The most fun restaurants in Soho

Despite being over 15 years old, 40 Dean Street has retained its sense of fun. The interiors are decked out with a mishmash of antiques, neon signage, and modern ornaments, adding to the lively vibe at this fun Soho restaurant. The restaurant makes full use of its location during the warmer months as well, with the pavement tables ideal for watching the never-boring streets of Soho.

Just like its sibling 40 Dean Street, 64 Old Compton Street brings fun vibes inspired by New York's legendary Studio 54 to Soho. Expect a similar menu with a slight emphasis on the freshly-made pasta, served in a similar old-meets-new setting. There's outdoor seating as well, even though these pavement tables haven't quite entered the public consciousness as those of the above-mentioned sibling.

By day, the newest of chef Nima Safaei's ventures in Soho is a friendly neighbourhood pasta bar inspired by the tavola calda concept of serving quality food in a speedy and expedient manner. It's entertaining enough, but it really comes into its own fun-wise when night falls. As Soho's latest open pasta bar, it's a prime destination for fun-loving diners eager to continue the night's adventures, fuelled by carbs are rich sauces.

Inca London combines Latin American cuisine with entertaining theatrical performances. The menu includes American-inspired zesty dishes like ceviche, sushi, and grilled wagyu beef, prepared using fresh, carefully sourced ingredients. Guests enjoy their meal in a sultry setting illuminated by red lighting while live performances featuring singers, dancers, and acrobats take centre stage.

The iconic "Press for Champagne" button at Bob Bob Ricard in Soho means you can enjoy free-flowing bubbly on demand. Inspired by vintage train travel, the glamorous interiors set the scene for enjoying the menu of combined British, French, and Russian classics. Menu highlights include things like caviar, steak tartare, and vodka shots.

If you don't like garlic, then you might want to skip this suggestion. Garlic & Shots is a gothic-themed bar and restaurant that lives up to its name. It serves 101 varieties of shots and a menu brimming with garlic-packed dishes. Feast on tacos, pasta, or steak, with the option to add more garlic—but don't even think about asking for less.

Circolo Popolare is an Italian restaurant in a stunning Sicilian-inspired setting decorated with 20,000 bottles and lush plants. The menu features rotating Italian classics like pizza, pasta, and risotto alongside an extensive wine list. Guests can also enjoy the lovely plant-filled outdoor terrace which is perfect for alfresco dining.

La Bodega Negra is a beloved Mexican restaurant hidden behind the guise of a sex shop, serving a street food menu with an upscale touch. The menu includes classics like truffle, black mole quesadillas, sea bass ceviche, and expertly crafted cocktails made with a range of Mexican spirits. The atmosphere is lively and cheeky.

This award-winning spot provides an interactive dining experience with touch-sensitive tables for ordering dishes like sushi and other pan-Asian favourites. There's also the option to play games, watch live kitchen feeds, or book private dining rooms with giant gaming screens.

Temper is dedicated to in-house butchery and puts its craft on full display with open kitchens and dramatic fire pits that make barbecue as much a performance as it is culinary art. The basement fire pit here is one of London's largest, and guests can enjoy meaty dishes from cosy booths while sipping mezcal cocktails.

The Palomar is a must-visit if you're drawn to the vibrant flavours and allure of North Africa, Spain, and the Levant. It's known for its lively atmosphere and weekend buzz and serves a menu packed with dishes like harissa chicken, glazed octopus, and cumin broccoli with za'atar yoghurt.

CDMX Tacos is all about authentic Mexican tacos in the heart of Soho. The menu focuses on a few classic options, which you can customise with various condiments and sauces on the side. It was founded by a former global luxury tequila expert from Diageo, so this taqueria guarantees top-notch tacos and an outstanding drinks selection. Years spent living in Mexico inspired the owner to share his love for the country's iconic street food.

Speedboat Bar is a retro-style Thai restaurant and bar located moments from Soho. It's styled after Bangkok's vibrant Chinatown shophouses and channels the energy of Thailand with bold wok cookery and lively vibes. The upstairs bar is decorated with portraits of canal speedboat racers and lots of wacky colours. The menu is crafted by chef Luke Farrell and the JKS group and includes a range of dishes like drunken noodles, stir-fries, and  cocktails, all in a buzzy setting. It's also known for its use of spice here.

Since its mid-2024 opening, Noodle Inn has fast become a crowd favourite, thanks to Alex Xu, the genius behind Kung-Fu Noodle in Chinatown. But it's not just noodles here – the menu also features mouthwatering tongguan roujamo sandwiches, a must-try Shaanxi Province speciality. Take a front-row kitchen seat to see the noodles being stretched in front of you.

The Devonshire is always busy and buzzing no matter what time you go. It's the first collaboration between pub industry veterans Oisin Rogers (formerly of The Guinea Grill) and Charlie Carroll (founder of Flat Iron). The ground-floor pub serves drinks and homemade bar snacks, while the upstairs restaurant features creative wood ember grilling with premium ingredients like dry-aged Scottish beef, Oban langoustines, and day-boat fish. There's even an in-house butcher and bakery.