Anyone who hasn’t seen Circolo Popolare on their socials must be living under a rock, because it’s absolutely taken London’s restaurant scene by storm. Stepping inside feels like walking into an enchanted Italian fever dream. It’s overstimulation, but in the best possible way. The ceiling is practically a hanging garden, with branches and fairy lights intertwined. Meanwhile, the bar is stacked to the absolute brim and looks like a spectacle all on its own.

Naturally, one glance at that bar and a cocktail had to be ordered immediately. We loved the Saltburn Margarita (tequila, pineapple juice, and jalapeños) — spicy and refreshing. But for those chasing that classic Italian summer vibe, the Limoncello Spritz was an absolute winner. Of course, after seeing it all over TikTok, we had to order the Gran Carbonara (which serves two). Phones were out and ready for this one, because the way it’s served is a show in itself: tossed right in a whole pecorino wheel with egg yolk and an unapologetic amount of pepper. Forget “tell me when” — here, they decide when!

Have to try: Le Gran Carbonara
Perfect for: Date night
Approx price for 2: £90–£120 (cocktails + shared carbonara)

Albert’s Schloss in Soho really does look like it should be a relatively lowkey spot, with its mellow wooden interiors. Incorrect. Let’s be real, in Soho, how lowkey can anything really be?

This place is pure chaos in the best way, with live music, cabaret, DJs, and even Sunday choirs depending on when you go. We were lucky enough to pop in during Oktoberfest — and since it’s a German beer hall first and foremost, we knew it would deliver. Expect the most whacky events like wiener-eating competitions and beer-guzzling showdowns. Honestly, half the fun is just watching the brave souls who sign up.

Food-wise, an absolute must-try is the Haus Pretzel. It comes with this  moreish sweet mustard sauce and it is the perfect light bite to kick things off. But to really embrace the Bavarian spirit, go for the Bavaria Feast sharing board. We’re talking chicken schnitzel, pork belly, bratwurst, curry sauce. Decadent, hearty, and ridiculously tasty.

Have to try: Haus pretzel with sweet mustard sauce
Perfect for: Fun with friends
Approx price for 2:  £70–£100 (sharing board + pretzel + drinks)

We’re back in Soho again with Bob Bob Ricard, so you already know to expect something whacky and quirky. This place is pure royal casino energy. Plush carpets, extravagant décor, just overall luxurious and a little theatrical.

We were lucky enough to attend one of their jazz nights in the Red Room, which honestly feels like an exclusive secret. Dining and sipping cocktails while being serenaded by melodic, enchanting jazz doesn’t just set the scene — the musicians are so talented they literally stop conversations mid-sentence.

When it comes to food, they’re serving the best of both French and British cuisine. A true standout was the lobster tail mac and cheese — and honestly, the name alone should sell it. Creamy, rich, and perfectly balanced with the salty sweetness of lobster. In true French fashion, we had to end with a crème brûlée, flambéed at the table for extra drama (and a must for the camera roll).

Have to try: Lobster tail mac and cheese
Perfect for: Date night
Approx price for 2: £140–£180 (cocktails, mains, dessert)

Sarastro in Covent Garden is an absolute beauty — honestly, breathtaking. It’s opera-themed, and that Italian majesticness practically slaps you in the face the second you walk in.

Now, opera isn’t everyone’s thing (fair enough), and they totally get that. So don’t worry — they’ve got a whole mix of live music: from Latin nights to 70s/80s disco, ballads, chilled pianists, and instrumentals. That said, we seriously recommend giving the opera a shot here. In this setting, it feels genuinely magical.

The food is Mediterranean-inspired, and we kicked things off with the biber borani. This padrón and Romano peppers in a yoghurt-tahini dip with warm, fresh pita bread. For mains, we went all in on the chargrilled chicken skewers, served with bulgar pilaf rice, onion salad, and Turkish bread. By the end, we basically became part-bread, but no regrets at all.

Dessert was a winner too, the sütlaç, a baked rice pudding spiced with cinnamon and vanilla, served with clotted cream. Comforting, fragrant, and just the perfect way to end the meal.

Have to try: Cinnamon and vanilla rice pudding Perfect for: Fun with friends
Approx price for 2: £90–£120

Surprise, surprise — we’re back in Soho. Hardly shocking, since it’s basically London’s red-light district and full of hidden gems. Kids, look away for this one… it’s tucked away underneath a sex shop, giving it that ultra-exclusive “if you know, you know” vibe.

