3
Jan,2026
Where to Eat When You Just Want to Laugh, Toast, and Eat Too Much
You’ve got the outfits picked out, the Uber booked, and the group chat buzzing with emojis. But the one thing still missing? A restaurant that actually gets it. Not a place where you have to whisper to be heard over clinking glasses. Not a spot where the menu looks like a philosophy thesis. And definitely not a place where the bathroom line is longer than the wait for your cocktails.
London’s got hundreds of spots that claim to be perfect for girls’ nights. Most of them aren’t. The real ones? They’ve got great lighting, a vibe that lets you be loud without judgment, food that doesn’t take 45 minutes to arrive, and a drink menu that doesn’t charge £18 for a gin and tonic. Here are the ones that actually deliver.
1. The Ivy London West End
If you want to feel like you’ve stepped into a 1920s Hollywood party but with better Wi-Fi, The Ivy is your spot. It’s not cheap-dinner for four usually runs £150-£200-but it’s worth it for the energy. The open kitchen lets you watch chefs toss pasta like it’s a sport. The lighting? Soft gold, not fluorescent. The menu? Classic British with a twist: truffle mac and cheese that’s creamy without being heavy, beef Wellington that actually tastes like beef, not cardboard.
Pro tip: Ask for a booth near the window. It’s the only place in London where you can text your ex while feeling like a movie star. And yes, they have a dedicated cocktail list called “The Ivy Girls” with names like “The Sassy” and “The Bold.” They’re not gimmicks-they’re well-balanced, not syrupy, and come in proper glasses, not mason jars.
2. Bao
Forget fancy plates. Bao is where you eat with your hands, laugh over steamed buns, and order way more food than you need. This is the anti-pretentious restaurant. You walk in, grab a table, and within minutes you’re passing around pork belly buns, spicy tofu, and crispy chicken wings glazed in honey and Sichuan pepper.
It’s loud. It’s messy. It’s perfect. Groups of six? They’ll squeeze you in. No reservations needed if you come before 7 PM. The staff remembers your name after one visit. And the best part? You can order a bottle of sake for £28 and still have change for dessert-matcha mochi that melts like a cloud.
One group of friends came here after a breakup. They ordered 12 buns, two pitchers of plum wine, and cried-laughed until closing. That’s the kind of place Bao is.
3. Dishoom
Dishoom doesn’t feel like a restaurant. It feels like your cool aunt’s house in Mumbai-where the walls are covered in vintage posters, the chai smells like cardamom and memory, and the food makes you want to move there.
They’ve got a dedicated “Girls’ Night” menu that includes butter chicken, black daal, and naan that’s still warm when it hits the table. The portions are generous. The prices? Shockingly fair. A main dish averages £14-£18. A bottle of Indian lager? £5.50.
It’s always busy, but that’s part of the charm. You’ll be seated next to a group of 80-year-old women celebrating a birthday, a pair of art students debating poetry, and a squad of nurses who just finished a 12-hour shift. Everyone’s welcome. Everyone’s happy. And the playlist? Bollywood classics mixed with Amy Winehouse. You’ll be dancing in your seat by dessert.
4. Bistrotheque
Hidden under a railway arch in Bermondsey, Bistrotheque is the kind of place you find by accident-and then never want to leave. It’s small. It’s dim. It’s got wooden benches and candles on every table. The menu changes weekly, but you’ll always find things like duck confit, roasted beetroot salad with goat cheese, and a chocolate tart that tastes like a hug.
They don’t take reservations for groups under four, but they’ll fit you in if you show up together. The staff doesn’t rush you. They bring you extra bread. They ask if you want another glass of wine without you having to ask. And the wine list? Curated by a sommelier who actually knows what pairs well with laughter.
It’s not flashy. It’s not Instagrammable. But it’s the kind of place where you remember the night not because of the food, but because of how you felt-safe, seen, and totally at ease.
5. The Palomar
Think of The Palomar as a Middle Eastern family dinner-except everyone’s a stranger, and you’re all having the time of your life. The kitchen is open. You can watch them roll falafel balls, flame whole fish, and toss pita like it’s a circus act.
Order the mezze platter. It comes with hummus, labneh, pickled turnips, and lamb kofta. Add the grilled octopus. Add the za’atar fries. Add the sticky date pudding. You’ll be full. You’ll be happy. You’ll be tempted to come back tomorrow.
The vibe? Electric. The music? Israeli pop mixed with Arabic beats. The drinks? A mint lemonade that tastes like summer in Tel Aviv. And the staff? They’ll refill your glass before you even notice it’s empty.
One group of friends came here after a big promotion. They ordered three mezze platters, three bottles of wine, and stayed until 1 AM. They didn’t talk about work once. They just laughed. That’s the magic of The Palomar.
