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

As cliché 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 are 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 date-worthy restaurants in London, across all budgets and styles of romance, for any occasion.

The best romantic restaurants in London

1. Cheneston’s | Kensington

Address: The Milestone Hotel & Residences, 1 Kensington Court, London W8 5DL
Cuisine: Modern British
Best for: Classic romance and special occasions
Atmosphere: Elegant Victorian dining room with mahogany furnishings and stained-glass windows
Signature dishes: Duck liver parfait, dry-aged Hereford rib-eye steak
Perfect date: Dinner followed by cocktails in the intimate Stables Bar.

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

2. Bistro Sablé | Islington

Address: 185 Upper Street, Islington, London N1 1RQ
Cuisine: French Bistro
Best for: Parisian-style date nights
Atmosphere: Cosy, relaxed French bistro with a fireplace and terrace
Signature dishes: Frog’s legs, confit duck leg, boeuf bourguignon
Perfect date: Sharing Bordeaux and crème brûlée by the fire.

Take your love to Paris without the Eurostar sting (or delays), and you can have quite the feast together at Bistro Sablé. The recent opening is an ode to the beloved French bistro, in a quaint yet unfussy environment, so you can unbutton and kick back with a quality bottle of Bordeaux through the evening. Season-dependent: start with a daily special (we had the most incredible frog’s legs!), and then enjoy mains such as the classic confit duck leg or the boeuf bourguignon. A sweet finish, they say here, is essential, and that for us translates to Vanilla Crème Brûlée or the half dozen madeleines fresh out of the oven. A delight whether you’re sat by the fireplace on a winter’s day or on the terrace in the summertime.

Find out more about Bistro Sablé

3. Mezzogiorno by Francesco Mazzei | Whitehall

Address: Whitehall Place, London SW1A 2BD
Cuisine: Southern Italian
Best for: Corinthia lovers
Atmosphere: Rustic Italian warmth and elegance
Perfect date: Settle in with a pre-drink in The Corinthia, then head in for seasonal Italian and tiramisu scooped tableside

What couple could resist a date night at The Corinthia, least not one that carries all the allure of Southern Italy? Mezzogiorno by Francesco Mazzei exudes pure warmth, with a menu inspired by sun-kissed regions of Calabria, Puglia and Sicily. Their handmade pasta is a must, no matter how big the main. Couples should swirl their forks on the Tagliolini al Tartufo, the Primi on the special truffle menu. Topped with white truffle, the dish absolutely says ‘Ti Amo’.

The Orkney Scallops ‘nduja with salsa verde and Scottish crab precede any pasta perfectly, being light seafood options full yet subtle in flavour, and Secondi’s a chance to taste Francesco’s cuts, with the Bistecca Alla Fiorentina T-Bone to share, a heavenly red best paired with a glass of Tuscan.  End on the tiramisu served tableside, and trust us, every scoop will make your eyes roll to the back of your head! Mezzogiorno is a date-night dream and ideal for couples who want to escape the grey this winter.

Find out more about Mezzogiorno by Francesco Mazzei

4. Hausu | Peckham

Cuisine: Contemporary global small plates
Price: $$–$$$
Best for: Creativity on date night, buzzy music-focused atmosphere, funky cocktails, fun
Standout features: Pork Collar, Ice Cream Sandwiches, and Music Bar upstairs
Address: 11a Station Way, Peckham, London SE15 4RX

Great food and great sound bring folks together at Hausau, a buzzy Peckham venue with a gorgeous vintage hi-fi sound system. This is the sorta place you can linger all evening long. Lounge out front with a Gibson Martini, enjoy a (relaxed) candlelit meal in the emerald ding room out back, and finally boogie upstairs till the early hours of the weekend. If your date night has fun on the agenda, this is where it’s at.

We recommend starting with the Grilled XO Scallops paired with two bowls of Dad’s Broth; then sharing mains, of which the Brill white fish, sauced in seaweed butter then sprinkled with roe, and a juicy Pork Collar that harnessed the power of plump ripe nectarines, were our standouts. Your sweet end has to be the chocolate chip ice cream sandwich, which we advise NOT to share, because you will resent your date afterwards. Otherwise, share the rest. Every dish at Hausu is divine, layered with surprise and fruity flavours, and clearly cooked with a lotta love.