Being a Mexican joint, we obviously had to kick things off with a classic margarita — done to absolute perfection. If it’s a bite before going out vibe and, let’s face it, in Soho that’s usually the way, they also offer tequila and mezcal flights. These pretty much guarantee an immediate buzz.

The tacos here are heavenly, and it’s 100% worth ordering a mix so you don’t miss out. Our standouts? The prawn tacos and the chicken tacos — both loaded with sweet-and-spicy pico de gallo and finished with creamy chipotle mayo. We wrapped things up with a guava cheesecake, a unique twist that was fruity, refreshing, and the perfect finale.

Have to try: Chicken tacos al pastor with pineapple pico de gallo
Perfect for: Fun with friends
Approx price for 2: £70–£100  (margaritas, tacos, dessert)

The Blues Kitchen has to win it for range. Honestly, the food, drinks, music, and vibe are all equally impressive — they don’t sacrifice one for the other, which we love. We went on a Tuesday and, little did we know, it was famously Tequila Tuesday. Six-pound margaritas while your ears are blessed with seriously talented R&B and jazz musicians? Greatest surprise, honestly.

Our favourite had to be the Tequila Colada — coconut rum and pineapple combine into a tropical delight, a refreshing change from the usual.

Everyone needs their buffalo chicken wings with blue cheese dip in their life. It’s the perfect drinking accompaniment! And if you don’t get it but see someone else with it… let’s just say you’ll have sleepless, regret-filled nights.

Have to try: Tequila Tuesdays
Perfect for: Good drinks and good food
Approx price for 2: £55–£65

Inca is another spot where the interiors just scream drama and extravagance. Honestly, who even needs the West End anymore when dinner itself can be this theatrical?

The performances are nothing short of breathtaking — a moving cultural masterpiece. They put a bold spin on traditional cabaret, telling stories of journeys across the Inca peninsula through live music, dancing, and even acrobats. Truly spectacular.

And the best part? You get to enjoy it all while dining on South American cuisine. We started with the nachos and guac, topped with corn nuts, coriander, and just the right kick of heat. Then came the ceviche duo — salmon and yellowtail with sweet potato and red onion — fresh, zesty, and vibrant. Pair this with the Nimbu’s Rojo cocktail (mezcal, pink peppercorn, basil, strawberry shrub, and pear) and you’re in for a spiced-yet-fruity delight.

Have to try: Nimbu’s rojo cocktail
Perfect for: Fun with friends
Approx price for 2: £130–£170

When we call Inamo a fun restaurant, we mean it in the most literal way out of all the places on this list. It’s perfect for kids, and equally perfect for competitive adults who still think they’ve got that Mario Kart edge.

The interactive tables are the highlight because there’s nothing worse than just staring at waiters, waiting for the food to arrive. The time flies here by playing games and changing the table settings. On top of that, they’ve got a games room you can book (fully or semi), stacked with retro classics and childhood faves. Fellow Wii obsessors, this one’s for you.

But it doesn’t stop there. Inamo hosts comedy nights, cocktail lessons, and sushi masterclasses, so they keep that “fun” element alive in every possible way.

For food, we went with the Asian tapas option to try as much as possible. The standouts? The bang bang cauliflower (crispy, sweet, and spicy perfection) and the spicy mayo chicken bao buns. Those pillowy-soft buns are dangerously addictive.

Have to try: Lychee mojito
Perfect for: Parties
Approx price for 2: £70–£90

Grasso is another hot spot that’s probably already taken over your Instagram and TikTok feed. It’s an independent Italian-American restaurant based in Soho — and honestly, we love to see it. London is becoming way too overpopulated with chains we’ve all done to death, so this feels fresh.

We kicked things off with the Cherry Coke Long Island Iced Tea. Delicious? Absolutely. Dangerous? Even more so. Anyone who’s had a Long Island knows the immediate chaos that follows, and yep, it hit fast. Luckily the food came out quick enough to balance us out.

First up: the mozzarella sticks. Forget your Maccies or Aldi frozen versions, these were next level. Fancy, gourmet, and served with ’nduja and wild honey — the combo was a game-changer. For mains, we went with the penne alla vodka. Solid, very solid. But the food envy was real when we saw the pizza land on the table next to us. It looked so fluffy and indulgent we’re still thinking about it.

Buzzy, lively, and such a fun experience overall. 

Have to try: Mozzarella sticks with wild honey
Perfect for: Date night
Approx price for 2: £70–£90