The best London restaurants for marriage proposals

You've got the ring and now, the hardest part, where do you pop the question? If you need to know London's best restaurants for marriage proposals, you've come to the right place. We've rounded up the best London restaurants for romance: places with sweeping and beautiful settings, delicious food and unparalleled service.

We don’t wish to pile on the pressure, but for those contemplating marriage, getting the proposal right is a big deal. Trust us, we wrote the guide on how to pop the question. And while we’d all like to think that where, when and how doesn’t really matter - it’s the love that counts, right? Wrong. Google ‘man proposes in McDonalds’ and then tell us that it doesn’t matter where you decide to bend the knee.

With that in mind, we’ve picked out a few lovely proposal spots that combine romance, great food and beautiful decor. These guaranteed-to-impress restaurants play an important part in the process, in fact, we reckon they’re likely to help seal the deal, in case you need the help. Some of them are picked on the strength of their jaw-dropping interiors, others for delivering highly romantic food or charming service. Plus, many of them offer group and private dining options too.

Naturally, many of us gravitate towards Michelin stars, white tablecloths and expensive food when we think of London’s most romantic restaurants, but you don’t have to go that way. A proposal should be somewhere that is special to you both - that could mean once-in-a-lifetime views or food, but your best proposal restaurant could also be somewhere with low-key, romantic, candle-lit charm. Or, consider restaurants that have special personal meaning - perhaps somewhere you visited in your early dating days.

It’s always worth letting the restaurant know in advance if you’re planning something, as many restaurants love to get in on the act, pick a cosy corner table, or give extras to make your proposal extra-special. Keep on scrolling for our pick of the best proposal restaurants in London.

Clos Maggiore, Covent Garden

What: Home to London’s most photographed flower installation, we could scarcely start to imagine how many proposals have taken place under Clos Maggiore’s foliage-laden ceilings. The menu slides gracefully between French and Italian styles - widely regarded as the two most romantic cuisines in the world - so you really can’t go wrong here. The private dining room is just as elegant.
Want to make it extra special? Discover private dining at Clos Maggiore
Where: 33 King Street, WC2E 8JD
Book now: Clos Maggiore

Sketch: The Gallery, Mayfair

What: We’ve picked out the Sketch Gallery but in truth, any of the spaces inside this famous Mayfair address work wonders in the romance department. The Gallery must be one of the most photographed spaces in all of London, so you’re bound to attract some attention when you dip onto one knee. Just make sure you’re whipping out a diamond of appropriate size for such an institution, as the moment will likely be enshrined in memory on social media forever.
Want to make it extra special? Discover The Lecture Rooms & Library, or explore private dining options at Sketch
Where: 9 Conduit Street, W1S 2XG
Book now: Sketch: The Gallery

1 Lombard Street, Bank

What: With its impressive domed skylight, world-class artworks and ornate columns, 1 Lombard Street certainly isn’t short of wow-factor. Set inside a former banking hall, this legendary restaurant is well-versed at hosting special occasions in a luxurious yet laid-back setting, while seasonal menus and a fine wine and Champagne list promise a knockout meal to round off the occasion. 1 Lombard Street also hosts weddings, so you can return to your proposal spot for the big day if you like.
Want to make it extra special? Discover private dining at 1 Lombard Street
Where: 1 Lombard Street, EC3V 9AA
Book now: 1 Lombard Street

Wild Honey, St James’s

What: Anthony Demetre’s Michelin-starred restaurant offers old-school class and top-quality food that will stay with you for years to come. Think Scottish hare simmered in red wine with polenta and Pecorino, and roasted chestnut agnolotti with rosemary butter and wild mushrooms. You’ll be greeted with exceptional service of course, and you can always hire the private dining room for just the two of you if you want to make it a private affair.
Want to make it extra special? Discover private dining at Wild Honey
Where: 8 Pall Mall, SW1Y 5NG
Book now: Wild Honey

Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester, Mayfair

What: An outstanding restaurant that deserves to be talked about more, nothing quite meets the luxury of the three Michelin-starred Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester. No request is too much for the team here, and the food is utterly sensational. If money is no object, the Table Lumiere - a semi-private space in the restaurant, shielded by luminescent fibre optic curtain - might just be the most impressive proposal restaurant in London.
Want to make it extra special? Discover private dining at Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester
Where: The Dorchester Hotel, Park Lane, W1K 1QA
Book now: Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester

Luca, Farringdon

What: Luca’s star has been rising fast over the last few years, to a point where this might just be the most in-demand Italian restaurant in London. That’s in no small part thanks to the outstanding cooking, but the restaurant also has a range of beautiful spaces to choose from, including a lovely Mediterranean terrace that would be a perfect proposal spot.
Want to make it extra special? Discover private dining at Luca
Where: 88 St John Street, EC1M 4EH
Book now: Luca

