39 Fantastic Ideas for a Birthday Dinner in London for 2024
There are so many places to have a birthday dinner in London. The capital city of the U.K. is well-known for its many attractions, such as the London Eye, Big Ben, Houses of Parliament and the Tower of London.
From visiting art galleries, museums and theatres, there is a lot to do for your birthday in the capital. But due to the city’s diversity in cuisines, there are also hundreds of incredible restaurants to have birthday dinner in London. We will make your life easier by going through some of the best restaurants in London to have dinner. We will explore birthday dinner restaurants in London, special occasion restaurants in London and affordable restaurants for a birthday dinner in London.
How to celebrate a birthday in London? This is up to you, but a fun activity and then a meal out is a great idea. Another question you might ask is who pays for a birthday dinner in the U.K.? Normally, the guests split the bill, not including the person whose birthday it is.
London food is delightful and there are many date ideas in London. One of course is to go out for a birthday dinner in London. Let's take a deep dive into our favorite places to eat in London for a birthday celebration.
Jump to Section
- Best Party Restaurants in London
- Top Birthday Dinner in London
- Most Fun Birthday Dinner in London
- Best Birthday Dinner in London for Adults
- Top Affordable Birthday Dinner in London
- Best Special Occasion Birthday Dinner in London
- Most Instagrammable Birthday Dinner in London
Best Party Restaurants in London
1. Barge East
Come aboard on a 125-year-old barge and have an incredible birthday party. You will experience a unique birthday dinner in London through the seasonal menus that showcase some of the finest produce and homegrown ingredients from the restaurant's gardens.
Next to the barge, the gardens are one of London’s largest outdoor dining and drinking spaces. The Barge East is an incredible space for a large birthday celebration.
2. Kenza Restaurant and Lounge
Located in Devonshire Square, Kenza is a Lebanese restaurant with Middle Eastern furnishings and lamps, making this a beautiful eatery. Along with belly dancers to entertain your group, you can enjoy mezes, teas and tagines.
We recommend the Kenza Sea Bass, which comes with a grilled fillet of marinated seabass topped with yogurt, tahini molasses, crushed almonds, pomegranates, crispy onion and spicy harra sauce.
3. Ciao Bella
Situated in Russell Square, Ciao Bella serves classic Italian dishes, from pasta to pizza and much more. With aqua-blue furniture, many photos and hanging guitars, Ciao Bella is a wonderful space. Having a birthday dinner in London here is perfect if you want an Italian food-based party.
4. Brigadiers
Inspired by the army mess bars of India where military regiments ate and socialised, Brigadiers provides glamour and deliciousness to its Indian BBQ menu. It has plenty of options for parties of all sizes from a la carte and party menus to feasts for one person or a group.
There are also plenty of cocktails with fun names that are associated with the military like "Ready, Fire, Aim" or "Colonel Hathi." The restaurant is perfect for birthday parties as it has a private room and it has classic card games and a pool table available for a game.
Another special way to celebrate a friend is to purchase one of the many gifts on offer.
5. Acme Fire Restaurant
Within the Kingsland Shopping Centre, Acme Fire Restaurant is the perfect place for having an amazing birthday dinner in London outdoors with vegetarian food.
Chefs Andrew Clarke and Daniel Watkins began this concept in a car park in Hackney during the COVID-19 pandemic. With the help of Steve Ryan, a brewery owner, they found this space to carry on providing music, cocktails and grilled food.
6. Ballie Ballerson
Ballie Ballerson is a popular nightspot fit for a fun birthday party. Visitors are surrounded by giant glowing balls, as they sip cocktails within a ball pit. From wild bottomless brunches to Neapolitan pizzas, this is a really unique place for a birthday celebration, perfect for someone who loves novel concepts.
This spot is for the younger crowd, so it might be a great 18th birthday party idea in London.
7. The Piano Works
Within an old Victorian warehouse, pianists play requested songs live as people drink cocktails and eat simple yet delicious dishes like a herbed rare tuna steak. There are also vegan options available.
The Piano Works creates a feel-good atmosphere for your birthday dinner in London, particularly for live music lovers.
8. Hovarda
Hovarda presents dishes influenced by the Aegean Sea. Located in the buzzing area of Soho, Hovarda provides Mediterranean, Greek and Turkish food within a gorgeous space. "Hovarda" means "generous host with a free spirit" in Turkish and Greek, it the restaurant really encapsulates this philosophy.
From cocktails to tiger prawns paccheri, grilled squid, parsley dressing, lemon oil and also the scallop in shell, ezme Turkish sauce, elderflower dressing and parsley, there are lots of amazing things to try here.
