Fun restaurants in London

Bambi only opened in late 2023 but it's already earned a spot in our list of fun restaurants in London. This contemporary London Fields-based restaurant and wine bar ticks all of the boxes for a fun wine and dine spot: a huge record collection and hi-fidelity sound system, a selection of natty wines, and a DJ spinning tracks throughout the week. Oh, and they also have an oyster happy hour. Tick tick tick.

If your idea of fun is sitting in a kitsch Bangkok bar, then you might want to add Speedboat Bar to your list of must-visit restaurants. This themed spot was born because owner Luke Farrell decided he really liked the style of Bangkok's speedboat racers; picture rainbow-coloured boats, the kind you might see on an old-school Megadrive game. The food here is mostly really spicy, and they're not prepared to dim down on that since 'that's how it's supposed to be' fair enough, there's a reason people are raving about it. Head upstairs and you'll find a pool table and a tacky laminated drinks menu that looks like it's actually been plucked out of a bar in Bangkok. 

Ciao Bella, a renowned trattoria in Bloomsbury, is not only celebrated for its authentic Italian cuisine but also for the legendary resident pianist who will play all of your favourite Italian tunes every evening. Since it opened in 1983, the restaurant has been committed to bringing traditional Italian fare to the heart of London in a laid-back, fun way. Portions are huge, and a handful of stand-out dishes are practically designed for Instagram, like the spaghetti alle vongole, served in a big brown paper bag poured out onto your plate right in front of you. There's also an extensive selection of Italian wines and bottles from other regions, including house wines available by the glass.

Get transported to the old-school Bombay cafés of Mumbai at Dishoom, where the decor and vibe are just as great as the food. The food pays homage to the food of Bombay; feast on their famous velvety black daal with cheese naan for dipping and dunking alongside standouts like masala prawns and crispy gunpowder potatoes washed down with their famous spiced chai or one of their cocktails. Dining at Dishoom is an immersive sensory experience, where everything from the smell of the food and the sepia family portraits to the Bombay-inspired music and newspaper-style menus makes dining here extra special.

At Brilliant Corners in Dalston, music shares the spotlight with food, with daily-changing live jazz and DJ sessions spanning various genres. In this dimly-lit venue, you can enjoy a set menu (with a vegan option) chock full of Japanese specialities like spicy tuna maki, fried chicken kara-age, and green salad with miso. The drinks menu also features Japanese-inspired cocktails like the Sesame Old Fashioned. 

Dining at Barge East means you get to enjoy your food on a 120-year-old Dutch barge. This acclaimed restaurant in Hackney serves up tasty seasonal British cuisine crafted from sustainably-sourced ingredients. Menus feature both plant-based options and traditional dishes with a twist, like their iconic Sunday roast. You can also unwind with drinks and street food in the lush canalside gardens, where they grow many of their herbs with a lovely view of the canal. It's a prime spot come summer.

Take your dining experience up a notch at London Shell Co, where you can enjoy fresh seafood on their famous Prince Regent boat, which cruises as you dine, or The Duchess, which stays static (better for those who get a little seasick). A lot of the seafood served is sourced from Kernowsashimi and Wild Harbour in Cornwall, renowned for their sustainable, wild-caught offerings. The daily rotating set menu celebrates British culinary classics with optional wine pairings.

Dans Le Noir? offers a unique dining experience in complete darkness, led by blind servers. Without a menu, you choose a mystery meal with meat, fish, or vegan options. The lack of sight means that this becomes a full-on sensory journey, enhancing flavours and encouraging spontaneous conversation. Afterwards, at the bar, you learn all about what you ate.

Bob Bob Ricard's City branch mirrors its renowned Soho sibling, with elegant interiors designed by Shayne Brady reminiscent of luxurious superyachts. Feast on deluxe French, Russian, and British specialities, including a variety of caviar options. Don't miss the iconic "Press for Champagne" button at every table.

Pick & Cheese is home to the world's first-ever cheese conveyor belt, a unique twist on the traditional sushi conveyor belt concept. Enjoy a range of small plates featuring fine British cheeses, each paired with its own accompaniment. Pick your choice of plates as they circulate, or opt for 75 minutes of unlimited servings. Complement your cheese journey with selections from their carefully curated wine list.

Hidden behind what seems to be a sex shop lies La Bodega Negra, a renowned Mexican eatery in London. It provides the perfect setting to enjoy authentic street food from Mexico. Enjoy street-style Mexican food and margaritas in their ground-floor taqueria or their weekly bottomless brunch. The menu is chock-full of classic street food you'd find in Mexico, such as truffle and black mole quesadillas or sea bass ceviche, best washed down with their range of cocktails and Mexican spirits.

