Who needs sushi when you can have running cheese? That’s right, London’s Pick & Cheese is the world’s first cheese conveyor belt restaurant. Imagine a 40-meter long belt filled with delicious cheeses, each paired with a unique condiment or snack.
Pick & Cheese offers a constantly changing selection of cheeses, so there’s always something new to try. But it’s not just about cheese! You can also grab some charcuterie or enjoy one of their “off-belt” dishes, like grilled cheese sandwiches or baked cheese. Just like sushi, you pay by plate and color. But here’s the best part: Pick & Cheese has bottomless plates every Wednesday! Enjoy a one-hour and fifteen-minute feast for a fixed price. It’s cheesy heaven!
Glamorous Dining with a Champagne Twist
Soho, London’s vibrant hub for nightlife, shopping, and dining, boasts a restaurant that’s as glamorous as its surroundings. Bob Bob Ricard opened its doors in 2008, and it’s been a hit ever since. This restaurant is known for its luxurious dining room, where every table has a special “Press for Champagne” button.
Yes, you read that right! Bob Bob Ricard pours more champagne than any other restaurant in Britain. But the champagne is not the only draw. The menu features a variety of fancy eats, from caviar and oysters to seafood and steak. And for those who prefer a more comforting experience, there are classic dishes like French fries and mashed potatoes. Dessert lovers won’t be disappointed either, with treats like chocolate caviar, sticky toffee pudding, and flaming crème brûlée.
A Gourmet Adventure in the Dark
Dans le noir is a unique dining experience that takes “blindfolded” to a whole new level. Opened in 2006, this restaurant serves all its food in complete darkness. You’ll be guided to your table by a blind or partially sighted waiter, and no light sources are allowed.
The staff at Dans le noir is trained to provide a gourmet and seasonal cuisine, with 80% of the fruits and vegetables being organic. The entire experience is a surprise, but a delicious one. Just let the restaurant know about any dietary restrictions, and they’ll adapt the menu accordingly. After your meal, the staff will show you photos of what you ate and drank, giving you a true “Aha!” moment.
Bunga Bunga: Where the Party Never Stops
If you’re looking for a quiet and romantic Italian restaurant, Bunga Bunga is not the place for you. This vibrant restaurant is all about fun and silliness!
Bunga Bunga is a lively, colorful, and entertaining experience. As you enjoy your Italian feast, you’ll be surrounded by a big variety show featuring DJs, house bands, jugglers, hula hoop performers, and more. It’s a party atmosphere with a funky interior design that includes a speedboat table and meter-long sourdough pizzas perfect for sharing.
Technology and Delicious Food Meet at Inamo
Inamo is a restaurant that caters to both tech enthusiasts and foodies. This unique dining spot offers a fusion of Japanese, Chinese, Thai, and Korean cuisine with a modern twist. Forget the rule about not playing games during dinner. At Inamo, you can play retro games, discover the neighborhood, or spy on the chefs in the kitchen – all through interactive projections on your table surface.
Inamo has two branches in London, one in Soho and another in Covent Garden. The Soho branch features an additional games room with over 150 games, including an arcade table with over 2000 retro games and consoles. But Inamo is not just about the tech. The restaurant is also known for its delicious dishes, including their famous Dragon Roll. You’ll find a variety of sushi, sharing dishes, pan Asian desserts, and a tasting menu.
From Prison Cells to Gourmet Plates
The Clink is not your typical restaurant. It’s part of a prison rehabilitation initiative that aims to give inmates a second chance. Located in Brixton, it’s one of three prison restaurants across the UK that trains prisoners to be future chefs, waiters, and baristas.
Each year, The Clink releases 50 trained, former prisoners into employment. The project, founded by Alberto Crisci, has won over 60 awards and has been a success since its first restaurant opened in 2009 in Surrey. The Clink serves European lunches and gourmet dinners in a historic governor’s house, dating back to 1819. The restaurant has its own bakery, where fresh treats like cinnamon buns, whole loaf cakes, cookies, tarts, and desserts are made by the inmates.
A Culinary Journey on a Vintage Tube Carriage
Step aboard a vintage 1967 Victoria line tube carriage, and you’ll be transported not to a subway station, but to a gourmet restaurant. Three nights a week, this unique location transforms into a hip dining spot serving six-course tasting menus prepared by chef Beatriz Maldonado Carreño.
Guests enjoy South American cuisine in a unique atmosphere surrounded by jazz music and dimmed lights. Chef Carreño, a 15-year veteran of Colombian cuisine, not only prepares the meals but also explains the courses to her guests. The seasonal meals feature local products but also incorporate techniques and ingredients from South America. The tube has a maximum seating capacity of 35 and features distanced sharing tables and private booths for two or three.
Jazz, Soul, and Gourmet Delights at the Jazz Cafe
The Jazz Cafe in Camden is a legendary venue that has hosted some of the most respected jazz and soul icons since it opened in 1990. But this iconic spot isn’t just for music lovers; it’s also a fantastic restaurant.
The Jazz Cafe’s unique restaurant is located upstairs, overlooking the stage. It features a 69-seat dining area and serves gourmet food, including 34-day dry-aged sirloin steak, as well as delicious vegetarian and vegan options like roasted eggplant, a vegan cheeseburger, and salt and pepper tofu. The Jazz Cafe is the perfect spot for a night of music, food, and drinks. You can enjoy cocktails, draft beers, and ciders before dancing the night away.
