Quirky Restaurants In London

• Where: Farringdon and the West End
• Best for: music fanatics 

The Piano Works in Farringdon and the West End is an unusual London restaurant as you'll be treated to performances like no other as live bands play your requests. In Covent Garden, nestled in the heart of Theatreland, it's the ideal spot for a pre or post-show gathering, a romantic dinner date, or an all-out night of dancing and dining. 

Meanwhile, in Farringdon, the atmosphere shifts to a cool, basement location within a stunning Victorian warehouse. This spot is perfect for catching up with friends over cocktails or indulging in a delicious dinner. With a diverse menu ranging from Wagyu beef or buttermilk chicken burgers to spiced vegan options, plus tasty sides like mac 'n' cheese bites and seasonal greens, you're bound to leave feeling satisfied. 

• Where: 12 Hertsmere Road, E14 4AE
• Best for: Neapolitan slices with games

Born out of a passionate pizza pilgrimage in 2011, when the team behind Pizza Pilgrims took a three-wheeled vehicle, Concetta, on a journey through Italy, their mission was clear: bring proper Neapolitan pizza to London, with toppings like double pepperoni and hot honey, and classic margheritas.

Located on the sunny quayside terrace with stunning views of the Canary Wharf skyline, this venue is perfect for those who want to enjoy delicious pizza in a lively and unique setting. For those looking for some playful fun, the Pizza Playground is a must-see. This entertainment-packed space features arcade machines like Pac-Man, Pinball, Donkey Kong, and a range of nostalgic gaming options including Nintendo Switch with Mario Kart, PS2 for FIFA fans, and a 16-player foosball table.

• Where: 20-24 Shaftesbury Avenue, W1D 7EU
• Best for: a Cook Haus roast washed down with beer

Looking for quirky restaurants? London has a handful that stand out and this gem is one of them. Alternative by design and nature, Albert's Schloss Soho is a Bavarian bier palace named after Prince Albert. Fronting Alpine decor with long wooden benches and chopped logs, its interiors mirror its menu's theme.

Throughout the week you'll be able to enjoy a variety of entertainment alongside plates of schnitzel, currywurst and signature burgers, washed down by bier and cocktails. Come Sunday, it whips up a mean Cook Haus roast with all the trimmings - a feast not to be missed. 

• Where: 19 Slingsby Place, WC2E 9AB
• Best for: pretty pictures and sushi

Gura Gura is a top choice for pan-Asian fare and the Instagrammable interiors to match. Wall murals and hangings sing to Japanese art, while hanging foliage completes the look. Plus, you can tuck into sushi, dim sum and more. 

Spanning two floors, the venue features a live sushi bar and an underground cocktail bar, which together create a captivating atmosphere that transports guests to another time and place. As the evening sets in, the atmosphere transforms, enhanced by a carefully selected house playlist.

• Where: 49-51 Lisson Grove, NW1 6UH
• Best for: celebrity-approved fish and chips

On the hunt for quirky dining destinations? Featuring an octopus bar and an aquarium seating area, The Seashell of Lisson Grove in Marylebone is a great seafood restaurant. With roots dating back to after the First World War, the restaurant has grown from a small twelve-seat eatery to one of the city's busiest and most beloved establishments.

Inside, you'll find some pretty alternative decor in the form of a giant, golden octopus bar, surrounded by trinkets and checkerboard flooring. Known for serving the freshest fish and crispiest chips, it's earned visits from culinary legends like Alain Ducasse, Ken Hom, and Hollywood stars like Stevie Wonder and Mary J. Blige. 

• Where: Pedley Street Station, Arch 63, Pedley Street, E1
• Best for: a murder mystery meal 

Step aboard The Murdér Express at Pedley Street Station for a thrilling experience that blends mystery with Michelin-starred dining. This immersive journey transports you back to the early 20th century, where train travel was a luxurious affair, and every journey told a story.

As the train departs, passengers are invited to sip cocktails from the Seven Sins platform bar before settling in for an unforgettable four-course menu crafted by Niall Keating, a Michelin-starred chef and Great British Menu winner. Indulge in exceptional cuisine, enjoy a drink or two, and let the captivating atmosphere unfold as the journey takes you on a culinary adventure you'll never forget.

• Where: Victoria House, Bloomsbury Square, WC1B 4DA
• Best for: dinner and a show

London Cabaret Club in Holborn brings you a truly unique, innovative cabaret performance paired with a scrumptious three-course meal. Expect a night of food, drink, music and dance all with a distinctly British twist, as you can expect an unforgettable experience with performances and plates galore.