9. Isabel
Located in Mayfair, Isabel is a lively Mediterranean restaurant that is perfect for a party-focused birthday dinner in London. From late-night cocktails to creative food, such as halibut with rainbow Swiss chard, parsley and scallop sauce, this place oozes class.
10. Sucre
Sucre is a fine dining spot that started its journey in 2001, in Argentina. Sucre has been located in Soho since 2021 and shows its artistry to its customers through its open-fire cooking.
Based on the Mediterranean ethos around focusing on the quality of the moment, Sucre values sophistication with a lively atmosphere.
Top Birthday Dinner in London
11. Sea Containers
If you're looking for special occasion restaurants in London, you should consider Sea Containers. This restaurant is a delightful spot for a birthday dinner in London, especially if you're celebrating with your furry friend as it is pet-friendly.
Tom Dixon has fulfilled his vision of what Sea Containers should be like. They serve seasonal dishes, carefully curating small and large plates based on the seasons. From porthilly mussels to shepherd’s pie, they serve fine modern British cuisine.
12. Grasso
Another favorite for those who love eating in vibey Soho, Grasso is an Italian-American eatery that showcases some of the finest pasta dishes around. The pasta sauces are prepared fresh and the mother of this family-run restaurant prepares the desserts.
The food is influenced both by their Sicilian roots and their trips to New York. The made-to-order pizzas are delicious and you should consider getting mom’s spaghetti, which comes with meatballs and red sauce.
13. Tsiakkos & Charcoal
Located the famous Notting Hill area, Tsiakkos & Charcoal is a delightful and beautifully decorated Greek restaurant that is great for a laid-back birthday dinner in London.
From moussaka to chicken souvlaki, this place serves incredible food for a birthday celebration. They also have lots of fantastic outdoor space for a bigger birthday group.
14. Oma
If you love sharing plates, then you should consider having a birthday dinner in London at Oma. Located in the London Bridge area, this restaurant serves glorious Greek food.
With the seafood on display, as the chefs get cooking, Oma’s vibrant feel and customer service make this a must-visit destination. The açma verde is a gorgeously soft and light bagel-like bread, the hummus and lamb chops are delightful.
15. Yi-Ban
Yi-Ban is a lovely Cantonese restaurant in the Docklands. If you choose to have your birthday dinner in London at Yi-Ban, you can select main dishes like steamed seabass. If you opt for a birthday lunch, you can have xiaolongbao (steamed dumplings served in a bamboo basket) with various flavors, such as crab meat dumplings. Yi-Ban is closed on Thursdays.
Most Fun Birthday Dinner in London
16. Cabana Covent Garden
Cabana serves authentic Brazillian street food in Convent Garden within a vibrant establishment. This is a great place to have a birthday dinner in London if you are looking for a very fun meal that's filled with color and life!
From churrasco fried chicken to cheesy dough balls, to the halloumi burger and chicken croquetas, the food here is sublime.
17. Café Pacifico
Another delightful eatery in Convent Garden, Café Pacifico makes marvelous Mexican food with a vibrant atmosphere that's perfect for a fun birthday dinner in London.
Located in a large space, this retro Mexican cantina with colorful murals serves classics like quesadillas, tacos and pan-fried tortillas.
18. Inamo Soho
Inamo is a pan-Asian restaurant that specializes in sharing small plates. This multi-award-winning restaurant is very interactive, making it a great choice for a fun birthday dinner in London. You can play retro arcade games, watch a movie, do karaoke with friends, have a sushi-making class or even watch live sports.
From the dragon roll to Asian tapas dishes, such as popcorn prawns and a selection of dim sum, there is a lot to appreciate at Inamo for your big day.
19. The Trioler Hut
This restaurant is all about having fun the Austrian way. Originally from Austria, owners Josef and Christine first met after the restaurant opened in 1967. They have seen many happy faces over the years after a great experience as they eat while multi-instrumentalist Josef serenades them with songs.
The Triloler Hut serves mains, such as Wienerschnitzel, which is veal schnitzel served with sautéed potatoes and cranberry sauce. They also have a party menu on Saturdays.
20. Pizza Pilgrims
Situated in the London Bridge area, Pizza Pilgrims is the place to go if you love both football and pizza. The pizza is slow-proved Neapolitan style with ingredients for the dough sourced from Italy and made fresh daily.
Vegetarians rejoice as you can swap mozzarella for plant-based burrata. There are also gluten-free bases available and Halal options. Here, you can watch football with your friends and eat delicious pizzas like double pepperoni and hot honey pizza.
