So you’ve found the one and you’re getting ready to pop the question? Congratulations! But where should you ask your other half to be your partner in crime forever? Don’t worry, we’ve done the hard work for you. Here are some of the most romantic restaurants in London for a truly unforgettable proposal.
Galvin at Windows is located high up on the 28th floor of the London Hilton Hotel and offers magical 360-degree views across the capital, including iconic sites like Hyde Park and Buckingham Palace. Head Chef Marc Hardiman creates seasonally inspired menus based around modern French haute cuisine that have earned the restaurant several awards. If you’re looking for an outstanding location with jaw-droppingly delicious food, look no further than Galvin at Windows to impress your future spouse.
Helix at The Gherkin
Situated on The Gherkin’s 39th floor, Helix offers sky-high contemporary dining with majestic views across the city. It’s the perfect location for any urban couple who is in love with London and its stunning skyline. Executive Chef Daniel Loftin’s menus put seasonal and local produce at centre stage and the flawless service will set the mood for an unforgettable evening.
Clos Maggiore is regularly voted London’s most romantic restaurant so you’ll need to book well in advance to guarantee a table. It’s an oasis of calm in the heart of Covent Garden, influenced by the picturesque country inns you find in Provence and Tuscany. Head Chef Marcellin Marc serves Provençal-inspired cuisine with contemporary influences – think roast turbot, shoulder of rabbit, and pappardelle with fresh truffle. This is an ideal place for foodies to celebrate their love for each other.
Hutong at The Shard
Occupying the 33rd floor of The Shard, Hutong really is something special. The floor-to-ceiling windows will make you feel like you’re on set of the latest Bond movie – who doesn’t want to feel like a Hollywood A-lister when popping the question? The restaurant serves a high-end take on the fiery food of northern China – don’t miss their roast duck or the crispy soft shell crab with Sichuan dried chilli.
CORE is located in Notting Hill, one of London’s prettiest neighbourhoods and the setting for many British rom-coms. Owned by award-winning Northern Irish chef Clare Smyth, former head chef at Gordon Ramsay’s flagship Chelsea Restaurant, it is the ideal location for a night to remember. This is British fine dining at its finest, although the restaurant itself is refreshingly relaxed and unpretentious. The wine list features a selection of more than 400 fine wines and Champagnes so you’re sure to find the perfect drink to toast your proposal.
Margot
After a day of West End sightseeing or a visit to the opera, head to Margot for an evening of Italian indulgence. The restaurant serves authentic dishes in an intimate setting that oozes old-school glamour. The attentive, but never intrusive, service will put you at ease so you’ll feel relaxed when it’s time to pop the question.
What could be more romantic than popping the question at Europe’s longest Champagne bar? If you can tear yourself from your lover’s gaze, look up to admire the station’s Victorian glass roof and Tracey Emin’s neon sculpture that declares ‘I want my time with you’. Set the mood, and settle your nerves, with a carefully chosen bottle or a Champagne tasting trio. If the answer is ‘yes’, you could be in Paris in less than three hours. Alternatively, slip into the glitzy brasserie opposite for a celebratory dinner à deux.
Le Gavroche
This multi-award-winning French restaurant needs little introduction. Opened back in 1967 by Albert and Michel Roux Snr, its now overseen by Michel Roux Jr and continues to impress diners with its French haute cuisine. Splash out on the Menu Exceptionnel and seduce your sweetheart with classic dishes like soufflé Suissesse, coquilles St Jacques, and daube de boeuf. After seven stunning courses and some very good wine, the answer will undoubtedly be ‘yes’.
Looking for something different? We know proposals are personal, so you might find the perfect spot in our guide to London’s most romantic restaurants.
This is a guest post from freelance journalist Beatrice Clark. She has written for Vogue, Glamour and Vanity Fair, among others, and has spent the past 15 years living in France, England and Scotland. She is currently based in Berlin and is always on the hunt for the perfect Eggs Benedict.
Updated February 2022.
