From swinging little jazz clubs through to requesting your own song, our city's restaurants pack a whole lot of music into their spaces. No matter what type of night, or even brunch, you're looking for, these places have got it, with delicious menus, talented musicians and a whole heap of fun. Explore our guide to live music restaurants in London and get into the groove without having to leave your seat.
Last edited by Kiera Chapman
Last updated on 17th December 2024
Ayllu is a slinky subterranean restaurant, serving Peruvian-Japanese fusion food and date night vibes. Head here for delicious dishes and funky tunes from a DJ, which you can expect every Thursday and Friday evening, as well as all day on Saturday.
Decked out with gorgeous greenery and plush seating, Bardo St James's is a great shout. Offering live music every evening and scrumptious Italian fare, the venue is ideal for date nights and family dinners.
Inspired by the breaking-bread cultures of the Mediterranean, EVE is a leafy mid-summer escape located in the heart of Kensington. As the sun sets on Fridays, this tropical haunt transforms into a sultry evening venue basking in the soulful rhythm of live music complemented by signature cocktails and contemporary small plates.
Championing Spanish and Italian influences, Strings is a powerhouse of Mediterranean dining. Not only does it offer delightful tapas, hearty pasta dishes and a grand selection of wine, they're also serenading diners with live guitar performances every evening until 10pm. Food highlights include the perfect bolognese and spicy salami-filled empanadas.
Just a short walk away from Hyde Park lies The Lord Wargrave, one of the best spots for live music and dining. Check out their impressive slew of whiskies and delicious pub grub, while kicking back and listening to showstopping tunes.
Whether you fancy a bit of Rihanna or are more after an old classic, the team at The Piano Works (in both Farringdon and the West End) have got you covered. One of the most notorious live music restaurants in London, the spot is a party palace with a great brunch option too.
This stunning live show in Holborn offers a unique dining experience complete with a cultural goldmine of entertainment. Expect an innovative live show bringing together music, dance, food and drink in one stunning production.
Located in the gorgeous Lavender Hill this quirky restaurant boasts an eclectic entertainment and live music schedule that's sure to keep you coming back for more than just the food. Clapped out in wooden boards and low-hanging lightbulbs, the space is a cool place to spend nights out.
With their namesake being named after Daffodil Mulligan, the daughter of an iconic Dublin street seller, it should come to no surprise that the restaurant brings live Irish music to its dining area. You can enjoy fresh seafood and sharing plates while enjoying the chill ambiance.
You can always rely on Megan's to provide fantastic live music and Mediterranean-inspired mains. Head to the Clapham Old Town outpost and enjoy tunes from Thursday to Saturday between 7pm and 10pm.
Whether you settle down at the King's Cross or Shoreditch venue, Camino is the Spanish spot that's making sure you get your fix of a cosy tapas bar with plenty of contemporary style to match. Tuck into grilled leeks with an almond and hazelnut romesco, juicy Galician fillet steaks and more across the extensive menus - with plenty of cava, wine and aperitivo topping off your meal. Plus, the bars play host to DJ sets and other music events to elevate your experience.
Fancy being serenaded while making your way through a menu of elevated British classics? That's exactly what The Union Bar is offering its guests. The friendly neighbourhood restaurant in Chiswick is a must for any music lover, adding an extra sense of ambiance to nights out in the city.
This stunning Paddington restaurant features a live samba show every Saturday night with resident DJs throwing out all the best beats while you dine. Tuck into one of Ayllu's delicious tasting menus while you sit back and enjoy the performance.
One of the best restaurants in Shepherd's Bush for live music, this socially distanced outdoor venue is the perfect spot to get your fill of top tunes. Book a table in their fully-heated space, grab some drinks and prepare to be reminded just how utterly brilliant live music is.
If you're looking for some fun live music to soundtrack your dinner then head to Brick Lane where Ninety One Living Room is bringing you incredible acts and delicious food. Alongside a menu of classic and contemporary grub, the bar serves up some delicious cocktails and craft pints too.
Head over to Covent Garden where this unique bistro and cocktail bar is bringing you some exceptional live music every night of the week. Join them for jazz club vibes and potent tipples, or hit the dancefloor to a soundtrack of jazz and funk.
