Dining out in London means never running out of choices. There are so many great restaurants that often, the hardest part is knowing where to try next. And if you’re planning a special occasion, you want to make sure your choice will deliver what you need. Many of the best restaurants in London can help cater for any type of special event, whether that’s booking a private dining room or the entire venue for a party, or just making sure there’s an intimate table for two in beautiful surroundings for your next anniversary. From group-friendly dining spots to fun and vibrant hotspots for dancing the night away, the best special occasion restaurants in London will mark your next event with a bang.
For a birthday, there’s a uniquely artistic spot in Oxford Circus serving up fresh seafood and spectacular desserts. In St. James, an old library sets the most unique background to a jazz brunch and an award winning Indian tasting menu that is sure to impress the whole table. Head to Clapham for date night at a real neighbourhood gem, or try something different with a Mexican-Japanese Pacific crossover menu in Liverpool Street.
Start planning your next big event at one of the best special occasion restaurants in London by booking on OpenTable today.
The best special occasion restaurants in London to kick start any celebration
For one of the best restaurants in London for an anniversary or proposal – book the Savoy Grill – Gordon Ramsay in Covent Garden
One of the most legendary restaurants in London, reimagined by the nation’s favourite chef, Savoy Grill – Gordon Ramsay is a spectacular venue. One of the best special occasion restaurants in London, and perfect for making memories for life-changing events such as a proposal. Enjoy 1920s style glamour and opulent surroundings, alongside a menu that showcases the very best of French and British cuisines. Fresh oysters and caviar start your experience, followed by delights such as an Arnold Benedict souffle with smoked haddock and Montgomery cheddar sauce, and duck terrine with foie gras and prunes. For the mains, expect pan-fried seabass with oyster tempura in a bearnaise sauce, or perhaps Windsor Estate venison with pickled blackberries and a sauce Grand Veneur.
For celebrating a birthday or a baby shower – try Sketch Gallery in Oxford Circus
More of an immersive artistic experience than a restaurant, Sketch Gallery is a unique venue recently redesigned by Yinka Shonibare, a renowned artist of British-Nigerian origin. The decor celebrates the influence of African traditions on modern-day Europe – vibrant, creative and packed with richly dyed fabrics. The Glade and The Parlour are open for breakfast, all-day dining and evening cocktails, while The Gallery is on hand for afternoon tea and dinner. The menus from chef Frédéric Don change regularly to reflect seasonal ingredients, but sample dishes include scallop carpaccio, whole turbot and a baked Alaska set alight tableside to create a whisky syrup.
For a jazz brunch or a tasting menu at one of the best Indian restaurants in London – turn up the heat at The Cinnamon Club in St. James’s
Set in what the former Westminster Library, The Cinnamon Club has an old-world grandeur – books still line the walls within this Grade II listed building. With multiple awards as a testament to the high quality of the food and service, this is an experience not to be missed. British ingredients sourced as locally as possible are crafted into exquisite dishes with a spicy Indian flair – think clove-smoked Anjou pigeon with beetroot raita, roast Balmoral Estate venison with masala mash and lime, and tandoori Kentish lamb chops with a fenugreek rarha gosht. For special events, there are three private dining areas that can be hired, seating anywhere from 35 to 70 guests. Get VIP service and choose from a range of canapes or set menus for sit-down meals or standing receptions.
For an award-winning Sunday roast at one of the best gastropubs in the UK – don’t miss Harwood Arms in Fulham
The casual and relaxed aura at Harwood Arms belies the fact that the food and drink are spectacular, with multiple awards to prove it. A rural haven close to the city offering a stunning menu of British dishes alongside craft beers and top-notch wines. The only MICHELIN-starred pub in London and named as one of the top 100 restaurants in the UK in the National Restaurant Awards 2024, this is a must-try. Menu showstoppers include the venison pâté en croute with port jelly and juniper, the Berkshire fallow deer with red leaves and bone marrow, and the chalk stream trout with grilled romanesco and kipper hollandaise. The Sunday roast is a weekly highlight – finish with the sweet caramelised Yorkshire pudding with prunes and Armagnac for a real treat.
For one of the best afternoon teas in London every mum will love – treat that special lady at Afternoon Tea at The Lanesborough in Knightsbridge
Afternoon Tea at The Lanesborough is a truly grand affair. Celebrating in the style of the Bridgerton aristocracy is no longer out of reach for anyone looking for a treat in modern London. This quintessentially British ritual is always a delight, and with delicate finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones and picture-perfect pastries, expect to be wowed by luxurious treats in stunning durrounds. With a live piano player to entertain at weekends and a spectacular themed afternoon tea, it’s the perfect spot for celebrating Mother’s Day or treat your mum for her birthday. The sweet treats from head pastry chef Pierre Morvan-Benezet are all inspired by characters from the hit Bridgerton TV show – the Lady Whistledown is both sweet and bitter, while the Social Butterfly is inspired by Miss Penelope Featherington.
