32 of the best Valentine's Day restaurants in London serving up special menus

Love is (almost) in the air in London as the most romantic night of the year draws ever closer. Widespread panic is sweeping the capital as partners lament the empty square in the calendar on the 14 February - the one day of the year where public displays of affection are compulsory and couples are expected to flaunt their undying love for the whole world to see.

If you fall into this category and you still haven’t planned anything beyond a Valentine’s Day card for your loved one this year, then it’s time to get a shift on and check out London’s romantic restaurants. Regardless of our views on this annual lovefest, if there is one thing we can all agree on here at SquareMeal it’s this; the way to the heart is undoubtedly via the stomach. Where better to take on some of that love than at a special Valentine’s Day restaurant in London?

So, whatever your ambitions are for celebrating on 14 February we recommend incorporating some good food and drink. But why add to the stress by cooking up a fancy Valentine's menu yourself, when you could sit back and let someone do all the work for you with better results and no washing up afterwards? For us, it’s a no brainer.

If you’re not a fan of big flouncy gestures, heart shaped puds, and rose petals in your cocktail, no problem. From the discreet to the decadent, we've rounded up the top spots for couples looking to indulge in a special meal out in London this Valentine's Day. So, quit the panicking, take a deep breath and dive in. We’re confident that there will be something here to impress your loved one whatever their ideals.

The Pem, Westminster

What: Sally Abe was crowned SquareMeal’s Female Chef of the Year in 2021, and The Pem is one of London's most striking restaurants, bedecked in dazzling scarlet and pink with chequerboard floors. Sally and team pull out all the stops on Valentine's Day - this year's six-course menu includes raw Jersey rock oysters in citrus, a 45-day aged Angus beef tartare, honey-glazed celeriac with pickled shimeji and hazelnuts, hand-dived Orkney scallops with cauliflower mushroom, and Champagne granita with Yorkshire rhubarb. 
Where: 22-28 Broadway, SW1H 0BH
How much: Six-course tasting menu for £140 per person
Book now: The Pem

Wild Honey, St James's

What: Modern European, French-influenced, Michelin-starred, and cooked by Anthony Demetre, what more could we ask for on the most romantic day of the year? Though it might be set within the Sofitel Hotel just off Pall Mall, Wild Honey is a destination in its own right. The seasonal menu this year covers three courses and a glass of Champagne with snacks, mignardises, and coffee all part of the package. Formed with the highest quality ingredients, this is the kind of place that'll put you in a romantic mood.
Where: 8 Pall Mall, SW1& 5NG
How much: Three-course set menu for £145
Book now: Wild Honey

Helix at The Gherkin, City of London

What: Set in the famous Gherkin building in the heart of the City, Helix stands tall as one of the most enviable locations for a Valentine’s Day meal. This year, the team behind Searcys at The Gherkin is putting on a very special four-course menu, with canapes and a glass of Veuve Clicquot included. Think starters of coronation chicken terrine, seared albacore tuna, and Norfolk asparagus soldiers to start followed by plates of Lake District venison loin, spinach and parmesan ravioli, and Devonshire baked haddock. We’ve got eyes on the strawberry and white chocolate mousse for dessert. Divine.
Where: 30 St Mary Axe, EC3A 8EP
How much: Set menus for £100 per person
Book now: Helix at The Gherkin

The English Grill, Victoria

What: The English Grill is offering a brilliant seasonal Valentine’s Day feast. Things kick off with oysters Rockefeller before continuing with a choice of starters like venison ragu, beetroot gravel roulade, or hispi cabbage caesar salad. After a rose Champagne sorbet to cleanse the palate, you’ll have your choice of mains. While butter-poached halibut and mushroom-stuffed butternut squash are tempting but we’re sold on the iconic The Rubens beef Wellington, complete with thyme and garlic infused fondant potato and Madeira sauce. 
Where: The Rubens at the Palace, 39 Buckingham Palace Road, Victoria, SW1W 0PS
How much: Three-course set menu for £124.50 per person
Book now: The English Grill

Oblix at The Shard, London Bridge

What: Classy high-rise restaurant Oblix offers not one, not two, but three different Valentine’s menus come February, all with awe-inspiring skyline views from the 32nd floor of The Shard. Mark the occasion at sophisticated Oblix West and choose from the signature or premium Valentine's set menus, or head to the more relaxed Oblix East for a selection of dishes for the whole table to share. We've got our eye on the West premium menu, not only does it include a bottle of Piper-Heidsieck Champagne but the main course offers a whole lobster with lemon verbena and garlic butter.
Where: Level 32, The Shard, 31 St Thomas Street, SE1 9RY
How much: Oblix West signature menu £135, premium menu for £195 per person; Oblix East three course menu for £99 per person
Book now: Oblix at The Shard

