So you’ve fallen down the “Off Menu” rabbit hole and now you’re faced with the daunting task of wading through hundreds of episodes where British comedians discuss imaginary meals with the gravity of a UN peace summit. Congratulations, and also, we’re sorry for your productivity.
The good news is that while every episode involves the same basic format of water, starter, main, side, dessert, and drink, some dream restaurants are simply more chaotic, hilarious, or downright unhinged than others. Well, I’ve done the hard work of listening to far too many hours of people describing food that doesn’t exist so you don’t have to, identifying the episodes where the format truly sings, the guests bring their A-game, and the conversation veers into territory so unexpectedly delightful that you’ll forget you’re technically just hearing about someone’s favorite pasta. Whether you’re a new listener trying to figure out where to start or a devoted fan looking to revisit the classics, these are the episodes that prove sometimes the best meals are the ones that never actually happen.
Ep 50: Joe Thomas
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Joe Thomas, known for his roles in ‘The Inbetweeners’, ‘Taskmaster’, and the play ‘What’s in a Name?’ which he enthusiastically promotes, visits the dream restaurant to select an emotionally charged and varied meal.
Will Sharpe
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Bafta award-winning actor and writer Will Sharpe, featured in ‘The White Lotus’, ‘A Real Pain’, and Lena Dunham’s recent series ‘Too Much’, appears as this week’s guest diner, though Ed expresses frustration that Will failed to provide advance notice.
Ep 62: Ivo Graham
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Comedian, former Eton student, and water enthusiast Ivo Graham becomes a guest at the dream restaurant, with a special appearance by Edward Easton.
Ep 97: Munya Chawawa
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Instagram star and satirical performer Munya Chawawa appears as this week’s guest, though with another restaurant reservation awaiting him, his visit may leave listeners desiring additional time.
Ep 294: Carey Mulligan
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Three-time Academy Award nominee Carey Mulligan, appearing in Tim Key and Tom Basden’s ‘The Ballad of Wallis Island’, serves as this week’s dream guest, though questions arise about whether James can identify her nominated performances.
Ep 166: Paul Chowdhry
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This episode takes a spooky turn – or as Paul Chowdhry might say, “sinistro”, featuring the stand-up comedian and Taskmaster star himself.
Ep 178: Fern Brady
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This week’s guest is none other than Fern Brady herself. The brilliant stand-up comedian, Taskmaster alum, and now author joins to share her ultimate dream meal.
Ep 42: Greg Davies (Christmas Special)
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It’s a second Christmas miracle! Taskmaster’s very own Greg Davies returns to the dream restaurant for another festive special. And, as tradition dictates, the meal begins with the famous words: “I’m hard, let’s eat.”
Ep 99: Domhnall Gleeson
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Actor and devoted Strokes fan Domhnall Gleeson, known for his roles in Star Wars, Ex Machina, Harry Potter, and the new Channel 4 sitcom Frank of Ireland, joins the dream restaurant for the 99th episode. Meanwhile, Tom Hollander waits outside.
Ep 124: Michelle Keegan
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This week, Brassic and Our Girl star, and Bake Off champion, Michelle Keegan joins to choose her dream meal. But the question remains: is she playing fair?
Ep 191: Paul Feig
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For the second week in a row, drinks are pouring freely in the Dream Restaurant. Paul Feig, director of Bridesmaids and Spy, creator of Freaks and Geeks, and a true cocktail enthusiast, takes the seat as this week’s guest.
Ep 131: Sarah Kendall (Christmas Special)
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It’s Christmas time! And what better way to celebrate the season than with a delightfully revolting episode of Off Menu, featuring Taskmaster champion Sarah Kendall.
Ep 80: David Cross
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This week, a table is reserved for David Cross, the iconic American stand-up and star of Mr. Show and Arrested Development. And he’s already started pre-drinking.
Ep 66: Louis Theroux
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Louis Theroux encounters a genie and a maître d’ — now that would make an incredible documentary. The filmmaker and author enjoys a wonderfully odd weekend in the dream restaurant.
Ep 102: Rafe Spall
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Looks like James might’ve spilled the ketchup, he’s got red on him. This week, actor Rafe Spall, known for Hot Fuzz, Jurassic World, The Shadow Line, and Apple TV+’s Trying joins the dream restaurant. Expect a packed house for this one.
Ep 163: Rylan Clark
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Rylan Clark has finally arrived at the Dream Restaurant; he had been anticipated for a considerable time! This is a guest the establishment had sought to book since day one, and his presence certainly lives up to the high expectations.
Ep 133: Tim Key
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The latest run of episodes sees the Off Menu boys return for their seventh series, and they could have chosen no one more fitting than Tim ‘I’ll be mother’ Key to be their inaugural diner.