Sarastro

This restaurant is magical! The decor is unlike anything I’ve ever seen before. It’s almost like you’re in an old theatre’s attic! I’ve put in some requests in the booking notes as it was a special occasion and all of them were honoured no questions asked. Staff was attentive, service was quick and food was very tasty! Thank you Sarastro team for the great evening.

Such a cool interior! Pomegranate royale was lovely and refreshing, and the Borek on the hot and cold mezzeh plate was to die for.

Best restaurant out there. Very different in the way itsarlaid out. It feels like you're in the theatre in a box ready for a performance. The food is London prices, but very good quality. The service was superb. We even saw some live entertainment whilst eating which made our night. Would recommend highly if you're in the West End of London. And the toilet artwork is very raunchy but we loved it.

Amazing food and the atmosphere and restaurant itself if so unique and fun. Definitely recommend attending when the performances are taking place

Great food. Good location. Friendly staff. Oh I couldn’t recommend this place enough. Its shear quirkiness is amazing, one of the most unique places I have dined. It’s fabulous! So many hidden gems and treasures. You won’t forget this place.

The Atmosphere is perfect for the Theatre District with drapes, balconies and curtained corners. The food is well prepared and the staff were very walm and welcoming. The only negative I see is the cocktails on offer could lean into the theatre based names more instead of just the phantom of the opera cocktail.

The most unique place I’ve ever eaten at! Incredible atmosphere and decor, and the best food ever. Incredible don’t live in London, but will travel 1.5hrs to have dinner there. It’s absolutely amazing. The avocado starter and koftes are phenomenal.

We hired this restaurant for a private event. Everyone loves the vibe, the food and the performances. Every staffs are super helpful!

I booked this wonderful place after seeing it listed in the 'it's a bit different'. It really is wonderful. Six of us were sat in a booth. The starters were plentiful, and catering for the vegan in our party was not a problem. The lamb shank that I had was...perfect. The entertainment was wonderful - a person who really could sing! Songs were mainly 70s - 80s. We were all up on the dance floor having a great time. There was a family from Korea there - it was their first night in London, and they were enchanted. If you don't consume as much wine as we did, then it's absolutely value for money on the set menu. We did consume four bottles of vino, so the bill was a little more, but as we were celebrating my birthday, what the heck! There was a couple from Harrogate who had last been to Sarastro's 20 years ago; they brought their teenage son & daughter with them. They still loved it. I am definitely going back to eat & boogie within the next year!

Went for a pre-theatre menu (before 6pm) it was not that crowded. Love the interior decorations and the food is nice too.

Definitely worth a visit if you’re in the area! Such a unique place & the food was so tasty. I put on the booking that I was visiting for a birthday (which I’d forgotten about) & before they brought the bill they gave us a nice little birthday plate! I will say that the toilets were eye opening to say the least haha but overall a great time & I would highly recommend. We visited during the day & it was pretty quiet but I’ll definitely be returning to watch a show here for sure!

Lovely gem of a place in the heart of theatre land. Staff were warm and hardworking. Not cheap even with the Robin menu with 12.5% added and wine but worth a visit. Interesting pictures in toilet:)

Great food and environment. A great experience. Would definitely recommend this place for everyone

Memorable experience with a combination of great good & ambiance Walking into the restaurant feels like entering another realm from the first step in. The carpet, decor, and lighting all come together to give an atmosphere as though you're entering a completely different land. The vibe gives off Turkish pasha impressions, and the whole night is full of surprises both in terms of food and show The food was excellent: carefully selected ingredients & well blended spices come together elegantly presented, without going so far as coming off as pretentious. The restaurant is so much more than just the food itself though, and that's what makes it truly unique in London. The show is a one of a kind experience that makes you feel like you have your own private theater in front of you. Highly recommend going here. The one criticism would be for the waiting staff, who could have a slightly warmer attitude, and with whom we often had to repeat ourselves for what we had asked for

This place makes me want to live here permanently. The food was fantastic and the place’s interior is like nothing I’ve ever seen. The service was super friendly and helpful with recommendations for food and drink. I’m there is one place I could recommend in all of London it’s here. A must visit.

Went here for our wedding anniversary and absolutely loved it. The food was gorgeous and our waiter Francesco was very polite. Would definitely recommend the lamb that my husband had as it just fell off the bone. I had the chicken and it was so tasty as well. You feel as though you have been transported into another place as you walk in but it was fantastic.

