When it comes to dining with children, London is home to a fantastic array of themed restaurants which will provide an unforgettable dining experience.
Each themed restaurant has its own unique charm, from fun themed dishes to breathtaking live performances.
In this article, I’ll explore some of the best themed restaurants for families that the city has to offer. Your children can let their imaginations run wild while they enjoy their delicious food!
The Best Themed Restaurants in London
Hard Rock Cafe – Dine Like a Rock Star
Situated in the lively Piccadilly Circus, the Hard Rock Cafe is an iconic restaurant known across the world for its rock ‘n’ roll memorabilia and vibrant atmosphere.
The menu showcases classic American dishes such as burgers, ribs, and nachos. My personal favourite dish was the cheeseburger, accompanied by a giant milkshake, of course. The cocktail menu was also surprisingly good, although the drinks were rather expensive.
I love the decor in the Hard Rock Cafe. The walls are adorned with guitars, costumes, and autographed photos from music legends. Everywhere you look, you’ll spot something new!
The staff were efficient and accommodating. They happily go the extra mile to create a memorable experience. You can catch live music performances from up-and-coming musicians every Thursday evening, which makes the experience even more enjoyable.
The prices for food and drinks are definitely on the higher side, but the location and the rock-themed ambiance make it a worthwhile visit for families, especially when the live music is playing. Don’t forget to pick up the infamous souvenir T-shirt!
Address: 225-229 Piccadilly, Criterion Building, London W1J 9HR.
The Top Hat Restaurant – Monopoly-Themed Dining
The Monopoly-inspired Top Hat Bar and Restaurant, situated above the Monopoly Lifesized attraction, is a great location for a fun meal with your children.
This restaurant draws its inspiration from the famous London Monopoly board. There are plenty of little details to look out for, such as the adorable top hat skewers in the food.
Tuck into classic British dishes, such as fish and chips, as well as a range of themed food (and cocktails for adults!) like the delicious ‘Chick-Adilly Circus Burgers’ or ‘Mr. Monopoly’s Millionaire Cheesecake’. The restaurant also offers a number of vegetarian and vegan specialities to cater to all tastes.
On Sundays, you can enjoy Mr. Monopoly’s Sunday Roast menu, which costs just £25 for two courses.
If you and your children are fans of Monopoly, then you’ll love The Top Hat Restaurant! You don’t need to play at Monopoly Lifesized to eat here, but why not check out the Monopoly-themed challenges after your meal?
Address: Monopoly Lifesized, 213-215 Tottenham Ct Rd, London W1T 7PN.
Sarastro – Quirky Theatrical Restaurant
Sarastro, named after a character in Mozart’s ‘Magic Flute’, is nestled in the vibrant Covent Garden. This unique restaurant serves Mediterranean food accompanied by breath-taking live entertainment.
The location of this restaurant makes it a great spot to enjoy a tasty pre-theatre meal. Sarastro’s decor is opera-inspired, complete with plush velvet curtains and old theatre props. You can even sit in an opera box to enjoy your meal!
The food at this theatrical restaurant is of incredibly high quality; for example, the slow cooked lamb shank fell off the bone, and the gravy was perfectly rich.
What truly sets Sarastro apart is its live entertainment. The infamous musical performances are fantastic, creating an electric atmosphere throughout the restaurant. They often hold themed performances, such as Latin night, so be sure to check their website to see what’s on.
Some of the dishes from Sarastro may be a bit grown up for younger children, but this is a wonderful place to take kids who enjoy the theatre. The prices are on the more expensive side, although their mid-week deals offer very good value for the quality you receive.
Address: 126 Drury Lane, Holborn, London, WC2B 5SU.
The Chocolate Frog Café – A Magical Dining Experience
If you’re planning to visit the Harry Potter Studios in Watford, the Chocolate Frog Café is the perfect spot for sweet tooths and Harry Potter fans alike.
This café serves luxury hot chocolate, ice creams, and milkshakes, as well as cakes and pastries. The dishes are inspired by the Harry Potter series, with beautiful decorations taken from the films, such as golden snitch cupcakes.
You can even book an afternoon tea, which will include a range of sweet and savoury Harry Potter-themed foods to enjoy in the heart of the studio.
With plenty of selfie opportunities, much of the decor in The Chocolate Frog Café is inspired by the Harry Potter films. The café looks great, and so does the food and drinks. However, the dishes are rather expensive, so don’t expect to grab any bargains here.
Address: Studio Tour Dr, Leavesden, Watford WD25 7LR.
Inamo – Sushi in a Gamer’s Paradise
The Covent Garden branch of Inamo, an Asian Fusion chain restaurant, features interactive tables with games and activities designed to entertain kids.
This futuristic restaurant is adorned with high-tech decorations, including their infamous touch-screen tables. You can entertain your children with the multitude of touch screen games while you wait for your dinner, ranging from space invaders to air hockey.
Inamo specialises in serving edible masterpieces, such as dragons made entirely of sushi, which will be sure to impress your kids.
All the staff at Inamo were very welcoming, always keen to answer any questions and offering fantastic recommendations about the menu.
This quirky, technology-themed restaurant, combined with its fun, child-friendly menu makes Inamo a great spot to take your family for a meal.
Address: 11-14 Hanover Pl, London WC2E 9JP.
Maximising Fun at Themed Restaurants for Families: Top Tips
Party Before the Party: Is the restaurant inspired by a film, book, or cultural phenomenon? Kickstart the fun before you even set foot in the restaurant! Have a themed film night, a mini book club, or a game day to hype everyone up. Plus, don’t forget to ask the restaurant about any special surprises like character meet-and-greets, live shows, or secret menu items when you book. Your pre-visit party and insider knowledge will ensure your family is ready for the full themed-dining adventure!
Costume Time: Ever wanted to dine like a wizard or eat in space? Some themed restaurants encourage or even require diners to dress up. Check ahead and turn your dining experience into a full-blown costume party!
Make New Friends: The staff at themed restaurants are often part of the fun, playing characters or roles. Engage with them, play along, and turn your meal into an interactive adventure. Who knows, you might even make a new pirate or superhero friend!