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Diners frequently praise the unique sensory experience, exceptional service, and the opportunity to engage in authentic conversations without visual distractions. The concept of dining in complete darkness is both intriguing and humbling, offering a fresh perspective on taste and social interaction.

dining in the dark at dans le noir in london

Experience the thrill of dining in complete darkness at Dans le Noir in London, an innovative restaurant that challenges your senses and invites you to see the world differently. Located at 69-73 St John Street, this unique eatery offers a sensory journey that combines fine dining with a profound social experience.

Read reviews and learn more about this extraordinary dining experience on Google Maps.

Explore the reviews and community sentiment about this immersive dining adventure.

Discover the community's experiences and reviews of dining in total darkness at Dans le Noir.

Learn about the community's overall sentiment and what makes dining in the dark a memorable experience.

FAQs about dining in total darkness at Dans le Noir in London

Is the dining room really completely dark?

Yes, the entire dining area is pitch black, with no light sources allowed. Guests are asked to store all light-emitting devices such as phones and watches in a provided free cloakroom.

How do I place my order and see the menu?

Orders are taken in the illuminated reception area before you enter the dark dining space. The menu is a surprise, designed to surprise and challenge your senses, so you won't see the dishes beforehand. It's important to inform the staff of any allergies or dietary restrictions when ordering so they can tailor the surprise menu to your needs.

Guests often describe dining in total darkness as a surreal, humbling, and highly engaging experience. The community praises the attentive service, the innovative concept of sensory dining, and the chance to focus on taste and conversation without visual distractions. While some note the atmosphere can feel a bit cramped and noisy, overall, the experience is seen as a memorable adventure that challenges perceptions and enhances sensory awareness.

Frequently asked questions about dining in the dark at Dans le Noir London

Europe

United Kingdom

Dans le Noir ? London is a truly immersive dining experience that transports guests into a world of sensory exploration. Located at 69-73 St John Street in the heart of London, this restaurant offers a unique opportunity to enjoy a meal in complete darkness, served by visually impaired waiters who guide you through a culinary journey that heightens your other senses. The ambiance is intentionally designed to be minimalistic and calming, allowing diners to focus entirely on the flavors, textures, and aromas of the food.

Dans le Noir ? London is renowned for its innovative approach to dining, offering a sensory journey that challenges perceptions and heightens taste buds. The restaurant's signature experience involves being led into a pitch-black dining room where visual cues are eliminated, forcing guests to rely on their senses of smell, taste, touch, and hearing. The menu features surprise dishes, including vegetarian options, that are crafted to surprise and delight in their flavor profiles. Notable dishes include the chef's surprise three-course meal and a selection of fine wines and craft beers that perfectly complement the culinary adventure.

The concept of dining in complete darkness was pioneered by the founders of Dans le Noir ? in Paris, aiming to create a space where guests could focus solely on taste and aroma without visual distractions. The London branch continues this tradition, employing visually impaired waiters who bring a unique perspective and heightened sensory awareness to the service. This behind-the-scenes approach not only enhances the dining experience but also raises awareness about accessibility and the talents of visually impaired individuals.

It is renowned for its unique dining experience in complete darkness, guided by visually impaired waiters, focusing on sensory perception and culinary surprise menus.

To experience a sensory journey that heightens taste and aroma, and to enjoy a meal guided by talented visually impaired staff in a unique, immersive environment.

Located in the vibrant area of St John Street, it is close to historic landmarks, boutique shops, and cultural venues in central London, making it an ideal spot for a full day of exploration.

Experience the extraordinary at Dans le Noir ? London, where dining transcends the ordinary and becomes a journey of the senses. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking a memorable adventure, this restaurant invites you to indulge in a culinary experience that is as thought-provoking as it is delicious. With its innovative approach and talented staff, it promises an evening of discovery, surprise, and sensory delight that will linger long after the lights are back on.

