Some restaurants feel special before the menu even arrives, thanks to interiors that echo another era.
From sweeping staircases to plush booths and dramatic lighting, retro design has a way of making dining out feel like an occasion.
These UK spots prove that atmosphere can be just as memorable as what’s on the plate.
All information is provided for general interest only. Restaurant interiors, menus, opening hours, and availability may change over time.
1. Brasserie Zédel (London)
Grand marble columns and sparkling chandeliers greet you at this underground gem inspired by Parisian cafés from the 1930s.
The sweeping Art Deco design features polished brass fittings and rich velvet seating that makes every meal feel special.
Live music adds to the nostalgic atmosphere, whisking diners back to a golden era of European elegance.
It's affordable luxury with serious vintage appeal.
2. The Wolseley (London)
Black and white floors set the stage for this iconic Piccadilly restaurant housed in a former car showroom from 1921.
Soaring ceilings, grand pillars, and plush banquettes create an atmosphere reminiscent of Vienna's grand cafés.
Every detail, from the brass railings to the period lighting, transports you to a more glamorous time.
Breakfast here feels like stepping onto a classic film set.
3. The Delaunay (London)
Inspired by the grand cafés of Central Europe, this Covent Garden beauty oozes old-world sophistication with its wood-panelled walls and leather banquettes.
Brass fittings and vintage mirrors add authentic period charm throughout the spacious dining room.
The atmosphere captures the spirit of 1920s Vienna and Berlin perfectly.
4. Quaglino's (London)
Originally opened in 1929, this Mayfair institution still dazzles with its dramatic sweeping staircase and Art Deco glamour.
The space features stunning period details including curved walls, vintage lighting, and a mezzanine level that overlooks the bustling dining floor below.
It's pure Hollywood-style sophistication with a distinctly British twist that never goes out of fashion.
5. Savoy Grill (London)
Since 1889, this legendary dining room has welcomed everyone from Winston Churchill to Marilyn Monroe.
Rich wood panelling, Art Deco touches, and sumptuous leather seating create an atmosphere of timeless British elegance.
The recent refurbishment carefully preserved its heritage whilst adding fresh glamour.
Dining here feels like joining an exclusive club from a bygone era of sophistication.
6. Bob Bob Ricard Soho (London)
This Soho favourite is known for its striking Art Deco interiors and theatrical sense of occasion.
Rich blue and gold tones, polished brass, and plush booths create a setting that feels unapologetically glamorous.
Every detail is designed to make dining feel intimate, dramatic, and a little bit transportive.
The overall effect is vintage luxury with a playful edge that sets it apart from nearby restaurants.
7. Josephine Bistro (London)
Named after the legendary Josephine Baker, this Knightsbridge bistro channels 1920s Parisian glamour with velvet seating and vintage posters.
Soft lighting, Art Deco mirrors, and intimate corners create a romantic atmosphere perfect for special occasions.
The design pays homage to the jazz clubs and cabarets of interwar Paris.
It's sophisticated nostalgia served with French finesse and British charm.
8. Rules (London)
Established in the late eighteenth century, this historic restaurant showcases layers of British design history.
Dark wood panelling, framed artwork, and traditional furnishings reflect tastes from different eras rather than a single moment in time.
While the interiors have evolved, they still retain a strong sense of heritage and continuity.
Dining here feels like stepping into a living piece of London’s culinary past rather than a frozen museum.
9. St. Pancras Bar And Grill (London)
Set within the spectacular Victorian Gothic St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel, this restaurant celebrates railway-era grandeur with soaring ceilings and period details.
Original architectural features blend seamlessly with vintage-inspired furnishings that honour the building's rich history.
Dining here connects you to the golden age of train travel and Victorian engineering marvels.
10. The Ivy Manchester Spinningfields (Manchester)
Manchester's answer to London glamour features stunning stained glass, Art Deco lighting, and plush seating that channels 1920s sophistication.
The design mixes vintage elegance with contemporary comfort, creating a space that feels both historic and fresh.
Brass accents and rich colours add warmth throughout the dining room.
11. The Dome (Edinburgh)
Originally a bank built in 1847, this Edinburgh landmark stuns visitors with its magnificent domed ceiling, Corinthian columns, and Georgian grandeur.
Intricate plasterwork, vintage chandeliers, and marble floors create an atmosphere of unmatched elegance.
The space celebrates Edinburgh's architectural heritage whilst serving modern cuisine.
12. The Ivy Brasserie Edinburgh (Edinburgh)
Edinburgh's Ivy outpost blends Scottish heritage with classic brasserie style through tartan accents, vintage artwork, and Art Deco-inspired details.
Rich colours, comfortable banquettes, and warm lighting create an inviting atmosphere that feels both local and luxurious.
The design respects Edinburgh's history whilst adding contemporary glamour.
It's a sophisticated spot where tradition meets modern dining expectations beautifully.
13. The Midland Hotel Restaurant (Manchester)
Built in 1903, this Edwardian masterpiece showcases original period features including ornate plasterwork, vintage wood panelling, and grand windows that flood the space with light.
The restaurant maintains its historic character whilst offering modern comfort and service.
Dining here connects you to over a century of Manchester's social history.
14. Gaucho Piccadilly (London)
Set in a stunning Art Deco building from the 1920s, this Argentinian steakhouse preserves original architectural details including geometric patterns and period fixtures.
Dark wood, leather seating, and moody lighting create an atmosphere of masculine elegance and vintage sophistication.
The space channels old-world gentlemen's clubs with South American flair.
15. The Ivy Cardiff (Cardiff)
Cardiff's Ivy celebrates Welsh heritage through vintage design elements, local artwork, and classic brasserie styling with Art Deco influences.
Comfortable seating, warm lighting, and thoughtful details create an inviting space that feels both grand and welcoming.
The design bridges traditional elegance with contemporary Welsh culture beautifully.
16. The Ivy Birmingham (Birmingham)
Birmingham's branch showcases the city's industrial heritage through vintage metalwork, Art Deco lighting, and design elements that reference the area's manufacturing history.
Rich textures, comfortable seating, and warm tones create a welcoming atmosphere that feels distinctly Brummie.
The space balances heritage with modern luxury perfectly.
It's a celebration of Birmingham's past reimagined for contemporary diners.
17. The Ivy Brasserie Brighton (Brighton)
Brighton's seaside glamour shines through vintage design elements that reference the town's Regency heritage and pier culture.
Art Deco touches, coastal colours, and retro furnishings create an atmosphere that captures Brighton's unique blend of elegance and bohemian spirit.
The design feels like a love letter to Brighton's golden era.