SUSHISAMBA, City of London and Covent Garden

What: Whether sat high above in Heron Tower or perched in Covent Garden, Sushisamba is putting on a proper feast this year. For both the 14 and 15 February, guests can indulge in a beautifully curated Valentine’s Day sharing menu that includes ten South American Japanese fusion dishes and a glass of Veuve Clicquot Champagne on arrival. Think crispy beef taquitos, lobster tempura with caviar, premium nigiri, and robata grilled Wagyu. It comes in at £150, but the a la carte menu is also available.
Where: Heron Tower, 110 Bishopsgate; Opera Terrace, The Piazza, WC2E 8RF
How much: Tasting menu for £150 per person
Book now: SUSHISAMBA Heron Tower; SUSHISAMBA Covent Garden

The Midland Grand Dining Room, King’s Cross

What: One of our favourite new openings of 2023, The Midland Grand Dining Room delivers on all fronts. Inside you’ll find a truly mesmerising dining room, with ornate plasterwork ceilings held aloft by marble columns. The food is wonderful too, tweaking romantic French brasserie classics with a touch of modernity - the snail bourguignon for example, which is just one of many must-orders across a delightful menu. The Valentine's Day menu has previously laid also on oysters, Comte gougeres, lobster pain perdu and a gorgeous sirloin on the bone to share. 
Where: St Pancras Renaissance Hotel, Euston Road, NW1 2AR
How much: TBA
Book now: The Midland Grand Dining Room

Cantinetta Antinori, Knightsbridge

What: Italian food is the food of love, so where better to spoil your Valentine than Cantinetta Antinori - an elegant Tuscan restaurant just a hop, skip and jump from Knightsbridge. The menu is wall-to-wall authentic Tuscan cookery of the highest order, and the wine list is truly exceptional - one of the deepest selections of Italian wine in London. We're not suggesting you go full-on lady and the tramp slurping spaghetti, this candlelit Valentine's Day restaurant is romantic enough already, and just as indulgent.
Where: 4 Harriet Street, SW1X 9JR
How much: A la carte prices vary
Book now: Cantinetta Antinori

JOIA, Battersea

What: If Valentine’s with a view is what you’re after, look no further than JOIA and JOIA Bar, which both offer gorgeous, unmatched views of the nearby Battersea Power Station and glittering London skyline. A special Valentine’s Day tasting menu is expected to include a selection of signature JOIA dishes. We're keen to see if the crab salad with samphire, grilled leeks with romesco rocket and hazelnuts, and chocolate and passion fruit mousse will come back to spread the love for a second year.
Where: 1 Electric Boulevard, SW11 8BJ
How much: TBA
Book now: JOIA

OXO Tower, Southwark

What: What’s more romantic than dinner with a view? OXO Tower always runs Valentine’s menus in the Restaurant and the Brasserie, both of which come with iconic skyline views and live music throughout the evening. The restaurant is a little more formal, whilst OXO Tower Brasserie is perfect if you fancy something a little more low-key. Both are offering three courses from the full a la carte menus and all the while, you and your date will be serenaded with live music as you look out across the river.
Where: OXO Tower Wharf, Barge House Street, SE1 9PH
How much: OXO Tower Restaurant three-course set menu £100 per person; OXO Tower Brasserie three-course set menu £80 per person
Book now: OXO Tower Restaurant; OXO Tower Brasserie

The Curry Room, Victoria

What: Set within The Rubens Hotel, The Curry Room has a journey through South Asian aromatics in store for us this Valentine’s weekend. Starters include lamb shami kebab and classic onion bhaji, while mains cover all the favourite curries you could imagine each elevated with refined techniques and top grade ingredients. There’s also the chance to go for chef Kumar’s Thali, which allows you to pick three curries to enjoy, proving you can have your Bengal fish curry, spicy beef vindaloo, and vegetable korma and eat them too. Finishing off with a chocolate fondant dessert or crepe Suzette, you’re in for a treat.
Where: The Rubens at the Palace, 39 Buckingham Palace Road, SW1W 0PS
How much: Three-course set menu for £95 per person
Book now: The Curry Room