For one of the best vegan restaurants in London for team lunches and private dining – choose Mildreds in Soho, Trafalgar Square, Victoria, Bamsbury, Camden Town or Dalston
Mildreds boasts venues in Soho, Trafalgar Square, Victoria, Bamsbury, Camden Town and Dalston – each with a unique personality and style, but all with a vibrant neighbourhood feel and a lively vibe that calls for an exciting lunch or a special dinner. The menus are entirely plant-based – serving fresh, colourful vegan dishes that are packed with flavour. As vegan pioneers in London, Mildreds has been wowing non-meat-eaters and carnivores alike since 1988. Sample dishes from the tasting menu include salsa macha hummus with candied pine nuts and a smoky Mexican peanut chilli oil, risotto balls with mushroom and smoked paprika, and kimchi gyoza with a sweet sesame dipping sauce. The Soho and Covent Garden venues also offer private dining, sealing their place among the best special occasion restaurants in London. Striking artwork and bold decor make each venue memorable, with spaces for anywhere from eight to 50 guests.
📍 Soho — Check availability
📍 Trafalgar Square — Check availability
📍 Victoria — Check availability
📍 Bamsbury — Check availability
📍 Camden Town — Check availability
For special occasions at one of the best restaurants in the world with 3 MICHELIN stars – go upmarket at CORE by Clare Smyth in Notting Hill
Named among the World’s 50 Best Restaurants and with no less than three MICHELIN stars, CORE by Clare Smyth is among the most special of London special occasion restaurants. Sustainable natural ingredients are prepared with passion, creating elegant fine-dining dishes sourced from local farms. Think lobster and spelt with caviar and Selim pepper, highland wagyu beef with Porthilly oysters, and Isle of Harris scallop tartare with a sea vegetable consommé. For a truly special event, book the chef’s table for up to ten guests and watch as the expert chefs create a unique tasting menu. Only a single sheet of glass separates diners from the kitchen, creating an immersive yet ultimately private atmosphere.
For one of the best restaurants in London for celebrating with the kids – book Maxwell’s in Covent Garden
Maxwell’s brings some American flair to casual dining in London. Bright, vibrant and bustling, with a family-friendly vibe until 9:30 pm – the perfect spot for a birthday celebration. Two floors of seating are complemented by a heated outdoor terrace, and the intimate Basement Bar can be hired for private events for as many as 50 people. The kids’ menu features much-loved favourites ranging from mac ‘n’ cheese to burgers, spaghetti and tortillas, followed by a kids’ mocktail and a special dessert list. For the grown-ups, highlights include fried halloumi with smoked chilli mayo, classic Philly cheesesteak with caramelised onion and dipping gravy, and the healthy vegan nourish bowl with baby spinach, charred broccoli, sweet potato and quinoa.
For a live music night at one of the best Italian restaurants in London – get the party started at Rossella in Kentish Town
A small slice of Italy in the heart of London and one of the best Italian restaurants for special occasions, Rossella is the result of a decades-long family tradition. Launched in 2011 by Luca Meola, Rossella London is named for and inspired by family restaurants in Italy going back to 1960. Listed in the OpenTable Top 100 every year since 2018, the passion for simple yet top-quality Italian ingredients and recipes can be seen and tasted in every dish. And with live music to entertain as you dine, who could ask more from an evening on the town. Start with small plates such as calamari, arancini and freshly baked garlic pizza bread for the table. Add fresh tortelloni stuffed with prawns and crayfish in a light lobster and tomato bisque, or create your own pizza from a list of toppings that includes Sicilian sausage, prosciutto di Parma, truffle oil, sundried tomatoes and gorgonzola.
For an intimate date night – take your loved one to Bistro Union in Clapham
Bistro Union is a real neighbourhood gem, drawing in locals who have fallen in love with the quality of both the produce and the recipes. Open for lunch from Wednesday to Sunday and dinner Wednesday to Saturday, expect British classics served with warmth. The devils on horseback and smoked marcona almonds are must-try snacks while you peruse the rest of the menu. Next, perhaps add a chicken liver and foie gras parfait with spiced chutney, or a plate of Bistro gin-cured salmon with mustard, dill and fresh cucumber. Fill up on duck confit with Montbeliard sausage, puy lentils and watercress, or a sharing aged rare breed sirloin with green peppercorn sauce – the ideal romantic meal for date night.
