Dans le Noir ? London: Dining in Complete Darkness
Experience dining like never before—total darkness, heightened senses, and a surprise menu served by blind waitstaff in central London.
Dans le Noir ? London offers a unique dining experience where guests eat in total darkness, guided and served by blind or visually impaired staff. Located in Clerkenwell, this innovative restaurant heightens your other senses as you savor a surprise menu of high-quality dishes. The immersive atmosphere challenges your perception and turns a meal into an unforgettable sensory adventure.
A brief summary to Dans le Noir ? London Restaurant
- 69-73 St John St, London, EC1M 4NJ, GB
- +442072531100
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours
- Exclusive
-
Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Tuesday 5:30 pm-11 pm
- Wednesday 5:30 pm-11 pm
- Thursday 5:30 pm-11:30 pm
- Friday 5 pm-12 am
- Saturday 12 pm-3 pm
- Sunday 1 pm-3 pm
Local tips
- Book well in advance, especially for weekend and Sunday lunch sittings, as the restaurant is popular and seats are limited.
- Prepare to surrender all light-emitting devices upon arrival to preserve the darkness and the immersive experience.
- Embrace the surprise menu and try to guess the dishes—this is a key part of the fun and sensory challenge.
- Wear comfortable clothing you don’t mind potentially getting a little messy, as eating in darkness can be unpredictable.
- Allow about 90 minutes for the full experience, including the post-dining reveal of your meal and a moment to reorient to the light.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Dans le Noir ? London Restaurant location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
Discover more about Dans le Noir ? London Restaurant
An Unparalleled Sensory Dining Concept
Dans le Noir ? London is not just a restaurant; it is a profound sensory journey. Upon arrival, guests surrender all light-emitting devices and are led, hand on shoulder, into a pitch-black dining room. The absence of sight intensifies your other senses, heightening taste, smell, and touch as you navigate your meal. The waitstaff, all blind or partially sighted, expertly guide and serve with a grace that underscores the restaurant’s mission to transform dining into an extraordinary experience.Atmosphere and Service in Total Darkness
The dining room is enveloped in complete darkness, so profound that your eyes do not adjust. This creates an intimate, almost otherworldly environment where usual visual distractions vanish. The staff’s gentle voices and careful movements become your anchors. You learn to use cutlery anew, sometimes relying on fingers to ensure no morsel is left behind. The communal experience, often sharing tables with strangers, fosters a unique camaraderie born from shared vulnerability and curiosity.Surprise Menus Crafted for the Senses
The menu remains a secret until the meal concludes, adding an element of playful mystery. Dishes are crafted with attention to texture and flavor to challenge your palate. From delicate vanilla rice paper and chocolate crisps to citrus-infused swordfish, the food is thoughtfully prepared though not haute cuisine. Portions are generous, and the quality is consistently high, designed to complement the sensory experience rather than compete with it.Philosophy and Social Impact
Dans le Noir ? is more than a restaurant; it is a social enterprise that employs blind and partially sighted individuals, offering them meaningful work and raising awareness about visual impairment. The experience fosters empathy and appreciation for those living without sight. It also encourages diners to reconsider their reliance on vision and to embrace a fuller sensory awareness.Location and Setting
Situated in Clerkenwell, central London, the venue blends into the urban fabric with an unassuming exterior. Inside, the design is minimalist to avoid distractions before entering the dark dining space. The restaurant operates mainly in the evenings, with weekend and Sunday lunch sittings. Its discreet location adds to the surprise and delight of discovering this hidden gem.Memorable Reflections and Practical Details
Exiting the darkness, diners often experience a moment of relief and reorientation, their senses momentarily overwhelmed by light. The staff then reveal the dishes you enjoyed, often surprising you with the ingredients. The experience typically lasts around 90 minutes and is priced at the higher end, reflecting its exclusivity and innovative concept. While not suited for fine dining purists or those seeking a quiet meal, it remains a must-try for adventurous food lovers and those seeking a profound sensory challenge.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Sir William Wallace Memorial
0.4 km
A solemn 1956 memorial to Scotland's greatest patriot, executed here in 1305 for resisting English rule.
Holborn Viaduct
0.5 km
A grand Victorian bridge spanning London's hidden Fleet valley, blending engineering innovation with ornate artistry and rich history.
London City wall
0.6 km
Explore the ancient Roman and medieval London City Wall, a monumental symbol of the city’s enduring history and resilience.
London City Wall - Bastion 14
0.6 km
Explore Bastion 14, a medieval bastion built on Roman foundations, revealing centuries of London’s ancient city defenses in the Barbican.
Roman London Wall (St Alphage Garden Section)
0.8 km
Explore the ancient Roman and medieval layers of London's historic city wall nestled within the peaceful St Alphage Garden in Barbican.
