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12 romantic London restaurants for an unforgettable date night

A photo of Red logo
by Shekha Vyas
Updated 07 February 2023

London’s most romantic restaurants have hosted everything from late-night trysts to gallant proposals. Whether they’re in a glitzy West End bar or a fairytale-inspired dining room, couples are sure to feel sparks fly at these spots in the British capital.

Splash out on an unforgettable tasting menu at a modern French favourite in Fitzrovia. Tuck into theatrical, globally influenced small plates inside a new Mayfair showstopper. By the river, enjoy stunning seafood while the sun goes down.

There’s a table for every kind of date night in the Big Smoke. To spoil your sweetheart, read on for a guide to 12 of London’s most romantic restaurants.

A photo of The Melusine restaurant
4.7
4.7 (690)
£26 to £40
Seafood
Tower Hill
About the restaurant

Fuel your fledgling romance at 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, succulent octopus with fava and watercress pesto, or skate wing with roasted red peppers. On warmer days, you and your date can get better acquainted al fresco next to boats bobbing in the marina.


Top review
OpenTable Diner
Dined 2 days ago
The food was great, although we had to wait a while for the food, but it was worth the wait. The staff were very attentive and friendly. Considering the location of the resturant and the quality of the food, the prices were very good.
A photo of Andrew Edmunds restaurant
4.8
4.8 (1655)
£26 to £40
Modern European
Soho
About the restaurant

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 but recent dishes have included tender confit duck with watercress and pickled walnut dressing, and Dover sole roasted in brown butter with punchy capers.


Top review
EatTillIBurst
Dined on 1 Jan 2023
Great old school vibe. Food was faultless.
A photo of Trinity restaurant
4.9
4.9 (3236)
£41 and over
European
Clapham
About the restaurant

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 in the 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 six-course Valentine’s tasting menu, with highlights such as halibut ceviche with seaweed and lemon, plus rich scallop and langoustine raviolo; the Dexter beef sirloin was made for two.


Top review
Avmv
Dined 4 days ago
We have been to this restaurant many times and it never disappoints. The menu for £90 is very good value and the staff and setting only add to the enjoyment. My only observation would be it would be great if there were a few more wine around the £60-£70 price range.
A photo of Clos Maggiore restaurant
4.7
4.7 (14146)
£41 and over
French
Covent Garden
About the restaurant

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 venison tartare or Champagne and Jerusalem artichoke risotto, 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.


Top review
Freddievip
Dined on 1 Jan 2023
Excellent service and amazing food ………………………………..…
A photo of Clarke's Restaurant restaurant
4.8
4.8 (353)
£41 and over
Modern European
Notting Hill
About the restaurant

For a classic celebratory supper, look no further than this MICHELIN-starred gem in Notting Hill. Chef Sally Clarke’s sleek European venue has marked milestones since 1984. Bask in the gentle lights and muted sage walls while taking in paintings by Lucian Freud and David Hockney. Woven bistro chairs, white tablecloths, and potted herbs nod to Clarke’s farm-to-table focus and will take you and your date from west London to a romantic agrarian retreat. The menu is stunning without being stuffy; dishes often change, but you can start with the daily bread from the neighbouring bakery before diving into seasonal specials, which in the past have included roasted Cornish brill with dill and Prosecco sauce and chargrilled veal chops, fried artichokes and greens.


Top review
DaphneDvip
Dined on 24 Nov 2023
As always and so consistently, Clarke's is a haven away from the bustling world, a calm, beautiful space where one always feels welcome, relaxed and treated with great care and unstuffy elegance. The food is delicious and showcases the flavours of each dish to perfection. I have been a loyal customer for years, and still always very much look forward to each visit with enthusiasm. Bravo Sally, you are running a great show and making many people very happy!
A photo of Tatale restaurant
0 (0)
£25 and under
African
Southwark
About the restaurant

Dressed in colourful prints, earth tones, and foliage galore, Tatale is filled with all the features for a transportative date. Set in the Africa Centre, this is the first brick-and-mortar restaurant from Ghanaian chef Akwasi Brenya-Mensa, whose supper clubs have gained national fame. The resulting pan-African concept, named after a Ghanaian plantain pancake, is one of the most sought-after bookings in the city. Beautifully presented small plates are innovative interpretations of Ghanaian recipes. Must-tries include chichinga, a type of kebab, reimagined with fried chicken wings, and nkatenkwan, a groundnut soup (served without meat here)—all too easy to love and share.


