When it’s time to treat your special someone for Valentine’s Day, London offers plenty of must-try dining destinations that are perfect for dialling up the romance. From fine dining institutions to cosy neighbourhood gems, the city is filled with favourites where romance reigns supreme. On February 14th, take your partner to experience a magical dinner at one of these stellar Valentine’s Day restaurants in London.
Whether it’s savouring a six-course menu with bubbles, trying a Japanese-inspired dessert or enjoying live music with street art and champagne, you’re sure to appease the person whose love language is food.
This year, choose a restaurant with a holiday special that suits you and your loved one and book a table on OpenTable now.
5 outstanding Valentine’s Day restaurants in London to book ASAP – read on for a guide
Make it a sweet treat, but classy – book at The Aubrey @ Mandarin Hotel in Knightsbridge
Transport your loved one to an elegant escape at The Aubrey @ Mandarin Hotel this Valentine’s Day. Descending into the sultry depths beneath Knightsbridge’s Mandarin Oriental Hotel, you’ll discover a refined Japanese dining experience hidden in plain sight. When it comes time for dessert, the chefs have prepared an extra special treat to celebrate love this year – the vivid pink Pinku no hāto, available only for Valentine’s Day. Nestled in a sweet sakura shell, this heart-shaped cheesecake overflows with luscious layers of vanilla sponge, tropical mango purée, and playful meringue textures – a symphony of flavours in one dainty bite. It’s the perfect postscript for an unforgettable Japanese meal.
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Go luxe with art, music and champagne – visit The Fortnum’s Bar & Restaurant at Royal Exchange in Bank
There’s nothing more romantic than dining at one of the most quintessential British outposts in London – The Fortnum’s Bar & Restaurant at Royal Exchange promises an unforgettable Valentine’s Day evening with live music and more. For £80 per person, savour steak tartare crowned with a luxurious Burford brown egg or succulent poached brill cradles spinach leaves in a silken vermouth sauce, laced with indulgent caviar. As a sweet finale, a retro-baked Alaska complete with griottine cherries awaits. Upon entry, you are greeted with a crisp glass of Fortnum’s brut rosé champagne, but the highlight of this refined meal is the beautiful view– we don’t just mean your partner, but a striking street art exhibition to showcase the talents of the city. Fortnum has partnered with renowned curator Kim Shaylor to commission six street artists to display their depictions of what love means to them. Whether you or your partner are into graffiti, cartoon artwork, or expressionism, there is something for everyone.
Menus are priced from £80 per person, offered only on February 14, 2024.
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For East London cool – book a table at La Bibliothèque in Hackney
Head to the heart of vibrant Hackney to find La Bibliothèque, a local gem that doubles up as a sleek and elegant restaurant and a boutique hotel offering an intimate escape in the heart of East London. From the moment you arrive, you are enveloped in an old-world charm, full of rich woods, flickering candles, and a calm ambience. As a chilled glass of bubbly greets you with soft live music playing in the background, the scene is set for a night of culinary adventures for two. Let the stellar six-course set menu guide you on a world tour of flavours that skim the Mediterranean coast before veering into Japanese inspiration. Experience dishes like beetroot tarte tatin dressed with brassicas and gorgonzola cheese, or a serving of aged beef fillet topped with kombu jam. Here, modern luxury and East London charm interlace and make for a romantic evening for two.
Menus are priced from £110 per person, offered only on February 14, 2024.
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Hot and budget-friendly – try wood-fired pizza at Pizzeria Mozza in Oxford Circus
Set among the twinkling city lights and bustling streets of Oxford Circus, Pizzeria Mozza awaits inside the Treehouse London hotel. Chef Nancy Silverton, co-owner of Pizzeria Mozza in Los Angeles and Newport Beach, brings a taste of California reverence to classic Italian fare. The Valentine’s Day menu boasts an impressive set that embodies elegance sans the heavy price tag. For £40 per person, enjoy a 4-course set menu, including a glass of sparkling wine on arrival, or opt for the prosecco pairing for an additional £30 per person. Enjoy warm arancini bursting with oozing cheese and crispy pizzas fresh topped with anchovies and tomatoes straight from the wood-fired oven, or share a plate of mussels, a known aphrodisiac. To make the occasion even more special, book a room at the adjacent hotel and enjoy a drink overseeing the City’s views.
Menus are priced from £40 per person, available from 10th – 17th of February, 2024.
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For a Valentine’s Day trip to India – don’t miss Benares in Mayfair
To feel like you are eating amongst Indian royalty, you must pay a visit to one of Mayfair’s iconic fine dining establishments. Nestled in the heart of London’s most stylish neighbourhood is MICHELIN-starred restaurant Benares, which pays homage to both tradition and innovation in Indian cuisine. Step inside to find a sleek, contemporary space that evokes the mysticism of Varanasi, with striking artwork and mood lighting setting the stage. As you are welcomed with a single red rose this Valentine’s Day, the scents of exotic spices tickle the air, hinting at the culinary journey to come. Turn your attention to chef Sameer Taneja’s inspired tasting menus, seamlessly fusing classic Indian street food with modern techniques. Opt for the £79 two-course menu to graze the highlights or indulge in the £95 three-course menu for a fully immersive experience. Each dish sings with the diverse flavours of India, from the heat of Hyderabad to the seafood-laden shores of Goa.
Menus are priced from £79 per person for a two-course menu and £95 per person for three-course.
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