London Restaurants for a Romantic Date

It would be remiss of you not to consider one of London’s several MICHELIN-Starred Indian restaurants when looking for your next go-to spot – and Benares is probably the most romantic of the bunch. Dimly lit and decorated in sultry tones, it has an opulent feel befitting of its location on Mayfair’s Berkeley Square, next-door to a Ferrari dealership. As soon as you enter, the first impressions are perfect for romance, as you make your way past a flower-filled pool. The chefs take care of the rest, offering highly skilled dishes packed with delectable Indian flavours.

An obvious choice, perhaps, but still a great one. Any restaurant with swanky leather booths and a ‘Press for Champagne’ button is bound to come with an air of romance. This one comes with a fair bit of luxury and exclusivity too, its abundance of polished brass and marble making it perfect for a special occasion – as do signature dishes like the chicken and champagne pie. There’s another branch in The City, but the original Soho site is the smaller of the two, cleverly pairing its grandeur with intimacy in a way seemingly made for date night.

There are few more stereotypically romantic restaurants in London than Clos Maggiore. It features soft fairy lights, an intimate atmosphere and a whole load of flowers. It is also profoundly French, which for many diners is still synonymous with a traditionally romantic restaurant. The classical dishes use quality ingredients and are cleanly executed by an accomplished kitchen team. The traditional tablecloths, armchairs and formal service all contribute to the feeling of a special night out.

If you and your date both like an immersive dining experience, then Cycene is ideal for your next romantic evening. You start by ringing the doorbell, quietly building anticipation that this isn’t like other restaurants. Once inside, you begin with drinks, bread and snacks in the bar, before a visit to the kitchen to meet Chef Taz Sarhane and his glorious ingredients, then finally you settle in the intimate dining room. This is the most romantic bit of all, with its candlelit tables and wood panelling perfectly setting the scene for a date to remember.

The One-MICHELIN-Key Broadwick Soho hotel is in itself a great place for romance, with its luxurious fabrics, warm splashes of colour and a rooftop bar with views over the city. In the basement, Dear Jackie echoes the intimate atmosphere with its cosy vibe and rich, seductive design. Think comfy chairs, Murano glass and lots of deep red – the kind of place you expect to fall in love. The Italian cooking, running French cuisine close as the go-to food for romance, is prepared with evident skill and just the right amount of simplicity.

For all its classical glamour and electric atmosphere, central London isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. So why not escape to the outskirts, to this charming MICHELIN-Starred restaurant in leafy Richmond? Located in a beautiful Arts and Crafts house, it immediately feels more homely and inviting than your standard restaurant, while a pre-dinner stroll in the adjacent Richmond Park will surely set the scene for romance. For something special, book one of the regular classical recital dinners, where the superb cooking is accompanied by live music.

When going on a date in the mid-2020s, there’s a decent chance that one or both participants are trying to cut down on their meat, so it always helps to have a vegetarian restaurant in your dating arsenal. The most romantic of the bunch is surely Chef Alexis Gauthier’s eponymous restaurant, tucked inside a Soho townhouse. It’s an entirely vegan affair and is far plusher than most plant-based eateries, making it ideal for a romantic dinner. Among the highlights are Gauthier’s signature black kelp caviar.

A great date so often starts with a cocktail and Julie’s is tailor-made for the occasion. The drinks menu has a whole page dedicated to ‘The Evolution and Revolution of the Martini’, and the restaurant’s long history stretching back to 1969 includes stints as a celebrity party hub. The current incarnation is awash with the kind of opulent, colourful fabrics and cosy booths that instantly put romance in the air (especially if you book the more intimate downstairs), while the classically based menu includes the luxury likes of lobster soufflé and Royal Caviar mille-feuille.

Perhaps one of the most romantic parts of any meal is sharing a bottle of wine. And if there’s one place in London where you’re guaranteed a good one, it’s Noble Rot. Named after the owners’ wine magazine – itself named after the phenomenon that produces dessert wines – this is a proper paradise for wine lovers. On top of that, it’s a gloriously intimate, romantic space with food to match. Think low lights, candlelit tables and dark wood everywhere, accompanied by classic, unfussy French dishes. The wine service, as well as the list, is excellent.

“Money cannot buy the fuel of love but is excellent kindling,” said W.H. Auden. Substitute ‘money’ for ‘glamour’ and you can’t go wrong with Park Chinois. 1930s Shanghai was the inspiration behind this beautiful restaurant, where thought and care clearly went into every detail of its stunning design. It’s a ‘more is more’ date spot, with two beautiful cocktail bars, live music and the mischievous downstairs Club Chinois all adding to the electricity. The decadent duck de Chine is a true statement dish– just try not to think of your bank balance.

If this isn’t any ordinary date night – perhaps an anniversary, a birthday or even a proposal – then it’s pretty hard to look past The Ritz. After all, sometimes the most obvious answer is also the right answer. With its impeccable table settings, frescoed ceiling and more chandeliers than you can shake a stick at, the dining room is one of utter splendour – the kind of place to make any date feel special. What’s more, with their immensely impressive, Two-MICHELIN-Star cooking, the chefs ensure this is no case of style over substance. Still, after all this time, you’ll have a great time at The Ritz.

This is one for the South Londoners, because sometimes you don’t want to travel into the centre for date night. Located in a prime spot near Clapham Common, Trinity has become an institution in the area and rightly so. It has the feel and warmth of your local neighbourhood restaurant, but with boldly flavoured MICHELIN-Star cooking to rival some of central London’s finest chefs. For a more wallet-friendly date, book Upstairs, the team’s Bib Gourmand-awarded spot serving generous and affordable sharing plates.