31 most romantic restaurants in London to take a date

It may not be Paris, but London is a great city for romance. Have you tried walking across Charing Cross Bridge, hand-in-hand, gazing over the beautiful cityscape and stopping for a cheeky kiss worthy of a rom-com moment? Or have you tried looking into your other half’s eyes in the candle-lit Gordon’s Wine Bar while sharing a bottle of wine? Well you must have enjoyed a casual picnic in one of London’s many parks, sipping on Prosecco and giggling from the bubbles and butterflies in your stomach, surely? Yeah, London is doing alright on the love-scale, we think.

However, nothing quite beats a romantic dinner for two in a lovely restaurant, does it? There's just something particularly special about taking the time to sit down and enjoy some quality food with someone, whether that be a long-term partner or someone who you've only recently met, without having to worry about the cooking. With that in mind, we have gone on a quest to not only find the most romantic restaurants in London, but to determine what actually makes a restaurant romantic. Is it low lights and candles? Is it intimacy and a soundtrack of gentle piano music tinkling away in the background? Or is it extravagance, luxury elements from beginning to end?

We’ve gathered restaurants with views, eateries with romantic lighting, dining rooms with show-off interiors and quirky little spots for you to get lovey-dovey in. From the classic romantic cuisines of Italy and France, to aphrodisiac-spurring oysters and fine-dining British food, there is something to spruce up any date here. So whether you’re on the hunt for the best date night restaurants in London, need a restaurant to propose in, or simply want a place to bring some god ole’ lovin’ into your relationship, the below restaurants should do the trick.

Best romantic restaurants in London

What makes a restaurant romantic, you ask? There isn't a one-size-fits-all rule to romance, which is why we've included a whole range of places to suit whatever sort of date you're on. From cosy wine bars to high-end dining, these enchanting spots are sure to woo you with their charm.

Norma, Fitzrovia

What: Set inside a stunning three-floor townhouse, Norma is exactly the sort of place we’d take a date if we wanted to make an impression. The interiors showcase rich colours and textures in the form of dappled marble, mosaic walls and hanging pendant lighting, while cosy booth seats are reminiscent of a vintage train carriage, designed to transport diners to warmer climes for the evening. And the food surely will, with an eclectic mix of Sicilian and North African influences finding their way into dishes such as slow-cooked beef cheek with marsala, cloves, cannellini beans, cavolo nero and leek, and its famous crab linguine served in a crab shell.
Where: 8 Charlotte Street, W1T 2LS
Book now: Norma

Tattu, Soho

What: Sky-high dining and striking foliage are just half the draw when it comes to dining at Tattu. Its seasonally-changing cherry blossom tree spans the entire restaurant, making it quite hard to deny its the inherent charm and beauty of this spot. The food is equally as fantastic, with menus packed full of traditional Chinese fare, making it a win-win when it comes to choosing a spot to take a date. We'd recommend heading out to the al fresco terrace for a pre- or post-dinner drink to really get the full experience.
Where: Denmark Street, WC2H 0LA
Book now: Tattu

Noble Rot, Lamb’s Conduit

What: Noble Rot’s enduring charm never fails to make us swoon. With its cosy wooden interiors, chalkboard menus, pared-back dishes and phenomenal wine list, there are few places in London more suited to a romantic dinner for two. If you’re visiting for a first date and dinner feels like too much of a commitment, the wine bar is perfect for a glass or two with some small plates. Although do note that it’s walk-ins only, so get there early or be prepared to queue!
Where: 51 Lamb’s Conduit Street, WC1N 3NB
Book now: Noble Rot Lamb's Conduit

Ducksoup, Soho

What: Ducksoup is our go-to for foodies who really appreciate good cooking and great wine. The menu changes daily and is based around what’s available that day, while dishes are uncomplicated, designed to share, and feature just a few high-quality ingredients. Think braised lentils with nero, ricotta and pine nuts, and pollock in bone marrow butter. The team even collect vinyl to play on its very own record player, which you can browse and play at your own leisure.
Where: 41 Dean Street, W1D 4PY
Book now: Ducksoup

