Attractive, stylish, and so engaging you want to hang around – these qualities are not just what you want in a date, they're what you want in a restaurant. Browse our delicious. recommendations for London's romantic restaurants.
Andrew Edmunds
Cosy dining rooms create an intimate mood in this Soho eaterie and the understated décor contributes to a relaxed and unstuffy atmosphere. The menu includes seasonal dishes with high quality ingredients such as Pan-seared scallops with leek puree, coral ragout and Crispy pancetta and baby artichoke, broad bean and roast tomato salad. No website. T: 020 7437 5708.
Bleeding Heart
Located in Bleeding Heart Yard, in the City, this restaurant serves the finest modern French cuisine in a setting steeped in history. The warm wood panelled restaurant is the perfect environment for a rendezvous. Share the Roast Chateaubriand of Scottish beef for two or one of the mouthwatering desserts such as Chocolate fondant with caramel ice cream. The ambience, coupled with the Gallic cuisine, will make this a meal to remember. Website.
La Bouchée
La Bouchée is a traditional French bistro in South Kensington that magically recreates the romance of Paris. This rustic eaterie offers hearty bourgeois comfort food in an authentic, intimate setting. The signature dishes of Burgundy Snails, French onion soup, Sea bass and Apple tarte tatin are not to be missed. Website.
Chez Bruce
Located on the edge of the Wandsworth Common, Chez Bruce is an understated Michelin starred restaurant that offers relaxed, unpretentious dining and exceptional dishes inspired by classic French cuisine. The daily changing menu offers an interesting variety of dishes, such as Glazed pig’s cheek with Parmesan polenta, trotter, crisp pancetta, balsamico and sage, and Taleggio and radicchio ravioli with roast pears, baby artichokes and walnut. The low-key atmosphere coupled with first-rate food makes Chez Bruce ideal for a romantic meal. Website.
Clos Maggiore
This restaurant is set in a sumptuous Georgian townhouse in the heart of Covent Garden. It’s strongly influenced by the stylish country inns of Provence and Tuscany, with dark panelled rooms, muted lighting and open fires. At night, the stunning conservatory room is lit by candles, starlight and a crackling fire. Quality and simplicity is key to the cuisine, and the menus are designed to tempt and excite; with dishes like Oven-roasted ‘Duke of Westminster Estate’ venison fillet with fricassee of chervil root, chestnut and Brussels sprouts and winter berries sauce, it doesn’t disappoint. Website.
Galvin at Windows
Known as a destination restaurant, Galvin at Windows is for diners who want to impress their date. Set on the 28th floor of the Hilton, with a spectacular view of London, the décor is modern and stylish, yet it's the vista and food that take centre stage. The chefs have created seasonally-inspired menus based around modern French haute cuisine. Website.
Hakkasan
Hakkasan in Fitzrovia is a Chinese restaurant with a difference. The dark and sultry surroundings create an ambience akin to 1930s Shanghai, and there are lots of corners in which to hide, which may explain its popularity with celebrities. The food is based on modern authenticity, with dishes such as Braised Duke of Berkshire pork belly in a clay pot, while the refined dim sum is a firm favourite. Website.
J Sheekey
An age-old favourite with London’s fashionable set, this famous fish restaurant is tucked away in Theatreland. Its long polished bar and wood-panelled rooms give it a stylish pre-war feel, and the clientele provide a lively atmosphere. Share some oysters or Plateau de fruits de mer for starters and then try one of the hearty fish dishes, such as Pan-fried ray wing with capers and brown butter. Website.
Launceston Place
Set in the smart residential enclaves of Kensington, this sleek restaurant (pictured) serves traditional British dishes with a twist. A modern and simple interior goes hand in hand with discrete service and first-rate British food by head chef Tristan Welch. The three-course dinner menu is excellent value for such top notch cuisine: enjoy dishes such as Partridge cooked in whisky and heather with oats, and Wild hare, nutmeg cream potatoes and spiced pears, or tuck in to the near-perfect Launceston Place Stargazey Pie. Website.
Odette’s
Set on a parade of Victorian shops in trendy Primrose Hill, this charming restaurant has achieved iconic status since it opened in 1978. The bright and funky interior is sexy and fun, and there’s a light and airy conservatory at the back. Chef Bryn Williams creates modern British dishes using the finest produce. Try the Pig’s head and black pudding terrine and the Roasted loin of welsh lamb. Website.
The Ritz Restaurant
A London landmark, the Ritz is probably the place to visit to experience the glamour and excitement of days gone by. The dining rooms are magnificently decorated in baroque style, with chandeliers and plush velvet chairs. There is a formal dress code and a dinner dance on Friday and Saturday nights with a four-piece band. Website.
Roussillon
Housed in a charming building in Pimlico, Roussillon’s dishes are French inspired with British seasonal vegetables. Treat yourselves to the Menu Dégustation, with nine indulgent courses including Langoustine and lemongrass and Winter black truffle risotto. Vegetarians will delight in the unique Menu Legumes. The dining room is decorated simply and elegantly, and the service is friendly and efficient. Website.
By Constance Cooper