Diners' Choice: Lively restaurants in London

OpenTable

Updated June 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants that have the most vibrant bar scenes in London? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Galaxy Restaurant and Karaoke

5.0

5 (23)

£25 and under

Asian

Southwark

About the restaurant

To reserve Karaoke please WhatsApp us 07904018377 or call us on 07312222888.

To reserve for dining please continue to use OpenTable or call us on 07312222888.

We are Galaxy, Restaurant and Karaoke located in the Heart of London (Elephant and Castle). 'Galaxy' rise to bring the nostalgic feeling of Chinese nightlife 'Eat and Drink' to all that seeks for it. At 'Galaxy' we serve freshly made, mouth watering BBQ grilled skewers of all different kinds, including appetisers that keep you wanting more. Let us not forget the drinks to pair with, to clear that palate.

Our 5 modern style private hire Karaoke Rooms integrated with 3D Audio, O2 Surround Sound Speaker System, packed with the latest tunes waiting for y'all to book with us.

Top review

Renee

Dined on May 11, 2025

Absolutely loved this karaoke spot! The food was fantastic, and the atmosphere was amazing. It’s the perfect place to hang out with friends and have a great time. Highly recommend!

Side Hustle at NoMad London

4.9

4.9 (415)

£26 to £40

Mexican

Covent Garden

About the restaurant

Join us in Side Hustle and enjoy a menu that is complemented by a beverage programme from the award-winning NoMad Bar team, showcasing the flavors and traditions of Mexico and a large selection of agave-based spirits, along with classic and contemporary drinks. Please note tables are reserved for dining guests only.

Side Hustle is set in the former Bow Street Police Station, a casual but sophisticated bar serving a menu inspired by Southern California and its deep Mexican roots.

Please note that Side Hustle is a cashless bar.

Top review

Gillian

Dined on May 17, 2025

Wonderful experience - the food was amazing, so were the drinks: the staff were warm and friendly. Highly recommended

Little Mercies

4.9

4.9 (39)

£25 and under

Contemporary British

Crouch End

About the restaurant

Little Mercies is a multi award wining local neighbourhood restaurant and bar, serving delicious cocktails and playful seasonal small plates.

Winner most sustainable bar for 3 years

Moro Margarita - Distilled House Preserved Blood Orange, Volcán Blanco Tequila, Blood Orange Salt
"Snickers" Old Fashioned - Peanut Butter, Cacao Nib, Salted Chocolate, Evan Williams Bourbon

Top review

janys

Dined 7 days ago

It was perfect what else can I say absolutely everything top of the class

The Italians Wine food market Ltd

4.8

4.8 (63)

£26 to £40

Italian

Marylebone

About the restaurant

We enjoy creating a community of passionate people, in which customers, producers and staff can share an appreciation for quality Italian gastronomy and wine. Thanks to the union of these three groups in our stores, life will taste better.

Top review

Ivan

Dined on Jun 22, 2025

The best in Marylebone to have a drink have a snack and have fun

Yashin Ocean House

4.7

4.7 (386)

£26 to £40

Japanese

South Kensington

About the restaurant

Yashin Ocean House was founded by some of London's leading experts in Japanese cuisine. Hosting an elegant dining hall with Edwardian architecture, the ambience is perfect for dates with friends, family or couples as well as solo visits. Our menu is centred on satisfying Japanese tapas and our signature Omakase sushi, also offering some of the finest delicacies in the world such as our exclusive Hida wagyu. Enjoy your meal with a glass of sake, as we offer one of the widest ranges in London, and can suggest the perfect sake to enhance and complement your dish.

Our sushi concept is “without soy sauce – but if you want to”. Of course, we can serve as much soy sauce as the diner desires; however, what we want to emphasise is the taste of the fish. Therefore, each piece of sushi that we serve is brushed with the right amount of soy sauce and topped with an accompaniment that harmonises with the flavour of the fish.

Top review

Pouria

Dined 5 days ago

Always enjoy the omakasee there Food if good and price are on point

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Experience

Bottomless Brunch

The Parlour at The Ned London

4.7

4.7 (505)

£41 and over

International

Bank

About the restaurant

For dinner or cocktails accompanied by jazz and cabaret, The Parlour is an intimate lounge adorned in dark floral wallpaper, where well-known industry names play alongside hotly-tipped new acts. Executive Head Chef Lee Kebble’s menu features Caviar, Steak Au Poivre, Chicken Kiev as well as a luxurious shellfish selection. Plus, there’s a sizeable wine and cocktail list.

For all dinner bookings, an entertainment cover charge of £20 per person will be applied and guests will also have special access to The Vault after dinner* – subject to availability. Fee does not apply to Ned's Club members.