Galvin La Chapelle, Spitalfields

What: Take a look at La Chapelle’s grand arched windows and soaring stone ceilings and you’d be forgiven for thinking this restaurant was built for proposals. Thankfully, Chris and Jeff Galvin’s honest, Gallic cooking is well-suited to romantic occasions, and Galvin La Chapelle boasts semi-private spaces amid the arches too, in case you want a bit more privacy. What’s more, you’ll also have the option to host your wedding here - provided they say yes, of course!
Want to make it extra special? Discover private dining at Galvin La Chapelle
Where: 35 Spital Square, E1 6DY
Book now: Galvin La Chapelle

Quo Vadis, Soho

What: Quo Vadis is steeped in history and exudes charm at every turn, matched by a menu of classic British comfort food by beloved chef and host Jeremy Lee. If a proposal over a giant platter of profiteroles or a pavlova sounds like your bag, Quo Vadis is the place for you. This is another restaurant where the team would be thrilled to push the boat out for an engagement.
Want to make it extra special? Discover private dining at Quo Vadis
Where: 26-29 Dean Street, W1D 3LL
Book now: Quo Vadis

Row on 5, Mayfair

What: If you’re going down the ‘nothing is too much’ route for your restaurant proposal, there’s no better team to handle it than Row on 5. Dining is safely in the hands of serious talents Spencer Metzger and Christina Blevins, with wine handled by the wonderful executive sommelier Roxane Depuy. The experience is unbelievable, from a coat dry cleaning service while you dine to some of the best dishes we’ve seen in years, and a gift of chopsticks engraved with your name to take home. Fancy some special touches? Check with the team for further personalisation.
Where: 5 Savile Row, Mayfair, London, W1S 3PB
Book now: Row on 5

Bistro Freddie, Shoreditch

What: Searching for an on-trend, bistro-style proposal restaurant? This pared-back location from the Crispin team comes with candlelit tables draped in white cloths, a very cool wine list, and a more modern feel that never loses sight of enjoyment. It’s a Parisian utopia, serving up classic dishes with a modern easy-going edge. Plus, the open kitchen will provide all the interest needed in case you find yourself a little nervous.
Where: 74 Luke Street, Shoreditch, London, EC2A 4PY
Book now: Bistro Freddie

Brutto, Farringdon

What: This old-school Italian is a top choice if you’re looking to take some of the pressure off without reducing the romance of it all. The concept here revolves around simplicity and quality, offering a no-frills take inspired by Florentine trattorias, complete with an affordable menu and a lively soundtrack. It’s not a quiet place, and it doesn’t have that slow, gently-does-it kind of atmosphere like some others on this list, but if you’re proposing to a foodie who loves London’s iconic restaurants, a candlelit dinner at Brutto would be our pick.
Where: 35-37 Greenhill Rents, EC1M 6BN
Book now: Brutto

Oblix at The Shard, London Bridge

What: The eye-watering expense of dining at Oblix is balanced out by the views, which frankly, you just won’t find anywhere else. Is there any replacement for bending the knee on the 32nd floor of The Shard? We think not. Let's just hope your partner says yes, or you can expect the mother of all awkward lift encounters on the way back down.
Where: Level 32, The Shard, 31 St Thomas Street, SE1 9RY
Book now: Oblix at The Shard

Andrew Edmunds, Soho

What: We often mourn the sadly departed restaurateur, art dealer, and wine lover, Andrew Edmunds, but his eponymous restaurant remains as a fitting legacy and we’re always grateful for that. It makes a wonderful, low-key date night or proposal spot - just great food, charming interiors and generous service. It’s small and some tables might feel a little cramped, but there are nooks and corners for added intimacy. Sometimes, you can't go wrong with a classic! 
Where: 46 Lexington Street, W1F 0LP
Book now: Andrew Edmunds

Gymkhana, Mayfair

What: Glitzy Gymkhana is famous for its beautiful dark timber booths, which provide ample privacy for those hoping to enjoy a night away from prying eyes. Combine that with perhaps the best Indian food in the capital and two Michelin stars, and you have the perfect proposal spot for anyone who wants to keep things a bit more intimate.
Where: 42 Albemarle Street, W1S 4JH
Book now: Gymkhana

The Ritz, Mayfair

What: What else is there to say about The Ritz? London’s most majestic dining room, world-famous service, exemplary French cooking, and a wine collection as big as your house. If you reckon the outcome of the proposal is a coin toss, dinner (or afternoon tea) at The Ritz is guaranteed to seal the deal.
Where: The Ritz Hotel, 150 Piccadilly, W1J 9BR
Book now: The Ritz

If you're thinking straight-up romance isn't the way, check out our definitive list of cool and trendy restaurants in London - you're bound to impress your better half if you can nab a table at one of these in-demand spots. Or, consider popping the question over afternoon tea instead - we've got just the thing with our round-up of the best afternoon teas in London. 

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