Themed Restaurants London: A 2025 Guide to the City’s Most Creative Dining Experiences
- comedyinyoureye
- Oct 7
- 14 min read
If you’re bored of the same old dinner routine, London’s themed restaurants might be just what you need. These places aren’t just about food – they’re about putting on a show, surprising you, and sometimes even making you question if you’re in the right place at all. Whether you want to eat in total darkness, watch acrobats while you tuck into your noodles, or try kebabs served straight from a countertop, there’s a spot in London for you. This guide rounds up some of the most creative and unusual themed restaurants London has to offer in 2025. Expect a mix of hidden gems, techy tables, wild parties and menus you won’t find anywhere else.
Key Takeaways
Themed restaurants London go beyond the usual meal, with everything from circus acts to pitch-black dining rooms.
Hidden entrances and secret spots like La Bodega Negra and Kebab Queen make eating out feel like an adventure.
Tech-forward places such as Inamo let you play games or order from interactive tables while you eat.
There’s a huge range of cuisines – from Persian grills to modern British tasting menus – all with their own twist.
Many themed restaurants in London are perfect for groups, parties, or just when you want a night that’s anything but ordinary.
Immersive Dining Experiences at Themed Restaurants London
It’s easy to find a burger and chips in London, but there are some places in the city that make dinner the main event – not just something you eat before heading somewhere else. These immersive restaurants wrap you in their world, making every part of your meal an experience to remember. Here’s a closer look at three standout spots that redefine the ordinary night out.
Circus: Entertainment with Every Meal
If you’re after something that feels a little more like a show than dinner, Circus in Covent Garden really brings the drama. You’ll be treated to a mix of circus acts, cabaret performers, and gymnasts twirling and leaping around the communal tables. It’s all timed to line up between the stages of your pan-Asian sharing meal, so there’s barely a boring moment all night. Here’s what to expect:
Talented circus performers weaving through the dining room
Glamorous and energetic atmosphere, perfect for groups
Menu full of sharing platters and bold Asian flavours
Surprises – you never quite know what act you’ll get, or when
Forget the awkward dinner silences – the entertainment here takes care of all lulls in conversation.
The Murder Express: Dining on a Moving Train
Climb aboard The Murder Express and you’ll find yourself in a train carriage that feels plucked from an Agatha Christie novel. Actors guide you through a murder mystery as you eat, with everyone in the carriage wrapped up in the story. The food is carefully timed to breaks in the drama – so your attention’s always either on whodunit or on your plate. It’s a real treat for anyone who likes their dinner with a side of suspense.
Here’s why it works so well:
Live actors make you part of the story
1920s train setting – immersive backdrop, down to the silverware
Multi-course menus tailored to the evening’s theme
Dans Le Noir: Eating in Complete Darkness
Dining at Dans Le Noir in Clerkenwell is honestly hard to forget. You step into total darkness, guided to your seat by visually-impaired wait staff. With no way to see your food, you learn to rely on taste, smell, and touch.
What happens without sight is weirdly freeing – people chat more, laugh at their clumsy attempts to find their fork, and forget about how they look.
A few things you should know if you go:
You never find out what you’re eating until after the meal’s done
The staff are genuinely friendly and help you out if you start feeling nervous
Tables are close together, making it easy to accidentally chat with the next table
Table: What to Expect at These Immersive Spots
Restaurant | Location | Type of Experience | Typical Price per Person |
|---|---|---|---|
Circus | Covent Garden | Live circus/cabaret acts | £50–£80 |
The Murder Express | Bethnal Green | Murder mystery train | £65–£90 |
Dans Le Noir | Clerkenwell | Pitch-black dining | £60–£85 |
These restaurants are for people who are bored of old-fashioned dinners and want to be right in the thick of the action. If you’re planning a night to remember, there’s nowhere else like them.