The Grill at The Hero, Maida Vale

What: From the outside, you might not guess that 55 Shirland Road is home to one of the most intimate and romantic settings for date night. But venture up the stairs, past The Pub dining room and you’ll find The Grill. It’s a soaring space, decked out with tapered candles, bistro-style tables, and ornate cornicing. It follows a pared-back almost distressed design scheme, but boy does it work. After a candlelit dinner, make your way upstairs to the library for vinyl records and live music - it’s the perfect stop for a nightcap.
Where: 55 Shirland Road, W9 2JD
Book now: The Grill at The Hero

Mount St. Restaurant, Mayfair

What: Dine in style at Mount St. Restaurant, where bespoke mosaic floors, red art deco seating and specially commissioned artworks create the sense you're dining in the home of a successful interior designer. We suggest you order the lobster pie to share, potentially with a bottle of white recommended by the sommelier, before finishing with a bowl of black forest gateau soft serve. Two spoons, of course.
Where: 41-43 Mount Street, W1K 2RX
Book now: Mount St Restaurant

Bouchon Racine, Farringdon

What: Bouchon Racine is quintessentially romantic in every possible way: think chalkboard menus, classic French fare, a lengthy wine list, and bistro-esque vibes. Don’t invite a squeamish date to this one though. The menu revolves heavily around gutsy French dishes like tete de veau (calf’s head) and escargot. For the less adventurous, you can’t go wrong with steak, red wine and a cheese course to finish.
Where: 66 Cowcross Street, EC1M 6BP
Book now: Bouchon Racine

Clos Maggiore, Covent Garden

What: Clos Maggiore's failsafe’s pièce de résistance features a beautiful conservatory decked with fake blossoms, twinkly fairy lights and an open fire (dubbed ‘The Pretty Room’), meaning it ticks all the romantic boxes there is. It’s pot luck as to who gets to dine in this intimate grotto, but if you’re planning to pop the question, do your best to coerce staff to save you a space there. Food-wise, it’s French and it’s fantastic, with options such as venison saddle with medjool date sauce or slow cooked beef simmered in red wine and bay leaves.
Where: 33 King Street, WC2E 8JD
Book now: Clos Maggiore

YOPO at The Mandrake, Fitrovia

What: YOPO’s immersive rainforest theme has been popular among Instagrammers for a while now - this is easily one of London’s most unique and impressive dining rooms, with foliage canopy surroundings, and candlelight illuminating a hand-painted mural that sprawls above. The food is great for more adventurous diners, with small plates that are perfect for sharing with your other half taking inspiration from native South American ingredients.
Where: 20-21 Newman Street, W1T 1PG
Book now: YOPO at The Mandrake

Bob Bob Ricard, Soho and City of London

What: Now with two locations across the capital, Bob Bob Ricard perhaps takes the title as one of London’s most glamorous dining rooms, donned with royal blues, reds and golds, and offering a selection of cosy booths perfect for two. Any table that comes equipped with a ‘Press for Champagne’ button just screams romance - or is that just us? - perfect for evenings full of luxurious food and plenty of bubbly. Oysters, caviars and a selection of tartares all make for indulgent starts followed by plenty of high-end options, such as a truffle and Champagne pie or lobster macaroni and cheese thermidor.
Where: 1 Upper James Street, W1F 9DF; 122 Leadenhall Street, EC3V 4AB
Book now: Bob Bob Ricard Soho; Bob Bob Ricard City

