Experience a romance-filled date with your special someone: London romantic restaurants have hosted everything from late-night hideaways to enchanting proposal spots. Whether they’re nestled in the glitzy West End or in a fairytale-inspired setting, the most romantic restaurants in London are sure to ignite passion for an unforgettable evening.
Splash out on a stellar tasting menu at a modern French favourite in Fitzrovia. Tuck into award-winning, farm-to-table small plates inside a candle-lit neighbourhood gem. By the river, enjoy stunning seafood as the sun sets.
With stunning dining destinations for any kind of date night, The Big Smoke offers the perfect setting for every romantic occasion. To spoil your sweetheart, read on for 10 of the best romantic restaurants in London and secure your special evening on OpenTable.
The most romantic restaurants in London for a date night to remember – read on for a guide
For an award-winning date night at one of the most romantic restaurants in London – visit Primeur in Stoke Newington
Snuggle with your special someone at Primeur, a neighbourhood favourite nestled in hip, ‘villagelike’ Stoke Newington. Flower vases, communal tables and candle-lit corners set the mood for an intimate date night and lend a rustic touch to this hidden gem housed in a former garage. Natural wines and small shareable plates are the highlights and come displayed on a large blackboard, adding charm to the whole dining experience. The award-winning menu changes daily and was awarded a MICHELIN Bib Gourmand for its bistro-inspired dishes leaning towards simplicity and quality. Expect farm-to-table seasonal fare: pickled anchovies, seafood risotto, monkfish and mash with pancetta and duck confit with lentils showcase the European influence of the ever-rotating menu. Finish your meal off with a cheese board paired with sparkling sweet rosé wine and fernet for a romantic meal to remember.
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For a lively, transportive date – book at Bar Douro in London Bridge and Liverpool Street
Dressed in blue and white azulejos-tiled walls, Bar Douro is filled with all the features for a transportative date and brings a slice of Portugal to London Bridge and Liverpool Street. The beautifully presented small plates and carefully curated wine list reflect Portugal’s rich culture. Grab a stool at the counter to watch the chefs in action in the open kitchen. Start off with smoked sausage croquetas and ‘bacalhau’ cod fritters before moving on to garlic prawns, chanfana-style lamb (a traditional stew), steak with mustard sauce and a side of potatoes and grilled cabbage—all too easy to love and share. Make sure to leave room for dessert: the pastel de nata, served with cinnamon ice cream, are the perfect way to end the night on a sweet note.
📍 London Bridge — Check Availability
📍 Liverpool Street — Check Availability
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For a romantic rooftop with breathtaking views over the city – visit Roof Garden at Pantechnicon in Chelsea
Take the elevator to the third floor of this distinctive, five-storey building, and you’ll arrive at a verdant sanctuary that will make you forget you’re in the Big Smoke. Pantechnicon’s south-facing roof garden blurs the inside-outside boundary; hanging baskets overflow with plants, which also sprout from every corner, softly illuminated by countless candles. Take advantage of the retractable glass roof and outdoor heating and cosy up with your date under the fluffy blankets, which the bar provides. Kickstart your date by sipping on inventive cocktails such as a wasabi margarita or the seaweed martini. Dishes marry Nordic influences, with light bites including Rock oysters, gin-cured salmon, and homemade foie gras terrine with mango chutney and brioche. For something more substantial, order the trout with lobster bisque or the pumpkin ravioli with beurre noisette and hazelnuts.
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For sustainably sourced seafood by the river – try The Melusine in Tower Hill
Fuel your fledgling romance at Melusine, a charming seafood spot. The former gallery space, which is named after a mythical water spirit, is a dreamy hideaway in the tranquil St. Katharine Docks. Chef Theodore Kyriakou is the well-known force behind The Real Greek, now a successful Mediterranean chain. Here, he serves up sustainable fish from all over the British Isles. After a few oysters, go for the creamy crab risotto, monkfish with smoked aubergine puree and miso mayonnaise, or skate wing with pumpkin and vanilla beans. On warmer days, you and your date can get better acquainted al fresco next to boats bobbing in the marina.