For a romantic date night at one of the best hotel restaurants in London – cosy on up at Side Hustle at The Nomad in Covent Garden
Set in the former infamous Bow Street Police Station, Side Hustle at The Nomad provides a unique and interesting space available for private events for up to 60 people. In the main dining area, intimate tables for two sit in low-lit, ambient areas where you can enjoy a cosy date night, or seats at the bar, where the expert mixologists are just waiting to create something special for you. A Latin-American vibe pervades the menu, with bold flavours and spices to warm the soul. Play roulette with Padron peppers – around one in ten will blow your socks off – or sample oysters with jalapeno and a pomegranate mignonette for starters. The Baja fish tacos are a must-try main for seafood lovers, served with Mexican coleslaw and Morita chilli. The lamb birria papusa with caraway slaw is also worth ordering – tender pieces of meat with just the right amount of heat.
For any kind of grand special occasions – make memories at Los Mochis London City in Liverpool Street
A cross-Pacific experience, Los Mochis London City expertly blends the flavours and culinary techniques of Mexico and Japan, delivering a menu that will astound and delight. Tokyo meets Tulum in dishes such as wagyu steak crudo tostaditos with jalapeno salsa, chipotle miso soup with tofu and seaweed, and bluefin tuna with wasabi leaf. The food is not the only draw here, however – the views are pretty spectacular too. The multiple diverse dining spaces include a rooftop terrace with cityscape views, as well as an exclusive omakase room, a chic Agaveria lounge, and a private dining room for up to 30 people for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
For a business meal or a private dining event – celebrate at Hawksmoor in Piccadilly, Canary Wharf, Borough, Knightsbridge, Bank, Spitalfields and Covent Garden
Hawksmoor boasts venues in Piccadilly, Canary Wharf, Borough, Knightsbridge, Bank, Spitalfields and Covent Garden. While each has its own unique vibe, you can guarantee you’ll be getting some of the best steak in town whichever you choose. AS one of the best special occasion restaurants in London, it’s the perfect choice for business lunches or team celebrations, and with private dining available at the Borough location. These include the Cook’s Room, with its own open kitchen for a touch of the theatrical, and the Hop House, where guests can have full privacy and that all-important easy access to the bar. The menu revolves around prime steak and seafood – highlights include Devon crab on toast, potted beef and bacon with Yorkshire puddings and onion gravy, and Old Spot belly ribs with vinegar slaw.
📍 Piccadilly — Check availability
📍 Canary Wharf — Check availability
📍 Borough — Check availability
📍 Knightsbridge — Check availability
📍 Bank — Check availability
📍 Spitalfields — Check availability
📍 Covent Garden— Check availability
For one of the best special occasion restaurants in London for family get-togethers – take the gang to Cecconi’s in Mayfair, Bank or Shoreditch
Cecconi’s has restaurants in Mayfair, Bank and Shoreditch, each of which has that famous Italian brasserie vibe. As one of the best special occasion restaurants in London, this restaurant chain also has outposts as far-flung as Mumbai, Istanbul and Hollywood, alongside the three London hotspots. Sample modern-day classics including whipped ricotta crostini with truffle honey, tuna tartare with avocado, chilli and mint, and chicken paillard with parmesan and fresh rocket. For a more casual affair, try Cecconi’s Pizza Bar, open until late serving classic wood-oven fired Italian pizza and refreshing cocktails.
📍 Mayfair— Check availability
📍 Bank — Check availability
📍 Shoreditch — Check availability
As the nation’s capital, London is never short of great places to eat out. However, when it’s a special occasion, you want to make sure the venue you choose will help make the night truly memorable. The best special occasion restaurants in London have all the right ingredients to help you plan any type of event and start making memories.
Book yourself a table or private dining room at one of the best special occasion restaurants in London with OpenTable and start planning your next event.
If you’re looking for other great restaurants in London for any type of event, discover more with these great guides:
- 12 of the most romantic restaurants in London to book for the perfect date night
- The 11 best MICHELIN star restaurants in London to book for a stellar meal out
- The best tasting menus in London await at these stellar restaurants
- 12 of the best dog-friendly restaurants in London
- 10 of the best steak restaurants in London to book right now
- The best child-friendly restaurants in London the whole family will love
- The 10 best themed restaurants for an immersive dining experience in London
- 10 unique dining experiences to try in London
- 11 restaurants with stunning London views
