"My Honest Review Of Lagana - One Of London's Buzziest New Spots"

photo: Aleksandra Pavliuscenko

Living in London means there’s no shortage of new restaurants vying for space on your radar and your Instagram feed. But every so often, a place comes along that earns a genuine buzz. Enter Lagana: the fun newcomer promising vibrant food, interactive twists, and cocktails that look as chic as the crowd. Here’s how my visit went…

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What sets it apart

If you’ve scrolled through social media recently, chances are Lagana’s tables have caught your eye – specifically, the ones guests can doodle on between courses. Equal parts concept and charm, it adds a dose of irreverent fun to an otherwise refined dining setup.

Chances are Lagana’s tables have caught your eye – specifically, the ones guests can doodle on between courses.
Natasha, Digital Editor

Top: non-alcoholic Spritz , Bottom: Yellow cocktail

Inside, the atmosphere feels instantly familiar – buzzy but well-paced, somewhere between a neighbourhood favourite and a night-out destination. The interiors mix warm, atmospheric lighting with metal panels and vibrantly coloured art suspended throughout the space. Meanwhile, the soundtrack features unexpected 2010s tracks such as Like A G6 and Calvin Harris classics, keeping things firmly in the “Friday night energy” camp.

The service is warm and charismatic, managing to smooth over the few inevitable teething issues (yes, you might have to ask for your crayons).

What we ordered

Lagana’s drinks list is a talking point in itself. Each cocktail takes on a colour as its name, and they’re as photogenic as they are flavourful. The Yellow is a standout: fruity yet balanced, the perfect mix of brightness and sophistication, served in glassware so pretty you might pause to admire it before sipping.

The pitta was light and buttery with a salty finish, while the creamy, smooth tarama is reminiscent of sibling restaurant Zephyr’s fan-favourite version.

For those steering clear of alcohol, the non-alcoholic spritz is surprisingly good – combining grape, apricot and Amarico (an alcohol-free answer to vermouth), it’s almost like an iced tea but more refreshing than sweet.

To start, we ordered the tarama with warm pitta, and it was possibly the evening’s highlight. The pitta was light and buttery with a salty finish, while the creamy, smooth tarama is reminiscent of sibling restaurant Zephyr’s fan-favourite version. The tuna ceviche, dressed in olive oil and served with a side of seaweed salad, went down very quickly, and the cheese flatbread brought soft, truffle-scented comfort dusted with parmesan for good measure.

From top: bluefin tuna ceviche, cheesy flatbread, tarama with olive oil, grilled pitta

fresh mint tea & caramel cheesecake

Our main, the chicken thigh, came paired with a zesty, well-flavoured lemony sauce, though the portion was small and the skin could’ve been crispier. The confit potatoes, meanwhile, were closer to roasties in execution. They were pleasant, but lacked the garlicky, burnt buttery depth we’d been hoping for.

Dessert, however, was another talking point, for all the right reasons. The caramel cheesecake, teamed with a piping of coffee-flavoured cream, struck the balance between light and indulgent. Smooth, subtly sweet, and perfectly textured – it’s the ideal note to finish on.

The verdict

If you’re looking for a fun, buzzy spot to book with friends, Lagana ticks all the right boxes – lively atmosphere, thoughtful service, and some genuinely delicious dishes. It feels fresh and social, ideal for grazing and catching up over cocktails. Just don’t arrive ravenous: while the food is crafted with care, portions err on the petite side (this is a small plate spot, after all).

Between the draw-on tablecloths, the inventive drinks, and that stellar tarama, Lagana makes its mark as one of Central London’s most playful new openings.