Trip Turkey
0.8 km
Discover Turkey's rich history and breathtaking landscapes with expertly guided tours from Trip Turkey, your gateway to unforgettable adventures.
3 Gunpowder Square
0.8 km
A modern square in London’s financial district commemorating the dramatic history of the 1605 Gunpowder Plot and Guy Fawkes’ daring conspiracy.
Temple Bar London
0.8 km
Explore Temple Bar, London’s historic ceremonial gateway rebuilt by Christopher Wren, rich with royal heritage and striking 17th-century architecture.
Ludgate Circus
0.8 km
Historic Victorian junction where London's ancient Ludgate once stood, blending rich legend, architecture, and urban vitality.
Queen Anne Statue
0.9 km
Historic statue commemorating Queen Anne’s reign and the completion of St. Paul’s Cathedral, symbolizing Britain’s royal heritage and resilience.
St. Paul's Cathedral
0.9 km
Wren's masterpiece: climb London's most iconic dome for breathtaking city views and centuries of history.
St Bride's Church, Fleet Street
0.9 km
Historic St Bride's Church on Fleet Street, London, famed for its wedding cake spire and deep ties to printing and journalism heritage.
Guildhall Library
0.9 km
Discover London's rich history at Guildhall Library, a treasure trove of knowledge with rare manuscripts and engaging exhibitions for all.
Fleet St
0.9 km
Discover Fleet Street, London's iconic thoroughfare, where history, law, and journalism intertwine in a vibrant urban landscape.
Bunhill Fields Burial Ground
0.9 km
Discover Bunhill Fields Burial Ground, a historical cemetery in London, offering a peaceful escape and the final resting place of literary legends.
Unmissable attractions to see
St John's Gate
0.1 km
Discover the medieval gateway of St John's Gate, home to the Knights Hospitaller and the origins of St John Ambulance in historic Clerkenwell.
Museum of the Order of Saint John
0.1 km
Discover the rich history of the Order of St John at its historic London Gatehouse, blending medieval heritage with modern humanitarian legacy.
The Charterhouse
0.2 km
Explore over 600 years of London history at The Charterhouse, from medieval monastery and Tudor mansion to enduring charity and museum.
Smithfield Market
0.2 km
London's 900-year-old wholesale meat market where Victorian architecture meets modern commerce.
40 Charterhouse Square
0.2 km
Historic Charterhouse Square in London’s Barbican blends medieval legacy with iconic Brutalist architecture and vibrant city life.
The Crown Tavern
0.3 km
Step into The Crown Tavern, a historic Victorian pub where revolutionary history meets classic London charm on Clerkenwell Green.
Marx Memorial Library & Workers School
0.3 km
A historic hub of Marxist scholarship and working-class education housed in a beautifully restored 18th-century building in the heart of Clerkenwell Green.
Cloth Fair
0.3 km
Step into medieval London on Cloth Fair, a historic street where merchants once traded fabric and the city’s oldest houses still stand.
London dragon
0.3 km
Historic City of London dragon statue guarding the boundary beside the iconic post-war modernist Golden Lane Estate.
St Bartholomew the Great
0.3 km
Explore St Bartholomew the Great, a historic Anglican church in London, rich in architecture, culture, and tranquility, perfect for all visitors.
Well Court
0.4 km
Discover Well Court, a captivating Victorian alley blending historic charm and modern life in the heart of London’s City.
St Bartholomew's Gatehouse
0.4 km
Explore the rich history and stunning architecture of St Bartholomew's Gatehouse, a must-visit historical landmark in the heart of London.
Bleeding Heart Yard
0.4 km
Explore Bleeding Heart Yard, a hidden gem in London filled with historic charm, delightful dining, and a tranquil atmosphere amidst the bustling city.
Golden Boy of Pye Corner
0.5 km
Discover the Golden Boy of Pye Corner, a gilded statue marking where London’s Great Fire ended and a moral tale of gluttony began.
Hatton Garden
0.5 km
Discover Hatton Garden, London’s historic jewellery quarter where royal gardens gave way to a world-renowned hub of craftsmanship, commerce, and captivating stories.
Essential places to dine
Dans le Noir ? London Restaurant
0.0 km
Experience dining like never before in total darkness, guided by visually impaired waitstaff in a sensory adventure at Dans le Noir ? London.
St. John
0.1 km
Experience authentic British nose-to-tail dining in the heart of London’s Barbican at St. John, where tradition meets modern culinary artistry.
Madison
1.0 km
Stylish rooftop dining and cocktails with breathtaking views of St Paul’s Cathedral and London’s skyline.
