30 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 a candle-lit wine bar while sharing a bottle of wine? Have you found a romantic Italian where the atmosphere feels as warm and inviting as the heap of pasta before you? With plenty of date night restaurants, London is doing alright on the love-scale, we think. To guide you to the highs, we’ve done the work to bring you the most romantic restaurants London has to offer.

Nothing quite beats romantic dining in London, 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 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 date night restaurants in London. From cosy wine bars to high-end dining, these enchanting spots are sure to woo you with their charm.

Belvedere, Holland Park

What: Set within Holland Park, Belvedere feels like stepping into a romantic European escape without leaving the city. Candlelit tables, grand arched windows, and views over manicured gardens create an atmosphere that’s eminently glamorous, complete with a roaring fire, terracotta walls, and foliage that lends a Tuscan-terrace feel. Dining is decadent, the staff are attentive, and the location is simply unmissable.
Where: Abbotsbury Road, W8 6LU
Book now: Belvedere

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

Salut!, Islington

What: Salut! has the air of a well-loved Parisian bistro. It’s a well-loved neighbourhood favourite. The room is intimate and endearingly chaotic, with candlelit tables, elegant glassware, warm lighting and a hum of conversation that makes everything feel a little more alive. Romance here is informal and unforced. It’s a romantic restaurant that champions charm over polish, good wine over grand gestures, and is a great spot for a first date in London if you want to make an impression while sharing a hidden gem.
Where: 412 Essex Road, N1 3PJ
Book now: Salut!

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 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

The Barbary, Covent Garden

What: Cosy and buzzy, The Barbary might be London’s best date night restaurant - staff are fun and chatty, there’s no shortage of things going on to keep conversation going as you sit up at the industrial-chic chef’s counter. The entertainment is good, but the food is better: warm up with dips and house-baked breads, but save room for what’s to come - barbecued squid with biber chilli, crispy filo Moroccan Cigars stuffed with spiced fish, and coffee-rubbed chicken cooked over coals. Even if you’re stuffed, you won’t be able to resist a sticky kunefe dessert, and you’ll stumble out into the fresh air of Neal’s Yard with another date practically guaranteed.
Where: 16 Neal's Yard, WC2H 9DP
Book now: The Barbary

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. It’s a great spot for a first date in London, thanks to a casual wine bar, which is perfect for a glass or two with some small plates without committing to a full dinner. 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

Primeur, Highbury

What: Primeur balances minimal, industrial cool with the romance of flickering candles, hand-written blackboards, dried flowers and gleaming white tiles. In the evenings this converted old garage really comes into its own, with warm light dancing off the metal tables, casting shadows across the room. The menu is primed for sharing between two, alongside a hefty selection of natural wines, many of which are available by the carafe or bottle. In summer, the front doors fold right open, turning the place into a breezy, sun-soaked spot for a long lunch.
Where: 116 Petherton Road, N5 2RT
Book now: Primeur

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

Albers, De Beauvoir

What: Gorgeous, candle-lit Albers is perfect if you're a fan of candlelit romance - in the dusky evenings, the dining room has softness and shadow in all the right places. The menu is a work of art, too - bistro-esque and comforting, with grills to share alongside some nifty, modern small plates. Albers doesn't skimp on portions either, and the wine list is compact and well-curated, making this the whole neighbourhood restaurant package.  
Where: 23A Englefield Road, N1 4JX
Book now: Albers

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

House of Louie, Covent Garden

What: Sitting pretty between the world of French Parisian dining and glitzy New Orleans jazz clubs, House of Louie is a stunner of a restaurant. Inside, it’s all gold finishes, strategically positioned greenery, and attractive lighting. And it’s just as tasty as it looks. Think oyster po’boys with fried oysters, cornichons, and Marie Rose sandwiched inside French eclairs, and perfectly crisp and fluffy brioche loaded with lobster. The Alligator Bar is the place for dates, thanks to a combination of excellent cocktails, oysters, and live jazz music. This area also boasts an outdoor terrace, but the vibe is welcoming, and you'll leave feeling as if you've just discovered one of London's most in-the-know restaurants.
Where: 13-15 West Street, WC2H 9NE
Book now: House of Louie

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 potluck as to who gets to dine in this intimate grotto, but if you’re planning to pop the question, do your best to coerce the 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, Fitzrovia

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

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

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

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

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

Sessions Arts Club, Farringdon

What: Set inside a restored courthouse, Sessions Arts Club’s soaring ceilings, faded grandeur and candlelit corners create an atmosphere that’s both rustic and refined. For romantic evening dates in London, this one provides a sense of occasion. After dark, the room glows, and its artsy feeling, trendy crowd, and distressed walls set the stage for dates with a dark and moody feel.
Where: The Old Sessions House, 22 Clerkenwell Green, EC1R 0NA
Book now: Sessions Arts Club

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.

Luna Wine Bar, London Bridge

What: Looking for a romantic London restaurant with a focus on intimacy? Luna is just the ticket. Low lighting, close-set tables, a tight seasonal menu, and a focus on quality winemakers make it a one-stop shop for romantic evenings. Cosy, rather than cramped, it’s grown-up and unfussy, perfect for couples who care more about connection than spectacle. So if you’re going for a standard evening out rather than a major milestone celebration, get down to Luna for a few glasses of something interesting.
Where: Unit 6, 36 Shad Thames, SE1 2YE
Book now: Luna Wine Bar

Oui Madame, Islington

What: The soft lighting, attentive (but never obstrusive) service, and a sharing menu centred on modern European cooking make Oui Madame a solid choice for romantic evening dining. The stylish, neighbourhood dining room and intimate atmosphere mean it's a failsafe for date nights, whether it be your first dinner together or your 100th. Pricing is fair, the wine is delicious, and you'll find occasional Asian twists crop up across the seasonal flavour-driven menu.
Where: 290 St Paul's Road, N1 2LH
Book now: Oui Madame

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, gold ceilings, and live performances 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 

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

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

Brutto, Farringdon

What: On the surface, Brutto is pretty rustic, but there are 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

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 Perola 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

Shanghai Me, Mayfair

What: Shanghai Me brings high-gloss glamour to London’s romantic restaurant scene, thanks to plush interiors, moody lighting and a sense of playful excess. The dining room feels theatrical, lending itself to bold dates and dressed-up evenings where the energy is as important as the company. It is not subtle, but that’s 100% part of the appeal. Expect a lively atmosphere that feels unapologetically indulgent, along with incomparable views over Hyde Park, Buckingham Palace, and the Thames. Romance with a side of drama? Yes, please.
Where: 28th Floor, London Hilton on Park Lane, 22 Park Lane, W1K 1BE
Book now: Shanghai Me

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.