Find out more about Hausu

5. Cecconi’s at The Ned | Bank

Address: 27 Poultry, London EC2R 8AJ
Cuisine: Northern Italian
Best for: Classic Italian romance
Atmosphere: Set within The Ned’s grand historic banking hall
Perfect date: Handmade pasta dinner followed by a bar hop of The Ned’s watering holes

We’ve always loved Soho House’s Cecconi’s, and this outpost at The Ned has got to be their most swoonsome. You’ll dine on Italian classics within the grandeur of a historic London landmark, a destination that’s buzzing with a slew of ground-floor drinking lounges, like the Nickle Bar, The Parlour and Millie’s Lounge, all ready to wet lips before or after the main event.

But let’s get back to the tasty treats on Cecconi’s famed and always-reliable menu. We recommend starting with one of the tartares, then sharing a handmade pasta like the crab ravioli in rich tomato sauce. There’s no going wrong with any of the grilled mains after that, Hereford Ribeye or Dover Sole are our picks. Finally, the best dates always involve dessert, and the Profiteroles drizzled in warm chocolate is a guaranteed winner. In fact, the whole experience is a Bank jackpot.

Find out more about Cecconi’s City of London

6. Le Café LPM & The Lanesborough Grill | Hyde Park

Location: Hyde Park Corner, London, SW1X 7TA
Cuisine: Modern British
Best for: A full-day celebration and luxury dining
Atmosphere: Hidden garden terrace (covered) paired with Regency glamour beneath chandeliers and a glass dome
Signature dishes: Le Steak Baguette, Grilled Prawns, Dark Chocolate Mousse
Perfect date: A day at The Lanesborough – lunch at Le Café LPM, afternoon spa, and dinner at The Lanesborough Grill

Looking for a full day of romance? The Lanesborough Hotel has the answer. It is, after all, one of our top five-star stays in London. Start at the brand-new Le Café LPM, an all-day destination where you’ll unwind in French Riviera style, sampling delights like the Le Steak Baguette with house-made crisps, the juicy Grilled Prawns in herb butter, and the Dark Chocolate Mousse. Then treat your beau to a massage and a long afternoon at the hotel’s underground spa. 

You’ll be floating on air come evening, when The Lanesborough Grill elevates things even further. Specialising in modern British cuisine under Executive Chef Shay Cooper, lovers dine within an elegant Regency-style dining room domed by a glass roof and twinkling chandeliers. The stars are the grills – turbot, sole, sirloin, paired with a recommended bottle from the sommelier’s extensive wine closet. Don’t want the night to end (we don’t blame ya)? Ask the front desk if there are any rooms available, or book ahead for the ultimate romantic occasion.

Find out more about Le Café LPM and The Lanesborough Grill

7. Mauro Colagreco | Whitehall

Address: Raffles London at The OWO, 57 Whitehall, London SW1A 2BX
Cuisine: Modern British / Seasonal fine dining
Best for: Elevated tasting menus, special occasions, and Michelin-level dining in a landmark London setting
Signature dishes: Hyper-seasonal tasting menus built around British produce (vegetables often take centre stage), refined sauces and delicate flavour pairings
Style: Elegant, intimate fine-dining room within the historic Old War Office, combining grandeur with understated luxury
Price range: ££££

Finding its home inside the gorgeous Raffles London at the OWO, Mauro Colagreco is a beautiful spot for any romantic occasion. Featuring a dining room that fills with plenty of natural light and a team that makes the whole experience feel super special, it’s the kind of place that will linger in the memory. The menu here makes vegetables the stars of the show and includes the finest British ingredients, from carrots to Orkney scallops. Be sure to include either a boozy or a non-alcoholic drink pairing for an unforgettable dining experience.