Great food served by friendly attentive staff and lovely entertainment

One of the most special restaurants I’ve been to. The food was incredible. The venue was so unique it’s hard to describe, we were fortunate enough to be seated in one of the balcony tables which we loved. During our meal we had a live performance from a singer and after our food we joined the whole restaurant on the floor dancing and singing, all customers involved which was really rather lovely. I would most certainly love to return. The extra touches of the birthday dessert and singing was much appreciated.

Sarastro is one of those rare places that truly feels like an experience, not just a meal. From the moment you walk in, the décor is absolutely breathtaking – rich, theatrical, and packed with character. Every corner feels like a stage set, and it instantly puts you in the mood for a special evening. The atmosphere is where Sarastro really shines. Live opera performances throughout the evening add something magical and completely unique. Hearing powerful voices fill the room while you dine is unforgettable and turns the night into something genuinely memorable. It’s dramatic, joyful, and done with real passion – not gimmicky at all. The food is very solid and well executed, with a varied menu that caters to different tastes. Portions are generous, flavours are well balanced, and everything feels carefully prepared. It complements the evening perfectly without trying to steal the spotlight from the entertainment. Service is warm, attentive, and full of personality. Staff clearly enjoy being part of the experience and make guests feel welcome and looked after from start to finish. Overall, Sarastro is a true London gem. Perfect for celebrations, date nights, or when you want something completely different from the usual dinner out. It’s bold, theatrical, and full of charm – the kind of place you talk about long after you’ve left. A well-deserved five stars.

most unique and memorable restaurants in London. From the moment you walk in, the place feels like stepping onto an opulent theatre set — velvet drapes, ornate balconies, rich colours and quirky décor everywhere you look. It’s the definition of dinner with a show. The atmosphere is unmatched: lively, warm, and full of character. The live music and performances create an incredible buzz without ever feeling overwhelming. It’s one of those rare spots where you can feel the energy lift the whole room. The food is just as impressive. Generous portions, great flavours, and beautifully presented dishes. The Turkish-Mediterranean menu has loads of choice, and everything we tried was fresh and full of flavour. The staff were brilliant too — friendly, attentive, and clearly proud of the place. Sarastro isn’t just a meal, it’s an experience. Perfect for celebrations, date nights, or whenever you want something a bit special. If you’re looking for a restaurant that delivers great food and unforgettable vibes, this one’s a standout. Highly recommended.

We had a great birthday there! Food is good taste, drinks are special. Feel satisfied with our mouth but heart as well! The staff prepared us a plate and the musician sang for us. Love it and thank you! Bhana is super helpful!

I had such a fantastic evening at Sarastro! The atmosphere is unlike anywhere else in London - dramatic, vibrant and full of theatre magic. The food was delicious, beautifully presented and every dish my waitress recommended was spot on. On that note, a huge thank you to Bhanu, who truly made the night special. She was warm, attentive and knowledgeable, recommending the perfect dishes and drinks with such care. Her service was outstanding - she went above and beyond to make me feel welcome, and it made the whole experience unforgettable. If you’re looking for amazing food, unique surroundings and wonderful service, Sarastro is the place to go. I’ll definitely be coming back - especially if I can be looked after by Bhanu again!

Beautiful restaurant. The decor is very quirky and has a old fashioned theatre decorum. Very fitting for a pre theatre dinner joint. Food was delicious and enjoyed the entertainment too! Will deffo return! ❤️❤️

We had a wonderful breakfast and coffee here prior to heading into Hampton Court Palace. With a wonderful selection of food and very reasonable prices its a great place for breakfast or brunch. The service is friendly, warm and prompt. Our meals were delivered quickly and tasted great, a perfect start to the day before exploring the wonders of Henry VIII and Hampton Court Palace.

TLDR: food is nothing special but immersive dining experience If you’re looking for food that’s anything more than average, Sarastro probably isn’t for you. However it is a standout restaurant because of its unique dining experience, there’s nothing like it in the area. It’s so extravagantly decorated, you’re transported to the past, into Turkey, completely forgetting you’re in the heart of bustling London, which is not easy to achieve. There are two floors of seating - request the balcony! There you have intimate tables with low, sofa-like seats that feel very immersive. The cuisine is Turkish and there are options for everyone - meat, fish, veggie, vegan. It’s halal and they cater well for allergies. As Turkish food goes it was average. I had the moussaka and it could have been more flavourful. It is overpriced considering potion size and flavour. They have live music some nights. Service is sufficiently attentive. Not destroyed by TikTok hype, it’s usually easy to get a table, so is a great choice for last minute pre-theatre meals, offering theatre set menus. À la carte, you’ll spend probably around £23-35 on a main.

