London is a city that offers just about everything one could desire. From hidden gems to fascinating sites and fantastic independent coffee spots, you’ll be overwhelmed by choices. The city boasts all the usual culinary delights along with various niche offerings. If you ever want to catch a Mexican lucha libre event, chances are you’ll find it in London.
As someone who appreciates both fine dining and classic diners, I decided to search for distinctive dining experiences in the city. Here are some unique eateries you should definitely try when in town:
Bob Bob Ricard
– Price: Starts at £70 (depending on your champagne consumption)
– Unique Feature: Each table has a ‘press for champagne’ button for an unlimited supply of bubbles. Just be mindful of the bill. After dining, explore the vibrant Covent Garden area nearby.
M. Manze
– Price: Starts at £5
– Unique Feature: This is London’s oldest pie and mash shop, over a century old and still family-owned, offering a taste of historic London, complete with jellied eels. Available for dine-in or takeaway.
Dinner by Heston
– Price: Approximately £50 – £100 for a 3-course meal
– Unique Feature: The menu is inspired by centuries-old British recipes revived for your dining experience.
The Tube Train Carriage
– Price: Around £50+ for a 5-course tasting menu
– Unique Feature: Enjoy your meal in a London Underground train carriage, a memorable experience for both locals and visitors.
La Bodega Negra
– Price: Approximately £35 – £65
– Unique Feature: Enter through a sex shop and immerse yourself in a venue that feels like a dungeon or wine cellar with a standout menu.
Archipelago
– Price: £17 – £24
– Unique Feature: Sample exotic meats ranging from crocodile to scorpions, offering one of the most unusual menus around.
Dans Le Noir
– Price: Between £25 – £98
– Unique Feature: Dine in complete darkness, served by visually-impaired staff, heightening your other senses—a gastronomic adventure praised by many.
Circus London
– Price: £30-70 depending on selections
– Unique Feature: Enjoy acrobatic performances, firebreathers, and burlesque dancers while you dine, making for a truly surreal experience.
Rango’s
– Price: £15 – £40 (for main courses)
– Unique Feature: Cook your own food using hot plates at your table—a fun, interactive dining option I first tried in Lisbon and had to find in London.
Each of these venues offers something distinct, making dining in London an exciting and diverse experience.