BiBi, Mayfair 

What: BiBi entered onto Mayfair’s dining scene in 2021 with a bang, serving contemporary Indian food in a fine dining environment. But rather than being posh and uptight, the atmosphere at BiBi feels warm and secretive, with guests entering through blue velvet curtains on arrival. This is one for impressing someone special with your intricate knowledge of London's food scene. Sit at the bar for a more informal affair, or take a seat in one of its opulent yet cosy corners before tucking into Orkney scallops with Indian lemonade, Sharmaji’s Lahori chicken with cashew and yoghurt whey and buffalo milk paneer with fenugreek kebab masala.  
Where: 42 North Audley Street, W1K 6ZP 
Book now: BiBi

Park Chinois, Mayfair

What: If you’re after a real show-off spot, there is no better place than this big-money and opulently OTT art-deco haven. Inspired by 1930s Shanghai, Park Chinois's interiors are accented by gold, deep maroon and luxurious fabrics. Chinese cooking is presented in western-styled plates of stir-fried XO mooli cake with snow crab; sea bass and lardo rolls; and Chinese chive or Wagyu beef and bamboo charcoal baos. There's usually live music or cabaret on the go to ensure there are no awkward silences, and if things are going really well, there's always the club downstairs where you can stay until the wee hours. 
Where: 17 Berkeley Street, W1J 8EA
Book now: Park Chinois

Bardo, St James's

What: The epitome of sophistication, Bardo St James’s adds a high-end touch to Italian dining, complete with plush red velvet seating and live entertainment for the ultimate evening of romance. Cosy tables, built just for two, come complete with white-cloths and dinky lamps, adding a sultry feel to your evening, whilst a la carte options or tasting menus provide plenty of options for your dinner. This one can be pretty pricey, so save it for a special occasion, or head in early for the rather reasonable pre-theatre menu.
Where: 4 Suffolk Place, SW1Y 4HX
Book now: Bardo St James's

Alex Dilling at Hotel Cafe Royal, Piccadilly

What: Elegant French fine dining, slick service and smart interiors in the heart of Piccadilly - what’s not to love about this luxe newcomer to London’s restaurant scene? If you’re looking for somewhere genteel, graceful and romantic for an anniversary, Alex Dilling at Hotel Cafe Royal is the one. Now with two Michelin-stars, this one is bound to impress, with dishes that are as indulgent as its interiors.
Where: 68 Regent Street, W1B 4DY
Book now: Alex Dilling at Hotel Cafe Royal

Circolo Popolare, Fitzrovia

What: If you're looking for an intimate spot for a romantic dinner, Circolo Popolare probably isn't right for you. However, if you like the sound of indoor trees adorned with fairy lights, walls lined with empty spirit bottles, and a dining room that's probably not far off the size of a football pitch, this extravagent Italian is bang on the money. Serving huge pizzas designed to be shared, as well as carbonara served from a cheese wheel and an Insta-famous lemon meringue pie, the food is just as impressive.
Where: 40-41 Rathbone Place, W1T 1HX
Book now: Circolo Popolare

Scott’s, Richmond

What: What could be better than a seafood platter with your better half at Scott’s? Well, how about a seafood platter at Scott’s Richmond, where you can gulp down oysters and Champagne next to the river, amidst a glamorous, gold-accented dining room? We thought we might just be able to persuade you. For those looking to go all out with the glamour, this is the one for you, plus its waterside location makes for a rather romantic stroll once you're done with dinner.
Where: 4 Whittaker Avenue, TW9 1EH
Book now: Scott’s Richmond

Luca, Farringdon

What: From the open fire and candles of the Mediterranean terrace to the worn red leather banquettes and huge windows of the main dining room, Luca is a stunner from front to back. The food matches up too - expect delicious, luxurious Italian cooking and a fantastic wine list to boot. To make it extra special, why not opt for the chef's menu? Enjoy four courses of specially curated cuisine, with Italian wine pairings to match, each glass selected by the sommeliers.
Where: 88 St John Street, EC1M 4EH
Book now: Luca

Booking Office 1869, King’s Cross 

What: The tone is most definitely set for a like-no-other evening at Booking Office 1869, a Victorian-inspired restaurant and bar designed to replicate the original 19th-century ticket hall at St Pancras. Start your evening with a drink at the 22-metre-long bar – and you could always nibble on a few plates from the raw fish bar to add an extra lick of luxury.
Where: Euston Road, NW1 2AR
Book now: Booking Office 1869

Affordable romantic restaurants in London

Not every romantic meal is a blow-the-budget Valentine's Day job. Sometimes you just want a candlelit dinner, that's still low-key and friendly on the wallet. Romance shouldn't have to cost the earth, and these places prove that.