Best Birthday Dinner in London for Adults
21. Le Petit Citron
Recommended by the Good Food Guide, Le Petit Bistro is a cozy neighborhood eatery in Brook Green that serves French food in the Provence style. The family-owned restaurant is a delight and truly showcases what is great about French dining.
Some fantastic options to consider if you have a birthday dinner in London here are the pan-fried sea bass with pomme purée, mussel & saffron sauce, gratin dauphinoise potatoes, and the coq au vin. The ratatouille Niçoise is a vibrant summer vegetable stew of courgette, tomato, aubergine, Camargue rice and aïoli.
22. Yuu Kitchen
Within Spitalfields is Yuu Kitchen, a hidden gem for those who love Japanese food. It's best to share plates here with four dishes per person.
It also serves brilliant Taiwanese bao buns. This is perfect for having a birthday dinner in London with vegans and vegetarians because of the variety of choices.
23. Eko Wine Bar and Restaurant
Eko is an African restaurant that serves delicious food while providing great entertainment with TV screens and live music nights. Try the quintessential West African jollof rice, egusi soup, ewedu and abula.
From grilled fish with plantain to massive catfish soup, the food here is delectable and bountiful.
24. Joe Allen
Since 1977, Joe Allen has welcomed guests with open arms. The restaurateur, Joe Allen, had lots of success in New York after opening his first establishment in 1965 in Hell's Kitchen, Manhattan. The restaurant was a meeting place for Broadway actors, theater staff and theater fans. He continued that success over to his London eatery.
It's the place to eat at if you're planning to go to the theater as a birthday treat. Exposed brickwork and theatre decorations make this establishment feel very New York. Buffalo wings, corn muffins and the delicious caramelized apple and hazelnut tart are our recommendations.
25. Tendril
Tendril, or as it's known "A (Mostly) Vegan Kitchen and Bar" is a homely restaurant that brings feelings of warmth and safety through its welcoming look and mouth-watering food.
This eatery is a mostly vegan restaurant that showcases the wonders of plant-based food. Instead of using fake meat, their focus is on putting vegetables at the centre of meals. Aubergine, kalamatas, tahini with sourdough and baked feta, summer peas and heritage tomatoes are examples of amazing dishes on their evening menu.
Top Affordable Birthday Dinner in London
26. Gökyüzü Restaurant
Gökyüzü Restaurant serves gorgeous Turkish food, meaning you can enjoy authentic Turkish kebabs for your birthday dinner in London. This restaurant is loved in London not only for its amazing food, but also its exceptional customer service.
Owned by the Yavuz family and having opened in 1999 on Green Lanes in Harringay, it serves fantastic sharing food like cold and hot meze plates on sharing platters. But if you want your own meal, look no further than their charcoal options, such as lamb doner.
27. Mexican Seoul
Mexican Seoul is a feel-good street food restaurant that had humble beginnings as a pop-up store that opened during lockdown. It's a unique and fun blend of Mexican and Korean food with a funky-cool atmosphere, perfect for a birthday meal with a small group of friends.
Located in Hackney, the food here is delightful where you can taste treats like spicy pork belly tacos to gochujang wings. Another reason to have a birthday dinner in London at this establishment is for the friendly staff and the fantastic range of drinks, such as lychee soju coolers.
28. Tumnan Thai
This hidden gem is perfect for vegetarians and vegans. Tunman Thai serves gorgeous and authentic Thai food in Clapham. The menu options range from crispy tempura to plah goong, a salad with King prawns with lemon grass and onion in a spicy dressing. Or you can dig into the nuer phad kraprao, stir-fried beef with fresh chilli, onions and basil leaves.
This is truly authentic Thai food that has a cosy atmosphere as well as outdoor seating if its a nice day or you want some extra space between tables for a larger group of friends.
29. Royal Mahal
Located in Tooting, which is the flagship branch of the Royal Mahal where its journey began. Affordable yet also elegant and luxurious, the Royal Mahal prides itself on serving delicious food with attentive customer service.
From chicken served in silver goblets to making your birthday special with fun ways to celebrate, this is a very lively place for a birthday dinner in London. Punjabi lamb samosas are just some of the amazing dishes here.
30. Mr Bao
This adored restaurant is perfect for a lowkey birthday dinner in London. Mr Bao serves authentic and delectable Taiwanese steamed buns, cultural twists and classic Asian favorites. Ingredients come from both South London and Asia.