Secret Spots and Hidden Entrances in Themed Restaurants London
There’s something exciting about finding a restaurant that has a secret edge, a spot you wouldn’t expect to find unless someone tipped you off. London is home to a few of these hidden gems, where simply stepping through the door feels like you’re in on a big secret. Here’s where you’ll find some of the city’s most concealed and quirky themed dining spots.
La Bodega Negra: The Soho Speakeasy
When you walk up to La Bodega Negra, you might hesitate. The front reads more like an adult shop than a restaurant, with neon signs declaring ‘Adult Video’ and ‘Peep Show.’ Step inside and you’ll find yourself going downstairs into a moody, candle-lit cave right in Soho. Mexican food is the star here: think spicy tuna tostadas, rich lamb barbacoa, and melt-in-the-mouth pork belly tacos. Tequila and mezcal cocktails round out the menu.
Unmarked entrance disguised as a sex shop
Intimate, cave-like atmosphere with a mischievous vibe
High-end Mexican food and bold drinks
It’s the sort of place that could catch you off guard—one minute, you think you’re in the wrong spot, the next, you’re at one of Soho's liveliest tables. If you like quirky drinking dens, you’ll find other hidden London speakeasies tucked away nearby.
Kebab Queen: Kebabs with a Twist
Most people stroll by what looks like an ordinary late-night kebab shop, never realising that behind its doors is a fine-dining experience for just ten guests at a time. Kebab Queen flips the idea of your standard kebab on its head: the tasting menu is served directly onto a heated countertop, and each course looks nothing like what you’ve grabbed on the way home after a night out.
Tasting menu of clever, meaty dishes like doner risotto and duck
Seatings are super limited – just 10 diners max
No tableware: eat everything straight from the counter
Bunga Bunga: Italian Party Vibes Underground
For full-on spectacle after sundown, head downstairs at Bunga Bunga. This Covent Garden spot pitches itself as a celebration of all things decadently Italian, with an underground room ready-made for group parties. There’s comedy, cabaret, huge pizzas that barely fit on the table, and enough cheeky décor to keep you entertained all evening.
Entry through an unassuming front, with the party hidden below
Playful Italian dishes and big, shareable pizzas
Popular with large groups, birthdays, and anyone after a night out that doesn’t take itself too seriously
It’s not just food – it’s an experience, especially if you want to make a night of it. Everyone’s letting their hair down and, honestly, that’s half the fun.
Dining with a Technological Twist in Themed Restaurants London
London’s dining scene keeps pushing the limits, and some of its restaurants are doing things with tech you just won’t find in the average eatery. If you want a meal that doubles as entertainment, these are the spots you’ll want to check out. From interactive tables to restaurants that feel like stepping onto a pop-art boat, these places aren’t just about the food—they’re about the whole experience.
Inamo: Interactive Table Projections and Gaming
Walking into Inamo feels more like stepping into a sci-fi movie than a typical Asian fusion place. The magic here is in the tables—projectors beam down menus, games, and even an instant chef cam, letting you peek into the kitchen while you wait.
Order directly by tapping your plate and selecting dishes.
Change your tablecloth design to fit your mood.
Play games like Battleships while you wait for your food.
Feature | What Makes It Unique |
|---|---|
Virtual menus | View dishes before ordering |
Chef cam | Live look into the kitchen |
Table-side gaming | Play at your table |
The best part? You barely need to interact with anyone—unless you want to. This is the spot for people who get bored just waiting around or want something to do besides just eat.
The Jam: Elevated Treehouse Tables
The Jam is a restaurant where you reach your table by climbing a ladder. Yes, really. It’s been compared to a treehouse, bunk bed, or even an old-fashioned sleeper train. The seating is up high, making you feel tucked away from the bustle below.
Quirky elevated seating that’s perfect for small groups.
Italian favourites like pizza and sharing plates fill out the menu.
It’s fun for anyone who wants a different view—literally—while dining.
If you like a little adventure to go with your food, The Jam is a quiet winner. You’ll probably find yourself laughing about that climb long after you leave.