Diners eat in the dark, served by blind waiters, from fish, meat and vegetarian surprise menus.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUR6ajZqTGdRRRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJzzvbLE4bdkgRFIm-AvaQSro/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUR6ajZqTGdRRRAB

A completely different experience & very humbled with the experience.
How it felt to be blind for a couple hours, eating food and drinking while trying to figure out what I was eating with people on other tables chatting away.
Your phones & any smart devices that give light are taken away and stored in a safe locker on arrival and you’re seated to have a drink before the experience begins.
Personally I loved the experience as was worth every penny of it.
Polite staff all round.
Such a dope experience in my eyes & i would and will definitely be trying it again.
I spent around £180 something as we went for the 3 course meal chefs surprise & a few glasses of wine.
The food was I say 3/5, it wasn’t crazy delicious. Starter and desert for me was the best, main was good.
We all know wine boosts up everything.
Thank you again for this humbling experience.
What I can say is that I’ve eaten and EATENNNNN there 🤭

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnTUR3eThmNkhREAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJzzvbLE4bdkgRFIm-AvaQSro/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnTUR3eThmNkhREAE

Definitely an interesting experience to try, but the price to quality ratio was not there. The food itself was enjoyable, but I'd estimate at least half of the price you're paying is for the experience and unique element of the restaurant, rather than the food or atmosphere.

The biggest issue for our party though was the atmosphere of the place. While the staff were very friendly and our blind waiter was accommodating, the dark room feels very cramped, and appears to have a lot of hard surfaces, so it was extremely loud both with guests, waiters, and service.

It's necessary for the staff to speak as they move, so they don't bump into people and people know to expect them; and it's known that guests can sometimes be louder when they don't have visual contact with the person they're speaking to, but the volume, clattering, chaotic service, and raised voices really give the atmosphere of a fast food restaurant, rather than a relaxed dining establishment.

For a venue that is focused on removing a sense, so heightening others, I'd expect more attention to be paid here. Focusing on improving the atmosphere with solutions such as, softer surfaces, calmer staff, quieter trolleys, using gentle bells to communicate movement, playing calming music, having fewer guests so there is more space between them, briefing guests before they're in the dark rather than hearing the same shouted explanation for each new group that arrives, or even having the bar staff downstairs operate in a calmer and more relaxing manner, would make a good improvement to the experience and make it more likely we'd bring people back.

Right now, you're paying a relatively high price for the experience of being in the dark, with fast food quality atmosphere, food around the quality of your average pub, and generic wine. Perhaps fun to try once, but not something we'd revisit or recommend.

Our advice, try one of the other dining in the dark experiences that exist around the world that pay more attention to the atmosphere, not just food in the dark. Or if you're going to go to this one, bring earplugs and/or book at the earliest time slot.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnTUR3bE51VzNBRRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJzzvbLE4bdkgRFIm-AvaQSro/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnTUR3bE51VzNBRRAB

I was really looking forward to this experience for my birthday.  I have to say, having been, I would definitely recommend it to everyone.
The initial seating downstairs is a bit dull and lacking atmosphere, but not what you are there for.  Once upstairs, we were introduced to our waitress, Manel. She was amazing.
You are led to your table in the absolute pitch black and it initially feels uncomfortable.  Once at your table, your senses soon kick in and you can find your way around the table, from the cutlery, to the water.
It is exciting and interesting to sit and talk to your party in the dark.  You can hear everyone else in the room talking and you notice your hearing is heightened.
As each course arrives, you feel more and more comfortable with eating in the dark and it is fun to try to work out what you are eating.  The food itself was quite good, but not exceptional. You are going for the experience of eating and being in the dark, but ultimately, it is still an expensive restaurant, I would have expected just slightly better, perhaps more imaginative? It seemed like they played it very safe.  I did enjoy the food, so don’t want to be overly negative, just wasn’t what I was expecting.
I personally wouldn’t go back, but not because it wasn’t a great experience.  I really would genuinely  recommend that everyone experience this place once. However, the food just didn’t quite do enough to make me want to go back for the experience, for the price.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnTURnOUxyV1JnEAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJzzvbLE4bdkgRFIm-AvaQSro/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnTURnOUxyV1JnEAE

A very surreal and exceptionally unique food experience! My party were quickly welcomed into the waiting area where we managed to place our order for our drinks prior to entering the pitch black restaurant area. At first, it’s quite an adjustment to have one of your senses completely stripped however felt liberating once you were seated and comfortable. Our server Courtney was incredibly attentive and friendly to us and ensured we knew what was where on the table and made the experience that much more pleasant. Dietary requirements were catered for incredibly as noted in the quality of food, and my party had great fun trying to guess the flavour profiles of what we could be eating! Cutlery was available though due to the nature of the dining experience, fingers are much more preferable so prepare to get a bit messy! At the end, it was revealed what we had eaten which was very insightful. Highly recommend to try this at least once!