Known for its unreal dishes, Smith's Bar and Grill in Paddington is also home to some great live music. Every Saturday you can enjoy a bellini bottomless brunch while the resident DJ plays the best of house and party tunes. Plus, they host a lineup of musicians and DJs every Friday and Saturday night, with tickets costing £12 per person.
There's no better accompaniment to a delicious meal than music, is there? So shimmy over to 28-50 By Night, where they host live sessions from Tuesday to Saturday. Tuck into scallops tartare, pumpkin risotto or sea bream while you enjoy the show.
Art Deco and iconic Quaglino's isn't just a sight to look at, the venue also brings music to our ears with their regular shows. Whether you're after a bottomless brunch or slap-up dinner, why not eat in London to the sound of soulful crooning?
Hammersmith's Kindred is a top spot for music lovers as they regularly host shows, including their 'Live Fridays' and 'Introducing...', the latter of which showcases amazing unsigned artists who perform alongside their own house band. Head over for an absolute treat for the ears.
Nestled within the iconic Cumberland Hotel at the bustling crossroads of Oxford Street and Park Lane, SOUND Cafe is a vibrant hub for live music lovers. Featuring nightly performances from talented artists, the venue immerses guests in an atmosphere of melody and energy. Whether you're looking for soulful ballads or upbeat tunes, its calendar of performances guarantees a unique experience every night.
The National Gallery's restaurant, Ochre, is not only a real looker; it's also fronting a DJ booth to play live music late into the night. Head here for sumptuous British fare for dinner, followed up by the entertainment they have on offer and drinks at the cocktail bar.
From 4pm on Saturdays, a roster of DJs play house, disco and soul under the stunning trees of the garden space at The Green Room. Entry is free, but booking a table is highly advised so that you can munch food and drink cocktails while you listen.
This flamboyantly lavish cocktail bar is the perfect spot for an evening spent sipping on tasty concoctions whilst watching live sets from some of London's most promising acts. Their current music series, Fitz's Unplugged, means you'll be able to catch performances four nights a week.
When it comes to fun live music venues that serve food, you can't go far wrong with Old Street Records. Perfect for a first date, the casual spot excels in whacking pizzas and talented bands playing the best in chart hits.
Run by Michelin-starred chef Tom Kerridge, The Butcher's Tap & Grill is a trendy gastropub in Chelsea that prepares all their own meat on-site. The sleek space is decorated with plush leather booths and wooden furniture, with a menu full of juicy steaks, burgers and hotdogs.
Be sure to visit on a Sunday for their spectacular roast dinners, and between 5 and 8pm you can catch their weekly live music performances as well.
Yeah, there's live music at this London restaurant but there's also so much more. Proud Cabaret are known for their outrageous shows, with sexy showgirls, incredible aerial acts, jaunty live music and scrumptious dinner plates.
When it comes to buzzing nights out with impressive musicians, this east London hotspot has it all. Think lip-smacking dishes on the menu, classic cocktails and a stunning roster of artists from up and coming musicians to tributes to Bob Marley, Elvis and more.
There's never a dull moment at Alpine-inspired Albert's Schloss Soho. Located just shy of Piccadilly Circus, you'll find the Bavarian bier hall hosting its live haus band every night of the week from 4pm 'til 7pm. All this is accompanied by themed cocktails, such as the spiced rum-based Apple Strudel, as well as delicious eats. Schnitzel, anyone?
Get on down to Jungla London in Camden to enjoy live DJ sets while you dine. They'll be playing a range of house genres, from Latin and Afro to Tech, as you fill your boots with curried goat, pho' boys, mac n cheese and a lineup of slick cocktails.
Although Market Place Peckham and Vauxhall is home to more than 10 of the city's best authentic food traders, from Baba G's to Los Tacos, there's also plenty of live entertainment to enjoy with your meal. Think live performances and some top-notch DJ sets to boot.
Hard Rock Cafe is nothing short of iconic, and their Piccadilly Circus venue knows how to keep the good times rolling. Not only do they showcase up-and-coming musicians on their stage from 6:30 onwards every Tuesday, but you can also catch live DJ sessions on Thursday nights too. You can take advantage of the extensive cocktail menu on offer as well, paired with plates like Bangkok spicy shrimp, barbecue pork ribs and their world-famous burgers.
