23 Amazingly Unique Restaurants in London (For Foodies)

427

London’s food scene is on another level, and after visiting five times, I can confidently say it’s one of the best in the world. From traditional British dishes to bold, international flavors, London has it all. Whether you’re dining at a chic rooftop bar in Shoreditch, enjoying a riverside meal by the Thames, or tucking into street food at Borough Market, this city is a playground for food lovers.

Each neighborhood has its own vibe. Covent Garden is great for pre-theater bites, Soho is packed with trendy eateries, and South Bank offers amazing waterfront views. London is known for everything from classic fish and chips to incredible Indian cuisine, and there’s always something new and exciting to try. As a travel blogger who’s explored over 65 countries, I can honestly say London’s unique and diverse dining scene is hard to beat. Here are 23 of the coolest and most unique restaurants you need to check out!

• 👉 Pro Tip: I HIGHLY recommend doing this foodie tour in London. They bring you to the best spots in the city, tasting classic British dishes like fish and chips, sausage rolls, British cheese, locals beers and ciders, and more. This tour is an absolute must-do on a London itinerary in my opinion.

Unique Restaurants in London

Ready to check out what London has on its menu? There’s a whole bunch of cool places waiting for you, from fancy dinners to quirky little spots. Come along as we show you the best places to eat in London.

Looking for a place where you can eat in the dark? Or would you prefer somewhere you’ll find actors serving up your food? Whatever kind of fun meal you’re after, the beauty of London shines through its food scene. Here’s your go-to list of the most unique restaurants in London in 2025.

1. Dans le Noir ?

• 📍 Location: Clerkenwell
• 💲 Price range: $75 – $110+ per person (Surprise Menus)
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Surprise Menus (Modern European Influences)
• 🔥 Standout Features: Dining in complete darkness, sensory food, visually impaired staff, surprise menu.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Adventurous dining, date nights, and appreciating food beyond sight.

Ready for a meal that truly enlightens by switching off the lights? Dans le Noir ? plunges you into absolute darkness for a dining experience guided only by taste, smell, and touch, served by an incredible visually impaired team. See food differently and discover new sensations!

Choose your surprise menu category (meat, fish, or veg). You might encounter a creamy butternut squash velouté, tender braised lamb shank with root vegetables, or a complex chocolate and raspberry dessert. The panna cotta is also a frequently praised sweet ending.

2. The Cheese Barge

Moored on Paddington Basin, The Cheese Barge is literally a double-decker floating temple to fromage. This place is all about British cheeses, showcasing everything from gooey, baked Winslade smothered in truffle honey, to picture-perfect stilton croquettes. Their blue cheese ice cream is downright legendary for adventurous eaters. The vibe has serious quirky energy – with cozy cabin seating, waterside tables, and a relaxed soundtrack that matches the gentle sway of the canal. After a cheese coma, you can walk the Regent’s Canal or hit nearby Paddington’s bars. My tip: Go at sunset for magical golden hour vibes on the water and definitely order the daily cheese toastie special. It’s outrageously good.

3. Sarastro

• 📍 Location: Covent Garden / Theatreland
• 💲 Price range: $50 – $90 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Mediterranean / Turkish
• 🔥 Standout Features: Flamboyant opera box decor, theatrical atmosphere, Mediterranean/Turkish menu.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Pre-theatre meals and Mediterranean food seekers.

Enter a world of pure theatrical opulence at Sarastro! This Covent Garden gem is famous for its jaw-droppingly flamboyant decor, featuring actual opera boxes, velvet curtains, and gilded everything. Dinner here isn’t just a meal, it’s a dramatically delicious production!

Amidst the glorious chaos, enjoy flavourful Mediterranean and Turkish dishes. Sharing a selection of colorful mezze platters with hummus, baba ghanoush, and falafel is a great start. Savor tender lamb shish kebab, the popular seafood güveç (casserole), or their rich beef moussaka.