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnTURBdjVYNEtnEAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJzzvbLE4bdkgRFIm-AvaQSro/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnTURBdjVYNEtnEAE

Having wanted to visit for years, Dans Le Noir turned out to be an incredible, new experience I enjoyed with friends as part of my 30th birthday celebrations.

Our Restaurant Guide- Aliya- was so welcoming and bubbly; it felt like she was genuinely having fun being with us.

Though I won’t talk about the food, it was all delectable. I started off using cutlery…but always relied on my fingers to ensure a clear plate at the end of each course!

Dining in pitch black was very surreal: I liked having to rely on touch, smell and sound throughout the meal.

Unique Dining Experience at Dans le Noir? London Restaurant

Founded in 2006, Dans le Noir? London offers a unique dining experience where guests eat in complete darkness, guided by visually impaired staff. The concept challenges diners to rely on their other senses, enhancing the appreciation of flavors and textures.

Founded in 2006, Dans le Noir? London pioneered a revolutionary dining concept, inviting guests to indulge in a sensory adventure by eating in complete darkness guided by visually impaired staff.

Over the years, the restaurant has garnered international recognition, notably being featured in the film 'About Time' in 2013, and earning the prestigious Travelers' Choice award by TripAdvisor in 2020.

The concept has continuously evolved, emphasizing the importance of sensory perception, making each visit a unique exploration of taste, smell, and touch, challenging diners to rely beyond their sight.

Experience a culinary journey with our surprise menus, crafted to awaken your senses in complete darkness.

Surprise Menu

Chef's Tasting Menu

Surprise Menus

Menu Overview at Dans le Noir ? London Restaurant.

Welcome to Dans le Noir ? London, where dining transcends the ordinary into a unique sensory adventure. Nestled at 69-73 St John St, this innovative restaurant invites you to explore an exquisite culinary experience in complete darkness. Here, you will not only enjoy remarkable dishes but also engage your other senses, creating a truly memorable outing.

Dine in the dark at Dans le Noir? London. Experience a unique sensory adventure that'll tantalize your taste buds. Reserve your table now!

Unique Dining at Dans le Noir? London Restaurant

London Borough of Islington

Dans le Noir ? London Restaurant

Choose between a 2-course or 3-course set menu, with options for meat, fish, or vegetarian dishes.

Lunch and Dinner Set Menus

An extensive tasting menu including amuse bouche, starter, main course, cheese plate, dessert, and wine pairings.

Chef's Menu

Located on Saint John Street, this restaurant invites you to experience a meal in complete darkness, enhancing your senses of taste, touch, and smell.

Dans Le Noir ? London Restaurant  in London, England  is a unique dining experience.

Address: 69-73 St John St, London EC1M 4AN, UK.

Diners are served by blind waiters, enhancing the immersive dining experience.

The Lunch and Dinner Set Menus offer a choice of 2-course or 3-course meals, starting at £56.

The Chef's Menu offers an extensive tasting experience for £100, including wine pairings.

Guests have described the dining experience as surreal, with heightened senses and an adventurous approach to meals.

Consider booking early and perhaps bringing earplugs for a more enjoyable atmosphere.

This unique experience is worth trying at least once, where food takes a backseat to sensory exploration.

Greater London

Experience a sensory adventure at Dans le Noir? London, a dark dining restaurant in St John St, offering blind waiter-guided tasting menus and unforgettable moments.

Dans le Noir? London Restaurant - Unique Dining in London EC1M

Discover Dans le Noir? London in Clerkenwell for immersive, sensory dining experiences guided by visually impaired staff. Book now for a journey of taste and social connection!

Dans le Noir? London - London's Premier Dark Dining Adventure

Join us at Dans le Noir? London on St John St for gourmet surprise menus in complete darkness, designed to heighten your senses. Reserve your spot today!

Menu Overview at Dans le Noir ? London Restaurant.

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