The restaurant had got so much character in its interior design, and dinner was filled with fun and music. We went there on Sunday and enjoyed the string quartet and opera performance (started at 8pm for 45 min) while we were having our dessert. Food was quite nice, and the set menu serving Turkish food had a fair selection of main and was good value for money overall. Service was rather lacking; we had to request for water 3 times until the server brought us water; by then, it was after the main dish was served (no issues with wine and non-alcholic orders though). It was not a busy Sunday evening at all, but it seemed not enough staff was on duty that day.

Finally tried Sarastro. Had a great experience, ordered two starters (scallops and shrimp) and two mains (chicken skewers and akcabat kofte) and a dessert (apple tarte tatin). It was Saturday night so we had a wonderful performance of 70s and 80s music. Very unique and beautiful decor, full of treasure and art (bathrooms are a must visit ahahaha). Highly recommend, a great night out. £50pp (no alcohol).

Sarastro is a restaurant serving Mediterranean cuisine. The decor is absolutely stunning and theatrical. It reminded me of a king's tent in an Arabian desert with vibrant colours and artefacts. The service was attentive, but the taste of the main dishes was, unfortunately, not satisfactory. The lamb shank I ordered, which was very tender, was very salty, and I eat a lot of salt, so for me to find it too much is telling. My friends agreed. Meanwhile, their food of moussaka and tortellini required seasoning as it was quite bland. The starter of scallops was very delicious, though, and cooked to perfection. The chocolate fondant dessert was also lovely. Overall, a lovely dining experience but let down a bit by the main course.

Nice and cosy place, interesting and delicious food, great service.

I visited here last year for an anniversary meal which set a high expectation for my second visit. What I've noted is that was probably a mistake! Despite the food being exceptionally tasty again, I felt the music ambience didn't match my expectation, if you go on a Friday, the live act, in my opinion is much better (music act), the decor inside is very unique, almost like a theatre set up, great if you are looking for something a bit different! Still worth the visit

We had a reservation at Sarastro on 6/29/24 at 5:30pm. Upon making the reservation, a notification appeared stating that we needed to leave the restaurant by 7pm as children under 16 are not allowed after that time. Although I found this rule peculiar, I appreciated the advance notice. Sarastro offers Opera box seating with gold drapes, Turkish cuisine, and an extensive drink selection. As a fan of themed dining, I was looking forward to the experience. However, I realized that it may not have been the best choice to bring children here, as their preferences for chicken nuggets and mac and cheese were not met by the menu. Sarastro is a fantastic spot for a romantic evening or a night out with friends, where you can enjoy a meal in a sophisticated atmosphere. I would definitely return, but perhaps for a date night with my husband rather than a family outing.

We went for our dinner on a weekday after work hence had booked it 2 hrs before and they booked us in. The restaurant wasn't so busy but the decor was so different and beautiful. Also the service was great each of them were making sure we were ok and looked after. We had ordered couple of starters and main also a dessert. It was just so yummy. I will post some pics and videos of the food and venue. Starters: prawn and lamb with hummus Mains: Lamb shank and Steak Dessert: chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream

Came for a pre valentines meal and enjoyed the food very much. lovely presentation and really interesting atmosphere and style. The balcony tables feel intimate and romantic. I felt the live performance was a little jarring during a meal and a bit too loud. I believe the pricing was too much for the simplicity and portions of food. all round an enjoyable experience but even expensive for two people.

Qwerky restaurant set up like a theatre where some of the tables are at ground level and some on the style of a theatre balconies. Unfortunately there was only one waitress to manage all the tables, and as a consequence the service was very slow having to wait over 25 minutes for the deserts to arrive. We had the set menu, starters and mains were ok for the price nothing extraordinary to the level of a department store canteen. The deserts on the other hand were absolutely awful my friend had poached pears which were straight out of a tin, and I had the baklava which was absolutely uneatable. To summarise, nice concept qwerky restaurant that needs a refresh a revised menu and improved service. I understand it's hard to run a business and cutting staff seems like the easier way to cut cost but as a customer having good service is part of the whole experience and in this case Sarastro leaves much to be desired.

