Known for its diverse dining scene, there's no shortage of quirky restaurants to choose from in the capital.
From dining in the dark to extravagantly themed interiors and a garlic-infused menu, book a spot at one of these fun restaurants in London.
1. Dinner by Heston Blumenthal
Settle down for a quirky culinary experience at Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, a two Michelin-starred restaurant that's consistently voted one of the best restaurants in the world. The celebrity chef taps into Britain's rich culinary history with unusual results, such as the signature Meat Fruit starter, where chicken parfait is served in the guise of a clementine.
Where: Knightsbridge (66 Knightsbridge, SW1X 7LA)
2. Brunswick House
The worlds of contemporary and traditional Britain come together at this top London restaurant. Brunswick House Cafe's regularly changing menu is inspired by local produce, and the furniture and interior design is all up for sale.
Where: Vauxhall (30 Wandsworth Road, SW8 2LG)
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3. Mari Vanna
If you’ve ever pondered what it would be like to wine (or vodka) and dine at Grandma’s house in old Russia, then Mari Vanna London will answer all your desires. A remarkably authentic slice of Soviet era cuisine and comradery, spanning everything from caviar to cabbage rolls.
Where: Knightsbridge (Wellington Court, SW1X 7PD)
4. Garlic & Shots
Nestled in vibrant Soho is Garlic & Shots, a low-lit bar and restaurant with a gothic twist. First opening in Stockholm, Sweden, the star of this place is of course, garlic, which can be found in every dish and drink on the menu. From garlic burgers to garlic vodka, this is truly one of London’s quirkier restaurants.
Where: Soho (14 Frith St, W1D 4RD)
5. Bob Bob Ricard
Soak up the glamorous atmosphere at this fancy dining hotspot. The Bob Bob Ricard menu features an array of British-Russian dishes to enjoy in private booths, surrounded by glitzy art-deco decor. Each table has a “press for champagne” button, meaning you can really dine in style during your trip to London.
Where: Soho (1 Upper James Street, W1F 9DF) and City of London (Level 3, 122 Leadenhall Street, EC3V 4AB)
6. The Clink Restaurant
Eat within the walls of a prison at The Clink Restaurant based at HMP Brixton. Many of the ingredients are sourced from prison farms around the country, while everything is cooked and served by the prisoners as they train for careers in hospitality after their release. Not only does this unique dining experience help with rehabilitation, the food is excellent and of good value too.
Where: Brixton (HMP Brixton, SW2 5XF)
7. Sketch
Sketch turns eating and drinking into a whole new experience, boasting several venues at its base near Regent Street that are among the best restaurants in London. The hardest part is choosing between the three Michelin-starred Lecture Room; the woodland-themed lunch venue, Glade; the brasserie-style Gallery; and The Parlour, an eccentric patisserie, restaurant and bar.
Where: Mayfair (9 Conduit St, W1S 2XG)
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8. Pick & Cheese - The Cheese Bar
Take a seat at the world’s first cheese conveyer belt restaurant in London’s iconic Seven Dials food market, Pick & Cheese. The 40-metre conveyor belt delivers an endless supply of cheeses, all sourced from the UK, and all paired with delicious condiments. From Stilton with kimchi to Perl Las paired with a chocolate and hazelnut brownie, there’s a delicious combination for everyone.
This cool restaurant in London also serves “off-belt dishes” including grilled cheese sandwiches and a port and stilton affogato. There’s also a fantastic range of wines, port, beer and cider to cleanse those cheesy palettes.
Where: Covent Garden (Seven Dials Market, WC2H 9AT)
9. Dans le Noir?
At Dans le Noir? restaurant in Clerkenwell, your dining experience takes place in complete darkness. Served by blind and visually impaired waiters, the meal challenges your sense of taste and smell and the surprise menu encourages you to educate your palate.
Where: Clerkenwell (69-73 St John St, EC1M 4NJ)
10. The Doodle Bar
Unleash your inner creativity at The Doodle Bar in London Bridge. Set in an old industrial-style warehouse, this restaurant and bar actively encourages visitors to “doodle” across its chalkboard walls. Pop by to get a taste of its legendary Doodle burgers alongside craft beers, cocktails, fine wines and more than 20 types of gin.
Where: London Bridge (60 Druid St, SE1 2EZ)
11. Inamo
This Asian fusion restaurant boasts a pioneering interactive ordering system projected onto the table, making it one of the coolest restaurants in London. At Inamo, you can place orders via a 3D menu, choose from a selection of virtual tablecloths, play more than 20 games, find out about the local neighbourhood and even order a taxi home, all from the comfort of your seat.
Discover Inamo's unlimited food experiences and enjoy unlimited Asian tapas or unlimited brunch with bottomless drinks.
Where: Soho (134-136 Wardour St, W1F 8ZS) and Covent Garden (11-14 Hanover Pl, WC2E 9JP)
12. Bustronome
Discover London’s famous landmarks while enjoying a four- or six-course meal aboard a double-decker bus with Bustronome. Treat your taste buds to a seasonal menu made using top-quality British products and don’t forget to snap a few pictures as you whizz through the capital.
Where: Victoria Embankment (Coach bay 40B, WC2N 6PB)
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13. The Piano Works
Tuck into steaks, ribs and sliders as you listen to live music requested by you and the rest of the audience in a Victorian warehouse, at The Piano Works. Part live jukebox, part restaurant, this music-lovers’ favourite will have you singing long into the night.
Where: Farringdon (113-117 Farringdon Road, EC1R 3BX) and West End (47 Whitcomb St, WC2H 7DH)
14. Sarastro
A London restaurant that is anything but quiet, Sarastro is "the show after the show" thanks to the musical entertainment played out live among the smiling diners. The drama continues on your plate with Turkish and Mediterranean flavours to entertain your taste buds.
Where: Covent Garden (126 Drury Ln, WC2B 5SU)
15. The London Dinner Cruise
The London Dinner Cruise is a triple treat – great food, city sights and astounding entertainment. This unique cabaret and dance cruise takes you from Westminster Pier to the Thames barrier and back while you make your way through a delicious four-course meal and take in the show.
Where: Westminster Pier (Victoria Embankment, SW1A 2JH)
If you're visiting London with family and have little ones to feed, head to these cool family-friendly restaurants, which cater for even the fussiest of eaters.
Otherwise, explore more of quirky London with a visit to a quirky cafe or enjoy a night out with a twist at one of the capital's quirky bars.