Ikoyi Restaurant
1.4 km
Discover Ikoyi, London’s two-Michelin-starred restaurant blending bold West African spices with British ingredients in an elegant, sensory tasting journey.
Sea Containers Restaurant
1.5 km
Stylish Modern British dining with iconic Thames views on London’s vibrant Southbank, perfect for brunch, dinner, and special occasions.
Sarastro
1.5 km
Experience vibrant Mediterranean flavors and live musical theatre in the heart of Covent Garden’s most theatrical restaurant.
Margot
1.6 km
Sophisticated Italian dining with classic charm and an extensive wine list in the heart of Covent Garden, London.
Paradiso Burger & Cocktail Bar Southbank
1.6 km
Vibrant riverside spot in Southbank serving gourmet burgers, cocktails, and bottomless brunch with stunning Thames views.
Hoa Sen Vietnamese Street Food Restaurant
1.6 km
Authentic Vietnamese street food in the heart of Covent Garden, blending vibrant flavors with a lively, cozy atmosphere.
Cicchetti by San Carlo - London Covent Garden
1.6 km
Experience authentic Venetian small plates and seasonal Italian flavors in a stylish, lively Covent Garden setting.
Nest Restaurant Old Street
1.7 km
Intimate Shoreditch gem offering creative British seasonal tasting menus in a cozy, historic setting with a sustainable ethos.
Balthazar
1.7 km
Experience the lively charm of a Parisian brasserie with classic French cuisine in the heart of Covent Garden, London.
The Clove Club
1.7 km
Two Michelin stars meet innovative modern British cuisine in a historic Shoreditch Town Hall setting with a unique urban garden.
Marugame Udon Middlesex Street
1.7 km
Experience freshly handcrafted Japanese udon and crispy tempura in a lively open kitchen setting at Marugame Udon Middlesex Street, London’s authentic udon destination.
Inamo Covent Garden
1.7 km
A futuristic Pan-Asian restaurant in Covent Garden where interactive tables meet bold Asian flavours in a sleek, tech-forward space.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Barbican Shop
0.6 km
Discover curated art, design, music, and unique gifts at the Barbican Shop, a creative retail haven within London’s iconic Barbican Centre.
Unique Gifts
0.8 km
A compact London gift shop filled with original, handpicked presents and quirky souvenirs for those who love something different.
Pop Up Luxury Shop
0.8 km
Exclusive, curated luxury shopping in a stylish London pop-up setting blending fashion innovation with boutique charm.
London Silver Vaults
0.9 km
The world's largest underground marketplace for fine antique and contemporary silver, hidden beneath historic Chancery Lane.
One New Change
1.0 km
Modern glass landmark with free rooftop views of St Paul's Cathedral and London skyline.
not just a shop
1.1 km
Discover unique, handcrafted art and design by UAL’s students and alumni at this creative retail hub in central London.
Persephone books
1.2 km
Discover the hidden treasures of 20th-century women’s literature at Persephone Books, a Bloomsbury gem celebrating forgotten female voices.
Twinings - The Strand
1.2 km
Discover over 300 years of tea heritage at London’s oldest tea shop, featuring historic charm, premium tastings, and a unique museum experience.
1 Poultry
1.2 km
Iconic postmodern office and retail building with vibrant limestone stripes, a colorful atrium, and a rooftop garden overlooking London’s financial district.
The Old Curiosity Shop
1.3 km
Step into a Tudor-era timbered cottage steeped in Dickensian lore, nestled amidst the vibrant heart of modern London.
The Royal Exchange
1.3 km
A majestic neoclassical landmark blending 450 years of London’s trading history with luxury shopping in the City’s financial heart.
The Store X
1.4 km
A visionary space where London’s fashion, art, and culture converge in an immersive, innovative experience.
Bankside Arches Boutique
1.4 km
Discover unique London gifts and handcrafted treasures inside Blackfriars Station’s charming Bankside Arches Boutique.
Camden Passage, Islington
1.5 km
Explore Camden Passage in Islington: A Vintage Market Paradise with Unique Shops, Cafes, and Artisanal Food Delights.
SUCK UK Alternative Gifts (OXO Tower)
1.5 km
Discover quirky, clever gifts and homewares at SUCK UK’s flagship store in London’s iconic OXO Tower.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Punch Tavern
0.9 km
Historic Victorian Gin Palace on Fleet Street, famed for its Punch magazine heritage and vast gin selection in the heart of London.
Black Parrot
0.9 km
Discover London’s top rum bar with expertly crafted cocktails, immersive masterclasses, and a lively yet intimate atmosphere in Bride Court.
The Duke
1.0 km
A classic Bloomsbury pub offering warm hospitality, traditional drinks, and hearty British fare in a cozy setting.