Feast on a prawn cocktail to start, followed by the likes of corn-fed chicken with crispy potatoes or miso glazed aubergine, then finish off with a slice of apple pie drizzled in rosemary apple syrup. 

• Where: Bridge Boat House, Riverside, TW9 1TH
• Best for: an Instagrammable, Aussie-inspired brunch

Peggy Jean offers a delicious selection of Australian treats known to frequent the Instagram feeds of brunchers and dinner fanatics alike. But what makes it truly unique is the restaurant's boat setting in Richmond, so you can make the most of riverside views while sitting under pergolas and pretty pink umbrellas.

Start off your day by wolfing down shakshouka or an award-winning banana bread sandwich, filled with whipped mascarpone cream, or catch the sunset with a spritz in hand paired with plates of miso roasted aubergine, harissa chicken, and tandoori salmon. Not in the area? Check out their sister venues Darcie & May Green, Bondi Green or Beany Green.

• Where: 15-16 Gerrard Street, W1D 6JE
• Best for: dim sum

Hidden behind a jade green door on Soho's famous Gerrard Street, Opium Cocktail Bar & Dim Sum Parlour is a secret gem that's as stylish as it is elusive. Ascend the dark stairway to discover a chic, modern space - think mismatched Chinese furniture with sleek metal finishes, offering a contemporary London twist.

Inside, you'll find three bars serving award-winning, science-defying cocktails, alongside a tempting selection of seasonal dim sum platters. From £23, you can tuck into the likes of vegetable dumplings, BBQ pork bao buns and more.

• Where: Coach Bay, 40B Victoria Embankment, WC2N 6PB
• Best for: sightseeing coupled with fine dining

Fine dining on a double decker bus? Oh yes, it's a thing and Bustronome doesn't disappoint with its meticulously-created eats to be enjoyed with panoramic views of London from the glass-topped bus. If you're looking for a quirky date, this may just do the trick.

Look forward to four-course lunches and six-course dinners paired with a selection of wines, and munch on the likes of beetroot cured salmon gravlax, Coley fillet, or beef Wellington, or book yourself in for an afternoon tea.

• Where: 144-145 Upper Street, N1 1QY
• Best for: Caribbean fare in a tropical dining room

Laki Kane is a vibrant drinking destination and a very cool restaurant located in Islington. Step into a tropical paradise as you make your way through leafy greens and carved wooden furnishings, all the way through to the main dining area where a spectacular feast awaits.

On the menu, you can expect to tuck into classics like a pulled beef and plantain stack, a juicy jerk chicken burger, and bang bang mango wings. Don't miss its signature doughnuts topped with caramel sauce for dessert.

• Where: 1 Upper James Street, W1F 9DF
• Best for: regal 20s interiors and Champagne

Nestled just off Regent Street, Bob Bob Ricard in Soho is a glamorous dining destination that fuses classic British and French cuisine with a dash of indulgence. Famous for its luxurious all-booth seating and the iconic 'Press for Champagne' button at every table, this restaurant pours more Champagne than any other in Britain.

Its signature menu features reinvented British and French classics, from rich caviar to comforting chicken Kyiv and beef Wellington - ideal for those seeking a decadent dining experience. Known for its unique price policy, the restaurant made waves by capping the mark-up on fine wines at £75, regardless of the bottle's price - a policy that continues today. Plus, they've got a City venue too.

• Where: River Lee, Sweetwater Mooring, White Post Lane, E9 5EN
• Best for: a roast on a boat

Make your way down to Hackney Wick for Barge East, a restaurant on a 120-year-old Dutch boat boasting striking views of the canal and an intimate atmosphere, perfect for a first date. The award-winning eatery is led by executive chef Gavin Gordon who's whipping up seasonal British cuisine in the kitchen, made with the freshest local ingredients.

It's dining at its most picturesque - look forward to tucking into small plates like Newlyn salt cod croquettes with Silo's preserved lemon aioli, cured Loch Duart salmon with beetroot gel, and mains of Norfolk Angus onglet in a smoked marrow sauce. 

• Where: 69-73 St John Street, EC1M 4AN
• Best for: those who aren't afraid of the dark

Dine in darkness at Dans Le Noir, a restaurant designed to heighten sensations, change perceptions and completely excite you. Located near Farringdon, this immersive concept invites you to rediscover your senses by enjoying a surprise menu crafted from fresh, seasonal ingredients, all while eliminating the distraction of sight. Without the ability to see, you'll truly focus on the taste, texture, and aroma of each dish, making every bite a discovery.