• Read Next: 12 Best Places to Stay in London for a Perfect City Getaway

4. Gingerline: The Grand Expedition

If you’re into immersive dining, Gingerline: The Grand Expedition is London’s wildest, most theatrical edible experience. It’s part dinner party, part interactive theatre – think whimsical “around the world” tasting menus served in a top-secret (ever-changing) venue that transforms with immersive projections, actors, and set pieces. Each course is inspired by a different “destination” and packed with quirky, unexpected flavors. Come in comfy shoes, as you won’t just be glued to your seat. The vibe is pure storybook adventure, and you’ll probably make friends at the communal tables. Don’t forget – the actual address drops 24 hours before, so have your Oyster card (and a sense of humor) ready. When I went, I left grinning and full of stories to tell – it’s honestly impossible to compare this to anything else in town.

5. sketch

• 📍 Location: Mayfair
• 💲 Price range: $80 – $200+ per person (Afternoon Tea/Dinner)
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Modern European / Afternoon Tea / Bar
• 🔥 Standout Features: Iconic pink Gallery room, pod toilets, themed rooms (Glade, Lecture Room), artistic Afternoon Tea.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Instagrammable dining, fancy Afternoon Tea, design/art lovers, luxurious occasions.

Step into a whimsical wonderland at sketch! This Mayfair destination is famous for its multiple, uniquely designed rooms, especially the iconic, plush pink Gallery – home to one of London’s most famous Afternoon Teas. Prepare for peak aesthetics and delightful bites!

Indulging in the picture-perfect Afternoon Tea in the Gallery, with its finger sandwiches, scones, and exquisite pastries, is essential. The caviar service or delicate egg and soldiers are also highlights. For something truly special, the Sketch Chocolate Cake is a dream.

6. YOPO

YOPO at the Mandrake Hotel is straight-up lush, with its jungly indoor foliage and super-sultry lighting. The focus here is on modern European plates with Latin American accents – think wild mushroom tacos, or their showstopper: the smoked beef short rib with mole poblano. The cocktail menu is just as creative; order the ‘Mandrake Margarita’ if you like things herbal and slightly spicy. The ceiling is hung with dried botanicals, giant plush booths face living trees, and there’s a buzzy, art crowd energy most nights. Between Fitzrovia’s gallery scene and the hotel’s in-house exhibitions, you’ll never run out of things to do nearby. For me, the standout was lingering over dishes that looked like art, surrounded by all that wild greenery – it feels like dining in an urban rainforest.

7. supperclub.tube

• 📍 Location: Walthamstow (Inside Walthamstow Pumphouse Museum)
• 💲 Price range: $70 – $95+ per person (Set Menu Experience)
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Latin American Fusion (Set Menu)
• 🔥 Standout Features: 1967 Victoria Line tube carriage, museum location, Latin American tasting menu.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Train enthusiasts, tasting menu explorers, and quirky date nights.

Mind the gap… between courses! supperclub.tube offers a fantastically unique dining experience – inside a decommissioned 1967 London Underground carriage housed within the Walthamstow Pumphouse Museum! All aboard the flavour express! Next stop: Deliciousville!

Enjoy a multi-course tasting menu featuring vibrant Latin American-inspired dishes. Past menus included creative takes on ceviche with leche de tigre. Flavourful slow-cooked pork belly with corn puree, or a delicate quinoa salad with tropical fruits and the chocolate lava cake are also highlights.

8. SMOKESTAK

For serious barbecue lovers, SMOKESTAK in Shoreditch punches way above its weight. The converted warehouse setting feels unapologetically industrial with stacks of smoky timber, exposed brick, and flickering candlelight. The brisket bun (thick slabs of tender beef on pillowy bread) and sticky toffee pudding are cult favorites, but do yourself a favor and try the crispy beef rib. The crowd is always lively, and the soundtrack is all about bluesy rock with just enough buzz for date nights or group hangs. Boxpark and Brick Lane are a short walk away for post-feast wandering. Once, I ended up with sticky fingers and a big, messy smile – that’s exactly how this place wins you over.