6. The Laughing Heart
Not many places in London let you order a cocktail called “The Hangover Cure.” But The Laughing Heart does. And it works. Made with mezcal, lime, agave, and a splash of ginger beer, it’s the kind of drink that makes you forget you’re in a city where everything costs twice as much as it should.
This is a bar with a kitchen, not the other way around. The menu is short: fried chicken sandwiches, truffle fries, and a cheeseboard that changes daily. The portions are big. The service is fast. The vibe? Like you’re at a friend’s house who just happened to open a restaurant.
They have karaoke every Thursday. No one forces you to sing. But if you do? The whole room cheers. One woman sang “I Will Survive” last month and got a standing ovation. She cried. So did half the room.
7. The Cinnamon Club
If you want to feel fancy without the pretension, The Cinnamon Club is your answer. Set in a converted 19th-century library, the space is all oak shelves, stained glass, and soft lighting. The food? Modern Indian with British flair. Think spiced lamb chops with caramelized onions, saffron rice with toasted almonds, and a mango lassi that tastes like childhood.
It’s quiet enough to talk. Loud enough to feel alive. The wine list is thoughtful-small producers, not big brands. And the desserts? Don’t skip the cardamom panna cotta. It’s the kind of thing you’ll dream about for weeks.
It’s not the cheapest option. But it’s the one where you leave feeling like you’ve had a real night out-not just a meal, but a memory.
What Makes a Restaurant Actually Great for Girls’ Night?
It’s not about the price. It’s not about the Instagram filters. It’s about the vibe. Here’s what works:
- Lighting that flatters-no fluorescent tubes, no blinding spotlights. Soft, warm, candlelit if possible.
- Food that arrives fast-if you’re waiting longer than 20 minutes for your starter, you’re already losing the night.
- A drink menu that doesn’t punish you-a decent cocktail shouldn’t cost £16. A glass of wine shouldn’t be £12.
- Space to be loud-if the staff shushes you, leave. You’re not at a funeral.
- Staff who remember your name-that’s the sign of a place that cares.
These seven spots have all of that. And more.
What to Avoid
Steer clear of:
- Restaurants with “gourmet” in the name that charge £35 for a salad with three cherry tomatoes.
- Places where the menu is written in French and you need a translator.
- Spots that only take reservations for six or more, and make you wait 45 minutes to be seated.
- Anywhere that doesn’t have a bathroom you can actually use without holding your breath.
There are plenty of places like that in London. Don’t waste your night on them.
Final Tip: Book Ahead, But Be Flexible
These places fill up fast-especially on Fridays and Saturdays. Book at least a week ahead. But if you’re spontaneous? Show up around 6:30 PM. That’s when the tables start opening up. And if you’re lucky? You’ll get the best seat in the house.
Girls’ night isn’t about perfection. It’s about connection. The right restaurant doesn’t just serve food. It serves laughter, comfort, and a little bit of magic. These seven do that. The rest? They’re just places to eat.
What’s the best time to go for a girls’ night out in London?
The sweet spot is between 6:30 PM and 7:30 PM. You’ll beat the dinner rush, get better service, and still have time to enjoy drinks and dessert without feeling rushed. Most places are quiet before 6 PM and packed after 8:30 PM. Arriving early means you’re more likely to get a good table, and the staff has more time to focus on you.
Do I need to make a reservation?
For places like The Ivy, The Cinnamon Club, and The Palomar, yes-book at least 3-7 days ahead, especially on weekends. Bao and The Laughing Heart are more flexible; walk-ins are welcome, but you might wait. If you’re a group of four or more, always call ahead. Even if they say they don’t take reservations, they often have a waitlist you can join.
How much should I budget for a girls’ night out?
A solid night out in London with food, drinks, and dessert should cost around £40-£70 per person. That includes one cocktail, one main, one dessert, and a coffee or tea. If you’re going to a higher-end spot like The Ivy or The Cinnamon Club, plan for £80-£120. Skip the overpriced cocktails-opt for wine by the glass or house drinks. They’re better and cheaper.
Are these restaurants safe for women dining in groups?
Absolutely. All the spots listed are in well-lit, busy areas with strong security presence. London restaurants, especially ones popular with groups, are generally very safe. Staff are trained to notice if something feels off. If you’re ever uncomfortable, speak to the manager-they’ll help you get a cab or call for assistance. Don’t hesitate.
What if someone in the group has dietary restrictions?
All of these places handle dietary needs well. Dishoom and Bao have clear vegan and gluten-free options. The Cinnamon Club and The Palomar can adapt dishes on request. Bistrotheque changes its menu weekly and always notes allergens. Just tell your server when you arrive. No need to call ahead unless it’s something very specific like a severe allergy.