A photo of Roof Garden at Pantechnicon restaurant
4.1
4.1 (565)
£26 to £40
Modern European
Belgravia
About the restaurant

Take the elevator to the third floor of this distinctive, five-storey building, and you’ll arrive at a verdant sanctuary that will make you forget you’re in the Big Smoke. Pantechnicon’s south-facing roof garden blurs the inside-outside boundary; hanging baskets overflow with plants, which also sprout from every corner, softly illuminated by countless candles. Take advantage of the retractable glass roof and outdoor heating and cosy up with your companion under the fluffy blankets, which the bar provides. Kickstart your date by sipping on inventive cocktails such as a wasabi margarita or the seaweed martini. Dishes marry Nordic and Japanese influences, with light bites including Jersey Rock oysters, ponzu, wasabi, and roe. For something more substantial, order the cedar-roasted trout and smoked butter sauce or the mentaiko spaghetti, served with Cornish crab and shiitake mushrooms.


Top review
OpenTable Dinervip
Dined on 4 Sept 2023
We cannot wait to be back when we’re next in London!
A photo of Toulouse Lautrec Restaurant & Jazz Club restaurant
4.3
4.3 (635)
£41 and over
French
Elephant and Castle
About the restaurant

Music lovers are sure to strike the perfect chord at this south London darling, featuring a top-notch bistro, intimate piano room, and lively jazz club upstairs. Whether you have a swanky French meal in mind or just fancy snacks and songs, owner Hervé Regent and his team at Toulouse Lautrec are here to deliver. Chef Florent Regent commands the kitchen, turning out Continental classics such as escargot, cassoulet, and a steak menu that allows you and your SO to build an impeccable plate (with lots of sides and nine sauces to choose from). Relax in the piano room before the show and enjoy a meal from the à la carte menu. Or grab a drink before going upstairs to the jazz club, where a roster of local and international musicians perform throughout the week.


Top review
elizabethbvip
Dined on 25 Jun 2023
This place is a hidden GEM!! We love the atmosphere and the music.
A photo of Mere restaurant
4.6
4.6 (3955)
£41 and over
European
Fitzrovia
About the restaurant

Prepare to be wowed at this gold-standard restaurant. A tasting menu exuding creativity and flair, coupled with stellar service, makes Mere the ultimate special-occasion spot. French and South Pacific-accented dishes are steered by Monica Galetti. After years at MICHELIN-starred Le Gavroche, she opened Mere with her husband David in 2017. Monica’s passion and precision is evident in enticing bites such as venison kofta, blackberry miso, and buttermilk; and monkfish with mussels, sea herbs, and black curry oil. To finish, there are showstopping desserts including the Hokey Pokey (a take on a New Zealand treat) with hints of chocolate crémeux, salted toffee, honeycomb ice cream, and koko Samoa. Mere’s awe-inspiring culinary odyssey makes a worthy prelude to a proposal, so go ahead and pop the big question.


Top review
CaptainBlack
Dined 4 days ago
This was by far one of the best meals we have ever had. We also had the wine pairing which showed how much effort the staff have put into their work. Unlike other restaurants all the staff had knowledge of both the dishes and the wine. Excellent
A photo of Miro restaurant
3.9
3.9 (15)
£41 and over
Global, International
Mayfair
About the restaurant

Dial up the drama at Mayfair’s sexiest new playground. Since it opened in August 2022, Miro’s vibrant atmosphere and resident DJs have delivered a party ideal for a dynamic group date. The dark and edgy interior, packed with hand-painted murals, neon lighting, and a steady stream of walk-in diners late into the night, exudes peak vibes. Throw in executive chef Toby Burrowes’ sultry dishes into the mix, and you and your crew have a winning night out. Go for his riff on fish and chips, made with crispy layered potato, Oscietra caviar, chutoro, and pickled wasabi, or try the truffled beef tartare served with mini brioche buns. If you’re feeling especially flush, splurge on a caviar bump (five grams of Oscietra spooned onto the back of your hand) and enjoy it with the extravagant vintage French 75 cocktail, made with a rare 1950s gin and vintage Champagne, priced at a whopping £5,000.


Top review
FoodLovervip
Dined on 26 May 2023
Somehow Open Table screwed up my reservation and it ended up looking like my table was at a London restaurant called Miro when I had originally reserves for the Miro in Palm Springs. This review is for that restaurant. Food was lovely. Recommend the schnitzel or the swordfish if it is on the menu. Also check out their version of burek. Service is fantastic and attentive and the host was exceptionally nice in fitting us in after the open table mix up.
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