London does a lot of things well, but boring restaurants aren't one of them. The city has a whole category of places where the room is half the reason you're going. They’ve got prison-themed cocktail bars, pasta joints with ceilings buried in flowers, and dining rooms that look like they were designed by someone with no interest in playing it safe.
If you're planning a night out and want more than just good food, this list is for you. These are the fun restaurants in London worth booking ahead for, covering everything from immersive experiences to spots that are just unexpectedly great.
1. Ave Mario, London
Big ravioli carbonara at Ave Mario | Photo by Bex Walton on Flickr
Address: 15 Henrietta St, London WC2E 8QG, United Kingdom
Ave Mario is the kind of Italian restaurant where the food is excellent, the portions are generous, and the entire room seems to be having a great time. From the team behind Circolo Popolare and Gloria Trattoria, this Covent Garden spot is known for its maximalist, candy-colored interior and a menu that leans into the classics done very well.
Their pasta is definitely a must-order, like their lobster linguine and truffle tagliatelle in portions big enough to share. The theatrical presentation of certain dishes (including their signature desserts) makes it a popular spot for birthdays and celebrations.
2. Alcotraz London
Address: Unit 3B, 127 Hackney Rd, London E2 8GY, United Kingdom
Alcotraz is one of the most creative themed restaurants in London, except it's technically a bar, and you're a prisoner. The concept is a cocktail experience set inside a mock prison, where you're "incarcerated" and must smuggle in your own bottle of spirits. Actors dressed as guards and fellow inmates play out the full scenario, keeping you in character once you walk in.
The cocktails are theatrical and well-made, with your contraband bottle used as the base. You don't need to be a big drinker to enjoy it, as the immersive storytelling and dark, dramatic set design make it one of the most memorable nights out in the city. It's a solid pick if you're after dinner-and-a-show in London vibes without a formal sit-down dinner.
3. Amazónico London
Address: 10 Berkeley Square, London W1J 6BR, United Kingdom
If tropical and slightly over-the-top are your thing, Amazónico will not disappoint. The restaurant is designed to look like the Amazon rainforest, with dense greenery covering every surface, exotic birds moving through the space, and a soundtrack that makes you feel like you've left London entirely. It's one of those places where the interior alone is worth the visit.
The menu is a mix of Latin American and Japanese-inspired dishes, and the food holds its own against the theatrical setting. Think wood-fired meat, fresh ceviche, and sushi alongside strong cocktails at the bar. It's a go-to for groups who want a fun, upscale night out that doesn't feel stuffy.
4. Bustronome London
Inside Bustronome London
Address: Departs from Victoria Embankment, London WC2N 6PB
Bustronome London takes sightseeing and fine dining and puts them on a double-decker bus. You get a multi-course meal while rolling through London's most iconic streets, with the glass-ceilinged upper deck giving you unobstructed views of landmarks like the Houses of Parliament, Tower Bridge, and Buckingham Palace.
The experience runs at lunch and dinner, with the menu changing seasonally to reflect high-quality British produce. It's one of the more unique dining experiences in London, combining a real culinary experience with a private city tour. You can book the Bustronome luxury bus dining experience for both lunch and dinner slots.
5. Ballie Ballerson London
Address: 97-113 Curtain Rd, London EC2A 3BS, United Kingdom
Ballie Ballerson is exactly what it sounds like: a bar with ball pits. But it's done with a lot more style than you might expect. The venue has multiple ball pool areas, neon lighting, a full cocktail menu, and a fun, party-ready atmosphere that makes it one of the most popular spots for groups celebrating in the city.
It's not fine dining, but that's not really the point. Ballie Ballerson is all about letting loose, getting a little silly, and having the kind of night you'll actually remember. The bottomless brunch package is particularly popular, offering unlimited prosecco, cocktails, and food alongside all the ball pit action you can handle.
