27 fun places to eat in London: From immersive experiences through to themed restaurants

There’s no shortage of fun places to eat in London. The city is chock full of novel and daring dining experiences that will tickle the fancy of tourists, and even locals who have “seen it all”. There are exciting but fleeting pop-ups you won’t want to miss and truly out-there concepts that will prompt queues around the block. From ping pong eateries to full-on circus show extravaganzas, this fantastic city has got so much to offer.

We’ve seen these kinds of restaurants and venues only grow in popularity, causing a creative explosion in the capital. It’s not just table football or darts either; these are full-on immersive experiences. You and your group might even end up winning some prizes, or better still, some free food!

If you think you’ve seen it all, ask yourself these questions. Have you ever eaten in pitch-blackness? Or karaoke-ed after a feast of bao buns? Or hit a hole-in-one to win your mates free shots? If you’ve done all three, there are still plenty of others on the list. If you haven’t, then you’ll have even more options to explore. 

From the truly incredible and Instagram-worthy to the downright unusual and bizarre, grab a spot at one of the best party restaurants in London. In our books, it doesn’t even have to be a celebration - there’s no law against going for a crazy night of cabaret on a Thursday, after all.

We’ve whittled down the best estaurants with entertainment in London, so you can make your way to one of our recommendations down below. The list has been sorted into categories depending on your mood and preferences; we’ve got casual, classy, fancy and more. Your experiences at London restaurants with entertainment are about to seriously get levelled up.

The best places for dinner and a show in London

Who doesn't love a spot of entertainment with their meal? Especially when it involves mind-blowing circus performances and exciting cabaret shows. London plays host to some of the best acts and performers in the world and combined with some smashing food, you're in store for a great evening. 

Park Chinois, Mayfair

Why: Frivolous and most definitely fun, Park Chinois is one of the best places to combine both dinner and a show in one, luxurious location. Smack bang in the heart of Mayfair, this high-end Chinese restaurant is a split-level affair. Upstairs you’ll find Salon de Chine, where you can enjoy a meal of dim sum and Chinese classics to the sound of live music from the grand piano on the central stage, which is typically accompanied by a female vocalist. Downstairs is where things get even more lively, with nightly cabaret shows weaving amongst diners and drinkers. 
Where: 17 Berkeley Street, W1J 8EA
Book now: Park Chinois

Inca, Soho

Why: Everything at Inca is inspired by the colourful energy of Latin America, including the decor, cocktails, food, music and performances. Sip on exciting cocktails, tuck into delicious food and enjoy the show. Dishes pull from all over South America, so expect ceviche, tacos and asado galore. Performances, meanwhile, include DJs, dancers, acrobats and more, so strap in!
Where: 8-9 Argyll Street, London, W1F 7TF
Book now: Inca

The Courtesan, Brixton

Why: Not only does The Courtesan feature a tantalising line-up of dumplings - scrumptiously filled with wasabi king prawns, mushroom, deep-fried sea bass, and plenty more – but it also plays host to some mesmerising Burlesque performances. Courtesan Lates pays homage to global influences as much as the eclectic food does, so be prepared for a heady swirl of fun.
Where: 69 Atlantic Road, SW9 8PU
Book now: The Courtesan

Proud Cabaret, City

Why: Proud Cabaret is a glamourous club dressed in vintage speakeasy era décor, where you can let yourself be immersed in the world of opulence and burlesque. This 1920s Parisian-style cabaret venue is great for birthday parties, and the themes for the shows change regularly, ranging from Gatsby to Broadway. Order from the list of tempting cocktails and tuck into a globally inspired menu. Proud also has sites in Embankment and Brighton. 
Where: 1 Mark Lane, EC3R 7AH
Book now: Proud Cabaret

London Cabaret Club, Holborn

Why: London Cabaret Club is great for group bookings, for those special occasions that you want to mark with a memorable experience. This cabaret venue promises an immersive theatre experience, led by a star-studded cast of West End regulars who will take you on a journey back to the roaring twenties, Gatsby-style. The food is good too, with set menus boasting several courses of scrumptious modern European fare.
Where: Victoria House, Bloomsbury Square, WC1B 4DA
Book now: London Cabaret Club

The best restaurants with live music in London

London has a thriving music scene and an equally exciting restaurant industry, so why not get the best of both worlds and dine at one of these places, while being entertained by some top-quality musicians? These live music venues will put you in a great mood, with a smile plastered on your face.