9. The Murder Express

• 📍 Location: Pedley Street Station (Fictional Arch Location, Bethnal Green)
• 💲 Price range: $90 – $130+ per person (Dinner + Show Ticket)
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Modern European Set Menu (From guest chefs)
• 🔥 Standout Features: Immersive dining experience on a “train”, murder mystery plot, interactive actors, multi-course meal.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Theatre lovers, murder mystery solvers, dinner + entertainment combos.

All aboard a train bound for mystery at The Murder Express! It’s an immersive dining experience where you enjoy a multi-course meal on a fictional train journey while a thrilling whodunnit plot unfolds around you. Can you solve the crime before dessert arrives?

Enjoy a delicious set menu crafted by guest chefs. Past menus featured elegant dishes like seared duck breast with a cherry reduction. A creamy mushroom velouté to start, or a rich chocolate torte for dessert, and a poached pear are also common. Interact with suspicious characters!

10. Akoko

Akoko is an essential pilgrimage if you love West African flavors with high-impact style. The setting in Fitzrovia is all warm terra cotta, geometric wood, and woven textures – seriously, just sitting down here feels special. The open kitchen is where all the magic happens: don’t miss their signature jollof rice, elevated with smoked goat, or the suya lamb skewers that pack a fiery punch. Cocktails riff on West African spirits and spices. If you’re an art geek, the British Museum is super close for a culture fix before or after. I was captivated by the passionate staff and how boldly every single dish tells a story. It’s refined but never pretentious – you’ll want to come back with friends who love to share.

11. Lahpet Shoreditch

• 📍 Location: Shoreditch
• 💲 Price range: $30 – $55 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Burmese
• 🔥 Standout Features: Authentic Burmese cuisine, famous tea leaf salad (Laphet Thoke!), flavorful curries/noodles, trendy location.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Burmese food explorers, Asian flavour seekers, Shoreditch diners, and tea leaf salad lovers.

Discover the incredible, unique flavors of Myanmar at Lahpet! This popular Shoreditch spot specializes in authentic Burmese cuisine, showcasing dishes packed with texture, herbs, and umami goodness. Get ready for a Burmese taste sensation that will delight your palate!

Starting with their signature, iconic Laphet Thoke (fermented tea leaf salad) is essential – it’s a flavour explosion! Dive into comforting bowls of Mohinga (fish noodle soup) or rich coconut noodles with chicken. The pork and mustard green curry is another must-try.

12. Bob Bob Ricard Soho

There’s no place quite like Bob Bob Ricard Soho. It’s famous for its glitzy interiors, all steel-blue booths, Art Deco touches, and gold trim that makes you feel like you’ve stumbled into Gatsby’s wildest fever dream. The iconic “Press for Champagne” button at every table is genuinely as fun as it sounds and is a total Instagram magnet. My must-try is their legendary Beef Wellington, which is hands-down tender perfection, paired with a glass of bubbly delivered (literally) at the push of a button. The staff treat you like a VIP without being snobby, and the energy inside is as effervescent as the champagne. You’re right in the thick of Soho, so you can stroll to theatres and bars after dinner. I’ve never left here without grinning at least twice…the button might honestly be too tempting.

13. The Top Hat Restaurant & Bar (Monopoly Lifesized)

• 📍 Location: Fitzrovia / Tottenham Court Road
• 💲 Price range: $30 – $60 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Modern British / American Diner Inspired
• 🔥 Standout Features: Monopoly-themed food and cocktails, Art Deco setting, pre/post-game dining.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Monopoly Lifesized players, fun group meals/drinks, themed cocktails.

Pass Go and collect delicious food at The Top Hat Restaurant & Bar! Located within the Monopoly Lifesized experience, this stylish Art Deco spot serves food and drinks inspired by the iconic board game. Don’t go directly to jail, go directly to dinner for a playful meal!

Enjoy playful takes on British and American classics. Ordering miniature fish & chips served like property cards is a fun choice. Sipping on themed cocktails like the “Leicester Square Lychee Martini”, trying “Mr. Monopoly’s Millionaire Fries”, or the “Top Hat Lamb Burger” makes it perfect.