Darcie & May Green: Pop Art Canal Boats
Docked by Paddington, these boats bring together colourful design and Aussie brunch culture. Legendary pop artist Sir Peter Blake designed them, so every inch is decked out in bold, bright looks from bow to stern.
Classic brunches with a twist—think avocado toast, huge pancakes, and bottomless drinks at the weekend.
Tables right by the water, often with people waving from passing boats.
Great for birthdays or a laid-back catch-up; the playful atmosphere is infectious.
If you’re after something totally different, a meal on the canal is hard to beat. The sense of fun here is as important as the food, and you’ll probably end up staying longer than you planned.
Creative International Cuisine at Themed Restaurants London
London has no shortage of restaurants, but when you’re after something memorable, it’s these spots that really deliver on flavour and fun. From playful Italian feasts to inventive Persian grills, themed eateries across the city are changing how we think about international food. These aren’t ordinary meals—they’re stories, spectacles, and often just downright brilliant.
Berenjak: Persian Grillhouse Flair
Step into Berenjak and you’re straight into the bustling backstreets of Tehran. The restaurant feels like a homage to family-run kebab houses, with skewered meats sizzling on a charcoal grill and spiced rice dishes that leave your mouth watering. There’s no fuss here, just smart twists on Persian classics:
Short, punchy menu featuring koobideh kebabs, coal-cooked aubergine, and crisp taftoon bread
Charcoal grill centrepiece, putting all focus on the craft
Cosy, noisy, and full of lively energy
If you want a night where the food does the talking and the atmosphere brings everyone together, this is it. Expect queues; it’s popular for good reason.
Circolo Popolare: Whimsical Italian Dining
You’ll spot Circolo Popolare from the glowing bottles stacked along the walls. Everything is bigger, brighter, and bolder than your average trattoria, with jokes hidden in the menu and charismatic staff keeping things light. The food tinges towards the extravagant—sharing metre-long pizzas, over-the-top pasta dishes, and desserts that seem almost comical in size. Here’s what stands out:
Dishes with playful names (think ‘Truffle Shuffle’ or ‘Carmina Burrata’)
Classic Italian comfort food reimagined with humour
Eye-popping interiors: 20,000 spirit bottles, hanging gardens, cheeky art
Restaurant Story: Progressive British Tasting Menus
Chef Tom Sellers turns dining into a personal story at Restaurant Story. There’s no traditional menu—diners get an 8 or 10 course tasting menu based on what’s in season and their own preferences. The experience is totally unconventional, with a focus on modern British food that pulls in influences from all over.
Sample a few highlights diners have enjoyed:
Previous Dishes | Key Ingredients |
|---|---|
Snail Ravioli | Snails, wild herbs, fermented grains |
Wild Duck with Bilberry | Duck breast, tart bilberries |
Pigeon with Pine | Pigeon, pine oil, seasonal veg |
There’s always something to surprise you, whether it’s the flavour combinations, immersive plating, or the stories behind each dish.
London’s themed restaurants are leading the way in international cuisine, proving that bold ideas and a bit of personality are just as important as the recipes themselves.
Restaurants with Live Shows and Interactive Entertainment
London has no shortage of places where food and spectacle come together. If you want more from an evening out than just a good meal, these venues take dining to the next level with live entertainment and interactive fun.
The London Cabaret Club: Dinner and Drama
Expect an evening where the setting is just as important as what's on your plate. At The London Cabaret Club, you're not simply eating dinner — you're part of a visual feast. Themed nights change up regularly, so you might find yourself taken by Gatsby-glam or even a dose of Britpop. While you tuck into a British-inspired menu, acrobats, singers, and dancers thrill right in front of you.
Regularly changing cabaret themes (from classic to contemporary)
Table service keeps you close to the action
Dress code and atmosphere that make the night feel special
For anyone who can't pick between a theatre night or a restaurant booking, this is the best of both worlds.