Gigi's Hoxton, Hoxton

What: Experience Latin-American cuisine and electrifying live beats at Gigi’s Hoxton! This lively spot is more than just a restaurant and bar, with the entire two-floor concept built around a carefully curated line-up of live music, from soulful melodies to sultry jazz and energetic beats. The food menu is just as electric as the atmosphere, taking guests on a journey from Mexico to Peru. Indulge in tacos, arepas, chicken wings, Gallo Pinto (rice and beans), alongside punchy classic cocktails. 
Where: 11 Hoxton Square, N1 6NU 
Book now: Gigi's Hoxton

Louie, Covent Garden

Why: Even before you venture upstairs to the bar – which is where the most fun happens, naturally – the restaurant’s energy is infectious. Stop in for dinner before drinks in the packed-out, buzzy dining room where the kitchen turns out dishes with a Creole heart. Think Louisiana crab cakes, barbecued lobster in a Creole butter sauce or a punchy seafood and sausage gumbo. On the next floor up you’ll find the immaculately decked out bar with its beautiful design details and brigade of knowledgeable staff. Every Tuesday there’s a jazz night which sees some of London’s brightest musicians gather around the piano to entertain guests with classic New Orleans style jazz on a range of instruments. If you didn’t manage to eat pre-music, there’s also a light bites menu here.
Where: 13-15 West Street, WC2H 9NE
Book now: Louie

mu, Dalston

Why: A sibling site to Brilliant Corners (another fantastic live music restaurant in Hackney), we love mu's mood-lit, sultry jazz vibes, illuminated by the gentle glow of hanging pendants and skylights. Mu has a constant rolling calendar of live jazz performers coming in each evening, from jazz pianists to jazz trios, and all the while it serves excellent cocktails and a compact menu of smart modern Japanese cooking. 
Where: 432-434 Kingsland Road, E8 4AA
Book now: mu

The Piano Works, Farringdon and West End

Why: The Piano Works promises a jam-packed schedule of fun at its two locations, where you can expect to be wowed by live musicians, pianists, and bands. Each night is themed and the cocktail lists are based on the top ten songs requested by the audience, making for a vibrant atmosphere, frenetic with energy. The food menu, offering Buddha bowls and stacks of ribs, will keep you properly nourished as the night goes on.
Where: 113-117 Farringdon Road, ECR1 3BX; 47 Whitcomb Street, WC2H 7DH
Book now: The Piano Works Farringdon, The Piano Works West End

Gremio de Brixton, Brixton

Why: Gremio de Brixton is ideal for punters looking for some casual entertainment to go with their food. This buzzy tapas eatery serves up some traditional Spanish bar vibes, replete with local bands and DJs showing off their best beats. The décor is rustic and charming, and the Iberian sharing plates are thoughtfully put together and pair nicely with a cold beer or red wine.
Where: The Crypt, St Matthews Church, SW2 1JF
Book now: Gremio de Brixton

Blues Kitchen, Brixton, Shoreditch, and Camden

Why: Come hang out at the Blues Kitchen for a hearty dose of American soul food. Dine on classic southern dishes such as shrimp jambalaya and beef brisket, and wash it down with a strong bourbon – there are over 100 to choose from. Once your stomach has been lined, it’s time for some night train soul tunes or check out the blues gospel for a feel-good Sunday brunch.
Where: 40 Acre Lane, SW2 5SP; 134-146 Curtain Road, EC2A 3AR; 111-113 Camden High Street, NW1 7JN
Book now: Blues Kitchen Brixton, Blues Kitchen Shoreditch, Blues Kitchen Camden

Ayllu, Paddington

Why: Fusion is always fun, and at Ayllu you're getting an exciting combination of Peruvian and Japanese. With a great menu centred around sharing food with your table, you're in for a lively and certainly delicious dining experience. Every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, Ayllu hosts live DJ sessions, so if you're after a fun dinner with tunes then this one might be for you.
Where: 25 Sheldon Square, W2 6EY
Book now: Ayllu

Chino Latino, Lambeth

What: From the glitzy light installation that greets you as you enter, to the array of flaming and smoking dishes that arrive at the table, Chino Latino knows how to keep things light and fun. A giant floor to ceiling panoramic glass wall lets you gaze out onto the river as you wait for cocktails and courses to arrive, and there's often some live singing, which switches between classic crooners and light-hearted swing. 
Where: Park Plaza Riverbank London, 18 Albert Embankment, SE1 7TJ
Book now: Chino Latino

The best activity bars and restaurants in London

Got a competitive streak? Uncover your hidden talents and impress your friends with your mad ping pong skills or kick it up a notch and belt out a tune at karaoke. Why not up the stakes even further, and have the loser buy dinner for everyone? Proceed with caution, fun ahead.