14. Freak Scene Restaurant Parsons Green

Freak Scene has serious rockstar credentials—Scott Hallsworth (ex-Nobu head chef) is behind this wild spot. The menu is Asian fusion in the most fun way imaginable, loaded with flavor bombs and surprises. Don’t skip the Miso Grilled Aubergine with caramelised walnuts; it’s somehow smoky, sticky, and crunchy all at once. Their signature Chicken-Fried Chicken with peanut soy is also a game changer. The place itself is intimate and offbeat, with graffiti art, hip-hop playing, and cozy banquette seating that makes you feel like you’ve discovered an insider’s secret. This is Parsons Green, so there’s no shortage of cute pubs and parks nearby. Personally, I love sitting at the counter to watch the chefs do their thing—it’s like a dinner and a show rolled into one.

15. Cahoots London

• 📍 Location: Soho (Kingly Court Area)
• 💲 Price range: $18 – $25 per drink; Limited snacks.
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: 1940s Themed Cocktail Bar
• 🔥 Standout Features: WWII underground tube station theme, vintage decor, swing music, creative cocktails served in retro vessels.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Themed bar lovers, vintage atmosphere seekers, unique cocktails, and history buffs.

Travel back to wartime London at Cahoots! This incredible underground bar transforms a disused tube station into a swinging 1940s speakeasy, complete with vintage decor, ration book menus, and lively swing music. Keep calm and carry on drinking in this unique hideaway!

Descend into the Blitz spirit and sip on inventive cocktails. Try creations like the gin-based “Winston Churchill” served in a character mug. The “Vera Lynn” or the “Swinging Sipper” served in quirky vessels like tin cans or thermoses are also great.

16. Core by Clare Smyth

If you want a culinary experience that’s honestly next-level, Core is it. Clare Smyth was the first British woman to earn three Michelin stars, and her Notting Hill spot brims with understated elegance. The vibe is completely unpretentious—think plush earth tones, sculptural flowers, and a tranquil, almost calming energy. Signature dishes like the ‘Potato and Roe’ (yes, potato, but trust me) and the clever ‘Lamb Carrot’ will make you rethink what fine dining can be. There’s a fantastic British cheese trolley for those who prefer savoury over sweet. Bookings are essential and there’s a beautiful stroll through Notting Hill’s pastel streets right out the door. I left convinced Clare Smyth genuinely loves what she does—and that passion is on the plate.

17. Bustronome London

• 📍 Location: Mobile (Departs near Embankment/Trafalgar Sq)
• 💲 Price range: $85 – $170+ per person (Lunch/Dinner Tours)
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Modern British / French Gourmet
• 🔥 Standout Features: Gourmet dining on glass-roofed bus, panoramic London landmark views, audio guide, multi-course meals.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Sightseeing dining, romantic celebrations, gourmet food, and dining + touring.

See London’s iconic sights aboard the Bustronome London! This sleek, glass-roofed double-decker bus offers gourmet dining while cruising past Big Ben and the Tower of London. Meals on wheels, with Big Ben views! London calling for lunch, served with a side of scenery!

Indulge in multi-course menus featuring refined British and French cuisine. Savor dishes like pan-seared scallops with seasonal puree. Perfectly cooked beef fillet, a delicate poached salmon, or the rich chocolate fondant while iconic landmarks glide by your window is a fantastic way to dine.

18. KOL

KOL is Mexican food, but not as you know it. Run by chef Santiago Lastra, this Marylebone hotspot gleams with terracotta floors, custom pottery, and minimalist Scandi-Mexican decor. The tasting menu showcases foraged British ingredients in balmy, bold Mexican flavors. The sea bass ceviche with fermented gooseberries is bright and zingy, while their signature kohlrabi tacos with langoustine are pure artistry. There’s a Mezcal bar downstairs worth visiting even if you’re not eating, and the whole place feels both calm and quietly buzzing, thanks to an open kitchen. Marylebone High Street’s lovely boutiques are a 2-minute walk away. When I ate here, I left in awe—KOL redefines what London Mexican cuisine can be.