Flight Club Shoreditch
1.1 km
Experience the vibrant social darts scene with great food, cocktails, and fun at Flight Club Shoreditch in East London.
The Old Bank of England
1.1 km
Historic Victorian pub on Fleet Street housed in a former Bank of England branch with grand interiors and legendary London tales.
Old Fountain
1.1 km
Historic family-run freehouse in Old Street, London, famed for award-winning ales, hearty British food, and a stylish rooftop terrace.
Nightjar Shoreditch
1.1 km
Step into Nightjar Shoreditch, a hidden gem where Prohibition-era cocktails meet live jazz in an intimate, vintage-inspired setting.
Aviary
1.1 km
Elegant rooftop dining with botanical cocktails and panoramic London skyline views in the heart of Finsbury Square.
Simmons Bar | Old Street
1.2 km
A retro-inspired cocktail bar in Shoreditch offering creative drinks and a lively, youthful nightlife atmosphere.
The Cocktail Club - Cocktail Bar near Old Street
1.2 km
A vibrant and stylish cocktail bar in London’s Old Street area, known for creative drinks and a lively urban atmosphere.
The Craft Beer Co. Old Street
1.2 km
A vibrant London pub offering a top-tier selection of craft beers served with expert care in a casual, retro setting.
Demon, Wise & Partners
1.3 km
Classic basement cocktail bar blending historic City charm with expert mixology in London’s financial district.
Floripa
1.4 km
Experience the vibrant Brazilian spirit and tropical party vibes of Floripa, Shoreditch’s premier cocktail bar and nightclub.
Princess Louise
1.4 km
Step into the Princess Louise, a stunning Victorian gin palace in Holborn, where opulent interiors and rich history blend in a timeless London pub experience.
Doggett's Coat and Badge
1.5 km
A large, riverside Nicholson’s pub on Blackfriars Bridge offering classic British fare, real ales and a rooftop terrace with strong Thames views.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
London Best Night Clubs
0.2 km
Experience London’s legendary Ministry of Sound, where cutting-edge sound meets dynamic club culture in a multi-room dance haven.
XOYO LONDON
1.2 km
Experience Shoreditch’s iconic XOYO, where cutting-edge DJs and vibrant nightlife create an unforgettable London clubbing atmosphere.
Carwash Nightclub
1.4 km
Experience Europe’s longest-running disco club in London’s West End, where retro beats, vibrant crowds, and themed parties create unforgettable nights.
The Steel Yard
1.5 km
Experience London’s premier industrial-chic nightclub set in historic Victorian railway arches, with world-class sound and late-night energy until 6am.
The Hoxton Pony
1.6 km
Edgy Shoreditch cocktail bar and nightclub blending vintage style with vibrant nightlife energy in East London.
Bunga Bunga Covent Garden
1.6 km
A neon-soaked, pizza-and-karaoke supper club under Drury Lane — 90s nostalgia, stage shows and shareable Italian feasts.
Trafik
1.6 km
Shoreditch’s dynamic nightclub with underground beats, two floors of dancing, and a late licence for unforgettable nights.
Proud Late
1.7 km
Dive into two-storey glamour under Waterloo Bridge: cabaret acrobatics, burlesque dazzle, supper feasts, and non-stop clubbing till 5am in London's West End nightlife epicenter.
The Roxy
1.8 km
Soho's unbeatable happy hour cocktail bar by day, pulsing nightclub with live music and DJ nights till 3am—affordable vibes in London's nightlife heart.
Basing House - Shoreditch
1.8 km
An intimate Shoreditch nightclub with top electronic beats, a Funktion One sound system, and a lively rooftop bar under the London skyline.
Comedy Carnival Covent Garden
1.9 km
London's premier stand-up comedy venue showcasing bold, award-winning international comedians in vibrant Covent Garden.
The Ivy Club
2.0 km
Art-Deco‑tinged members’ club above The Ivy — piano bars, discreet private dining and polished West End glamour.
Whatdafunk Presents West End Urban Disco
2.1 km
Dive into London's grooviest urban disco beats at Whatdafunk, where Covent Garden's streets pulse with funk, soul, and non-stop dance energy in the heart of the West End.
Covent Garden Social Club
2.1 km
Discover Covent Garden Social Club: a lively cocktail bar blending exquisite drinks, comedy, and live music for an unforgettable night out in London.
Heaven
2.2 km
London’s iconic gay superclub under the railway arches — big nights, loud music, drag, and late finishes in the heart of the West End.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Unique
- Quirky
- Relaxing
- Fun-filled
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Minimalist Designs
For the architecture buff
- Modern
- Landmarks
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Locally Managed
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Myth & Legends
- Photowalk
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Adults Only
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Friendly