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8. SiNO | Notting Hill

Cuisine: Modern Ukrainian
Location: 7 All Saints Road, Notting Hill, London W11 1HA
Style: Contemporary, intimate and design-led
Chef: Eugene Korolev
Price: ££££
Best for: Modern Ukrainian food, date nights, special occasions, adventurous diners and sharing plates
Tasting menu: Five courses, approximately £95 per person
Lunch: Wednesday–Sunday, 12pm–3pm
Dinner: Wednesday–Sunday, 5.30pm–10pm
Closed: Monday–Tuesday
Vegetarian: Vegetarian and plant-based options available
Private dining: Private dining room for up to eight guests

If you’re looking to woo someone around Notting Hill, then SiNO needs to be on your radar. Tucked away near Portobello Market, this intimate restaurant takes the flavours and traditions of Ukraine and reimagines them through a contemporary lens. The Discovery Tasting Menu is the way to go if you want to experience the breadth of chef Eugene Korolev’s cooking, with a number of dishes inspired by recipes and memories from his family.

The food is beautifully presented and consistently delicious, with the scallop with melon, rose hip and lovage and the catfish with pearl barley standing out for us. The kitchen was also happy to adapt some of the meat courses for vegetarian alternatives, which made the tasting menu particularly enjoyable for me. Add an inventive cocktail list, an interesting selection of wines and thoughtful non-alcoholic choices, and you have a dining experience where the details really matter – from the decorative ceiling to the hand-carved spoons accompanying dessert.

Find out more about SiNO

9. Beef & Bass | Chelsea

Address: 34A King’s Road, Chelsea, London SW3 4UD
Cuisine: Steak & Seafood Grill
Best for: Glamorous date nights
Atmosphere: Contemporary grill with hidden speakeasy vibes
Signature dishes: Aged beef, seabass, smoked bao buns
Perfect date: Dinner followed by cocktails in the lounge.

No prizes for guessing the must-try at Beef & Bass, and we can verify that both namesakes are equally divine. You see, the King’s Road Grill is all about simplicity, allowing a taste of true freshness with every bite. Premium aged beef is sourced from trusted local producers, and seabass is wild and responsibly caught. On such quality cuts, there’s almost no need for sauce (although that is offered: truffle hollandaise or salsa verde, anyone?)

Guests celebrate the chef’s finesse from start to finish, from smoked beef bao with truffle, and wild sea bass tacos, right down to charcoal pineapple with coconut flakes, and hot double chocolate cookie melting with ice cream. Afterwards, we recommend heading to the speakeasy-style cocktail lounge if you want to continue the sensory feast. 

Find out more about Beef & Bass

10. Oslo Court Restaurant | St John’s Wood

Address: 22 Charlbert Street, St John’s Wood, London NW8 6JN
Cuisine: French
Best for: Nostalgic romance
Atmosphere: Retro 1980s charm, white tablecloths, candlelight
Signature dishes: Classic French set menus
Perfect date: Old-school dining with martinis.

If you want to time-travel with your lover back to 1982, then we couldn’t recommend Oslo Court Restaurant highly enough. Tucked away inside a residential building, this spot blends quirky surprises like welcome crudites with stellar service and food that delights.

Be sure to come hungry here, as the only option is to go all in on no less than five courses. The restaurant serves French cuisine and always has a range of specials made from fresh local ingredients. Be sure to order a dirty martini, then sit back and enjoy your time amid pink napkins and dripping candles. If this place doesn’t woo them, that’s a red flag in our books.

Find out more about Oslo Court Restaurant

11. Poon’s | Covent Garden

Address: Somerset House, Strand, London WC2R 1LA
Cuisine: Contemporary Chinese
Best for: Stylish cultural dining
Atmosphere: Artistic riverside setting
Signature dishes: Claypot rice, noodles, modern dim sum
Perfect date: Dinner before a Thames walk.

Tucked within Somerset House, this elegant restaurant from the esteemed Poon family glows in soft blush tones — a dreamy backdrop of art, design pieces, and treasures from their private collection. The atmosphere is refined yet intimate, perfect for lingering conversations over exquisite plates of refined Chinese food.

Signature favourites from the legendary Lisle Street and Covent Garden branches return — from Zha Jiang Noodles to Claypot Rice — each reimagined by Amy Poon with a delicate, seasonal twist. Winter dishes like granny’s magic soup and whole steamed fish in a fragrant soy, ginger, and spring onion broth bring comfort and warmth. And The Hill That Amy Didn’t Die On, Amy’s playful prawn toast reinvention, is so good you’ll be glad there are two.