The Colony Grill, Mayfair

What: Led by executive chef Brendan Fyldes - formerly of Michelin star restaurant L’Escargot - The Colony Grill menu this year covers four luxurious courses in a classic New York inspired dining room. From canapes like cashew nut parfait and beef tartare in soy mayonnaise to starters of scallop ceviche and foie gras, each dish has been laboured over and refined. As for the main course, the Valentine’s set menu offers pure indulgence in the form of monkfish Wellington with fondant potato and shellfish bearnaise, venison pithivier with celeriac and roasted hazelnuts, and a grilled tomahawk with truffle fries. We’re sold.
Where: 8 Balderton Street, W1K 6TF
How much: Four-course set menu for £90 per person
Book now: The Colony Grill

Luca, Farringdon

What: Few restaurants in London match Luca for aesthetics - each part of the restaurant has a distinct style, from the on trend restaurant to the romantic terrace. The latter is a dream Valentine’s destination, but the Michelin star menu impresses wherever you are in the restaurant. The 'Lovers Menu' at Luca has been known to include Luca’s famous parmesan fries, as well as artichoke agnolotti, roast duck with Yorkshire rhubarb, and a chocolate delice with Mascarpone ice cream. It's just so easy to fall in love with.
Where: 88 St John Street, EC1M 4EH
How much: TBA
Book now: Luca

The Ninth, Fitzrovia

What: The Ninth has settled happily into veteran status, widely regarded as one of London’s most reliably delicious restaurants. That makes it a fantastic choice for Valentine’s Day - chef Jun Tanaka’s cooking treads neatly between ingenuity and uncomplicated, tasty comfort food. The set menu includes spaghetti with winter black truffles and aged Parmesan, duck with cime di rapa and radish, and chocolate cremeux.
Where: 22 Charlotte Street, W1T 2NB
How much: Tasting menu £125 per person
Book now: The Ninth

L'oscar, Holborn

What: If you’re looking for something with glitz, you won’t find many restaurants more glamorous than L’oscar in Holborn. Sporting a rich purple and gold colour palette and Baroque design, L’oscar is opulent at every turn. The L'oscar menu is just as classy, taking inspiration from the Mediterranean with the occasional Japanese and Asian influences. If you're celebrating in the day, L'oscar is also laying on a special Valentine's Day afternoon tea. 
Where: 2-6 Southampton Row, WC1B 4AA
How much: A la carte prices vary
Book now: L'oscar

Humble Grape, Various Locations

What: There’s nothing better than sharing a few glasses of great quality wines on Valentine’s Day, and though the name suggests modesty we should be totally clear: Humble Grape knows its stuff. For Valentine’s Day this year, Humble Grape is putting on a five-course set menu across all restaurants between 14 and 15 February. Things kick off with parmesan madeleines and truffle butter, followed by starters like beetroot tartare, lamb croquettes, and smoked salmon carpaccio. Main courses meanwhile, include steak and chips, cauliflower steaks, and seared seabass. Desserts and petit fours are just as impressive, and don’t forget to ask for the staff's wine recommendations!
Where: 18 - 20 Mackenzie Walk, E14 4PH; 2 Battersea Rise, SW11 1ED; 11 Theberton Street, N1 0QY; 1 St Bride's Passage, EC4Y 8EJ
How much: Five-course set menu for £50 per person
Book now: Humble Grape Canary Wharf; Humble Grape Battersea; Humble Grape Islington; Humble Grape Fleet Street

Megan’s, Various Locations

What: Considered to be one of London’s most gorgeous and romantic restaurants, Megan’s London restaurants are putting on a romantic (and very affordable) evening with magical fairy-lit interiors. The menu here is one of the most affordable when it comes to ding out on 14 February, offering a range of plates that smack of holidays on the East Mediterranean coast. So if mezze feats to share, lamb kofte skewers, or salted caramel and tahini ice cream sound like your idea of romantic dining, this is the spot to book.
Where: 55-57 The Pavement, SW4 0JQ; 6 Esther Anne Place, N1 1WF; 204 Kensington High Street, W8 7RG
How much: A la carte prices vary
Book now: Megan’s Clapham; Megan’s Islington; Megan’s Kensington

28-50 By Night, Marylebone

What: 28-50 already has a reputation for fantastic wine and high-quality cooking, but next door to the Marylebone site you’ll find 28-50 By Night, which adds live music and dancing to the equation. Tuck into some slick European cookery and peruse the bar’s impressive collection of rare wines, before dancing the night away to live jazz. The food is indulgent and traditional, with set menus that have included beef fillet with pomme puree and Perigueux sauce and desserts like chocolate choux with passionfruit sorbet.
Where: 76 Wigmore Street, W1U 2SJ
How much: TBA
Book now: 28-50 By Night

