Leicester is a bit of an underdog when it comes to foodie destinations in the UK, but the city is full of multicultural cooking with a real vibrant dining culture. Alongside classic curry houses and independent neighbourhood favourites, you’ll also find a growing number of venues that make eating out feel like an experience in its own right. From themed restaurants and energetic cocktail bars to lively eateries where the atmosphere ramps up as the evening unfolds, quirky restaurants in Leicester are all about bringing a sense of occasion to the table.
These kinds of venues have become increasingly popular across the country, and Leicester is no exception. Diners are looking for more than just a good meal. Whether you’re planning a birthday, organising a group celebration or simply want somewhere that feels a bit different from the usual dinner reservation, restaurants with entertainment and personality offer exactly that.
Some quirky restaurants in Leicester lean into bold décor and playful presentation, while others create an infectious atmosphere with music, cocktails and buzzing dining rooms. You might find colourful interiors that make every dish Instagram-worthy, venues where the soundtrack keeps the energy high, or dessert cafés packed full of delicious sweet treats.
If you think dining out should come with a little theatre, you’re in the right place. These themed restaurants in Leicester and fun-fuelled spots across the city turn a simple meal into something far more memorable. From casual celebrations with friends to big birthday dinners, these venues deliver fun dining with personality.
Below, we’ve rounded up some of the most entertaining places to eat in the city, each offering something that goes beyond the ordinary restaurant experience.
Bill's Leicester Restaurant
![colourful dining room with green sofa seats and brunch plates with candle]()
What: Bill’s is known for its eclectic interiors and cheerful energy, creating a dining room that's both laid-back and buzzy throughout the day. Colourful furnishings and quirky design touches give the space a playful character, while the broad menu covers everything from brunch favourites to hearty evening dishes and cocktails. It’s a reliable pick for relaxed celebrations, casual group meals or spontaneous nights out in the city centre.
Where: 1 Shires Lane, LE1 4AN
Book now: Bill's Leicester Restaurant
Giggling Squid Leicester
![green dining room with purple napkins and pad thai with prawns]()
What: Known for its playful interiors and vibrant Thai flavours, Giggling Squid brings a splash of colour and personality to Leicester’s dining scene. The restaurant’s bold décor make it feel celebratory from the moment you arrive, while the menu showcases fragrant curries, sharing plates and fresh stir fries. It’s an easy choice for group dinners or birthdays when you want a meal that feels upbeat and a little different.
Where: 4 St Martins Square, LE1 5DF
Book now: Giggling Squid Leicester
Las Iguanas Leicester
![espresso martini with tequila shot and snacks like nachos and greek salad]()
What: Expect bold colours, upbeat music and a party ready vibe at Las Iguanas. Inspired by Latin American cuisine, the restaurant serves fajitas, tacos and colourful cocktails that are perfect for sharing with friends. The energetic atmosphere makes it a natural choice for birthdays and celebrations, especially when paired with its well-known cocktail offers that help turn dinner into a spontaneous night out.
Where: Highcross Shopping Centre, Shires Lane, LE1 4AN
Book now: Las Iguanas Leicester
Walkabout Leicester
![beer martini and blue cocktail and bar with tv screen]()
What: Inspired by Australian bar culture, Walkabout combines big screens, music and a sociable crowd with a menu of burgers, sharers and drinks. It’s particularly popular for group gatherings, sporting events and celebrations where the aim is to keep the energy high from dinner through to late night drinks.
Where: 17 Belvoir Street, LE1 6SL
Book now: Walkabout Leicester
Biggies Pizza
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What: Biggies Pizza keeps things fun and informal with bold flavours and a casual, upbeat setting. Known for its generously topped pizzas and indulgent comfort food, the restaurant has a relaxed atmosphere that suits easy going group dinners. The focus on big flavours and sharable plates makes it a solid choice for celebratory meals with a laid-back vibe. Plus, they make a banging Aperol Spritz!
Where: 16 Granby Street, LE1 1DE
Book now: Biggies Pizza
The Distillery Leicester
![three cocktails with garnish and chicken wings with rocket]()
What: Housed inside an impressive former industrial building, The Distillery pairs restaurant dining with a lively bar atmosphere. The venue is well known for its extensive gin selection and creative cocktails, while regular live music and DJ nights help maintain a buzzing energy throughout the week. It’s a great option if you want a restaurant that naturally leads into drinks and dancing.
Where: 27 Market Street, LE1 6DN
Book now: The Distillery Leicester
Turtle Bay Leicester
![restaurant with hanging lights and spritz with mint and lemon]()
What: Turtle Bay delivers a lively slice of Caribbean spirit in Leicester, complete with colourful décor, reggae inspired playlists and rum heavy cocktails. The menu features jerk chicken, curries and sharable plates, but the real appeal is the party atmosphere. It’s a favourite for birthdays and group nights out, especially during the restaurant’s popular cocktail hours.
Where: 15 Bath House Lane, LE1 4SA
Book now: Turtle Bay Leicester
Bar Dos Hermanos
![quirky restaurant interiors with chandeliers and two cocktails for happy hour]()
What: Styled as a 1940s Cuban American restaurant, Bar Dos Hermanos is full of quirky decorations such as vintage chandeliers, mismatched picture frames and retro memorabilia. A bar tapas menu encourages sharing and snacking, with Spanish small plates like patatas bravas and deep fried calamari. There's a fantastic selection of classic Cuban cocktails and a daily happy hour from 5pm on weekdays and even earlier on the weekends!
Where: 52 Queens Road, LE2 1TU
Book now: Bar Dos Hermanos
Heavenly Desserts Leicester
![cheesecake with cream and stack of pancakes with cherries]()
What: If your idea of fun dining revolves around sweet treats, Heavenly Desserts is hard to resist. The menu reads like a dessert lover’s fantasy, with indulgent waffles, elaborate sundaes and beautifully presented chocolate creations. The stylish setting and eye-catching dishes make it a popular spot for post dinner treats or late night sugar cravings.
Where: 2 St Martins Square, LE1 5DF
Book now: Heavenly Desserts Leicester
Bowling Green Leicester
![behind a bar at a pub and burger with fries and cocktails]()
What: As one of the best sports pubs in Leicester, Bowling Green is a great fun night out for footie fans and rugby lovers. Plenty of big TV screens ensure that you've got a good view of the action no matter where you're sat, and a buzzy bar keeps the drinks flowing. There's also a comprehensive menu full of pub classics, such as cheesy pizza, proper burgers and loaded fries.
Where: 44 Oxford Street, LE1 5XW
Book now: Bowling Green Leicester
Planning a fun-filled day out in the capital? Check out all the most fun places to eat in London. Or, for something a little closer to home, here's a whole host of Instagram-worthy restaurants in Birmingham.