town’s newest culinary star, serves up dessert in a whimsical manner. The star is its chocolate mousse served in a Victorian-style vessel: watch as your server approaches wielding clouds of decadent chocolate mousse on a bed of rustic bran and oat crumbs into your plate. It’s a dessert that demands to be shared with someone who appreciates both chocolate and theatricality in equal measure.
What to order: a decadent 20 layer chocolate peanut butter cake to share
Best for: London’s viral birthday cake right now
LAVOMarylebone has unleashed London’s most talked-about celebration cake, a towering achievement that’s already conquered social media feeds and taste buds from New York to Singapore. Under the guidance of chef Ralph Scamardella, this 20-layer masterpiece alternates between tender chocolate sponge, velvety peanut butter cream, and glossy dark chocolate ganache in a gravity-defying stackthat serves four generously. Or, provides the ultimate midnight indulgence for romantic duo celebrations.
What to order: homemade tiramisù prepared at the table for two to three people
Best for: A theatrical tiramisù experience
You might think Paddington is only useful for its transportation links, but we guarantee you’ll change your mind when you visit Smith’s Bar and Grill. For £15, two or three lucky spectators can watch as skilled hands layer homemade ladyfingers, each one drinking deeply from aromatic espresso pools before being crowned with pillows of whipped mascarpone. This tableside ballet culminates in a dusting of fine chocolate, creating a dessert that’s equal parts theatre and indulgence.
What to order: Eton mess, banoffee and apple pie gimlet flights to share
Best for: a playful take on nostalgic British desserts
At The Parlour at Zetter, classic British desserts are reimagined in liquid form through the ingeniously crafted Gimlet flights. Whether you’re visiting the charming Clerkenwell location or the sophisticated Marylebone outpost, these cocktail trios aptly named The Bucket List, tell a story of beloved British puddings: the Eton mess Gimlet captures summer afternoons with its blend of berry-stained sweetness and creamy notes, the Banoffee version swirls with caramel warmth and banana richness, while the Apple Pie edition brings memories of grandmother’s kitchen floating in each sip. It’s a playful twist on after-dinner sharing drinks.
Experience traditional British desserts like the eton mess, banoffee and apple pie in cocktail form at The Parlour at Zetter. Credit: The Parlour at Zetter
What to order: sharing punch bowls with fine spiced Caribbean rum
Best for: a trip to the Caribbean
Welcome to Punch Room London, a cosy cocktail bar where intimacy meets innovation paired with top-notch service. As you step inside, you might just forget you’re in chic Fitzrovia and not in a tropical paradise holiday. The star of the show? The signature punch bowls, masterfully crafted with exquisite spiced Caribbean rum, perfect for sharing and savouring with friends. Sip on these vibrant concoctions while soaking in a carefully curated soundtrack of soul, blues, ragtime, and doo-wop and the occasional impromptu live performances.
What to order: pots of clay-brewed Ethiopian coffee,unlimited sorrel tea and in-house made cocktail jars
Best for: a transportative drinking experience
Uncover the vibrant flavours of Ethiopia at BEZA ETHIOPIAN VEGAN RESTAURANTin Elephant and Castle. Whether you’re diving into a hearty meal or lightly snacking, enhance your experience with the captivating cocktail jars filled with refreshing Aperol spritz, Pimm’s, and unique in-house creations made with red or white wine. Not in the mood for cocktails? Indulge in a pot of aromatic clay-brewed Ethiopian coffee or sip on unlimited sorrel tea to end a hearty meal.
Humble Grape unfolds like a living anthology of wine stories across its Fleet Street, Liverpool Street, Battersea, Crouch End and Islington locations. Gather your fellow wine enthusiasts for seasonal flights that dance across your palate; from the crisp effervescence of English sparkling wines that rival their French cousins, to the bold, high-altitude treasures of Argentina. There are a number of curated tasting experiences you can join, or you can simply go for an after-work or pre-dinner drink. Whether you’re a curious novice or a seasoned connoisseur, it’s always wine o’clock here.
Toast to good friendship and camaraderie with a flight of seasonal wine at Humble Grape. Credit: Humble GrapeLook out for Humble Grape’s wine tastings for a fun wine and dine experience with a group. Credit: Humble grape
What to order: 90 minutes of bottomless drinks along with a starter, main course and side
Best for: unlimited drinks with a view
High above the City’s financial heart, Wagtail Rooftop Bar & Restaurantin Bank transforms brunch into an elevated affair. For £90, time slows to a luxurious 90-minute dance of endless pours and culinary delights, as guests float between sips of sun-kissed Côtes de Provence Prestige and velvety La La Land Pinot Noir or classics like Bloody Marys and mimosas. From this stunning vantage point, admire the Thames and the iconic skyline. Whether you are toasting for a birthday celebration or memorialising a hen party, this bottomless experience is sweeter when sharing with your favourite people.