Two words: disco toilet. This playful venture from Big Mamma Group is known for its creatively-themed Italian restaurants across London, including Jacuzzi, which has its very own disco-themed toilet with a glittering disco ball. With room for 170 guests across four floors, the restaurant features a lush botanical mezzanine decked out with funky trinkets and treasures. Enjoy Italian dishes, including the indulgent chocolate fondue for two, made with a generous half-kilogram of chocolate.

Formerly renowned for its iconic pink backdrop, Sketch's Gallery now boasts a striking Art Deco vibe with a Twin-Peaks-esque tiled floor and an overall sophisticated atmosphere. Within the elegant surroundings, guests can enjoy afternoon tea with the melodies of a live classical string trio. There's also a French-inspired dinner menu. The space is kitted out with artwork by acclaimed featured artist Yinka Shonibare, adding to the dining experience with a sprinkle of culture.

Since its opening in 1996, Sarastro, named after a character in Mozart's 'Magic Flute', has been a go-to destination for Mediterranean cuisine. Its flamboyant vibe is accentuated by extravagant gold accents and Art Deco lamps; it kind of feels like you're stepping into your extravagant and outrageously-decorated house. Mezze and Mediterranean-inspired dishes take centre stage here, with both set and pre-theatre menus on offer. Live music adds to the lively atmosphere, spanning genres from opera to Motown and swing.

This cool restaurant takes you on a journey aboard a roaming double-decker bus featuring a unique glass roof for uninterrupted city views. During your two-hour excursion, feast on a tasting menu, with a separate menu available for children, while you soak up all the city sights. Sit upstairs for undisturbed views from the upper deck, where they have a weatherproof 360° panoramic terrace.

Located within HMP Brixton, The Clink Restaurant serves gourmet meals prepared and served by prisoners on their journey toward catering qualifications. Situated in the historic governor's house, some of the furniture is also crafted by inmates. Guests can enjoy lunch, dinner, and afternoon tea, with a menu showcasing tasty dishes made with care.

The Jam on King's Road is known for its quirky design, featuring multi-level booths and modern touches like wooden panels and exposed lightbulbs. Climb up ladders to elevated tables where you can enjoy tasty Italian dishes, like sourdough pizzas with various toppings. Small plates are great for sharing or as a meal, including vegan and gluten-free options. Pair your meal with selected wines or classic cocktails.

You get to dine on London's iconic tube at Supperclub.tube offers a redefined experience. Enjoy an authentic Latin American menu within a refurbished 1967 carriage straight from the nearby Victoria line. This pop-up venture operates with limited opening hours and seating, making advance booking essential for this unique culinary journey.

Located in the hustle and bustle of London's urban landscape in the heart of Mayfair, Amazónico, created by Sandro Silva and Marta Seco, ventures beyond traditional dining. With its immersive rainforest setting and eclectic menu blending Amazonian flavours with unexpected sushi options and charcoal-grilled meats, the restaurant transports you to the lush Amazon rainforest while you dine. Live music and DJ sets add to the vibrant atmosphere.

By day, Gremio de Brixton is a bustling tapas restaurant and bar, but come evening, it transforms into a buzzy club until the early hours of the morning. It's set within the old confines of a church crypt with an extensive food menu that features a selection of classic tapas dishes complemented by beer, wine, sangria, and tropical cocktails. Guests can enjoy the rhythms of Latin music and a lively vibe.

This Instagram-worthy Italian restaurant boasts three themed rooms and two terraces, each thoughtfully designed with a fun interior featuring things like vibrant red tiles and zebra stripes. However, alongside the eclectic decor, the cuisine remains a highlight, with a menu that changes monthly but always features Italian staples like pizza and pasta alongside creations from the head chef. Complementing the cuisine is an extensive selection of Italian wines, with the Gelato Tower serving as a memorable finale—a towering ice cream cake sliced tableside.

Petersham Nurseries has garnered global acclaim over the years, extending its influence beyond gardening to hospitality and interior design. Situated in leafy Richmond, this Teahouse, located inside the sunny garden centre, offers a quintessentially British experience with afternoon tea in the lush surroundings of the greenhouse. Feast on things like herb-laced, petal-strewn dishes and embrace the plant-filled space, which stays authentic with a dirt floor. Be sure to explore the gardens post-tea.