Read our full guide to the best Chinese restaurants in London.

Learn more about Poon’s

12. The Ninth | Fitzrovia

Address: 22 Charlotte Street, Fitzrovia, London W1T 2NB
Cuisine: Modern European (Michelin-starred)
Best for: Relaxed fine dining
Atmosphere: Warm, stylish and unpretentious
Signature dishes: Seasonal tasting menus
Perfect date: Michelin dining without formality.

£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

13. Legare | Tower Bridge

Cuisine: Italian
Price: $$–$$$
Best for: Handmade pasta, intimate dinners, local vibes
Standout features: Pappardelle with Ischian rabbit, Italian wine list, affogato
Address: Cardamom Building, 31G Shad Thames, London SE1 2YR

Whilst Tower Bridge restaurants are regularly packed with tourists, Legare is the kind of neighbourly Trattoria that locals come to get away from selfie lights. Tucked away on Shad Thames in the shadow of London’s icon, this converted warehouse offers unhurried intimacy, with a beautiful selection of refined – yet comforting – seasonal Italian plates.

On our visit, we started with the fresh trout tartare and juicy Vesuvio tomatoes, then wished our forks wouldn’t stop twirling on the Pappardelle with Ischian rabbit ragu. That meat was sensational! Legare’s impressive wine list champions small Italian producers, and each recommended glass paired deliciously with each dish. At the end, we left with bellies full, and with a plan to make Legare our very regular date night spot in the city.

Find out more about Legare

14. Restaurant 1890 by Gordon Ramsay | The Strand

Address: The Savoy, Strand, London WC2R 0EZ
Cuisine: French Contemporary (Michelin-starred)
Best for: Milestone celebrations
Atmosphere: Intimate, theatrical fine dining
Signature dishes: Seasonal tasting menus inspired by Escoffier
Perfect date: Anniversary or proposal dinner.

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 are unforgettable, particularly if you opt for a rare underwater find. 

Find out more about Restaurant 1890 by Gordon Ramsay

15. Galvin La Chapelle | Spitalfields

Address: 35 Spital Square, London E1 6DY
Cuisine: Michelin-starred French
Best for: Grand romantic gestures
Atmosphere: Stunning vaulted chapel dining room
Signature dishes: Crab raviolo, beef fillet, tasting menus
Perfect date: Special occasion dining in a spectacular setting.

Finding its home inside a Grade 2 listed former school, this Michelin Star venue serves up a range of Mediterranean delights. The space is positively palatial, complete with columns, a vaulted ceiling, and a floating second floor; it’s no wonder that it’s a popular spot for weddings.

But if you’re not quite there yet and looking to impress, book in for lunch or dinner here, and we’re pretty sure they’ll be happy with you. We usually go for the tasting menu that changes seasonally but features dishes like Dorset crab raviolo, grass-fed beef fillet, and pear tart. They offer a Sunday lunch menu of three courses for just £55 too, which we think is a steal.

Read more about Galvin La Chapelle

16. Coppa Club | London Bridge

Address: 2 More London Riverside, London SE1 2AP
Cuisine: Modern European
Best for: Tower Bridge views
Atmosphere: Riverside all-day dining with floor-to-ceiling glass
Signature dishes: Sourdough Pizza, Venison steak, Strawberry Eton Mess
Perfect date: Brunch with iconic river views

Whether tourist or local, the scenes at Tower Bridge never fail to allure, and you can sip alongside postcard-worthy vistas from the new Coppa Club (previously Tavolino) on the riverside. The restaurant and aperitivo bar face the icon across two levels, plus a dreamy terrace for warmer days.

As for the food, our suggestions for a feast come in this shape: come early and beat the crowds with a hearty breakfast or brunch up on floor two, or join later and share one of their delicious roasts, sourdough pizzas, or salads. Our picks from the mains are the Roasted Venison Steak and the Chalkstream Trout. Save room for sweets: like the Strawberry Eton Mess and the classic Sticky Toffee Pudding which comes with an incredible salted caramel ice cream, and of the cocktails, its gotta be the bubbly Hibicus & Rose Delight.

Find out more about Coppa Club London Bridge

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