The experience goes beyond food - your meal is guided by visually impaired staff, creating a powerful and inclusive atmosphere where guests can connect on a deeper level, fostering spontaneous, meaningful conversations. Two courses are £56 per person, and previous dishes have included the likes of fresh cucumber tartare with stracciatella.

• Where: 10 S Access Road, E17 8AX
• Best for: train lovers 

While some people would want to avoid the tube at all times, one of the best quirky restaurants in London puts you smack bang in the middle of travel. Join Supperclub.tube for a six-course tasting menu inside a decommissioned 1967 London Underground carriage. Surrounded by original interiors, windows, and signs, this immersive setting transports you back in time while serving up an exciting, Colombia-inspired menu curated by head chef Beatriz Maldonado Carreño.

The menu features a mix of Latin American flavours, with dishes that combine ancestral and modern techniques using both authentic ingredients and British seasonal produce. Highlights include ceviche nikkei de atún with crispy quinoa and tamarind ponzu, Brazilian-style churros with dulce de leche, and Andean berry sorbet. 

• Where: Covent Garden and Soho 
• Best for: Asian tapas and sushi

Except for takeaways, have you ever used a computer to order dinner? One of the most interesting restaurants in London, Inamo in Covent Garden and Soho offers a futuristic experience where you can use the table to select your food, and even play retro games while you wait.

Not only are there sushi dishes and Asian favourites aplenty, but the venues also boast sleek, futuristic décor and playful atmosphere, making it a standout spot for casual dining or a fun night out. Whether you're digging into their signature Korean BBQ short ribs or savouring the black miso cod, each dish is a treat for the senses.

• Where: 4 Kingdom Street, W2 6BD
• Best for: tacos in a graffiti-adorned hangout 

Sprawling over 5,000 square feet and spread across multiple levels, this Paddington bar and club is a perfect spot to drink, dine and dance the night away.

Enjoy a cocktail in the lively main bar, indulge in delicious tacos (think spit-roasted pork, coleslaw, and lime yoghurt) and loaded fries in the trendy HUCKSTER Coffee House, or belt out your favourite songs in RUBELL's Karaoke Lounge. The venue is adorned with bold graffiti by renowned artist Dotmaster, adding an edgy flair to the whole experience.

• Where: 42 Northampton Road, EC1R 0HU
• Best for: regal-looking, botanical decor

Bourne and Hollingsworth Buildings is a unique London restaurant with bags of character, doused in botany. Walk through the bar and café, and you'll be transported to a verdant oasis that feels like an abandoned country house, where the gardens and rooms have merged over time.

With hanging baskets, fully grown trees, and trailing creepers filling the space, the restaurant offers a relaxing escape from the city, featuring a blend of soft armchairs, cane garden furniture, and wrought iron benches. Visit for brunch or dinner, and look forward to the likes of French onion soup or pan-seared scallops to start, followed by chalk stream trout, chicken breast with crushed potatoes, or roast delica pumpkin. 

• Where: 213-215 Tottenham Court Road, W1T 7PN
• Best for: Monopoly-inspired eats

Monopoly Lifesized fronts a huge 15m x 15m board with your favourite tokens - The Boot, Scottie Dog, Race Car and more. Complete escape-room-style challenges, including getting out of jail, before heading to grab some grub at The Top Hat Restaurant & Bar, where you can indulge in Monopoly-themed food and drinks.

They include classic favourites like fish and chips, burgers, and Mr. Monopoly's Millionaire Cheesecake. Whether or not you're playing, enjoy a delicious selection of food, such as The High Flyer Burger or Deep Dive Calamari, all made on-site. 

• Where: HMP Brixton, Jebb Avenue, SW2 5XF
• Best for: fine dining in a prison

The Clink Brixton is a truly unique experience where fine dining, social impact, and community come together in one unforgettable setting. Located inside the category C prison at HMP Brixton, this restaurant is an opportunity to support a transformative cause. The talented chefs who cook and serve your food are students in training, working towards NVQs in professional cookery, food service, and hygiene, all while gaining valuable skills to help them secure employment upon their release.

Nestled in the historic governor's house dating back to 1819, it serves up a mouthwatering set menu featuring dishes like pan-roasted chicken breast with wild garlic and Israeli couscous, poached seatrout with fermented chilli laksa sauce, and tandoori romanesco with sweet potato purée. The space itself is as impressive as the food, with leather upholstery and boardroom tables made by inmates at HMP Frankland, plus poetry from Clink graduates adorning the walls.

