The Rainforest Cafe

American Restaurant in Soho
The Rainforest Cafe image
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8 / 10 from 2 reviews
Address
20-24 Shaftesbury Avenue
Soho
London
W1D 7EU
Map
Telephone
020 7434 3111
Cuisine
American
Other Branches
Glendola Leisure
Region
Soho
Nearest Station
Piccadilly Circus
0.08 miles
Opening Summary
Monday to Friday
12 Noon to 10:00pm
Saturdays, Sundays and school holidays
11:30am to 10:00pm
Open every day of the year except Christmas Day!
Restaurant Facilities

Disabled Facilities

Credit Cards Accepted

Music Played

Booking Advisable

Rainforest Cafe, London’s largest family restaurant, is a tropical hideaway in the heart of the West End. Themed as an exotic jungle that recreates the sights and sounds of the rainforest, the restaurant home to a cast of astounding, lifelike, animated inhabitants including chattering gorillas, menacing jaguar and our trumpeting elephants.b
Great for all the family, with a wide and varied menu, with each dish has a symbol highlighting its suitability for those suffering from food intolerance and allergies.

Rainforest Cafe has an extensive menu catering for both Adults and Children which includes wheat free, gluten free and egg free options, and a comprehensive food guide for diners ensuring they can enjoy lunch or dinner without having to worry about the food options on offer.

All In London Review

There are creepers on the walls and jungle animals peeking out from behind the undergrowth!

This one is sure to be a delight for those with kids – although there are some points for parents to watch.

For example, in order to get to the entrance you have to go through the shop which is stuffed full of fluffy animals and cute toys. So the chances are that you will either get an ear bashing from your kids who want you to buy stuff for them or have to work double hard to stop your buggy based baby from grabbing whatever is at knee height off the shelves.

And you really need to book – cos it is usually very busy and kids don’t much like being told that they can’t eat NOW. Sometimes, if the wait isn’t too long, they will take you down to the bar. The décor in this place is amazing. There are creepers on the walls and jungle animals peeking out from behind the undergrowth – butterflies with gently waving wings are a particular favourite. The bar has high stools in the shapes of animals – which naturally the kids want to sit on. But they are high and you know what kids are like on stools.

When your table is ready, you are walked across little wooden bridges that span streams to your seats – some of which are right next to the wonderfully lit fish tanks. Whenever we have been there, there has always been several birthday parties taking place - but the singing is sometimes a little drowned out by the regular very loud thunderstorms (parents of younger children beware - the toddlers at the next table had their heads firmly buried in their parents arms during the simulated storms). But older kids will adore them with the flashing lightening and thunder claps. Storm over and you get to gaze upon a starlight sky. And all in the middle of a dark and realistically sounding rainforest! It’s really lovely.

The fantastic gently moving elephant, gorilla, snake and other animal models amongst the rainforest back drop and waterfalls more than make up for the noise. Kids will spend ages wandering around the place seeking new creatures. And the staff are marvellous and don’t seem to mind dodging numerous wandering small people while they carry stuff to and from the tables, which are covered with bright animal pattern water proof table cloths.

The food there is OK - they have a great kids menu (£10.90 for a main course and a dessert – drinks are extra at around £2 for a smoothie) with some healthy options. Although the past favourite of hot diggity dogs appear to have been discontinued. The adult menu is eclectic and extensive and has cute names for the usual things like burgers, ribs, pasta, pizza and salads and also some fish dishes (sea bass and bream). I have had the Calypso chicken sandwich (£12.70). Also, the vegetarian, dairy free, egg free and gluten free options for those who have dietary restrictions are clearly marked.

But it is the decor, environment, animal models, atmosphere and the incredibly friendly staff who make it such a great place to take kids. Colouring pens and activity sheets are also provided for those with a short attention span.

Reviewed by KimT
Published on Aug 5, 2008


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Every inch of Rainforest Café is filled with soft toys, exotic animals and jungle greenery, even a cacophonous soundtrack plays in the background, emulating the sounds of the rainforest. On the menu you’ll find popular dishes like quesadillas, burgers, nachos and chicken wings.

User Reviews

florence-anders

Jun 19, 2014

This is a great place to take your kids - there are animals EVERYWHERE!

Bizarrely though every time I go there are always large groups of women - hen-dos maybe?

The staff are friendly enough but in an efficient central London type of way, I don't think they'd remember you if you went back the next day.

The food is fine and it's something a bit different.
urban_messin

Sep 10, 2004

This club is unusual - where else do you find a dancefloor filled with fishtanks and trees, whilst overhead hang
vines and birds. It's certainly something a little different, not always a great atmosphere though and it isnt really a place that makes you want to go back. My verdict if you haven't been, do it once just for the experience, just be prepared for a nice long wait at the bar!
Ranu

Jul 22, 2004

There are better places to go but worth a visit if you have been to the others already
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