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 Parmesan and parsley crusted line-caught cod fillet, and Braised rabbit with pancetta and white wine. There is also an excellent wine list. 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. Enjoy the Terrine of smoked duck and foie gras with Sauternes jelly or one of the mouthwatering desserts such as Passion fruit parfait with a grand macaroon au cassis and raspberry coulis. 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. T: 020 7589 1929
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 Plaice fillets with herb-crusted razor clams, Jerusalem artichokes, gnocchi and almonds, or a Hot chocolate pudding with praline parfait. 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 the likes of Chargrilled wild scallpos, leek fondue and winter truffle on the menu, alongside Oven-roast Weymouth sea bass, cabbage, potato and chorizo, it won’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, and the Valentines menu includes such dishes as Roast Native Lobster, Cauliflower, sherry and ceps, or the romantically named Cour de Passion et d'Amour. 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 like Jasmine Tea -smoked chicken sitting alongside Spicy Prawn with Lily Bulb and Almond. The refined dim sum is also 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 excellent fish dishes, such as Pan-fried Slip Soles with Buttered Shrimps. 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 Venison Tartar with English Mustard, qualis egg and Walnut dressing and innovative deserts like Baked cheesecake with spiced, roast pumpkin. 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 Butternut Tortellini with chestnut and baby leek, or the Apple Tart-Tatin with vanilla ice-cream. Website.
The Ritz Restaurant
A London landmark, the Ritz is arguably 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. Among the main courses on offer is Roast fillet of beef, horseraddish pomme purre and red wine jus, and desserts include Salted caramel mouse and Malted Milk ice-cream. 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 Seasonal tasting menu with eight indulgent courses including Char-grilled rib-eye of grain fed beef, watercress and smoked-eel or Pan-roasted Scottish cod and mussels. Vegetarians will also delight in the Menu Legumes. The dining room is decorated simply and elegantly, and the service is friendly and efficient. Website.
By Constance Cooper