• Where: 69-73, Atlantic Road, SW9 8PU
• Best for: burlesque and dim sum

Step into The Courtesan in Brixton for a night of modern dim sum, cocktails, and late-night burlesque entertainment. Known for its world's only female wine and spirits list, this venue offers a unique dining experience led by an all-female chef team, headed by Feng Juan He.

Their inventive dim sum menu blends traditional flavours with global influences, offering everything from XO chicken cress dumplings to magical mushroom bags and curious pumpkin buns. Beyond the delicious food, The Courtesan features a captivating atmosphere, with live burlesque shows adding a touch of glamour and fun to your evening. 

• Where: 6-8 All Saints Road, W11 1HH
• Best for: brunch in a house party-inspired lounge

The Little Yellow Door in Notting Hill is sure to offer you something a little different as you explore the city. Be welcomed in by The Flatmates and experience a boozy brunch, kooky supper club or raucous house party like you've never seen before. 

Their menu is full of tempting choices, from the smoky lamb, feta, and harissa sausage roll to the addictive halloumi fries with smoked paprika aioli. Don't forget to finish your meal with their indulgent blueberry pie ice cream sundae, the perfect sweet treat to round off an unforgettable evening.

• Where: President Hotel, 56-60 Guilford Street, WC1N 1DB
• Best for: Faulty Towers fans

This fully immersive show is certainly one of our city's quirkiest meals, where you will be served by Basil, Sybil and Manuel amid all the chaos. 

Faulty Towers The Dining Experience takes place at the President Hotel in Fitzrovia, including a delicious three-course dinner with a side of audience participation which starts from £68.50 (off-peak) per person. Expect old-school humour that's bound to have you in stitches, named as a 'must see event' by the British Theatre Guide.

• Where: 110 Bishopsgate, EC2N 4AY
• Best for: satiating your sweet tooth 24/7

Perched high above London on the 40th floor of 110 Bishopsgate, Duck & Waffle offers a 24/7 dining experience with stunning views of the city, from sunrise breakfasts to late-night snacks. Whether you're in the mood for their signature Duck & Waffle - crispy duck leg confit paired with a fried duck egg and mustard maple syrup - or a more decadent treat like the foie gras crème brûlée, every dish is crafted to delight. 

With a mix of classic and inventive dishes like the lobster roll, and even The Full Elvis dessert, this iconic spot combines delicious food, innovative flavours, and spectacular views, making it the perfect place to enjoy an unforgettable meal - no matter the time.

• Where: 3 Norris St, SW1Y 4RJ
• Best for: daring dishes that use the whole bird

Michelin-recommended Fallow launched their quirky chicken pop-up FOWL, an innovative restaurant inside St James's Market where the 'beak to feet' approach has got people squawking.

Chefs Will Murray and Jack Croft continue to follow their low-waste ethos, using pasture-raised, soy-free poultry to create unique dishes using all of the bird, from a chicken leg corn dog to chicken fat crème caramel. If you're looking for one of the coolest restaurants in London, this certainly ticks all the boxes. 

• Where: 9 Conduit Street, W1S 2XG
• Best for: a three Michelin-starred meal

Ready for a dining experience that's as unforgettable as it is luxurious? Welcome to The Lecture Room & Library at Sketch – one of London's exclusive three Michelin-starred gems.

Step inside and you'll be greeted by avant-garde interiors bursting with bold colours and imaginative designs, all masterminded by Pierre Gagnaire and Momo Mazouz. Kick back in a plush armchair and let Head Chef Daniel Stucki take you on a journey with his meticulously crafted dishes - think poached French foie gras paired with confit kumquat and red cabbage marmalade. 

• Where: Drury House, 34-43 Russell Street, WC2B 5HA
• Best for: a pre-theatre feast

Spanish-Israeli fusion restaurant Penelope's seamlessly blends the cuisine of both countries, with an array of family-style dishes like the Israeli interpretation of paella (think tenderly cooked octopus, frekkeh and a gin-tomato sauce) and baklava cheesecake on the cards.

You'll come for the food and stay for the glam after-party here, as a lineup of London DJs blur the boundaries between restaurant and night out. Better yet, you can attend Isramani too, a legendary monthly dinner party imported from Berlin.

• Where: Camden Market and Seven Dial Market, Covent Garden
  
• Best for: the cheese-obsessed 

Located in the heart of London's West End, The Cheese Bar is the world's first cheese conveyor belt restaurant, offering a fun and unique way to indulge in the finest British cheeses.