6. Inamo Soho
Inamo Soho’s old spot near Soho | Photo by Ewan Munro on Wikimedia
Address: Covent Garden, London, United Kingdom
Inamo Soho is an interactive Japanese-inspired restaurant where you order everything via touchscreen tabletops. While you wait for your food, the table surface doubles as an entertainment system, letting you play games, check out the chefs on the kitchen cam, or change the ambient design of your table.
7. Sexy Fish
Sexy Fish in Berkeley Square | Photo by N Chadwick on Wikimedia
Address: Berkeley Square House, Berkeley Square, London W1J 6BR, United Kingdom
Sexy Fish is one of London's most visually pleasing restaurants. The Mayfair dining room is designed by Martin Brudnizki and features huge Damien Hirst bronze mermaids, coral reef sculptures, and a bar that looks like it was lifted from a Bond film set.
The menu centers around fresh fish and Asian-inspired dishes, with sushi, sashimi, and robata-grilled mains all hitting the mark. The cocktail list is equally well put-together. Even if you're just going for drinks, the space alone makes it worth stopping by.
8. sketch London
Address: 9 Conduit St, London W1S 2XG, United Kingdom
sketch London is probably the most Instagrammed restaurant in the city, and it earns every photo. The Mayfair venue has multiple rooms, each designed by a different artist, but the one everyone knows The Gallery: a blush-pink dining room with curved booths and maximalist portraits covering every inch of the walls.
Beyond the look, Sketch delivers on afternoon tea and dinner in style, with an eclectic modern European menu and an extensive wine list. The egg-pod bathrooms alone are worth the visit. If you're looking for fun restaurants in London that also happen to serve exceptional food, Sketch belongs near the top of your list.
More fun ways to eat in London
ABBA-inspired afternoon tea bus
The fun restaurant scene in London goes beyond sit-down dinners. If you want to explore the city's most unique food neighborhoods, the Camden Market food tour takes you through one of London's quirkiest areas, with stops at street food stalls selling everything from jerk chicken to gyoza.
For a themed musical experience, the ABBA-inspired afternoon tea bus is a fun alternative to a traditional afternoon tea, complete with a soundtrack and a moving double-decker setting. And for a classic, iconic London experience, the Hard Rock Cafe London Piccadilly skip-the-line ticket gives you easy access without the queue.
If you're doing some pre-dinner entertainment, Monopoly Lifesized in Seven Dials is a great option; it's an immersive, life-size version of the board game set right in the heart of London's dining district.
FAQs about fun restaurants in London
What are the most unique dining experiences in London?
Some of the most unique dining experiences in London include Bustronome, where you eat a multi-course meal on a moving double-decker bus while seeing the city's landmarks, and Alcotraz, a prison-themed cocktail bar where you're part of the story.
Where can I find the best bottomless brunch in London?
Ballie Ballerson is one of the most talked-about bottomless brunch spots in London, combining unlimited drinks with ball pits and a party atmosphere. Ave Mario in Covent Garden also does a popular brunch service with its theatrical Italian setting.
What are the best themed restaurants in London?
The best themed restaurants in London span a wide range of concepts. Alcotraz goes all-in on a prison theme complete with actors. Amazónico recreates a tropical rainforest environment in the middle of Mayfair. Inamo Soho brings interactive tech into the dining room. For over-the-top maximalist design, Sketch and Sexy Fish both set a very high bar.
What are the best restaurants in London for a group celebration?
For group celebrations, Ballie Ballerson is a crowd-pleaser with its bottomless brunch and ball pit setup. Ave Mario and Circolo Popolare are both great for larger groups who want big portions, lively energy, and a fun Italian vibe. Inamo Soho works well for groups because of the interactive tables, and Bustronome is a great pick for something completely unexpected.
What are the best immersive dining experiences in London?
The best immersive dining experiences in London include Bustronome (dining on a moving bus), Alcotraz (a cocktail bar with a full prison narrative), and Inamo Soho (interactive tech-driven dining).
More London travel guides for you
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