19. Evans & Peel Detective Agency

• 📍 Location: Earl’s Court
• 💲 Price range: $18 – $25 per drink; Limited snacks.
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Speakeasy Cocktail Bar
• 🔥 Standout Features: Hidden entrance via “detective agency”, interactive entry (state your case!), 1920s prohibition theme, excellent cocktails.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Speakeasy adventurers, immersive bar experiences, classic cocktails, and date night activities.

Got a case? State it to the detective first! Gaining entry to Evans & Peel Detective Agency is part of the fun – buzz the unassuming door, head downstairs, and plead your case to the “detective” to be granted access to the hidden bar. It’s a true speakeasy adventure.

Once inside the dimly lit, atmospheric 1920s-style bar, reward yourself with perfectly crafted classic cocktails. Think flawless Old Fashioneds, Martinis, or other Prohibition-era favorites like a “Bees Knees” or a “Corpse Reviver No. 2” mixed by skilled bartenders.

20. Carousel

Carousel is one of London’s most exciting restaurants because of its rotating roster of guest chefs. This Fitzrovia favourite serves as a culinary playground, meaning every visit is a surprise. When I went, it was a young chef from Spain serving up next-level tapas, but next month it could be an Indian or Nordic menu—the only certainty is you’ll taste something genuinely new. The room has relaxed, stripped-back Scandi vibes with mismatched chairs and local artwork. There’s a lively event space behind, and the test kitchen is often visible from the dining room. Go for lunch and then hit Charlotte Street for great coffee or cocktails. The unpredictability here keeps me coming back—I love the thrill of not knowing what I’ll be eating until it lands at the table.

21. The Clink Restaurant Brixton

• 📍 Location: HMP Brixton (Inside the prison!)
• 💲 Price range: $40 – $70 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Modern British / Seasonal Fine Dining
• 🔥 Standout Features: HMP Brixton location, staffed by training prisoners, rehabilitation charity, high-quality food.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Dining for a cause, supporting social enterprises, and modern British food.

Dine behind bars for a good cause at The Clink Restaurant inside HMP Brixton. This remarkable restaurant offers high-quality dining while training prisoners in hospitality and catering skills to aid rehabilitation. Doing time has never tasted so good, and for such a good purpose!

Enjoy beautifully presented modern British dishes. Expect delicious food like pan-roasted chicken supreme with seasonal vegetables. Elegant vegetarian options, like a wild mushroom tart, or fresh fish dishes like baked cod, and the sticky toffee pudding are also served professionally. (Book well in advance).

22. Ikoyi Restaurant

Ikoyi is a two-Michelin-star celebration of West African cuisine, delivered in a way you’ve probably never seen before. The look is moody but sleek, with burnt-orange walls, soft lighting, and an open kitchen where the chefs work with military precision. The signature jollof rice is spicy, complex, and unforgettable. Another must is the plantain caramelized with Scotch bonnet and smoked kelp. This is destination dining, but surprisingly chill—no tuxes required. Ikoyi is near St. James’s Park, so you can wander through leafy gardens before or after. I always recommend this spot to anyone who thinks they’ve had ‘everything’ in London—it’s guaranteed to open your mind (and taste buds).

23. Circolo Popolare

• 📍 Location: Fitzrovia
• 💲 Price range: $30 – $60 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Italian Trattoria / Sicilian Inspired
• 🔥 Standout Features: Over-the-top, stunning decor with thousands of spirit bottles lining walls, lively atmosphere, Neapolitan pizzas, truffle pasta.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Instagrammable dining, lively group dinners, Italian food lovers, pizza/pasta fans, and experiencing a buzzing London hotspot.

Prepare to be visually overwhelmed (in the best way!) at Circolo Popolare. This Fitzrovia hotspot from the Big Mamma group is an absolute feast for the eyes, with walls lined floor-to-ceiling with thousands of colorful spirit bottles and lush greenery. It’s pure Italian exuberance!

Beyond the stunning decor, the food is classic, hearty Italian. You should definitely try their famous lemon meringue pie (served in a giant lemon!). Their truffle pasta served in a pecorino wheel, or a classic Neapolitan pizza like the Margherita from the wood-fired oven, are also must-haves.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Unique Restaurants in London

Searching for more information to help you decide where to eat in London? Here are some common questions (and answers) I get asked a lot about London’s best restaurants.