With a menu that changes regularly, diners can choose from a delicious array of cheeses sourced from across the UK, each paired with bespoke condiments and small-producer wines. For cheese lovers who want to go all out, it offers a bottomless cheese and charcuterie experience every Wednesday, where you can enjoy unlimited plates from the conveyor belt for 75 minutes - perfect for those looking to satisfy their cheese cravings in style.

• Where: 15 Henrietta Street, WC2E 8QG
• Best for: Instagram-worthy Italian eats

If you're hunting for a quirky, feel-good dining experience, Ave Mario in Covent Garden is your go-to spot. This Big Mamma trattoria is a celebration of all things Italian, with a dash of playful flair and 100% homemade goodness. Every dish is crafted with love and a commitment to authenticity, thanks to ingredients imported straight from Italy.

Craving a comforting bowl of pasta? Try the Mafaldine alla Norma - fresh, homemade mafaldine pasta bathed in rich San Marzano tomato sauce, fried aubergine, and a dreamy ricotta al limone base. Feeling spicy? Netflix and Chilli is the perfect combo of broccoli cream, tenderstem broccoli, and a kick of spicy aioli - plus, you can enjoy a vegan version. And for pizza lovers, the Mammargherita di Bufala brings together San Marzano DOP tomato sauce, fior di latte, mozzarella di bufala, and Parmigiano on a crispy base that'll transport you straight to Italy.

• Where: 1 Mount Street, W1K 3NA
• Best for: wow factor interiors 

If you're looking for some place different to dine then Bacchanalia is the perfect restaurant. Inspired by Greek and Roman mythology, the ceilings are decorated with hand-painted sculptures of Medusa. 

Delight in grilled Greek sausage with aubergine, peppers, tahini yoghurt, and grilled bread; fried ravioli with pesto, rocket, and parmesan; and a Greek salad featuring barrel-aged feta, tomatoes, cucumber, and Kalamáta olives. And for dessert? Indulge in Bacchanalia's signature tiramisu, crafted with mascarpone cream, coffee namelaka, and savoiardi biscuit, or enjoy an affogato with espresso Nutella sauce.

• Where: Chancellor Passage, E14 5EA 
• Best for: an inventive tasting menu 

If you're on the hunt for cheap quirky restaurants in London, be sure to add Six By Nico to your list, founded by the creative mind of Chef Nico Simone. Known for its innovative approach to dining, it offers a unique experience by showcasing themed tasting menus, each composed of six carefully crafted dishes.

These rotating menus change every six weeks, taking guests on a culinary journey through different themes, destinations, and concepts. Previous themes have included imaginative concepts like The Mad Hatter's Tea Party and The Humble Fish and Chips, each bringing a new twist to familiar dishes. 

• Where: 9 Old Compton Street, W1D 5JF
• Best for: a sultry setting for tacos

A secret restaurant that's hidden behind sex shop frontage, Soho's La Bodega Negra has your needs for Mexican food and tequila or mezcal-laced drinks covered.

Their hacienda-style cellar space is full of candle-lit tables for speakeasy vibes, while the menu promises hibiscus margaritas to wash down lamb barbacoa and prawn tacos with pineapple pico de gallo. Plus, you can even head along for drag and cabaret brunches too.

• Where: Victoria House, Bloomsbury Square, London WC1B 4DA
• Best for: an experience your friends won't believe

For experiential dining that feels like Disney's much-loved Ratatouille movie, it can only be the Le Petit Chef Experience.

The powers of 3D projection mapping technology create a whole story to accompany your dinner, as your small chef battles pesky moles and giant sea monsters while cooking your dinner - all with a French bistro-style soundtrack in the restaurant's background to transport you to the streets of Paris. The multi-course experience includes melt-in-the-mouth beef and other fabulous courses, plus a bottle of wine. 

• Where: 34-35 Southampton Street, WC2E 7HG
• Best for: Michelin-starred food in the heart of Covent Garden

Frog by Adam Handling is a Michelin-starred eatery and one of the most exciting restaurants in London that brings sustainable British luxury to life in a theatrical, interactive setting. Guests dine facing the open kitchen, where they can watch the magic unfold and even interact with Chef Adam and his team.

The tasting menu, which changes regularly, showcases the best of Britain's seasonal produce, sourced through close collaborations with farmers, fishermen, and foragers. Every dish tells a story, offering a journey through the UK's diverse culinary landscape, and you can experience his creations with a tasting menu for £199 per person.