You are definitely paying for the interior not for the quality of the dishes, the food was pricey but not good at all. We had only one drink because for the rest of the evening no waiter came to take orders, we have been ignored, we left after the food

I liked the vibe of the place, but the food and cleanliness wasn't up to part. We had the seabream dish for two and the beef kebab dish - overall, too greasy and not seasoned enough. We also felt that the prices didn't reflect the quality of the offering - and £5 for a small tap-poured, bubble-less "coke" is extortionate. Finally, there were discrepancues between the bill and the prices listed on the menu; apparently, they had mixed the old menus with the new ones. The waitor was kind though and offered us a 10% discount to make up for it. We won't be returning I'm afraid, mainly because we simply weren't impressed by the food.

Sadly, this once-wonderful place has gone considerably downhill in the quality of the food and service. I can only surmise that it's no longer owned and operated by the previous ownership, because the prior experiences here were tremendous and always had me excited to return upon my next trip over from the USA. Now, it's a shell of its former self. Unlike in the not-too-distant past, the present food quality and quantity are laughable given the prices charged, and unless you physically get up from your table to chase down the serving staff, you'd better be prepared for lengthy waits between visits to check on you. It's a pity, but nothing great lasts forever.

I tried the Noël Christmas menu after seeing a show nearby. Generally speaking the service was very good, but I personally felt the food was lacklustre. I ordered the passionfruit mocktail which was a 10/10, but then my ranking went down from here. The mezze starter was nice, but as we were given two between x9 of us, the portions were stretched. Perhaps we could have asked for more, but I felt it was a small in my opinion. We only got one kofta ball each which were teeny tiny, but to be honest I wasn't keen. All other dips on the starter were yummy. I got the lamb rack for the main, and again, I was shocked with the portion size. The plates used are so large, that it only emphasised how small the main portions were. The table that we were seated at was a long skinny table, on the upper floor (which whilst nice - makes it annoying as hell when you need to go to the toilet). Back to the food, the lamb rack whilst cooked fine, wasn't anything i'll remember. I ordered some roast potatoes on the side, and these were more of a boiled and lightly fried potato. Disappointed ☹️ Not a true roastie 🥔 For dessert, I ordered the hazelnut slice and halved this with another person, which I swapped for Baklava. The hazelnut slice was fine, the baklava was one of the worst i've ever eaten. It was essentially a stale block of pastry, with barely any syrup. I couldn't even taste the pistachio. I didn't eat this past the first bite. When I did eventually make it to the toilet, I had to walk up a set of stairs (I wonder if they have accessible ones on the lower floor). My issue with the toilets was how provocative they were, I get it, theatre, shock factor, decor bla bla. I personally found it distasteful, and not appropriate if bringing a younger crowed. If it was an 'adult' themed restaurant, I wouldn't care, but this is a theatre restaurant lol. There was live music that started half way through our meal, but there was a technical issue which made the first x3 songs difficult to listen to whilst eating. Our ears were hurting haha. I'd rather they have stopped mid song, fix the issue, then continue. I ended up giving this a 4.8/10 in my mind, but as Google only has 5 stars, I think i'm leaning towards a 2/5 as opposed to a 3/5. But listen, if you love theatre, and want a bit of a 'different' vibe, this ticks the box. I just rate places based on the food first, the service, decor and ambience come after this. Whilst the pricing is normal for London, the portion sizes, I found disappointing.

Service was quite slow when it was quiet. We paid £67 for a mixed grill advertised as being for two people and when it came out me and my partner were in such disbelief we had to double check the order with the waiter. I’ve had more meat from a shish kebab for £13. Food tasted good but the portion was daylight robbery for the price. It was a meal for 1 sold as a shared platter. No dips or sauces provided. Pornographic wallpaper throughout entire make and female bathrooms which makes it a non family friendly place.

Used to love this place and visited many times over the course of twenty years, but after the visit the previous Friday (12/9), I am not going back again. On arrival, no one was at the counter apart from someone who seemed to be a chef and looked really impatient. After a few mins of waiting he reluctantly asked if I have a reservation and I said yes my friend had arrived. Led to the table by a waiter who shared the same blunt attitude. The lady who served our was fine at the beginning. Though the neighbourhood was busy, the restaurant was pretty empty, with no more than six tables and only for one round. Despite there was live music. It was on a Friday night and we were literally asked to leave at 22.30 quite abruptly and the staff apparently were shockingly impatient on the face. We were shocked for this kind of behaviour at a restaurant like this. Food was fine. It was a huge pity for a venue like this to have dropped to this standard. This place obviously needs some heavy management attention, which is lack in presence.