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For one of the most romantic restaurants in London loved by celebs – book at Andrew Edmunds in Soho
With more than thirty years of business under its belt, Andrew Edmunds remains a standout spot for an intimate dinner. Soak in a slice of old-time Soho as seasoned servers bring a procession of thoughtfully curated dishes. The handwritten, modern European menu adds a personal touch and keeps the place perpetually packed with returnees, including a fair share of London celebs. The offerings change daily but recent dishes have included gnocchi with radicchio and mushrooms in gorgonzola sauce, goose and bacon skewers, roast quail with aioli, and crispy polenta with roast cauliflower.
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For a MICHELIN-starred anniversary or a romantic milestone – don’t miss Trinity in Clapham
Relationship milestones were made for celebrating—and this MICHELIN-starred Clapham restaurant raises the bar for any romantic occasion. Toast to the good times over a decadent dinner at Trinity‘s sophisticated dining room, complete with white-cloth tables that contrast the charcoal-coloured walls. Food spotlights the talents of chef-patron Adam Byatt, who is on a mission to serve seasonal and innovative dishes. Splash out on the four or five-course tasting menu, with highlights such as prawn ravioli with bisque, smocked salmon with beurre blanc sauce, roast quail with potato and chanterelle dumpling and roast duck with chestnut and quince.
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For a taste of Provence at the most romantic restaurant in London – visit Clos Maggiore in Covent Garden
Channel Provence’s breathtaking vistas and stylish country inns with an unforgettable experience at Clos Maggiore. Frequently named the most romantic restaurant in London, this ethereal Covent Garden oasis is a surefire stunner. Reserve a space in the spectacular conservatory to enjoy French-inspired dishes, such as steak tartare with chive crumb or wild mushroom risotto with roasted ceps and parmesan crisp, under a canopy of flowers and twinkling lights. Don’t miss the wine pairings from the extensive cellar. With more than 2,000 labels to choose from, you can take a pan-European vineyard tour straight from your dinner table. Take a seat on the charming newly-opened outdoor terrace this summer and sip on exceptional wines while watching passengers go by.
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For one of the best romantic restaurants in west London – book a table at Clarke’s Restaurant in Notting Hill
For a classic celebratory supper, look no further than this MICHELIN-starred gem in Notting Hill. Chef Sally Clarke’s sleek European venue has marked milestones since 1984. Bask in the gentle lights and muted sage walls while taking in paintings by Lucian Freud and David Hockney. Woven bistro chairs, white tablecloths, and potted herbs nod to Clarke’s farm-to-table focus and will take you and your date from west London to a romantic agrarian retreat. The menu is stunning without being stuffy; dishes often change, but you can start with the daily bread from the neighbouring bakery before diving into seasonal specials, which in the past have included roasted Cornish brill with dill and Prosecco sauce and chargrilled veal chops, fried artichokes and greens.
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For an evening of entertainment at one of the most romantic restaurants in London – try Toulouse Lautrec Restaurant and Jazz Club in Elephant and Castle
Music lovers are sure to strike the perfect chord at this south London darling, featuring a top-notch bistro, intimate piano room, and lively jazz club upstairs. Whether you have a swanky French meal in mind or just fancy snacks and songs, owner Hervé Regent and his team at Toulouse Lautrec are here to deliver. Chef Florent Regent commands the kitchen, turning out Continental classics such as escargot, cassoulet, and a steak menu that allows you and your SO to build an impeccable plate (with lots of sides and nine sauces to choose from). Relax in the piano room before the show and enjoy a meal from the à la carte menu. Or grab a drink before going upstairs to the jazz club, where a roster of local and international musicians perform throughout the week.
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For a proposal-worthy restaurant – book a table at Mere in Fitzrovia
Prepare to be wowed at this gold-standard restaurant. A tasting menu exuding creativity and flair, coupled with stellar service, makes Mere the ultimate special occasion spot. French and South Pacific-accented dishes are steered by chef Monica Galetti. After years at MICHELIN-starred Le Gavroche, she opened Mere with her husband David in 2017. Monica’s passion and precision is evident in enticing bites such as Cornish stonebass with Pak Choi, and Herring roe beurre blanc; wild girolle mushrooms with confit egg yolk. To finish, there are showstopping desserts including the Hokey Pokey (a take on a New Zealand treat) with hints of chocolate crémeux, salted toffee, honeycomb ice cream, and koko Samoa. Mere’s awe-inspiring culinary odyssey makes a worthy prelude to a proposal, so go ahead and pop the big question.
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Shekha Vyas is a London-based reporter, writing about business, lifestyle, and food. Follow her on Instagram at @shekhav or on TikTok at @tastingbritain.