The Piano Works: Dine with Live Music Every Night
This place is a great shout if you love your grub best with a side of songs you know by heart. The Piano Works lets you request your favourites, all played live by a house band on stage. It doesn't matter if you're into classic rock or pop anthems—there's something for everyone, and the crowd often gets swept up singing along. Food ranges from sharing plates to proper mains and the drinks come out quick, so you never have to miss a chorus.
Here's a quick look at what to expect:
Nightly Music | Request a Song? | Food Type |
|---|---|---|
House Band & Guests | Yes | British & Grill |
Audience Involvement | Yes | Sharing Platters |
For more unique venues, check out some of the most entertaining themed restaurants scattered about the city.
TOCA Social: Football Fun with Your Food
TOCA Social is nothing like your usual bar or restaurant. Instead, it's packed with football games you tackle between bites. The digital football trials suit groups of mates, date nights, or even work outings. While you play, staff serve burgers, sharing plates, and cheeky desserts, all with a big screen energy that keeps things lively. Both Greenwich and Shepherd’s Bush have venues, so you’re likely not far from a game.
Here’s what usually happens:
Book your interactive football session (best in advance, gets busy on weekends)
Order food and drinks right to your private booth or pitch
Compete for high scores, laughing when somebody fluffs a shot
If you want more out of your meal than just sitting down, live entertainment restaurants in London definitely sort you out for a fun night and a decent feed.
Restaurants Supporting Social Impact and Community
London’s food scene isn’t just about trying the next viral dish. There are places that use their dining room for something bigger—giving back, creating chances, and making the city a little better one plate at a time. Here are three types of restaurants in London that are all about social good and community.
The Clink: Dining in a Real Prison Setting
Tucked inside actual prisons, The Clink restaurants are not your average dinner spot. Inmates, trained in professional kitchens, prepare and serve your meal as part of a rehabilitation programme. Diners get to eat seasonal British food, and the people serving you are working toward qualifications that can help them build something positive once they're released.
No alcohol on the menu, but the vibe is respectful and warm.
You’ll need to book well ahead (and bring photo ID on arrival).
The money spent supports prisoner training and lowers reoffending rates.
Eating here is more than a meal—it's a small, hopeful act for change you can really taste.
Restaurants with Sustainability Credentials
London’s packed with places itching to do less harm to the planet. From Michelin-star vegan dining to zero-waste wine bars, restaurants in this city are finding clever ways to shrink their footprint and make a difference. Here are a few ways they stand out:
Menus built around local and seasonal goods (so the carbon footprint’s lower).
Using compostable packaging or no packaging at all where they can.
Partnering with eco-friendly farmers and suppliers who respect animal welfare and the environment.
Restaurant | Cuisine | Notable Effort |
|---|---|---|
Plates | Vegan | Plant-based, zero-waste kitchen |
Silo London | Modern Int'l | First zero-waste restaurant in UK |
Spring | Modern British | Pioneers of plastic-free dining |
Places Championing Local Producers
These are the spots where your lunch tells a local story. From Hackney’s markets to neighbourhood bakeries, these restaurants highlight produce and products from local farmers, cheesemakers, and brewers.
They change menus with the seasons to use what’s actually at its best nearby.
They label their menus with suppliers’ names—so you know exactly who grew that carrot or made that cheese.
They often hold special events or pop-ups with local food heroes, which are friendly, supportive, and end up feeling like proper community get-togethers.
Planning a dinner that supports something bigger than your own appetite? London’s restaurants are making it easier (and tastier) than ever.
Best Themed Restaurants London for Group Celebrations
Finding the right spot for group gatherings in London is not always easy—especially if you want more than just a meal. Themed restaurants are a great solution for birthdays, hens, or any get-together where you want everyone talking about it for weeks afterwards. London is filled with quirky, theatrical venues perfect for groups who want their dinner to be entertainment as well as food.