F1® Arcade, City of London 

Why: Formula 1 fans and foodies alike are in for a treat with this unique F1® racing experience in the City of London. Guests can race their mates on one of 60 full-motion racing simulators, before heading over to the bar to grab a drink from its reimagined classic cocktails list, with creations such as Pole Position and Slipstreamer on the menu. There’s plenty of food options to suit everyone too, from sharing plates to tacos, flatbreads, burgers and more. Fancy booking F1 Arcade for your next event? You can do that too thanks to a huge range of food, drink and activity packages.  
Where: 1 New Change, EC4M 9AF 
Book now: F1® Arcade

Sixes Cricket, Fitzrovia, Fulham and Shepherd's Bush

Why: If your idea of a good night out is just as much about the entertainment as the food, Sixes Cricket has your back (or should that be bat). This activity restaurant and bar from the team behind much-loved Scottish restaurant Mac & Wild allows diners to add a dose of healthy competition to their evening. Kick things off with internationally influenced burgers, that range from patties topped with classic American additions like pickles and cheese through to warming Indian twists that combine curry mayo with crisp, fried chicken. Once you’ve banked up your energy supplies, head over to the net where you and your fellow diners can go head-to-head at a game of virtual cricket. Balls are thrown out at you while you try to bat them back to hit the various markers places around the net. 
Where: 170 Great Portland Street, W1W 5QB; 18 Farm Lane, SW6 1PP
Book now: Sixes Cricket Fitzrovia, Sixes Cricket Fulham

BAO, Various locations

Why: Did you know that five out of BAO's seven restaurants boast state-of-the-art karaoke rooms? The brand's iconic KTV rooms (Taiwanese ‘karaoke TV’) are sleek, atmospheric spaces for between two and 23 people (depending on which site you go for), where you can choose from over 300,000 songs ranging from Western hits to popular Asian tunes. Guests are charged a £35 minimum spend each, which is pretty good going for award-winning food and drink with two hours of karaoke. The KTV set menu can be ordered across all BAO's karaoke rooms, which includes the likes of classic pork belly and daikon mini baos, lamb dumplings with soy sauce, and Taiwanese fried chicken. To drink, choose from large-serve cocktail jugs (think Umeshu Negronis and Cucumber Spritz') and beer towers. 
Where: Various locations
Book now: BAO Shoreditch; BAO Borough; BAO Battersea; BAO City; BAO Marylebone

Swingers, City and West End

Why: Crazy golf courses aren't typically famed for their food. Yet Swingers has really surprised us with the canny move of choosing much-loved favourites as culinary residents. The West End branch offers a pretty stellar trio of burgers from Patty & Bun, tacos from Breddos and pizza by Pizza Pilgrims. Chow down then hit the course for nine holes of seriously good fun. Cocktails here are on-point too, with the chance to win free shots with a hole in one. 
Where: 15 John Prince’s Street, W1G 0AB; 8 Brown's Buildings, EC3A 8AL
Book now: Swingers

London in the Sky, North Greenwich

Why: Does dining 100 feet in the sky count as an activity? We think so. This adrenaline-fuelled dining experience sees diners quite literally strapped into their seats before being hoisted into the air by a giant crane. With six different dining experiences to choose from, including brunch, afternoon tea and dinner, attendees are treated to a meal and drinks suspended 100 feet in the air and with views overlooking the O2! With epic hosts, banging tunes and drinks flowing the whole time, it's a great group activity to book for your next birthday or hen/stag do. Although we suggest skipping this one if you're not great with heights.
Where: Peninsula Square, SE10 0DX
Book now: London in the Sky

Bounce, Farringdon and Old Street

Why: Bounce is ideal for competitive ping pong throw-downs in between bites of slow-cooked pork ribs and southern fried popcorn prawns. For more substantial dining, get a pizza pie topped with charred artichoke, roast tomato tapenade, Sorrento olives, and tenderstem broccoli as you soak up the buzzy, colourful atmosphere.
Where: 121 Holborn, EC1N 2TD; 241 Old Street, EC1V 9EY
Book now: Bounce Farringdon, Bounce Old Street