Como Garden, Kensington

What: If you dream of a slice of Italian romance this February, Como Garden’s serene Mediterranean dining room might be the next best thing. A little more low-key but no less lovely, Como Garden is a tranquil little spot surrounded by greenery, prints, and warm lighting to emulate the the iconic shores of Lake Como. sip on a special Valentine’s ‘Fall in Love’ cocktail (of amaretto, Bacardi bianco, wild strawberry, lemon and egg white) and share a heart-shaped raspberry panna cotta with your other half.
Where: 37-45 Kensington High Street, W8 5ED
How much: A la carte prices vary
Book now: Como Garden

Hans' Bar & Grill, Chelsea

What: Love is in the air at this stylish all-day bar and grill, and not just because the team here has put a lovey-dovey twist on the menu. At all times of year the dining room at Hans Bar & Grill exudes the kind of effortless calm and comfort we all want in a relationship. This extends to the Valentine’s Day set menu, offering up nduja arancini to whet the appetite before continuing onto a choice of starters like pan-fried scallops with cauliflower and truffle alongside a chicken and chorizo ballotine. For mains, the grass-fed fillet steak with confit potato has our attention, though the glazed salmon and wild mushroom tortellini are just as tempting. The best part? It comes with prices that are just as lovable.
Where: 164 Pavilion Road, SW1X 0BP
How much: Two-course set menu for £55, three-course set menu for £65
Book now: Hans' Bar & Grill

St Pancras Brasserie & Champagne Bar by Searcys, King's Cross

What: Smart food in a smart location, St Pancras Brasserie & Champagne Bar by Searcys is the perfect spot to wine and dine your beau before whisking them off to Paris for a spontaneous trip. The Champagne Bar is running a trio of Laurent-Perrier Champagnes for £30 over Valentine's week, and in the Brasserie you'll find a three course menu that has offered up the likes of house-made terrine of pork and duck foie gras with pistachio, black truffle and mushroom ravioli, and grilled lamb chop with creamy polenta confit.
Where: Grand Terrace, Upper Concourse, St Pancras International Station, N1C 4QL
How much: TBA
Book now: St Pancras Brasserie & Champagne Bar by Searcys

Cheneston's Restaurant at The Milestone, Kensington

What: How about a spot of retro-British luxury for Valentine's Day? Cheneston's Restaurant at The Milestone Hotel in Kensington is serving up a special tasting menu served in its traditional wood-panelled dining room. Executive chef Daniel Putz has devised the offering, using seasonal ingredients sourced from around the British Isles for the best possible flavour. While the ins and outs of the menu for Valentine's Day 2025 haven't been revealed just yet, last year's included short rib bone marrow croquettes, native oysters with watermelon and chilli, and a 60% Manjari chocolate mousse. 
Where: 1 Kensington Court, W8 5DL
How much: TBA
Book now: Cheneston's Restaurant

Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester, Mayfair

What: For those really looking to push the boat out this Valentine’s Day, Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester promises an unforgettable dining experience to share with your loved one. Designed by executive chef Jean-Philippe Blondet, the five-course special menu is packed full of the highest quality luxury ingredients, and treated with the greatest care. If money is no object request the Table Lumière, a semi-private table cocooned by 4,500 shimmering lights and guaranteed to make you swoon.
Where: The Dorchester, Park Lane, W1K 1QA
How much: Tasting menu for £345 per person
Book now: Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester

Bentley’s Oyster Bar & Grill, Mayfair

What: Bentley’s has been hosting Valentine’s merriment for many years, offering the finest oysters and seafood platters to couples to mark the occasion. It really is one of the best Valentine's restaurants in London for oysters and Champagne. And that's not all, both are available this year, but we expect to see other classics in the line up like fish pie, lobster spaghetti and creme caramel with Armagnac soaked D’Agen prunes. Bentley's also creates special cocktails for this day of romance, including a Valentine's whiskey sour with chilli.
Where: 11-15 Swallow Street, W1B 4DG
How much: A la carte prices vary
Book now: Bentley’s Oyster Bar & Grill

Kahani, Belgravia

What: Peter Joseph’s classy Sloane Square restaurant makes a very elegant spot for a romantic evening. If you and your other half are both partial to a good curry and high quality Indian food, the five-course 2025 Valentine's Day has some treats in store for you. We're talking rock lobster with grilled asparagus and pineapple, stone bass tandoori with yellow tomatoes, chattinaad scallops with wild rice, and smoked lamb rump masala. There’s a delicious vegetarian menu and a wine pairing available too.
Where: 1 Wilbraham Place, SW1X 9AE
How much: Five-course set menu for £100 per person
Book now: Kahani