Birthday Parties at Bunga Bunga
If you need a place that handles birthday chaos like it’s part of the show, Bunga Bunga nails it. Head downstairs in Covent Garden and you’ll end up at an Italian bash inspired by Berlusconi’s infamous parties. Pizzas as wide as the table, wild cabaret, and a bottomless sense of humour keep everyone smiling. Private areas are available for bigger groups, and there’s always some kind of silly entertainment—sometimes karaoke, sometimes magic tricks, even a bit of drag.
Pizza comes by the metre. No, really.
Cabaret shows mean there’s never a dull moment.
Group packages offer food, drink, and entertainment all rolled together for one price.
Table bookings for celebrations at Bunga Bunga get snapped up pretty fast, especially on weekends. Book early if you want the centre of the action.
Hen Dos at Circus
Forget the usual awkward hen do dinner. At Circus, your pan-Asian meal gets interrupted—deliberately—by jaw-dropping circus acts. Hula hoops on fire, acrobats balancing on tables, even a drag queen or two. The energy is high and the entertainment is cheeky but polished, making it perfect for groups who want something out there (without actually being on stage themselves).
Every dinner comes with live performers weaving between courses
Big communal tables make group dining easy
They’ll help you personalise the night if you want banners or a particular playlist
Circus Experience | What to Expect |
|---|---|
Group Menus | Set sharing menus |
Shows | Every 30-45 minutes |
Location | Covent Garden |
Catch-ups on Darcie & May Green's Canal Boats
For chilled (but definitely memorable) get-togethers, these canal boats in Paddington are hard to match. They’re colourful, packed with retro pop-art, and usually moored up with a buzz outside. Brunch spreads are the big draw—think Aussie-inspired plates, punchy cocktails, and non-stop coffee.
The whole boat can be hired for private parties, or you can just book a long table
Great for daytime events or sunny evenings
Plenty of vegan and veggie choices, so everyone’s included
Sometimes the best group meal is the one where you’re floating past London, coffee in one hand and a plate of halloumi fries in the other. It’s not your average restaurant at all.
Whether it’s a raucous birthday, a low-key hen, or just a reason to get everyone off their phones and together in person, London’s themed restaurants are ready for whatever celebration you can dream up.
Conclusion
So, that’s London’s themed restaurant scene in 2025 – a proper mix of the weird, the wonderful, and the just plain fun. Whether you’re after a meal in a circus, a secret kebab-tasting menu, or want to eat your dinner in the dark, there’s something here for everyone. It’s honestly hard to keep up with all the new places popping up, but that’s half the fun. Next time you’re planning a night out, maybe skip the usual and try one of these spots instead. You might end up with a new favourite, or at the very least, a good story to tell. London’s always got something up its sleeve when it comes to food – and that’s why we love it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are themed restaurants in London?
Themed restaurants in London are places to eat where the food, décor, and atmosphere all match a special idea or story. You might find yourself eating in the dark, watching a circus show, or dining on a train. These spots are great for people who want more than just a meal—they want an experience.
Are themed restaurants in London expensive?
Prices at themed restaurants can be different. Some are fancy and cost more, while others are more affordable. It’s a good idea to check the menu and prices online before you book. Some places also offer set menus or deals for groups.
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, it’s best to book ahead, especially for popular themed restaurants. Many of these places are small or have special shows, so they can fill up quickly. Booking early means you won’t miss out.
Are themed restaurants good for group celebrations?
Absolutely! Many themed restaurants are perfect for birthdays, hen parties, or just a fun night out with friends. Some even have private rooms or special group menus. Always let the restaurant know if you’re coming with a big group.
Are there themed restaurants that are family-friendly?
Yes, some themed restaurants in London welcome families and kids. Places with live shows or interactive experiences can be fun for all ages. It’s a good idea to check with the restaurant first to see if they have a kids’ menu or any age limits.
Can I find vegetarian or vegan options at themed restaurants?
Most themed restaurants in London offer vegetarian or vegan dishes. London is a city where many people eat different kinds of food, so chefs try to include everyone. If you have special dietary needs, tell the restaurant when you book so they can help you choose the right meal.