Flight Club, Shoreditch, Bloomsbury, and Victoria

Why: Make your way to Flight Club for a round of darts and plates of smashing food you’ll want to fight over. There’s Korean sesame pork, fried mac 'n' cheese croquettes, salmon ceviche tacos, and more to chow down on for those moments when you’re not exploring the two floors of darts heaven. Players of all levels are welcome to join in on the fun, although there is a signature trophy cocktail up for grabs for high scorers!
Where: 2a Worship Street, EC2A 2AH; 55 New Oxford Street, WC1A 1BS; 6 Sir Simon Milton Square, SW1E 5DJ 
Book now: Flight Club Shoreditch

Bunga Bunga, Battersea and Covent Garden

Why: Karaoke! Pizza! Bingo! Bunga Bunga is a one-stop-shop for fun and good food. There's loads going at this Italian joint, but it would be silly not to mention the pizza, which has been given the thumbs up by us, loaded with indulgent toppings and made fresh to order. Plus, the cocktail list is buzzing with crazy concoctions such as the Fiat 500, a life-sized sharer, featuring Campari and peach liqueur, which will have you singing.
Where: 37 Battersea Bridge Road, SW11 3BA; 167 Drury Lane, WC2B 5PG
Book now: Bunga Bunga Covent Garden

The best themed restaurants in London

Novel concepts often get a bad rap but these ones are actually worth the hype. Come for the food, stay for the pure escapism! From Gatsby to gaming, there are so many different themes to choose from.

The Top Hat Restaurant & Bar, Holborn

Why: Themed on the classic Monopoly board game, The Top Hat Restaurant & Bar finds its home next door to its immersive gaming experience partner. Once you’ve whizzed round the life-size board, you’ll have worked up quite the appetite. Luckily help is at hand, as here drinks and food are plentiful, and loosely themed around the game. Interiors also pay homage to the classic family pastime through subtle nods like using tube-line fabric on upholstered items.
Where: 213-215 Tottenham Court Road, W1T 7PN
Book now: Top Hat

Manzi's, Soho

Why: A fun and flamboyant setting with a menu to match, Soho restaurant Manzi’s offers an impressive seafood selection with a dose of kitsch seaside charm. From the mermaid statues holding up the bar to the silver crab-shaped salt and pepper shakers, every little detail has been carefully thought through. Look out for the restaurant’s oyster hour, fish and fizz Fridays and live music events.
Where: 1-8 Bateman's Buildings, W1D 3EN
Book now: Manzi's

Speedboat Bar, Soho

What: If your idea of fun is live kickboxing on TV, Thai drinking games and food so hot you leave a little sweat puddle if you stay in one place for too long, Speedboat Bar will definitely be for you. Ravenous spice levels, electric neon colours and a quality drinks list that includes powerful Negronis, ice-cold Singha beer towers and chasers, make this a fun hang way into the night. Plus there’s a pool table upstairs.
Where: 30 Rupert Street, W1D 6DL
Book now: Speedboat Bar

Dans Le Noir, Farringdon

Why: Want to put your taste buds to the test? Make your way into Dans Le Noir, but try not to get lost, because you’ll be dining in the dark at this quirky restaurant. Dans Le Noir challenges the norm, and promises to change your perception of food, as you dine on its globally influenced French cuisine and wine chosen by an in-house sommelier.  If you’re feeling very adventurous, go for the surprise menu.
Where: 30-31 Clerkenwell Green, EC1R 0DU
Book now: Dans Le Noir

Inamo, Covent Garden and Soho

Why: Inamo is one for the techies. This pan-Asian restaurant is a futuristic experience that allows you to order food and play games via fully touch-sensitive tables. You can watch your sashimi be prepared through the chef cam and play retro video games from your seat. The entertainment at this restaurant is top-notch and the food is on par too, with a lovely selection of sharing plates such as tender squid dumplings, miso black cod, and chicken satay on offer.  
Where: 11-14 Hanover Place, WC2E 9JP; 134-136 Wardour Street, W1F 8ZP
Book now: Inamo Covent Garden, Inamo Soho

Bustronome, Embankment

Why: Hop on board this bus for a four-course fine dining meal cooked out of the mobile kitchen, for an experience that is pretty high up on the novelty scale. Catch some pretty views as you tour around London, thanks to the glass roof. It’s an impressive feat, and Bustronome pulls it off well – plus the menu is constantly evolving as new chefs are invited on board to develop dishes regularly.
Where: Coach bay 40B, Victoria Embankment, WC2N 6PB
Book now: Bustronome

Love living the high life? You'll want to check out our guide to the best rooftop bars in London. If immersive dining experiences are more your thing, however, then definitely don't miss our guide to the best Korean BBQ in London and get your group grilling!