Brasserie Zedel, Piccadilly Circus 

What: Could there be a more romantic location than a Parisian-style brasserie housed inside a former ballroom? We think not. Vast marble columns and gold ceilings set the tone for what is guaranteed to be a meal to remember at Brasserie Zedel in Piccadilly Circus. The menu features indulgent and luxurious French classics, including a daily-changing ‘plat du jour’ as well as an excellent value prixe-fixe offering. Head over to Bar Americain for a post-dinner cocktail, where the vibes are undoubtedly moody and seductive.  
Where: 20 Sherwood Street, W1F 7ED 
Book now: Brasserie Zedel 

Caravel, Islington 

What: Brothers Fin and Lorcan Spiteri are onto a winner with this quaint little Regent's Canal-side barge. Lorcan oversees the kitchen at Caravel and turns out menus of rustic, classic British cooking, whilst Fin - once manager of the member's bar at Quo Vadis - looks after front of house and drinks with a compact list of organic wines and cocktails. When the evening sun starts to set and the fairy lights come on outside, the romance really comes alive.
Where: 172 Shepherdess Walk, N1 7JL 
Book now: Caravel

Bistro Freddie, Shoreditch

What: A beloved foodie hotspot in Shoreditch, Bistro Freddie serves up some quality modern French cooking in a beautiful rustic, candle-lit dining room. From the team behind Crispin, Bistro Freddie puts its own spin on classic Parisian bistros, complete with white-clothed tables and daily changing menus that are handwritten to showcase the plats du jour. In our opinion, there’s nothing more romantic than ordering one of the iconic sharing pies, as well as a nice bottle off the extensive wine menu, and whiling away a couple of hours over some really good food.
Where: 74 Luke Street, EC2A 4PY
Book now: Bistro Freddie

The Pelican, Notting Hill

What: This renovated All Saints boozer doesn’t look particularly romantic from the outside, but nab a table for two in the dining room, order a steak or a whole fish to share and dine in the flickering candlelight as the sun sets outside and you'll be convinced. Come winter, you can even grab a prime seat by the fire, the perfect place to cuddle up on those cold evenings. Rustic, yet charming, this is one of our absolutely favourite West London spots.
Where: 45 All Saints Road, W11 1HE
Book now: The Pelican

Brutto, Farringdon

What: On the surface, Brutto is pretty rustic, but there is mountains of charm and romance under the exterior. It's a real love letter to Florence, with the aesthetic of the restaurant based on an old-school Italian trattoria. We love the cute red gingham tablecloths, rickety ceiling fans and paper menus. A great date spot for a partner who loves bold, no-frills Italian food and cheap Negronis.
Where: 35-37 Greenhill Rents, EC1M 6BN
Book now: Brutto

Passione Vino, Shoreditch

What: You can’t miss Passione Vino’s two-tone blue frontage on Shoreditch’s Leonard Street. Drop in and enjoy a glass of wine with wine maestro Luca Dusi - a true romanticist when it comes to Italian wine. The food is incredibly underrated too - Dusi leverages his impressive network to source really amazing Italian ingredients and serves simple, delicious food to go with the outstanding wine selection.
Where: 85 Leonard Street, EC2A 4QS
Book now: Passione Vino

