The most romantic restaurants in London, England for the loveliest lovers on date night

As cliche as it sounds, London truly is a melting pot of culture. One-third of its residents come from outside the country. So it’s safe to say that these plates are packed with authenticity. Add to the fact that Central London and beyond is dotted with some seriously swanky districts, lined with restaurants for the perfect date night. Candlelight, shareable treats, and fine wines are just the icing. Here are the most romantic restaurants in London, across all budgets, for any occasion.

The best romantic restaurants in London

1. Restaurant 1890 by Gordon Ramsay | The Strand

Restaurant 1890 within The Savoy Hotel was a coveted seat even before it rightfully earned its first Michelin star in 2024. With just 24-26 spots set for course after course of French showstoppers, perfectly curated wines to accompany, and a meticulous service you’re unlikely to ever forget; a visit marks any occasion that cannot be topped. These dishes are inspired by the legendary chef Georges Auguste Escoffier during his tenure at the hotel in 1890. Team Ramsay scoured the globe for the best on which to execute them. Items are seasonal and the wines unforgettable, particularly if you opt for a rare underwater find. 

Find out more about Restaurant 1890 by Gordon Ramsay

2. The Ninth | Fitzrovia

£35 for a three-course Michelin-starred lunch? Sounds too good to be true. Thankfully, The Ninth spins our daydreams into reality. Jun Tanaka’s award-winning restaurant highlights the best of the season, with a Monday to Saturday lunch set (recently) comprising Cured Sea Trout, Grilled Poussin, and Pain Perdu & Tonka Bean Ice Cream (add a glass of wine for just £10). The atmosphere is romantic yet approachable, so locals can easily make this a weekend ritual, staying in the same outfit they’ve had on for museum hopping. Handy, since this is right on Charlotte Street, Fitzrovia. 

Find out more about The Ninth

3. Cheneston’s | Kensington

Cheneston’s enchantment at every turn , with rich mahogany furniture, warm wood panelling, and Victorian leaded windows letting in the quaint sights of Kensington Court. Guests enjoy a menu of English classics, like Merryfield Farm Duck Liver Parfait and Dry-Aged Hereford Rib-Eye Steak, or you can always trust the double AA Rosette-awarded team on a tasting menu of the finest selections. As for the after party for two, secret gem the Stables Bar (named in homage to the original use of the building) is beautifully renovated and must be admired over a pour of the Milestone Old Fashioned. 

Find out more about Cheneston’s

4. The Tent | Oxford Circus

The Tent (at the end of the universe) is one of London’s best-kept secrets, and you’ll impress anyone with a sought-after reservation at Chef John Javier’s Little Portland Street boudoir of culinary dreams. The food draws on his professional journey, spanning traditional Chinese to classic French bistronomy, with samples like Scallop Silks with Green Nahm Jim, Mushroom Shish with Marmite Glaze and ‘Cacio e Pepe’ Cheung Fun, to name but a few innovations served within a plush and futuristic venue.

Find out more about The Tent

5. The Counter | Soho

The Counter only opened in 2024 but it feels like a Soho institution, offering the kind of date spot you’d make a regular affair. The chef-led open-fire restaurant serves Turkish sharing plates and neighbouring classics, including juicy kibbeh, ox cheeks cassoulets, and fragrant adana kebabs. The baklava cheesecake is a must (it’s large enough to share, but even better when you get one each!), and for something extra special surprise your beau with a drink at the 30-cover Under the Counter bar located beneath the restaurant. A real Turkish delight (oh, there’s that too).

Find out more about The Counter Soho

6. Umu Mayfair | Mayfair

Concealed behind a discreet Burton Place block, Umu Mayfair scoops you off the dizzy streets of Mayfair and gently places you by the torii gates of Kyoto. A kaiseki journey is presented, where Chef Ryo Kamatsu uses intricate Japanese methods on fresh local ingredients. At our time of visit, delicacies included scallop miso topped with caviar, and Cornish lobster and girolle spring rolls, but do note that items are seasonal, and future visits will see change. That’s why you’ll need to trust the resident sommelier with an (impeccable) sake or wine pairing. 

Find out more about Umu Mayfair

7. Zoilo | Marylebone

Zoilo is a Marylebone institution, and rightly so. The Argentinian grill flames the finest steaks in town, using strictly seasonal ingredients to harness optimum freshness and robust flavours. Chef Diego Jacquet does your meats and fish ‘Asado’ style, from the five prime beef cuts to the likes of grilled octopus or wild seabass with peppers. Hand-cut Provenzal Chips marry perfectly with any combination, as does the wine list comprising classics to the lesser-known varietals and regions that’ll surprise your beau. A warm and inviting candlelit boudoir situated on Duke Street.