Guests under the age of 18 are not permitted. Please note The Ned reserves the right to refuse or cancel any reservation either ahead or upon arrival.

Top review

Penelope

Dined on Jun 14, 2025

Shared a beautiful evening served by the wonderful Iman who payed impeccable attention to detail and delivered a stellar service. Thankyou so much, you made our night so special!!! Thankyou to the rest of the team at the parlour, we felt very catered and cared for the whole evening. Would be a pleasure to come back.

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Experience

A La Carte - £20pp Entertainment cover charge

Steak and Company Leicester Square

4.6

4.6 (1628)

£26 to £40

Steakhouse

Charing Cross

About the restaurant

At the OpenTable Diner's Choice award-winning Steak and Company, quality is at the heart of everything we do. We take immense pride in our farm-to-fork ingredients, brasserie-style dishes, expertly crafted cocktails, and an exceptional wine selection curated by a Master of Wine.

Our steaks are second to none, carefully handpicked by our master butchers to ensure the finest cuts. Staying true to our core values, Steak and Company is #ACutAboveTheRest—serving premium-quality meats, vineyard-sourced wines, and exceptional service in the heart of London.

Whether you're in Leicester Square, Covent Garden, Piccadilly Circus, or Gloucester Road, we welcome walk-ins at all locations. Outdoor terrace seating is available at every branch except Gloucester Road. Join us for an unforgettable dining experience, perfect for any occasion!

Top review

Diane

Dined 3 days ago

Went for dinner before the theatre. Ideal location and from the moment we arrived we were looked after. We opted for the chef cooked steak rather than the table hot stone option. Steak was cooked to perfection. Not a cheap meal but a great one with oo complaints, so that was worth paying for!

Chucs Cafe Kensington

4.6

4.6 (135)

£26 to £40

Italian

South Kensington

About the restaurant

Chucs Cafe Kensington, the fourth London outpost for the Restaurant & Cafe collection, offers a high-quality, full service café menu, alongside takeaway options – including paninis, salads, smoothies and coffee.

The breakfast menu features a wide selection of dishes, ranging from fresh pastries and House Granola & Yoghurt, to classic favourites including Eggs Benedict, and Smashed Avocado with Poached Eggs & Smoked Chilli.

The all day offering will include some of Chucs’ most popular dishes, including the delicious – and don’t forget Instagrammable – Cobb Salad, Chicken Milanese & Club Sandwich.

Come evening, guests can select from a carefully curated wine list - a large selection of which will be available by the glass – all to be enjoyed alongside ciccheti, small plates, or main dishes - including Burrata, Saffron & Prawn Risotto, Wild mushrooms Lasagna.

Top review

RennieVIP

Dined on May 9, 2025

First time in the Kensington restaurant. Usually high quality food and service. Great location.

Benihana Covent Garden

4.6

4.6 (90)

£26 to £40

Japanese

Covent Garden

About the restaurant

The best Teppanyaki London has ever seen. Our Japanese Teppanyaki restaurant has been pioneering new and exciting guest experiences since we opened our doors in 1964. Every visit is a unique and immersive dining experience – we are a restaurant that cooks in front you. Discover our range of delicious dining collections.

Top review

BurhanVIP

Dined on Jun 16, 2025

We really enjoyed our time at this branch, very open space. Food was amazing. The kids had an amazing experience. Thank you

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Experience

£29.50 Monthly Special

Rotunda Bar and Lounge at Four Seasons Tower Bridge

4.5

4.5 (218)

£25 and under

Cocktail Bar

Tower Hill

About the restaurant

Located in the heart of Four Seasons Hotel London at Tower Bridge, the Rotunda Bar and Lounge offers a luxurious and inviting atmosphere. Whether you're in the mood for an expertly crafted cocktail, afternoon tea, or a light bite, this elegant space is perfect for any occasion. The Rotunda Bar is renowned for its inventive drinks menu, including a range of signature cocktails, fine wines, and rare spirits, while the Lounge provides a curated selection of dishes ideal for casual dining. With its stunning art deco design, intimate setting, and panoramic views of Tower Bridge, the Rotunda Bar and Lounge provides an exceptional experience for hotel guests and visitors alike. It's a sophisticated spot to unwind after a busy day or celebrate special moments with friends and loved ones.

Experience London by Lily Vanilli, a modern twist on afternoon tea. Indulge in decadent bakes, savoury bites and playful cocktails, with the menu evolving into an aperi-tea experience by night.

Top review

IsabelVIP

Dined on May 31, 2025

Cute experience however, don't think you offered enough savory items compared to the sweets.

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Experience

LRF Lily Vanilli Afternoon Tea

Experience

Bottomless Breakfast Bliss

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