The Garden Cafe, Lambeth

What: Perennially underrated (but one of our low-key London favourites), the beautiful Garden Cafe is a spot that just doesn’t miss when it comes to date night. The glass walls of the dining room make you feel as though you’re eating amid the foliage of the beautiful gardens outside, and in the summer you can feast on simple, delicious Mediterranean-style food in the late evening sun.
Where: Lambeth Garden Museum, SE1 7LB
Book now: The Garden Cafe

Cora Pearl, Covent Garden

What: This high-ceilinged restaurant is illuminated by two gigantic windows at either ends, with interiors that are suitably raffish to make an atmospheric setting. Cora Pearl's French cooking, which is always romantic and indulgent, materialises itself in brilliant dishes such as the coal roasted hake with a Champagne beurre blanc, or carver duck with swiss chard and quince. Whizz off to the bar hidden away in the basement for a night cap to end the night with a romantic touch.
Where: 30 Henrietta Street, WC2E 8NA
Book now: Cora Pearl

La Poule au Pot, Belgravia

What: Another French favourite of ours that we think ranks high on the romance scale, this endearingly rustic and outrageously atmospheric restaurant serves hearty plates of big-flavoured food. La Poule au Pot combines peasant wholesomeness with bourgeois detailing, meaning anyone will feel at home here. What makes it so romantic, though, is its low, candle-lit lighting, distinct interiors and charming service. With a quiet terrace for balmy evenings, this is also a great summer destination to sip on some bubbly.
Where: 231 Ebury Street, SW1W 8UT
Book now: La Poule au Pot

Romantic restaurants with a view in London

It's a stone cold fact that nice vistas make for romance - grab a table at one of these restaurants with a view and who knows what might happen?

JOIA, Battersea

What: Sitting pretty on the 15th floor of the art’otel development, and with unbeatable views overlooking Battersea Power Station, JOIA's pretty pastel-hued restaurant makes for a pretty dreamy dinner date spot if you ask us. Start with a drink at JOIA's Bar next door, before waltzing your way over to the main dining room where you can indulge in Portuguese dishes like Bomba rice with red prawns, mussels and Razor clams, or scallops with chorizo, celeriac puree and fennel. 
Where: 1 Electric Boulevard, SW11 8BJ
Book now: JOIA

Aqua Shard, London Bridge

What: The USP of this British-leaning restaurant is perhaps somewhat obvious – the London views from the 31^st floor of the iconic Shard through floor-to-ceiling windows. The brightness this provides in the daytime and the pretty lit-up skyline it offers in the night time makes Aqua Shard instantly atmospheric, especially after dark when low-hanging lanterns provide ambient lighting. What could be more romantic than dining in London's tallest building, after all?
Where: St Thomas Street, SE1 9RY
Book now: Aqua Shard

City Social, The City

What: Part of Jason Atherton's ever-expanding empire, this City high-rise restaurant (located on the 24th floor of Tower 42) boasting breathtaking views and top-class food in spades. Luxe interiors, modern European dishes delivered with real precision and finesse, and a to-die-for cheeseboard all contribute to making City Social a romantic gem for your next love-needed special occasion. Don’t worry about nabbing a window seat either – tables located on different levels of the dining room ensure every table has a good view. 
Where: 25 Old Broad Street, EC2N 1HQ
Book now: City Social

Ting Restaurant, London Bridge

What: The incredible views of London town seen through the wrap-around windows of the Shangri-La Hotel’s restaurant are a draw in themselves, but add in the ultra-romantic vibes of a dimly-lit and mystique dining room, and your date is bound to be impressed. Choose from an a la carte, or an indulgent five-course tasting menu, with exquisite offerings such as seared scallop with mushroom and soy, or roasted skrei cod with steamed cauliflowers and coconut with a chilli sambal. Prices are as sky-high as the restaurant’s location, mind you, but it’s perfect for that extra special occasion.
Where: 31 St Thomas Street, SE1 9QU
Book now: Ting Restaurant

Thinking of popping the big question to your other half? We've selected a special list of the best restaurants in London for marriage proposals - guaranteed to make your big night go smoothly.