Bao buns are so soft and just melt perfectly in the mouth. This restaurant serves up some delectable yet affordable dishes like pork belly bao buns, shiitake mushroom bao buns, sweet potato chips with wasabi mayo and extra specials that are available every week.
Best Special Occasion Birthday Dinner in London
31. The Dover
The Dover is a special place of opulence and glamour. It serves high-end meals and is truly a place for a special occasion dinner in London. Especially if you don’t mind splashing some extra cash. This Italian restaurant in Mayfair is a place to see and be seen.
It's quite intimate and an easy place to have private conversations with a close group of friends or a loved one. There is popcorn at the ready, tall candles, large bookshelves and comfy sofas in the bar area — the decor is truly impressive. From classic pasta dishes like arrabbiata to lobster bisque ravioli and their mains, such as the Branzino fillets, this place serves delectable food.
32. Stanley’s
Stanley’s is a lovely establishment for a fancy birthday meal, especially with its green outdoor space. Located in the upmarket area of Chelsea, this is perfect for a date night birthday meal.
If you like fancy courtyards and British cuisine merged with Mediterranean fare, then think about celebrating your birthday dinner in London at Stanley's.
33. Trattoria Brutto
This Italian restaurant in Clerkenwell is an absolute delight. There is a reason they have a Michelin Bib Gourmand award: its cooking philosophy is of the very highest standards and values.
Celebrate your birthday in style with negronis and terrific Tuscan food by taking a trip to Trattoria Brutto. There is an eclectic mix of funky music playing daily, so this is the spot for birthday people who are looking for a vibe. The tiramisu is not to be missed.
34. Bibi
This beautiful and modern restaurant is a must-visit in the capital. A leafy hideout in Mayfair, Bibi specializes in authentic Indian cuisine. If you're thinking of having a birthday dinner in London, then you should seriously consider Bibi as the food is so scrumptious you’ll find it difficult to pick a favorite dish.
It has a heated terrace for those celebrating in Winter and you can see the chefs cooking with style if you sit by the counter. The xx-dairy goat galouti and buffalo milk paneer & black truffle are incredible. It has a set menu for every evening.
35. Quo Vadis
Whether it's a birthday meal with your partner, parents or a small group of family or friends, Quo Vadis has that charm that makes a birthday feel like a very special occasion. As it should be!
Celebrity chef Jeremy Lee is at the helm and steers a wonderful menu that includes the famous smoked eel sandwich. This restaurant serves the finest European food and you should look out for the monkfish, tomatoes, green beans & “salmoriglio.”
Most Instagrammable Birthday Dinner in London
36. Fish Market
This restaurant serves the finest seafood with style, making it a fantastic place for a birthday dinner in London for seafood lovers. Located near Liverpool Street Station, the Fish Market showcases the wonderful British marine fare by serving fresh and sustainable fish sourced locally.
It has a great outdoor dining area too for bigger groups of birthday goers and a private dining option for really special occasions. From grilled prawns to Shetland mussels mariniere and of course the British classic fish and chips.
37. Savage Garden
No, this is not the 90s Australian pop duo's restaurant. The Savage Garden is a rooftop bar located 12 stories high, where you can see some of London’s most famous sights, like The Shard and the Tower of London.
This urban and reflective bar is super photogenic and perfect for Instagramming. It also has party nights where DJs unleash brilliant tunes. Duck bao buns, aubergine in Aleppo yogurt and sharing plates like the Italian cheesy arancini show why this place is worth celebrating your birthday at.
38. 14 Hills
Situated at Square Mile, this restaurant is also found high up, this time on the 14th floor. You can take photos of The Shard, Tower of London and the River Thames while eating delicious food.
The restaurant was developed by award-winning designer Robert Angell, so celebrating your birthday dinner in London at 14 Hills will your Insta feed buzzing.
39. Sessions Art Club
In Clerkenwell, you can find the Sessions Art Club, where you can eat high-end food while watching fantastic artistic performances. This is an adults-only establishment. The building is protected, as it's a Grade 2 listed building which Bidwell's Real Estate describes as being "of special interest, warranting every effort to preserve it." This is because it is the old Sessions House judges dining room. So this may be a good birthday dinner in London for history buffs.
Some dishes available on their set menu include quail, datterini and borlotti, grezzina and pea risotto and the hake, artichoke and olive. This is another great London restaurant for the Gram.
In this article, we've explored where to eat for a celebration in London and some birthday dinner ideas for eating out by going through some incredible places for a truly inspiring birthday dinner in London. For more things to do in the city, have a look at team-building activities in London and indoor activities in London.
For even more fun birthday ideas, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!