La Terrazza, Kensington

What: This classy all-day Italian has a prime spot on the corner of Lexham Gardens and serves some really creative Italian plates come Valentine's Day. After welcome canapes and Champagne to start, guests can choose from cheese souffle with black truffle and a tuna tartare with strawberry. To follow, choices include artichoke risotto with 24-month-old parmesan fondue and slow cooked veal with crispy vegetables and red mullet with saffron leeks and fennel. To finish, it's a very fitting melting heart chocolate cake.  
Where: 160 Cromwell Road, SW5 0TL
How much: Tasting menu £79 per person
Book now: La Terrazza 

Sette, Knightsbridge

What: Sette is housed in the ever-stylish Bulgari Hotel in Knightsbridge, which is about as glamorous and swanky a venue as you could pick for a special date. The Italian restaurant within goes all out with luxurious Italian dishes and sky-high prices to match - to give you an idea, last year's menu started with oysters and Champagne, before embarking on a banquet that included scallop crudo, ravioli cacio e pepe, and yoghurt and raspberry cremoso with lychee and rose. Set within the Bulgari Hotel, this is one of the most fashionable Valentine's Day restaurants.
Where: Ground Floor, 4 Knightsbridge Green, SW1X 7QA
How much: TBA
Book now: Sette

Duck & Waffle, The City 

What: Duck & Waffle takes Valentine's dining to new heights (sorry) thanks to its signature views of stunning London vistas and some fun modern European food. Kick off with cheese and truffle gougeres, then cruise onto oxtail and ricotta ravioli, braised veal cheek with potato puree, roasted mushroom risotto, and a dark chocolate hazelnut Paris-Brest for pud. If you're planning a long one, you could always rock up in the wee hours and tuck into the late-night menu before winding your way home.
Where: 110 Bishopsgate, EC2N 4AY 
How much: Four-course set menu £150 per person
Book now: Duck & Waffle 

The Pelican, Notting Hill

What: Okay, so The Pelican isn't strictly serving a special Valentine's menu, but we thought it was worth a mention - not only is this pristine gastropub one of our favourite restaurants of 2023, but it's also a delightful spot for a romantic candlelit dinner. It's a simple place, and definitely not the fanciest in town, but we love it for its warm and understated atmosphere (along with its brilliant food, of course). So If sharing a whole roasted brill and a bottle of Chassagne Montrachet 1er cru is your idea of romance, book yourself a table.  
Where: 16a Bedford Street, WC2E 9HE 
How much: A la carte prices vary
Book now: The Pelican

Petrus, Knightsbridge

What: If you really want to pull out all the stops for your other half this Valentine's Day, Gordon Ramsay’s Petrus in Knightsbridge offers top-class cookery across its Valentine's Day menu. Plates on this year's menu include tempura oyster with chawanmushi, duck liter terrine with black truffle, and a beef and chicken liver Wellington. To finish, expect rhubarb and Champagne sorbet and a chocolate hard with hazelnut. Petrus lives up to its name with a choice of wine pairings as well, the most expensive of which serves up some incredibly rare wines for the best part of a grand.
Where: 1 Kinnerton Street, SW1X 8EA
How much: Seven courses for £225 per person
Book now: Petrus 

Mount St. Restaurant, Mayfair

What: We’re big fans of Jamie Shears’ Mount St. Restaurant - not only is this bound to be a fantastic Valentine’s Day spread, it also delivers on setting, as one of London’s most interesting, beautiful dining rooms. In fact, nabbing a reservation here is bound to impress any date. The menu here is luxurious and British. Best known for its lobster pie, it also includes a stunning beef Wellington and a dark chocolate and praline mousse - perfect for sharing whilst gazing at the Warhol, Picasso and Matisse masterpieces on the walls.
Where: 41-43 Mount Street, W1K 2RX
How much: A la carte prices vary
Book now: Mount St. Restaurant

Yuu Kitchen, Spitalfields

What: For Valentine's with a difference head over to Yuu Kitchen - a little Spitalfields hidden gem that dishes up pan-Asian delights like bao buns, sticky Asian barbecue ribs and salt and pepper squid (you can even have your faces printed on a bao bun if you give the team enough time and email them a mugshot). Last year's Valentine's spread included a host of special dishes like a delicious-sounding scallop with pork crackling and lemongrass teriyaki, roast ox tongue taco with yuzu kosho, and a special cocktail made with Champagne, Umeshu sake and rose syrup.
Where: 29 Commercial Street, E1 6NE
How much: A la carte prices vary
Book now: Yuu Kitchen

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