London is one of the world’s greatest culinary capitals, but beyond its Michelin stars and trendy street food markets lies a world of truly bizarre, playful, and immersive dining experiences. From eating in complete darkness to enjoying your meal in a converted Victorian toilet, these are the most unusual restaurants in London that turn dinner into an unforgettable event.
Dans le Noir ? – Dining in Total Darkness
For a truly sensory awakening, Dans le Noir ? in Clerkenwell offers an unparalleled experience: dining in complete darkness while being guided and served by blind or visually impaired staff. This immersive concept heightens your other senses, making flavours, textures, and aromas far more intense.
Choose from mystery menus – meat, fish, vegetarian/vegan, or chef’s surprise – and prepare for an evening that challenges your perceptions and changes the way you think about food. Beyond the novelty, it’s a celebration of inclusivity, trust, and human connection.
Sarastro – London’s Most Theatrical Restaurant
If theatre, music, and flamboyance are what you’re after, step into Sarastro in Covent Garden. Known as the “theatreland restaurant,” its opulent interior is filled with opera boxes, plush velvet drapes, and eclectic, whimsical décor.
Diners are treated to live nightly performances, from operatic arias to West End classics, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a backstage party. The menu offers Mediterranean-inspired dishes with plenty of flair, making Sarastro a feast for both the palate and the eyes.
The Attendant – A Quirky Brunch in a Former Toilet
In one of London’s most bizarre transformations, The Attendant in Fitzrovia occupies a restored Victorian men’s public toilet. The original porcelain urinals have been repurposed as individual seating booths, creating a quirky but surprisingly stylish space.
It’s a coffee and brunch hotspot, known for its exceptional flat whites, freshly baked goods, and hearty breakfast plates. The setting may be unconventional, but the food and coffee are first-class.
Kebab Queen – Haute Cuisine Behind a Kebab Shop
Hidden behind an unassuming kebab shop façade lies Kebab Queen, an intimate fine-dining counter where a high-end tasting menu is served directly onto a heated countertop in front of you.
This bold, unconventional approach makes the experience theatrical, interactive, and slightly rebellious. Expect meticulously crafted dishes inspired by the humble kebab, elevated to gourmet status by inventive flavour combinations and luxurious ingredients.
Sketch – Art, Surrealism, and Michelin-Starred Dining
Sketch in Mayfair is not just a restaurant – it’s an art installation you can eat in. Each of its rooms offers a different atmosphere, from plush pastel salons to futuristic spaces, but it’s perhaps best known for its egg-shaped futuristic toilets.
With Michelin-starred menus, exquisite afternoon teas, and bold, creative interiors, Sketch is perfect for those who want their dining to be as Instagram-worthy as it is delicious.
Pick & Cheese – A Conveyor Belt of Dairy Delights
Located in Seven Dials Market, Pick & Cheese is the world’s first cheese conveyor belt restaurant. Over 25 artisan British cheeses glide past diners, each paired with carefully chosen accompaniments.
It’s a fun, relaxed way to explore cheese, allowing you to try something new with every plate. For dairy lovers, it’s a dream come true.
Barge East – Dining on a Historic Dutch Barge
In Hackney Wick, Barge East offers a picturesque canal-side fine dining experience aboard a 125-year-old Dutch vessel. With a focus on seasonal and sustainable ingredients, many dishes are created using produce from their own riverside garden.
Whether you choose a sunny deck table or a cosy spot inside the boat, the setting is as memorable as the food.
Circus – Dinner and a Dazzling Show
At Circus in Covent Garden, your meal comes with unexpected bursts of entertainment. Aerialists, contortionists, and fire-breathers perform between courses, creating a dynamic, high-energy dining experience.
The menu blends Asian-inspired flavours with crowd-pleasing favourites, ensuring the food is just as enticing as the performances.
Bob Bob Ricard – Press for Champagne
Few restaurants capture quirky luxury quite like Bob Bob Ricard in Soho. Known for its lavish art deco interiors and famous “Press for Champagne” buttons at every table, it’s an indulgent experience where glamour meets playful decadence.
Expect British and Russian-inspired dishes, impeccable service, and, of course, a generous flow of bubbles.
Bunga Bunga – Italian Dining Meets Cabaret
For a night that’s more party than dinner, Bunga Bunga serves over-the-top Italian food alongside live cabaret, karaoke, and theatrical entertainment.
With outrageous décor, flamboyant performances, and a lively atmosphere, it’s the kind of place where dinner easily turns into an all-night event.
The Best of the Weird and Wonderful
For the most surreal and thought-provoking dining, Dans le Noir ? and Sarastro are the clear standouts. For playful, design-led spaces, Sketch and The Attendant lead the way. If you want immersive entertainment, Circus and Bunga Bunga will keep you enthralled.
No matter your choice, each of these restaurants proves that London’s dining scene is as creative, diverse, and unpredictable as the city itself – and reservations are essential to secure your spot at the table.
