It’s easy to fall in love with London‘s romantic dining scene. The capital is home to a stellar tapestry of diverse cuisines paired with enchanting vibes that go from fun, exciting hangouts to fine dining gems. Some destinations are particularly enticing for date night as they boast elegant settings, sultry candlelit corners or grand dining halls highlighted by exquisite tasting menus, feasts of sharing plates and adventurous dishes that make for truly unique experiences. Whether it’s for a memorable Valentine’s Day, for a first date, for celebrating an anniversary or for popping the big question, 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. Kick the night off with killer cocktails at a Covent Garden hotspot. Or head to Southwark for a romantic Indian restaurant that’s affordable enough even for a casual weeknight date night.
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 12 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
For a hot date with killer cocktails – head on down to Blind Spot London in Covent Garden
Specialising in destination cocktails that will take you on a trip around the world, Blind Spot London is a late-night speakeasy perfect for that one last nightcap. As one of the best date restaurants in London, end Saturday night with a bang with killer cocktails and a live DJ to set the mood. Pair your innovative drink with some upmarket nibbles to keep your energy levels high and your toes a-tapping. Signature cocktails include the Jamaican Kingston with Guinness, mango, coconut Bacardi and Appleton rum and the Australian Gold Coast with beluga transatlantic, Papa Salt gin and real caviar. End your date night in style at one of the most romantic restaurants in London for a fun night out to remember.
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For an outstanding British tasting menu – try NEST in Shoreditch
Share and share alike next date night with a seasonal tasting menu showcasing the best of British cooking and produce at NEST. This sustainable restaurant operates as close to waste-free as possible, so each menu focuses on just one meat. In early 2025, sustainable British seafood takes front and centre – think fresh oysters followed by brassica and mussel risotto, sea buckthorn and squash sorbet, and Cornish squid noodles. The nose-to-tail approach is supported by sourcing ingredients from small-scale farms, conservationists and even foragers, reducing waste and managing the consumption of meat responsibly. Each seasonal dish focuses on two carefully chosen hero ingredients, with optional wine pairings from the low-intervention wine list. Sit back and relax in the warm and homely setting for a cosy, intimate date night.
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For a budget-friendly date night – sample the subcontinent at Kachori in Southwark
Refined cooking with a focus on North India and influences from across the subcontinent, Kachori serves food all day and is one of the best romantic restaurants in London for a casual date night. Affordable yet without compromise on quality, expect deep, intense flavours coupled with warm hospitality in true Indian style. Highlights from the special Valentine’s Day menu include tandoori scallops with pickled grape chutney, Lake District canon of lamb encrusted with spices and served with crispy potatoes, and lobster tail poached in saffron with a coconut sauce. Or for a regular date night, try a table of small plates to share – perhaps the Matar and truffle ki kachori, salmon shikhampuri with leeks and turmeric, and the Bhatti guinea fowl tikka with cinnamon and cloves.
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For a romantic evening at one of the best wine bars in London – try Crispin at Studio Voltaire in Clapham
One of the best London date restaurants and wine bars is Crispin at Studio Voltaire – expect a minimalist approach in wider artistic surroundings. Soak up modern art or simply book for lunch or dinner – well-behaved dogs are also welcome if you can’t bear to see pooch miss out on date night. From intimate meals to group bookings, including entire venue hire for up to 400 people – one of the best romantic restaurants in London and the perfect location for every romantic moment from first date to wedding reception. Menu highlights include charred grilled mackerel with sweet and sour dill, breaded pork chop with pear ketchup, confit tomatoes with almond cream and pickled wild garlic, and grilled cod in a mussel sauce with pickled fennel. All ingredients are sourced from small-scale, independent British producers for a real taste of home.
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For a charming date at a neighbourhood gem loved by locals – cosy on up at The Ninth in Fitzrovia
Located on popular Charlotte Street in bustling Fitzrovia, The Ninth is a true neighbourhood gem that locals and visitors alike adore. Talented chef Jun Tanaka has crafted a Mediterranean-inspired menu with a focus on fresh, vibrant flavours using only the finest of seasonal produce. Try the chef’s choice tasting menu to sample the best – think crab and seaweed tartlets, cured scallops with smoked roe and artichokes, spaghetti with winter black truffle and aged parmesan, and Iberico pork pluma with trevisano, pears and hazelnuts. All paired with carefully chosen wines from the expertly curated wine list. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, yet always sociable and full of chatter. The dwcor combines a rustic French vibe with a touch of modern industrial chic in bronze copper and gold. Book a cosy date night at one of the best romantic restaurants in London, or celebrate an anniversary with private dining for up to 20 guests.
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For one of the most romantic restaurants in London for pizza and pasta by candlelight – head on over to O Ver in London Bridge and Piccadilly
Named for a Neapolitan dialect word meaning “truth”, O Ver in London Bridge and Piccadilly showcase the meaning of truly great cuisine. Influenced by the flavours of Italy with a unique twist – using pure Mediterranean seawater rather than salt as seasoning, for a healthier yet uncompromisingly delicious menu. The focus is on utilising small, independent suppliers based in Italy for only the freshest and finest quality ingredients. Menu highlights include the organic white truffle burrata on crunchy handmade Sardinian bread, the deep-fried courgette flowers stuffed with Italian cheeses and anchovies, and the wild seabass fillet with chard, capers and black olives from different regions of Italy. Or, indulge in a steaming bowl of homemade pasta or a classic hand-stretched Neapolitan pizza. Enjoy all this with that famous Italian hospitality that will make you feel right at home.
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Piccadilly — Check Availability
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For a cosy date night at a MICHELIN Bib Gourmand restaurant – 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: pork belly with poached pear, mustard and chard, monkfish with potato and leek rosti, and osso bucco with risotto Milanese 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 first 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, pig cheeks and roast squash, and monkfish with a cuttlefish bean stew—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.
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Liverpool Street — Check Availability
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For seafood lovers – try The Melusine in Tower Hill
Fuel your fledgling romance at The 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 tail with burrata and marjoram ravioli in tomato sauce, or skate wing with white crab meat and a roasted red pepper and caper dressing. 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 with private dining – 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 Valentine’s Day specials include dressed crab with fennel salsa and lemon mayonnaise, confit duck with chicory and cornichons, and aged beef wing rib with roast rosemary potatoes for two. For intimate group bookings, private dining is available for parties of between 14 and 20 with a minimum spend but no hire fee – speak to the head chef about creating a bespoke menu just for your party.
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For an anniversary or romantic milestone at one of the most romantic restaurants in London – 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 January highlights including galantine of guinea hen with rabbit, leek heart and Violette mustard, chestnut salad with artichoke, truffle and brown butter, and crispy jowl of pork with quince, rosehip and a sweet and sour endive garnish.
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For an anniversary or romantic milestone at one of the most beautiful restaurants 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 saddle of fallow venison with market vegetables and an Armagnac and Medjool date sauce, 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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London boasts plenty of great hotspots where romance is always in the air. From fine dining and set menus to relaxed tapas shared over fun cocktails, every couple and every occasion is catered to. Whether you’re planning Valentine’s Day, celebrating a milestone or just looking to spend some quality time together, the most romantic restaurants in London are ready for you.
Still hungry? Explore more of the most romantic restaurants in London for perfect date nights on OpenTable.
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