Quirky Restaurants in London: A Culinary Adventure Like No Other

    London is a city that embraces the eccentric, the imaginative, and the downright weird — and nowhere is this more apparent than in its dining scene. For those craving more than just great food, these quirky restaurants deliver immersive experiences,...

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    22 Apr 2025

    London is a city that embraces the eccentric, the imaginative, and the downright weird — and nowhere is this more apparent than in its dining scene. For those craving more than just great food, these quirky restaurants deliver immersive experiences, unexpected themes, and unforgettable moments that make every meal an adventure. Whether you're dining in total darkness, sipping cocktails in a prison-themed bar, or enjoying sushi served by robots, this guide explores some of the most unique spots across the capital.

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    1. Dans Le Noir?
    Where: 69-73 St John Street, EC1M 4AN
    Why It’s Quirky: Diners eat in complete darkness, guided by blind or visually impaired waitstaff. This sensory experience is designed to heighten taste, smell, and texture.
    What to Expect: Guests are led into pitch-black dining rooms and served mystery meals, with no light and no peeking. You won’t know what you’re eating until the end — a concept that challenges your senses and assumptions about food.


    2. HUCKSTER
    Where: 4 Kingdom Street, W2 6BD
    Why It’s Quirky: Inspired by 1980s New York street culture, this graffiti-laced venue offers karaoke, neon-lit bars, and a playful street food menu.
    What to Expect: Expect retro vibes, themed cocktails, and eclectic decor. HUCKSTER also hosts private karaoke pods, DJ nights, and immersive party events in a throwback atmosphere.


    3. Peggy Jean
    Where: Bridge Boat House, Riverside, TW9 1TH
    Why It’s Quirky: Located on a restored barge along the Thames, this restaurant combines river views with boho decor and creative brunch plates.
    What to Expect: Think Aussie-inspired brunches, floral displays, and plenty of photo ops on deck. It’s ideal for lazy riverside afternoons and Instagram-worthy dishes.


    4. Inamo
    Where: Covent Garden and Soho
    Why It’s Quirky: This high-tech Pan-Asian restaurant features interactive tabletops where you can place orders, play games, and even watch your food being prepared via live kitchen feed.
    What to Expect: The digital dining experience is matched with delicious sushi, Asian tapas, and cocktails. Perfect for date nights or family-friendly tech lovers.


    5. The Courtesan
    Where: 69-73 Atlantic Road, SW9 8PU
    Why It’s Quirky: A dim sum restaurant inspired by ancient Chinese glamour and 1920s speakeasies, complete with velvet interiors and sultry lighting.
    What to Expect: Artistic small plates, live cabaret shows, and a drinks menu curated with rare Asian liquors and house-infused spirits.


    6. Pizza Pilgrims Canary Wharf
    Where: 12 Hertsmere Road, E14 4AE
    Why It’s Quirky: This location features a retro gaming theme, complete with classic consoles and playful pizza options.
    What to Expect: Expect authentic Neapolitan pizzas with a twist, comfy booths, and a casual, fun-loving atmosphere great for group outings.


    7. Opium
    Where: 15-16 Gerrard Street, W1D 6JE
    Why It’s Quirky: Hidden behind an unmarked door in Chinatown, Opium is a 1920s-style Chinese apothecary-themed cocktail bar.
    What to Expect: Multiple themed rooms, theatrical cocktails, dim sum late into the night, and the thrill of uncovering a secret bar.


    8. The Little Yellow Door
    Where: 6-8 All Saints Road, W11 1HH
    Why It’s Quirky: Styled like a flatshare, this Notting Hill hotspot makes you feel like you’re dining at a mate’s house party — complete with board games and themed dinners.
    What to Expect: Ever-changing weekly menus, comfy sofas, and house party vibes with bottomless brunches and late-night fun.


    9. The London Cabaret Club
    Where: Victoria House, Bloomsbury Square, WC1B 4DA
    Why It’s Quirky: A dazzling combination of gourmet dining and West End-worthy live cabaret performances.
    What to Expect: Lavish costumes, themed musical acts, and fine dining rolled into one glamorous experience. Perfect for birthdays or a luxurious night out.


    10. The Murdér Express
    Where: Pedley Street Station, Arch 63, Pedley Street, E1 5BW
    Why It’s Quirky: This immersive dining experience unfolds on a train carriage where guests become part of a murder mystery story.
    What to Expect: A gourmet meal by a MasterChef finalist, period costumes, and interactive theatre as you dine on a “train journey” to the fictional town of Murdér.


    11. The Clink Restaurant
    Where: HMP Brixton, Jebb Avenue, SW2 5XF
    Why It’s Quirky: Set inside a working prison and staffed by inmates, The Clink offers a unique opportunity to dine with a purpose.
    What to Expect: Exceptional food prepared and served by inmates in training for professional culinary qualifications, supporting rehabilitation programs.


    12. Gura Gura
    Where: 19 Slingsby Place, WC2E 9AB
    Why It’s Quirky: A vibrant Asian fusion restaurant that combines bold interiors with theatrical presentation.
    What to Expect: Expect neon signs, eye-catching cocktails, and fusion dishes from sushi rolls to bao buns with a modern twist.


    13. Monopoly Lifesized
    Where: 213-215 Tottenham Court Road, W1T 7PN
    Why It’s Quirky: This is the world’s first immersive, life-sized Monopoly board experience complete with escape-room-style challenges and themed dining.
    What to Expect: Team up to tackle puzzles, buy property, and eat at the Monopoly-themed Top Hat Restaurant & Bar. Ideal for families and groups.


    14. Bustronome
    Where: Coach Bay, 40B Victoria Embankment, WC2N 6PB
    Why It’s Quirky: A fine dining experience on a luxury double-decker bus touring London’s landmarks.
    What to Expect: As you travel through the city, enjoy multi-course meals, fine wine pairings, and panoramic glass ceilings offering beautiful views.


    15. Supperclub.tube
    Where: 10 S Access Road, E17 8AX
    Why It’s Quirky: Set in a decommissioned London Underground train, this pop-up dinner takes place in a Victoria Line carriage.
    What to Expect: A six-course Latin American tasting menu served on board, with candlelit ambiance and creative plating.


    16. La Bodega Negra
    Where: 9 Old Compton Street, W1D 5JF
    Why It’s Quirky: Disguised as a sex shop, this Mexican restaurant is as much about the shock factor as it is the food.
    What to Expect: Inside, you'll find moody lighting, tequila-fueled cocktails, and some of the best tacos in Soho.


    17. Ave Mario
    Where: 15 Henrietta Street, WC2E 8QG
    Why It’s Quirky: Run by the Big Mamma group, this maximalist Italian trattoria dazzles with bold design and gigantic desserts.
    What to Expect: Expect wall-to-wall mirrors, zebra-print booths, and signature dishes like the XXL Carbonara Ravioli. It's like stepping onto a movie set.


    Conclusion
    If you’re bored of traditional dining and looking to spice things up with something memorable, these quirky restaurants in London offer a feast for all the senses. From dining in the dark to immersive murder mysteries, each venue promises more than just a meal — they offer an experience. Whether you're a foodie, a thrill-seeker, or just in search of something a little different, London’s eccentric culinary scene is ready to surprise you.

     

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