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. We’d all like to think that where, when and how you propose 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. All of them are SquareMeal approved - just click through and check the reviews if you don’t believe us.

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 it could also be somewhere with low-key, romantic, candle-lit charm. Or, consider restaurant 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, making your proposal extra-special. Keep on scrolling for our pick of the best proposal restaurants in London.

Sketch: The Gallery, Mayfair

What: We’ve picked out the Sketch Gallery but in truth, any of the spaces inside this famous Mayfair address. 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 a 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.
Where: 9 Conduit Street, W1S 2XG
Book now: Sketch: The Gallery

Aqua Kyoto, Oxford Circus

What: Again, there are multiple Aqua sites that would fit the bill for a proposal (there is of course Aqua Shard if your fiancee to be doesn’t mind heights) but we love the over-the-top glam of Aqua Kyoto. The restaurant slips gently between beautiful seasonal themes, the food is excellent and there’s even a lovely terrace in case you want to propose with a view.
Where: 240 Regent Street (entrance 30 Argyll Street), W1B 3BR
Book now: Aqua Kyoto

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 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

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.
Where: 33 King Street, WC2E 8JD
Book now: Clos Maggiore

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. Lets 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

Frenchie, Covent Garden

What: French food is the language of love (don’t tell Italy we said that) and Frenchie really ticks all the boxes - the Covent Garden location is nice and central, the restaurant has a great buzzy vibe and Greg Marchand’s cooking is modern and elegant but still soulful and, at heart, very romantic. The staff are first-rate too, so we’re sure they’d pull out all the stops for a proposal.
Where: 16 Henrietta Street, WC2E 8QH
Book now: Frenchie

Andrew Edmunds, Soho

What: We often mourn the sadly departed 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.
Where: 46 Lexington Street, W1F 0LP
Book now: Andrew Edmunds

Midland Grand Dining Room, King's Cross

What: This long-awaited 2023 newcomer exploded onto the scene, immediately landing as one of the most jaw-dropping dining rooms in London. The Midland Grand Dining Room is a sight to behold, and the food - courtesy of Allegra chef Patrick Powell - is sensational too.
Where: St Pancras Renaissance Hotel, Euston Road, NW1 2AR
Book now: Midland Grand Dining Room

Claude Bosi at Bibendum, Chelsea

What: If it’s sumptuous French cooking you want, you won’t find a more special restaurant than the two Michelin-starred Claude Bosi at Bibendum. A table for two here is a memorable occasion in itself, but a proposal amid the famous stained glass windows of the Bibendum building is something you’re other half will never forget.
Where: Michelin House, 81 Fulham Road, SW3 6RD
Book now: Claude Bosi at Bibendum

Spring, Covent Garden

What: Light, bright and spacious Spring is easily one of London’s most aesthetically pleasing restaurants, and the gentle, pastel pink palette suits it well to romance. The food is perfect too - elegant but easy-going. A safe option.
Where: Somerset House, Lancaster Place, WC2R 1LA
Book now: Spring

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 also suits well to romantic occasions, and Galvin La Chapelle boasts semi-private spaces amid the arches too, in case you want a bit more privacy.
Where: 35 Spital Square, E1 6DY
Book now: Galvin La Chapelle

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

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.
Where: 26-29 Dean Street, W1D 3LL
Book now: Quo Vadis

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 spot in London.
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.
Where: 88 St John Street, EC1M 4EH
Book now: Luca

The Tent (at the End of the Universe), Fitzrovia

What: You can’t go wrong with a proposal under the stars, can you? John Javier’s much-hyped London restaurant delivers his unique take on Middle Eastern food underneath canvas ceiling awnings and lunar-inspired lighting installations, designed to mimic the night sky inside the restaurant. The Tent has a no photography policy too, so if you want your special moment to remain utterly private, this is a great shout.
Where: 17 Little Portland Street, W1W 8BP
Book now: The Tent (at the End of the Universe)

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.