Where can I go for a special dinner in London?

For a truly special dinner, you can’t go wrong with Sketch in Mayfair. It’s one of the best restaurants in London, offering a blend of art and cuisine that can make any occasion memorable. With its plush pink decor and creative European dishes, it’s a feast for both the eyes and the palate.

What is a must-eat in London?

When it comes to a must-eat, the tea leaf salad at Lahpet Shoreditch is a standout. This dish is a flavorful journey to Myanmar and is just one example of the best food in London that spans global cuisines. It’s unique, delicious, and embodies the city’s diverse culinary landscape.

Where do celebrities eat in London?

Celebrities are often spotted at The Chiltern Firehouse in Marylebone, which is known for its exclusivity and chic atmosphere. It’s one of London’s best restaurants for spotting famous faces while enjoying exceptional food in a stunning, historic firehouse turned dining hotspot.

What is the hardest restaurant to get into in London?

The Murder Express is one of the hardest experiences to book due to its unique combination of dining and theatre. It’s a gripping journey back in time with a side of mystery, making it one of the most sought-after tickets in town. Plan to book well in advance to secure your spot on this thrilling culinary caper.

What are the top 5 British dishes?

British cuisine may not have the global reputation of some other national foods, but it has a number of hearty and iconic dishes that are deeply rooted in the country’s culture. Here are five of the top British dishes:

1. Fish and Chips: This classic British fast food is a staple across the UK. It typically consists of battered and fried fish (commonly cod or haddock) served with chips (thick-cut fries). It’s often accompanied by mushy peas, tartar sauce, and a wedge of lemon.
2. Sunday Roast: A traditional British Sunday dinner is a roast. This usually includes roasted meat (such as beef, chicken, lamb, or pork), roast potatoes, Yorkshire pudding (a baked batter pudding), gravy, and assorted vegetables like carrots, peas, and Brussels sprouts.
3. Full English Breakfast: Also known simply as a “fry-up,” this hearty breakfast includes bacon, sausages, eggs, baked beans, grilled tomatoes, mushrooms, black pudding, and toast or fried bread. It’s often served with a cup of tea or coffee.
4. Shepherd’s Pie/Cottage Pie: Shepherd’s pie is made with minced lamb and topped with a mashed potato crust, while cottage pie uses minced beef. Both are baked in the oven and often include vegetables like peas, carrots, and onions within the meat mixture.
5. Afternoon Tea: While not a dish per se, afternoon tea is a British institution. It typically includes a selection of finger sandwiches (such as cucumber, egg and cress, smoked salmon, etc.), scones with clotted cream and jam, and a variety of cakes and pastries, all accompanied by tea.

Where is London’s most famous food market?

Borough Market is London’s most famous food market. Nestled under the railway lines, it’s a vibrant mix of traders selling an array of fresh produce, artisanal goods, and ready-to-eat treats. This iconic spot is a must-visit for anyone looking for the best places to eat in London or to gather ingredients for an inspired home-cooked meal.

Unique Restaurants in London: Recap

Ending our journey of London’s most unique restaurants, it’s clear this city serves up unforgettable experiences with every meal. From the mystery of The Murder Express to the inspiring story behind The Clink Restaurant Brixton, each place gives you more than just great food – they leave you with stories to tell.

If I had to pick just one must-visit, I’d point you to Sketch. It’s not only about the meal – it’s an entire scene that sticks with you. It’s where food meets art in a way that only London can offer. This makes it a standout in the city’s lively food scene.

Each restaurant we’ve looked at is a piece of London’s vibrant puzzle, turning diners into fans of the city’s bold spirit. These aren’t just eateries. They’re landmarks of culture and fun. As you plan your trip to fly to London, remember these spots. They’re as important to your London story as any famous sight.

Now, it’s your turn to step out and make these experiences your own. London is ready to welcome you to its tables – the question is, which one will you choose first?