Find out more about Zoilo

8. Bébé Bob | Soho

Fans of Bob Bob Ricard with a penchant for chicken and caviar will soar on date night at Bébé Bob; a glamorous Art Deco space in Soho celebrating the two delicacies.  Plus additional C’s: champagne and cocktails. The golden chicken schnitzel is crisped just right, but the star cluck is the slow-roasted Vendée Chicken, served all week (not just as Sunday roast!), alongside chicken jus, and decadent add-on sides like truffled cauliflower cheese. Caviar is very generously served from some of the largest tins in London making this the place to really spoil your tasteful lover. They’re even available by the scoop.

Find out more about Bébé Bob

9. The Palomar | Soho

Serving the cuisine of modern Jerusalem, The Palomar has held a Michelin Bib Gourmand since 2014. Every dish here is not only scrumptious but also feel-good. Ingredients are locally and sustainably sourced and made from scratch, including bread which is baked in their kitchen daily. Start with their warm falafels, savour the tender Chicken Labanieh, and seal it with an ice cream sandwich, featuring baklava of course. This intimate Soho restaurant is ideally located before an evening of theatre and is sure to impress.

Find out more about The Palomar

10. The Engineer | Primrose Hill

Pretty Primrose Hill is like something out of a fairytale, so a romantic stroll leading up to a neighbourly pub should be on any day date agenda. The Engineer dates back to the 1800s, a two-story haus with a central bar and verdant garden, topped with a chic dining room. Reserve for a three-course meal comprising beef tartare and pan-roasted duck, feast on the classic Sunday roast, or simply drop by for a casual pint and nibbles post-exploration. You’ll be enchanted.

Find out more about The Engineer

11. Ormer Mayfair | Mayfair

Chef Sofian Msetfi’s seasonally changing tasting menus ensure every patron who makes it to the front will want to rejoin the queue right after. Opt for regular, pescatarian, vegetarian, or vegan five-course or seven-course tasting menus, each spotlighting the best of British, including signatures (you’ll maybe sample) such as warm Ibérico ham jelly with Parmesan, Bramley apple and nasturtium; and the cured Cornish mackerel with sesame, kombu and spiced nage. Exquisite wine pairings round off a perfect evening.

Find out more about Ormer Mayfair by Sofian

12. The Cavendish | Marylebone

Because summer’s got us feeling all al fresco, let’s take a moment to appreciate another stella pub, The Cavendish in Marylebone. Proudly independent, it’s like a cosy local despite being in the heart of the city, with warm and welcoming staff and comforting mains like lamb rump and the stuffed cod. If you come on Sundays, you’ll land on the best Sunday roast in the area. Afterwards, wind down with generous pours of wine, cocktails, or even a casual pint on the terrace, before exploring the charming high street together.

Find out more about The Cavendish

13. Macellaio RC | South Kensington

There’s good reason Macellaio now has three locations in London; the Fassona Piemontese beef is a game changer. Sourced from special mountain valleys in the north of Genoa, each cut under dramatic cloche melts in your mouth, and oozes with flavour. Accompany with a glass of Tuscan red and the tiramisu for a classic Italian steakhouse experience. For couples looking to veer off the red meat list, the menu also features Vegetarian Tigella, Gnocchi al pesto, and Focaccia Pizzata. All made in partnership with Italy’s finest producers. The restaurants also offer masterclasses in butchery, dessert, and pasta making.

Find out more about Macellaio RC

14. Jacuzzi | Kensington High Street

Romance bubbles at Jacuzzi, an unashamedly opulent and ostentatious display of an Italian restaurant (the website reads ‘crazy trattoria’ if you want the official description). Couples: you’re entering a fantasy Venetian villa, stacked floor on floor with climbing plants, chandeliers, statues, art, antiques and even swimwear. It’s easy to forget you’re on High Street Ken. Untangle yourselves out of the fresh handmade spaghetti, share a truffle-laden pizza, and end with the grandma-style tiramisu.

Find out more about Jacuzzi

15. Spring | The Strand

Guide your love back in time to a quaint 19th-century drawing room within Somerset House: Spring’s a fairytale from the outside in. The seasonal offerings are wholesome and produce-driven; great for sharing, and even better with a premium glass of Bordeaux. Think: Crab croquette with heirloom tomatoes, or monkfish and clams with tomato, almonds, and aïoli, to name but a few sample items. The romantic Thames River calls for a post-dinner stroll.

Find out more about Spring Restaurant

16. The Delaunay | Covent Garden

Inspired by the grand cafes of Central Europe, The Delaunay is an all-day restaurant that nicely fuses casual with upscale, and an easy pre-theatre date destination. Classic highlights include the stroganoff and steak frites, plus a popular selection of schnitzels and sausages, but our route for romance is the Jersey Rock Oysters, followed by Duck Confit, and finished with the Bavarian Chocolate Mousse. Wines focus on Old World greats, and afternoon tea is available on weekends.

Find out more about The Delaunay

But wait, there’s more…

• Make it a whole weekend of romance, these are the best luxury hotels in London
• For any occasion, we share our absolute favourite restaurants in London
• Treat yourselves to the ultimate stay at The Savoy